Is Camden, South Carolina Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Camden, South Carolina, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the City of Camden Planning Department, as short-term rentals may require special permits or be restricted in certain residential zones. Contact Camden City Hall at 803-425-6020 to inquire about business licenses, occupancy permits, and any specific short-term rental ordinances that may have been enacted since 2020-2022 when many South Carolina municipalities began regulating Airbnb properties. Obtain necessary permits including a business license (approximately $50-100 annually), fire safety inspection, and potentially a conditional use permit if required in your zoning district. Find a suitable property by researching Camden's historic downtown area near the Revolutionary War sites, or properties near the Carolina Cup steeplechase grounds which attract seasonal visitors, with average property prices ranging $150,000-400,000 depending on location and size. Furnish the property with quality furniture, linens, and amenities focusing on Camden's equestrian and historic tourism market, budgeting $15,000-30,000 for a complete furnishing package. List your property on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com with professional photography highlighting Camden's charm and proximity to Columbia (30 minutes) and Charlotte (90 minutes), setting competitive rates of $80-200 per night based on local market analysis. Manage the property by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating key exchanges, and maintaining compliance with South Carolina's 7% state accommodations tax plus Kershaw County's local accommodation taxes, while considering hiring a local property management company if you live outside the Camden area.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Camden, South Carolina, focus on locations within walking distance of downtown's antique shops and restaurants, near Springdale Race Course during racing season, or close to Lake Wateree for water recreation access. Target 2-4 bedroom properties built after 1980 with modern amenities, full kitchens, outdoor spaces, and parking, as these appeal to families visiting for equestrian events and tourists exploring the Revolutionary War sites. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in the $80-150 nightly range, accounting for seasonal fluctuations during horse racing season (February-May) and summer lake activities. Study competition using AirDNA and Mashvisor to assess occupancy rates and revenue potential, noting that Camden has limited hotel inventory which creates opportunity for STRs. Utilize tools like Rabbu and PriceLabs for dynamic pricing, partner with local property management companies familiar with Kershaw County regulations, and leverage Camden's tourism board resources to understand visitor patterns, as the market benefits from proximity to Columbia (45 minutes) while offering lower property acquisition costs than larger South Carolina markets.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Camden, South Carolina, you must first contact the Camden Planning and Zoning Department at City Hall located at 1231 Broad Street to determine if short-term rentals are permitted in your specific zoning district, as Camden requires a conditional use permit for STRs in most residential areas. Submit an application for a conditional use permit along with a site plan, property survey, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, liability insurance certificate (minimum $1 million), and a $250 application fee. You'll also need to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office for approximately $50 annually and register for state and local taxes with the South Carolina Department of Revenue. The conditional use permit process typically takes 30-45 days and requires a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals, where neighboring property owners will be notified. Camden-specific requirements include maintaining off-street parking for each rental unit, ensuring the property meets all fire safety codes, limiting occupancy to no more than 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, providing 24/7 contact information to neighbors, and conducting quarterly inspections. Once approved, you must display your permit number in all online listings and renew your business license annually, with total initial costs ranging from $300-500 depending on additional inspection fees.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Camden, South Carolina, as the city has not implemented a comprehensive ban on such accommodations. However, STRs must comply with existing zoning regulations and business licensing requirements, with most residential areas allowing them as accessory uses provided they meet safety and occupancy standards. The city requires STR operators to obtain proper business licenses and adhere to noise ordinances, parking requirements, and maximum occupancy limits typically based on septic and building capacity. Camden has not designated specific prohibited areas for STRs, but they must conform to underlying zoning districts, meaning some commercial or industrial zones may have restrictions. Recent legal changes around 2022-2023 have focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms and clarifying permit requirements rather than imposing outright bans, with the city taking a relatively permissive approach compared to larger South Carolina municipalities like Charleston or Folly Beach that have implemented more restrictive regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Camden, South Carolina include the Historic Downtown District, particularly near Broad Street and DeKalb Street, which attracts tourists interested in Revolutionary War history and antebellum architecture, especially during events like the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site reenactments. The Springdale Race Course area is highly attractive due to its proximity to the Carolina Cup steeplechase races held annually in March, drawing thousands of visitors who need accommodation during this major equestrian event. The Kirkwood neighborhood and areas near Camden Country Club appeal to golf tourists and visitors attending corporate retreats or business meetings at local venues. Properties within walking distance of the Camden Archives and Museum and near the Kershaw County Courthouse benefit from heritage tourism and visitors conducting genealogical research. The residential areas along the Wateree River, particularly near Goodale State Park, attract outdoor enthusiasts, fishing groups, and families seeking recreational activities, while locations near Camden Military Academy draw parents and alumni during graduation ceremonies and military events throughout the year.

