About the Event
A Week Designed to Be Savored
Following the tremendous success of our inaugural Wateree Hounds Sporting Week in 2025, we are thrilled to announce that this extraordinary celebration of sporting heritage will return to Camden, South Carolina.
The Wateree Hounds Sporting Week represents a renaissance of the sporting culture that once defined Camden as the premier winter destination for America's sporting elite. This week-long celebration brings together the finest traditions of equestrian heritage, field sports, and southern hospitality.
This is a week designed to be savored: mornings in the field, afternoons at leisure, and evenings spent around tables, dance floors, and fire pits with friends old and new.
Est. 2020
Wateree Hounds founded
Escape Winter's Grip
Why Camden?
When northern hunts are forced to stop due to frozen ground and harsh weather, Camden offers perfect riding conditions and world-class sport.
While northern hunts face frozen ground and impassable conditions, Camden enjoys mild winter temperatures perfect for riding and hunting.
Experience exceptional hunting with professional huntsmen and distinguished visiting packs from across the eastern United States.
Enjoy the warmth and elegance of southern hospitality with gourmet hunt breakfasts, social events, and traditional celebrations.
What's Included
A Week of Sporting Excellence
- Five days of foxhunting with the Wateree Hounds and guest packs
- Daily hunt breakfasts featuring local fare and warm hospitality
- Access to signature social gatherings and evening events
- Welcome Dinner, Beagling, and the Wild Game Dinner & Auction
- Optional sporting pursuits including polo, golf, quail, and sporting clays
- A welcoming mix of riders, sportsmen, and social guests
- Camden's signature blend of sport, history, and Southern charm
Signature Experiences
Events & Activities
Every guest—rider or non-rider—shares in a curated series of sporting and social experiences that define the rhythm of the week.
The week begins gathered together with relaxed cocktails, good food, and easy conversation—where introductions are made and old friendships are renewed.
A relaxed evening devoted to browsing, conversation, and discovery. Explore local shops and sporting boutiques after hours, with a glass in hand.
An unmistakably Camden morning. Gather for fresh biscuits and Bloody Marys while watching Thoroughbreds breeze at the legendary Springdale Training Center.
Held at the National Steeplechase Museum, the Shag Party brings music, movement, and pure Lowcountry spirit to the center of the week.
Follow the beagles on foot for a relaxed, spirited outing that trades speed for charm. The afternoon flows naturally into cocktails and conversation.
The crown jewel of the week. An elegant evening celebrating Southern sporting culture through inspired cuisine, fine company, and a lively auction.
À La Carte
Optional Sporting Pursuits
For those looking to broaden their Sporting Week experience, Camden offers a lineup of classic pursuits—each available à la carte and intentionally limited to preserve quality and intimacy.
Enjoy a day on the fairways at Camden Country Club with team and individual play. Expect friendly competition, prizes, and post-round storytelling.
Saddle up or spectate. This approachable polo experience welcomes beginners and seasoned riders alike, with clinics, amateur play, and all equipment provided.
A competitive shoot at Hermitage Sporting Grounds featuring prizes and bragging rights. A favorite midweek challenge for both serious shots and enthusiastic newcomers.
An exclusive Southern quail experience for small groups, led by expert guides and well-trained dogs. A refined, tradition-rich outing.
Optional activities are limited in capacity and subject to availability. Offerings subject to change.
Choose Your Experience
Registration Packages
Whether you're a seasoned fox hunter or prefer to enjoy the social aspects, we have the perfect package for you.
À La Carte Options
Wild Game Dinner
$125
Biscuits & Bloodys
$20
Carolina Shag Night
$50
Capping Fee (w/ Breakfast)
$100
Stabling (Per Night)
$45
Moments from the Field
Gallery
A Legacy Reborn
The Winter Colony Heritage
In 1897, Robert L. Barstow arrived in Camden with a vision that would transform this quiet Southern town into a winter playground for America's elite. The legacy he created—of polo, fox hunting, and refined sporting culture—lives on today.
The Golden Era
From the 1890s through the 1940s, Camden was the premier winter destination for families like the du Ponts, Edisons, and Scotts.
Polo & Sport
Camden's polo field, established in 1897, is the second oldest still in use in America—a testament to the enduring spirit of sporting excellence.
The Hunt Tradition
Fox hunting has been part of Camden's fabric for over a century, with the Wateree Hounds carrying forward this noble tradition.
Our Mission
Preserving Tradition, Creating Legacy
The Wateree Hounds Sporting Week serves as both a celebration of what remains and a commitment to preservation of sporting traditions and the lands that make them possible.
As South Carolina continues to experience unprecedented growth, events like this become increasingly important in maintaining the sporting heritage that has defined this region for generations.
Founded in 2020, the Wateree Hounds have quickly established themselves as leaders in both sporting excellence and conservation efforts. The Sporting Week represents the culmination of this vision—bringing together tradition, conservation, and community in a way that honors the past while securing the future.
January 25–31, 2026
A full week of sporting excellence and Southern hospitality.
Camden, South Carolina
The Sunshine Town Amid the Pines—America's historic winter sporting destination.
Riders & Social Guests
Whether you ride or prefer the social scene, there's a place for you at Sporting Week.
Everything You Need
Plan Your Visit
Explore our detailed schedule, find event venues on our interactive map, and discover the best places to stay in Camden.