Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA Journey

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy! Book a site today!

Welcome to the Newberry

“Centrally located in the middle of everywhere” is the best way to describe our 47-site, wooded campground. (That’s right! No “parking lot” camping here!) Nestled on 19 acres in the “Piedmont” of South Carolina, you’ll find us less than a mile off Exit 60 on Interstate 26 in Kinards (that’s “Ky”-nerds), South Carolina.

While you’re camping with us, feel free to “walkabout” this great state of ours by fishing in Lake Murray, hiking in Sumter National Forest, or catching a show at the Newberry Opera House (it ain’t really opera). If you prefer eclectic restaurants, museums, and history, we’re within an hour’s drive of Columbia, Spartanburg, Greenwood, and Greenville.

We’re a great stopping point, too. Whether you’re headed to coastal destinations, like Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Hilton Head, and Savannah, or you’re just “passing through” on your way to Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia, just give us a call for a safe, quiet, clean spot to rest your head for the night. With 28 pull-through, full hook-up (30/50amp service) sites, it’s easy to roll in, roll out, and roll on! We also have 13 “back-in” sites that have water and electricity – perfect for a quick, weekend getaway. Tenters? We didn’t forget about you! Enjoy one of our four rubber mulch sites. Other amenities include: saltwater pool, gem mining sluice, camp store, laundry facilities, dog park, playground, pavilion/outdoor movie theater, and dump and propane stations. We don’t have cable, but our Wi-Fi is exceptional!

Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA Journey Amenities

50 Max Amp

Pool (5/15 - 10/15)

Pavilion

110' Max Length

Propane ($)

KampK9®

Wi-Fi

Firewood ($)

Unique Amenities

Badminton

Corn Hole

Gem Mining Sluice

Giant Yahtzee

Kinardia Coal Mining Train

Rental RV

Basketball Hoop

Croquet

Giant Checkers

Gnome Village

Laundry

Rope Swings

Bocce Ball

Deluxe Cabin

Giant Jenga

Horseshoe Pit

Playground

Volley Ball Court

General Campground Information

General Store/Office Hours

The Office & General Store are open:

March – October: Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 7 pm; Sunday Noon – 6 pm. 
November – February: Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 6 pm; Sunday Noon – 5 pm.

If you need S’mores fixings, an ice cream treat, a bag of ice, a bottle of water, a tank of propane, or a bundle of firewood, we’ve got your needs covered…and then some!

Electric Vehicles
Please be advised that our campground IS NOT equipped with charging stations for any electric vehicles. Using one of our electric pedestals to charge your vehicle is not permitted under any circumstances. We apologize for this inconvenience. Office staff will be happy to direct you to the nearest charging stations.
Kinardia Kitchen

Don’t feel like cooking? We do!

Order pizza, wings, or mini doughnuts and have them delivered to your site!

Kitchen is open from 9 am – 6:15 pm Monday – Saturday and Noon to 5:15 pm on Sundays.

Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in is at 2 pm.
Check-out is at 11 am.

We understand how quickly travel plans can change. Generally, we ask our guests to stick to this schedule to allow us time to clean sites between guests’ arrivals and departures.

If you absolutely NEED to check-in early or late, please call the office to make arrangements. Fees may apply.

Dog-Friendly!

We’re frequently asked if pets are welcome here, and the answer is a resounding, “YES!”

We love dogs, including our own D.O.G. (Director of Greetings) Hopper, and we know how much four-legged guests love camping, too.

Feel free to walk your dog around the campground, especially at the enclosed K-9 dog park.

Naturally, there are a few rules to follow:

  • Please keep your dogs leashed at all times.
  • No dogs are allowed in any of the buildings, including restroom, office, laundry room, and pavilion.
  • Please be aware of the noise your pets make; not all of our guests love dogs.
  • “Mutt Mitts” are provided throughout the campground. Please clean up after your dog.
Beer & Wine Here!
Hey, Y’all!

It’s official. You can now purchase beer and local SC wine in our Kampstore, during office hours from Monday – Saturday. (Sorry! No beer or wine sales on Sunday!)

We only offer South Carolina wines, from surrounding vineyards and wineries: Enoree River Vineyards & Winery, Elevation Winery, Old Rock Quarry Winery, and CityScape Winery.

Propane
Yes, we’re licensed to sell Propane!

We charge by the gallon, but there is a minimum charge of $15.00.

Bring your tanks or your motor coaches, and we’ll get you filled up during office hours.

Dump Station
Guests who stay with us may use our dump station free of charge.

Folks who need to dump their tanks (and are passing through), may use our dump station during Office Hours.

The fee is $15.00. If you’d like to fill up your fresh water tanks, too, for an additional $5.00, let us know!

Kinardia Mining Company
Join the Gnomes of Kinardia and mine for treasure!

Our gem mining sluice is open during office hours.

Mining “Rough” can be purchased in the General Store.

Games to Borrow

We have lots of games for you to borrow (free of charge) at the campground office:

  • Horseshoes
  • Corn Hole
  • Giant Checkers
  • Bocce Ball
  • Croquet
  • Farkle
  • Cards
  • Cribbage

You can also borrow DVDs to watch.
And, we have a lending library–Leave a book or take a book.