In Camden, South Carolina, Airbnb properties are subject to both state and local lodging taxes. The South Carolina state accommodations tax is 2% of gross rental receipts, while Kershaw County imposes an additional 3% accommodations tax, bringing the total to 5%. The City of Camden may also levy a local hospitality tax of up to 2% on prepared food and beverages but this typically doesn't apply to lodging rentals. These taxes are collected from guests at the time of booking through Airbnb's automatic tax collection system for most properties, with Airbnb remitting payments directly to the South Carolina Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. Property owners must register with the state and obtain a retail license, and while Airbnb handles collection and remittance for participating hosts, owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance. Exemptions typically include stays of 90 days or longer which are considered long-term rentals rather than transient accommodations, and properties rented for less than 15 days per year may qualify for certain tax exemptions under federal guidelines, though state accommodations taxes may still apply.

Starting an Airbnb in Camden, South Carolina requires approximately $180,000-220,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $150,000 based on Camden's median home price as of 2023. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property typically runs $8,000-12,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and décor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total approximately $3,000-5,000. Permits and fees in Kershaw County include business license ($50-100), short-term rental permit ($200-500), and potential HOA approvals. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $1,200-2,000 annually, roughly 50% higher than standard homeowner's insurance. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable run $500-800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($150/month), cleaning services ($75 per turnover), maintenance ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing total approximately $4,500-6,000, assuming 60% occupancy rate during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Camden, South Carolina typically generate annual revenues between $15,000-$35,000 for entire home listings, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Properties near historic downtown Camden or equestrian venues like the Carolina Cup grounds command premium rates, with some hosts reporting profit margins of 25-35% after expenses. Success factors include proximity to Springdale Race Course, Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, and Lake Wateree, with properties featuring horse-friendly amenities performing particularly well during equestrian events. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $180,000-$220,000 can generate net profits of $8,000-$15,000 annually, representing ROI of 4-7% before mortgage considerations, though seasonal fluctuations tied to equestrian events and summer lake activities significantly impact monthly performance, with peak months (March-May, September-October) generating 40-50% higher revenues than off-season periods.

Airbnb investments in Camden, South Carolina typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% based on the area's proximity to Lake Wateree and seasonal tourism patterns. Cash-on-cash returns generally range from 8-14% annually, with properties near the lake commanding higher rates during peak summer months (May-September) when daily rates can reach $150-200 for well-appointed homes. Initial profitability usually occurs within 18-24 months for investors who purchase properties in the $180,000-250,000 range and maintain 65-75% occupancy rates. The market benefits from consistent demand from fishing enthusiasts, corporate travelers visiting nearby DuPont facilities, and weekend visitors from Charlotte and Columbia metropolitan areas. Properties with lake access or views can achieve gross rental yields of 15-20%, while standard residential properties in town typically see 10-15% gross yields, with net returns after expenses, management fees, and maintenance costs settling in the 8-12% range for most investors.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Camden, South Carolina, providing market analytics and property recommendations. Local real estate agents specializing in Airbnb investments in Camden include Coldwell Banker Realty agents who focus on investment properties, Keller Williams agents with vacation rental expertise, and RE/MAX professionals experienced in the Camden market. National services include Mashvisor (founded 2014), which offers Airbnb profitability analysis for Camden properties, AirDNA providing market data and revenue estimates, and Awning offering full-service Airbnb property management. RedAwning specializes in vacation rental property sales and management, while companies like Vacasa and AvantStay focus on property management services for investors. Local property management companies such as Palmetto Property Management and Carolina Rental Management assist with day-to-day operations, and investment-focused real estate firms like BiggerPockets-affiliated agents help identify cash-flowing properties in the Camden area.