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The purpose of the South Carolina Picture Project is to celebrate the beauty of the Palmetto State while preserving some of its vanishing landscapes.

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Camp Bob Cooper

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SC Picture Project / Clarendon County / Camp Bob Cooper

This popular camp and conference center on Lake Marion in Summerton dates back to the 1930s when the South Carolina Public Service Authority cleared 177,000 acres of land for its Santee-Cooper Hydroelectric and Navigation Project. The state-owned power company, Santee Cooper, is named for the Santee River and the Cooper River. Today, the lakes created by damming the Santee River – the aforementioned Lake Marion and neighboring Lake Moultrie in Berkley County – are popular recreation sites.

Camp Bob Cooper Lake Marion

Linda Brown of Kingstree, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Formally called the Robert M. Cooper 4-H State Leadership Center, this 110-acre camp was built in 1939 by the WPA (Work Projects Administration) to house workers during construction. In 1942, after the project was complete, Clemson University leased the land from the state. The university established a 4-H Camp for Clarendon County on the site, and by 1945 the camp served the entire state.

Camp Bob Cooper Summerton

Linda Brown of Kingstree, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The camp was named for the first Chief Executive Officer of Santee-Cooper, Robert Muldrow Cooper, known as Bob. Cooper also served on the Board of Trustees for Clemson University as well as the South Carolina House of Representatives. The R.M. Cooper Library at Clemson University is named for him. He is interred at Salem Black River Presbyterian Church.

Camp Bob Cooper

Linda Brown of Kingstree, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Today Camp Bob Cooper continues to be operated and maintained by Clemson University and offers 4-H camps during the summer and other camps year-round. The camp also provides amenities for meetings and other gatherings hosted by private groups. Housing includes dormitories, apartments, a lodge, and even yurts! Activities such as team-building exercises, archery, riflery, field sports, and – of course – water sports are available for those staying at the scenic facility. For over 70 years, this treasure on Lake Marion has provided fun, fellowship, and leadership for countless South Carolinians.

Plan Your Trip: Camp Bob Cooper

Where is Camp Bob Cooper located?
Address: 8001 M.W. Rickenbaker Road, Summerton, SC 29148
GPS Coordinates: 33.566973,-80.256826
Website: http://www.campbobcooper.com
What else should I see?
Potato Creek Landing 3.8 miles
Potato Creek Hatchery 4 miles
C. Alex Harvin III Landing 5 miles
Jordan UMC Church 6.1 miles
Show me more like this!
  • Lake Marion Historic Sites
  • See other South Carolina Lakes
  • See other South Carolina Parks
  • Summerton Historic Sites
    Camp Bob Cooper Map

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    We are a federally-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to preserve the history of South Carolina’s historic, natural, and cultural landmarks before they are lost to time. This website serves as a permanent digital archive of over 2,300 South Carolina landmarks – and counting. Learn more about our work.

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