Origin
Hilton Head, SC
Evening in Hilton Head on Sunday
Local time
6:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Hilton Head, SC to Camden, SC
Drive Time
3h 21m
Distance
172.2 mi
277 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 10m
★
6 AM
3h 22m
8 AM
3h 46m
10 AM
3h 30m
12 PM
3h 28m
3 PM
3h 31m
5 PM
3h 45m
8 PM
3h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Hilton Head, SC
Colon Freld
Camden, SC
Kevin Yang
Trip Overview
Traveling from Hilton Head to Camden takes you across 172.2 miles of South Carolina terrain, typically requiring about 3 hours and 21 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is manageable in a single day, you can easily complete it without needing an overnight stay, though planning for one stop will keep you refreshed. Expect to budget roughly $28 for fuel to cover the distance. The route transitions from the coast toward the interior, offering a straightforward path between these two Southeastern destinations. Whether you are heading inland for business or leisure, this trip is highly efficient and serves as a practical connection between the coast and the heart of the state.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
86.1 miles from Hilton Head, SC
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 42m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 64% of your journey relies on major thoroughfares like I-95 and US-521. You will face your longest uninterrupted stretch early on, with 93.1 miles of steady driving along I-95. The character of the road shifts as you transition from high-speed interstate travel to the more localized flow of Coosaw Scenic Drive. While the majority of the trip is built for speed, the combination of interstate sections and secondary roads provides a blend of rapid transit and a more measured pace. You will spend most of your time focused on the road ahead, making this an ideal route for drivers who prefer a direct, no-nonsense path.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 95 is the longest continuous segment at about 93.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 95 and US 521. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 13.3 miles in.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 172.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 13.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 34.9 miles (I 95; US 17): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
13.3 mi into trip
|
~18m in
Keep slight right at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
5
34.9 mi into trip
|
~47m in
|
I 95; US 17
Merge onto I 95; US 17
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
5
128 mi into trip
|
~2h 27m in
Take the exit toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
6
128.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
5
140.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 42m in
|
US 521 / South Guignard Parkway
Turn left onto US 521 / South Guignard Parkway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Hilton Head, SC to Camden, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Sumter along the way.
Sumter
128 mi in
|
~2h 27m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| I 95 | 93.1 mi | 1h 39m |
| US 521 | 12.4 mi | 14m |
| Coosaw Scenic Drive | 9.4 mi | 12m |
| Fording Island Road | 9 mi | 13m |
| Sumter Highway | 8.4 mi | 9m |
| Camden Highway | 8.2 mi | 9m |
| Lowcountry Drive | 7.9 mi | 10m |
| Thomas Sumter Highway | 7.6 mi | 8m |
Longest stretch:
I 95
— 93.1 mi, about 1h 39m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hilton Head, SC and Camden, SC.
1
Start on US 278
0.3 mi
·
28 sec
·
William Hilton Parkway
2
Continue on US 278
3.8 mi
·
4 min
·
William Hilton Parkway
Use the none lane.
3
Continue on US 278
9.0 mi
·
13 min
·
Fording Island Road
Use the none lane.
4
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
5
Keep slight right at fork
147 ft
·
4 sec
6
Merge onto SC 170
3.9 mi
·
4 min
·
Okatie Highway
7
Take the exit
488 ft
·
13 sec
8
Continue on SC 462
7.9 mi
·
10 min
·
Lowcountry Drive
9
Continue on SC 462
9.4 mi
·
12 min
·
Coosaw Scenic Drive
10
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 95 North, US 17 North: Florence
11
Merge onto I 95; US 17
93 mi
·
1 hr 39 min
·
I 95; US 17
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward US 521: Alcolu, Sumter
13
Keep slight left at fork
289 ft
·
7 sec
Toward US 521 North: Alcolu, Sumter
14
Turn left onto US 521
12 mi
·
14 min
·
US 521
Use the left lane.
15
Turn left onto US 521
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
South Guignard Parkway
Use the left lane.
16
Continue on US 521
3.6 mi
·
4 min
·
South Guignard Drive
Use the none lane.
17
Continue on US 521
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Bultman Drive
Use the straight / right lanes.
18
Turn left onto US 521; US 76 Business
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Broad Street
Use the left lane.
19
Turn slight right onto US 521
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
Camden Highway
20
Continue on US 521
7.6 mi
·
8 min
·
Thomas Sumter Highway
21
Continue on US 521
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Camden Highway
22
Continue on US 521
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Sumter Highway
23
Continue on US 521
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
Broad Street
24
Arrive at destination
US 521; US 601
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 172.2-mile trek, try to depart early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion on the busier stretches of your route. Since the drive takes just over three hours, plan for one well-timed stop to stretch your legs and ensure you remain alert. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before entering the longer 93.1-mile segment on I-95, as it is always wise to have a full tank before committing to that duration of highway travel. Because the trip is short enough to be flexible, you have the advantage of adjusting your departure time based on your personal schedule rather than worrying about strict overnight logistics. Use your single planned break as a chance to refuel both your vehicle and your focus for the final leg into Camden.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 86.1 miles from Hilton Head, SC, or about 1h 42m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 93.1 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 80 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 86.1 miles or 1h 42m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 43m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Camden, SC than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hilton Head, SC so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hilton Head, SC
This is one driving day of about 172.2 miles and 3h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Hilton Head, SC.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on I 95 for about 93.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 86.1 mi from Hilton Head, SC · 1h 42m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
86 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 86.1 miles from Hilton Head, SC, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before I 95 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 93.1 miles.
Arriving in Camden, SC
The final approach into Camden, SC usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Camden, SC.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$27.56 one way
$55.12 round trip
$4.07/gal
25.4 MPG avg
60 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $4.43 | $30.03 | $60.05 |
| premium | $4.78 | $32.39 | $64.79 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $38.26 | $76.51 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 60.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 51.7 | 0 | $18.08 | $8.27 |
| Efficient EV | 43.1 | 0 | $15.07 | $6.89 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 68.9 | 0 | $24.11 | $11.02 |
Gas CO2
60 kg
EV CO2
20 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Camden, SC
Evening in Camden on Sunday
Local time
6:35 PM
EDT
Current temp
62°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
4 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
3h 21m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Hilton Head, SC to Camden, SC covers 172.2 miles and takes about 3h 21m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 95, US 521, Coosaw Scenic Drive. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 86.1 miles from Hilton Head, SC. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $27.56 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 12 significant decision points across 172.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 13.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 34.9 miles (I 95; US 17): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 128 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Hilton Head, SC to Camden, SC, road signs begin pointing toward Sumter along the way.
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