Saltwater Pool
The pool is closed for the 2024 season, but it will reopen on May 4th, 2025.

Join us for our Polar Plunge to begin a new swimming season!

Quiet Hours
11:00pm to 7:00am
Visitor Policy
We love that you want to share your camping experience with friends and family!
We also need to know who is on the premises at all times, so please register all visitors with the campground office.

There is a maximum of two vehicles (cars, vans, trucks) per site, provided that they do not park on the grass. Additional parking is available throughout the campground. Just ask, and we’ll be happy to help you!

Monthly Sites

We’re often asked if campers can spend a month or even a season with us.
The answer is, “Yes, but…” 

We have a limited number of sites that are available during any month.
Call NOW to book your 2025 Summer season site. Again, site space is VERY limited. 

There are a few other general rules; these are for the happiness and safety of all our guests:

  • Upon checking-in, valid driver’s licenses, proof of camping unit insurance, and camping unit registration are all required.
  • Camping units must be 2015 models or newer*. (*This is not to discriminate. We are willing to accept camping units on a case by case basis.)
  • Campers must have a permanent mailing/residency address. The campground’s address CAN NOT be used as the guest’s place of permanent residence.
  • Background checks will be conducted.
  • Monthly reservations begin on the first of the month.
  • $100.00 electrical deposit due to make and hold reservation.
  • Only 2 pets allowed.
  • Only 2 vehicles allowed.

For a complete list of Monthly Guest Site Rules, current rate information, or to be added to the waiting list, just give us a call! at 864-697-1214!

Meet Your Hosts

Stan & Mea; Gene & Linda (& Hopper); Steve & Becci

Welcome to the middle of everywhere!

Greetings, Campers!

Before you ask:

Yes, we live here.
Yes, we’re life-long campers.
Yes, we (not KOA) own the campground.
Yes, we LOVE our lives as campground owners and as your hosts!

If you’ve seen a streak of yellow, then you’ve seen us–the three couples who own, maintain, and manage Newberry/I-26/Sumter N.F. KOA!

Long story, short: In 2018, Becci and Steve lived at Holden Beach RV Campground as work campers. There, they met Linda and Gene, and they also managed to convince Stan and Mea (Becci’s parents) to give full-time camping a try. Not long after, over a meal and a campfire, Steve dropped the idea to the group about buying a campground. Although he was initially met with a chorus of, “You’re out of your mind” responses, the thought of being campground owners took shape. Forever Summer Management, LLC was born. After a few months and many conference calls, the group discovered that a cute place called Magnolia RV Park and Campground was for sale. The rest, as they say, is history. In May of 2020, despite COVID, we bought this lovely “slice of heaven,” and we couldn’t be happier if we tried!

We thank you for staying with us, and we hope that you’ll take a second to chat with us about your story and what brought you here, whether it’s for a day, a weekend or more. 

Do let us know if there’s anything that we can do to make your stay more enjoyable.

Until we meet again, 

Happy and Safe Trails to you!

Stan, Mea, Gene, Linda, Steve & Becci

Camping with Kampgrounds of America®

At KOA, our mission is to connect people to the outdoors and each other. That’s why our 500+ campgrounds across North America make it easy to enjoy the beauty of nature and share adventures with family and friends. Our wide variety of family-friendly campgrounds and amenities provide the perfect place to get away, unwind and enjoy camping in the great outdoors.

Whether you need a perfect site to pull into on your next RV road trip or a cozy spot where you and your kids can pitch your tent for the weekend, KOA is sure to have the ideal campsite for you. At KOA, we help people get outside because we know it changes them on the inside.

We Believe You’ll Love the Benefits of Camping at KOA

Camping truly is for everyone, from your oldest family member to little campers just trekking out for the first time. Whether your plan is to relax, explore or reconnect, KOA campgrounds are a great place to create memories with those you love.

Here are just a few of the reasons we believe so many people love camping:

Making memories: Camping is sure to be an experience your family will never forget. From a day spent exploring everything your campground has to offer to an evening roasting s’mores around the campfire, these memories will last forever.. Plus, the chance to learn new skills and experience new things keeps us all young at heart!

Family connections: Camping provides you and your family with a unique opportunity to reconnect and spend time together. Cooking over the fire, telling stories under the stars and hitting the road together strengthens bonds and gives everyone a chance to take part.

Learning opportunities: Whether you’re cooking outside for the first time, taking a family hike or teaching your children how to fish, there are endless opportunities to experience new skills and adventures on a camping trip.

Physical activity: Setting up the tent, unpacking the car or organizing your gear in the RV are all ways to get active and you can stay moving with fun activities like hiking and swimming. Plus, a full day of activity and fun often leads to a great night’s sleep!

Stress reduction: On a scale of one to ten, Americans rate their stress level on an average at 4.9, which means most of us experience at least moderate stress on a day-to-day basis. Life is fast-paced and full of things that demand attention, but camping offers a wonderful departure. Getting some fresh air and sunshine and participating in activities with family and friends is a great way to feel recharged and refreshed. 68% of all campers agree that camping is a great way to escape the stress of everyday life and almost half of all campers say that camping has a “great deal of impact” on reducing stress and allowing them to spend more time with their families.

Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA Journey Campground Map