The Creature Room in Columbia, South Carolina is a reptile-focused specialty shop that has earned a fiercely loyal following across the Midlands and well beyond. Customers regularly drive from Augusta, Aiken, and Sumter — some logging two-hour round trips — just to walk through the doors. That kind of devotion doesn't happen by accident.
The store's reputation rests on two pillars: exceptionally healthy, well-cared-for animals and a staff that genuinely wants to educate. Reviewers consistently name Cameron, Kristen, and Ayden as standouts who will field a barrage of questions without flinching. Whether someone's picking up a Red Tegu, a banana ball python, a veiled chameleon, or a Central American boa, the team walks them through husbandry details with patience and real expertise.
Even people who didn't buy their animals there — like one tortoise owner passing through — report getting generous, no-strings-attached advice. The inventory goes deep: enclosures, lighting, decor, feeders (mice and live insects are popular staples), and the full range of reptile supplies. Prices are consistently described as reasonable, often beating the big chain stores.
), bearded dragons, crested geckos, chameleons, tegus, tortoises, boas, and assorted invertebrates. For hobbyists hunting hard-to-find critters, this is a destination shop. The physical space itself is part of the appeal.
Multiple reviewers call it spotless — no off-putting smells, well-lit displays, animals visibly thriving. One reviewer noted his wife, who normally dreads reptile shops, would actually be impressed. The atmosphere is welcoming enough that families bring kids to explore, and the store mascot George apparently has personality to spare.
The Creature Room fills a real gap in Columbia's pet scene. It's a place where passion for herpetoculture meets genuine customer care, backed by inventory and knowledge that justify the drive from wherever you're coming from.
Bryan
12 reviews
Had to drive to Columbia for an appointment and happen to Google pet stores while I was waiting. This place popped up and I must say I have a reason to come to Columbia a little more often from outside of Augusta. I was highly highly impressed and kept telling my over half I love this place. Definitely will be going back sooner rather then later.
Ebony Holmes
9 reviews
Awesome staff.
Jared Lewis
31 reviews
Awesome place. They have a great variety of reptiles and other critters also supplies for them. I purchased a Red Tegu for a great price and he's amazing! Everyone was super helpful and answered all my questions! Would definitely recommend
dallas smith
3 reviews
Got me a Bp leopard enchi het clown from them i will be back soon nice people too
Caleb LaBorde
8 reviews
Great store. I always enjoy chatting with the staff and they’re super friendly and helpful. I was thoroughly enthralled chatting with Big Cameron and Cameron the Young about wildlife and learned a lot in the process. I’ve learned tons about reptiles from them and they always have a wealth of knowledge and solutions at their disposal. Creature Room is the GOAT. Or shall I say the H.E.R.P.?! (Happy, exciting, reptile, people)
David Triana
16 reviews
Great store, helpful, knowledgeable staff, variety of merchandise, decor, lighting, reptile food. Highly recommend
Brian Hancock
3 reviews
So knowledgeable and helpful. The animals are healthy, well cared for, and the staff is super reliable.
Taylor mcmillion
3 reviews
I have lost count of how much I have gotten from this store. From animals, lights, feeders, enclosures, and decor, they are always knowledgeable and helpful. If they don't have what I want I'm stock, then they get it quickly. I know I ask way too many questions, but they are always so helpful. The animals are healthy and well cared for. This is the perfect place to go for your next reptile!
Amanda Cusworth
3 reviews
Did not have a good experience here at all. Thought since they specialized in reptiles they would be helpful since I had no idea what to do and my daughter wanted a bearded dragon. I did my research and saw all the good reviews. This is what she asked for for her bday. The guy at the store was too busy upselling me that I wasnt even able to get everything we needed. I've had to piece together items from other places just to make it a good habitat. I left there still not even knowing how to take care of it bc they didn't even really tell me. So frustrated I left and went to another pet store, chain store. They were way more helpful. While there I saw other enclosures that would have worked way better and had all we needed for half of what I spent. Im still trying to get small things here and there bc I just couldn't afford anymore. It was close to $400 for the lizard, cage, light, and a infrared thermometer that does not even work well and I had to end up buying one that attaches to the glass. Was very disappointed, I even asked for a cheaper option and was told there wasnt one and after doing my own research there were other options that I could have gotten, ones that would have been better. Now I have lights that dont fit, a cage thats hard to use and not even the right things to care for the dragon. You would think they cared more about the animal than unchanging people. Just so disappointed. If you get a creature from there definitely do your research on what they need and get it somewhere else. Sad mom!!!!
Broken Toaster oven
3 reviews
Reptile room is extremely helpful I struggled trying to find a baby veil chameleon for my cousin all the websites had bad reviews saying they got in malnourished chameleons and or they had mites the employee I talked to was extremely helpful gave me the information on their Vail chameleons and even offered to hold it for the weekend for us I recommend them very highly for exotic reptiles
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (803) 401-5274 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting The Creature Room.
Phone
(803) 401-5274Website
www.thecreatureroom.com/Address
652 Bush River Rd suite h, Columbia, SC 29210
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652 Bush River Rd suite h, Columbia, SC 29210
February 7, 2026
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