The best camping near Francis Marion National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Francis Marion National Forest adventure.

92% (6 reviews)

Re-trace the steps of a Revolutionary War hero in this national forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Francis Marion National Forest

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Francis Marion National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Francis Marion National Forest

96%

(520)

Hanscombe Point Plantation

12 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Johns Island, SC

Hanscombe Point Plantation is a 300 acre working farm that has been in the Legare family for 9 generations. We raise beef cows, heritage breeds of pigs, laying hens, and water buffalo. Additionally, we raise vegetables and do a lot of agri-tourism including: summer camps, school field trips, and a large pumpkin patch maze each year.Our accommodations include a vintage camper, primitive campsites along a salt water creek, and an RV area on our farm.We are located just 30 minutes from nearby beaches and downtown Charleston. Use our property as your base of operation as you have fun at the beach or tour the historic city, or just stay for a quiet get away in the woods.There is also a lot of wildlife such as: wild turkeys, woodstorks, raccoons, and alligators. Fishing and crabbing are available on the salt water creek next to the campsite as well.We look forward to hosting you!

94%

(26)

Isla Mas Afuera

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Murrells Inlet, SC

3.5 acre property, last remaining part of old inlet horse farm, with plenty of natural buffers from the few neighbors in our vicinity and between our camp sites, as well as the road. So close to everything the inlet area has to offer. Beaches, tidal inlet with boat ramps, Waccamaw River with boat ramps, restaurants, shops, bars, State Parks, nature preserves, fun attractions and much, much more, all just moments away. We are set up as a “primitive” camping experience, the property is kept very natural, unmanicured for the most part, little to no herbicides or insecticides used here. It’s a work in progress, is difficult for me to tackle chores due to physical disabilities, so some private areas are disorganized at this time. I live here full time, with two cats & 5 chickens whom are all free range. I live here in a double wide by myself, two outdoor cats. Deer, fox, rabbits, hawks and the like are common visitors. This is brand new to me, lots of improvements to be made in the future to make a guests stay even better, so for right now it’s bare bones. Can accommodate tents or certain campers. No pump out, no electricity or running water for “sites” yet, if ever, but running water is here and available for free. Additions to come soon: outdoor shower, available compost toilet available for rent while here, fresh herbs, vegetables, fresh local eggs, firewood, and covered gathering/ cooking area (not built yet) and much more, I’m really excited. Open to idea’s and options. No fireworks/ gunfire allowed at anytime, no “parties”, but gatherings, campfires, games and fun always welcome. I prefer meeting guests apon arrival to answer any questions and help all feel comfortable. I do have medical conditions that may prohibit it at times though.

99%

(144)

Edisto River Luxury RV Resort

2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Ridgeville, SC

Locate on a riverfront property on the Edisto River. Very quiet and beautiful pond view, full hookup luxury RV sites. Amenities include private furnished screened Gazebo with mini fridge, tv and wifi, shared bath with free laundry and the most amazing outdoor shower. The pond is stocked with fish and has a beautiful fountain which produces white noise during the evening and most of the night. Just 1 hour from Downtown Charleston and 20 minutes to Walterboro and I-95. Nearby is Givhans Ferry State Park great for swimming, and the popular river tubing or The nearby Bee City Zoo which has a wide selection of fun and exciting exhibits for adults and children. Built by hand from scratch, we tried to think of everything you would need to leave you rested during your journey. Designed specifically for Motorhome's but we can also accept tow behind campers, roof top tents and tent camping. This is an upscale resort for those who want a quiet and peaceful experience vs the crammed and crowded commercial campgrounds.

100%

(45)

Hidden Acres

2 sites · RVs8 acres · Charleston, SC

grand oaks, 1 mile to downtown Charleston(there is NO campground closer to downtown Charleston) PETS ARE ALLOWED, 1/2 mile to James Island county park, 4 miles to Folly Beach, Central to everything Charleston,SC and James Island,SC. Hiking, swimming, walking trails, climbing park, are all within a mile or two. all grocery stores, including a Walmart are within 1 mile. This property offers dry camping only. Best suited for Rv's that are self-contained.There is a dump station at the county park one half mile away. If you contact me with an ETA, the gate will be open when u arrive. Follow the road to your right, around the Grand Oak to the back of the property..There is a cleared area for Rv. At this time, I am clearing 2 acres of the 8. When you are staying on the property please close the gate as you come and go. When your stay is done, DO NOT worry about closing the gate, I will take care of it.Please clean up after your pets.

80%

(33)

The Powell's Place

42 sites · Tents14 acres · Cottageville, SC

14 acres wooded plenty deer 'n wildlife along with some small farm animals. Bikers and pets welcome.Learn more about this land:Secluded 14 acres quiet shade trees and sun. Access to public boat landing 2miles, all are welcome including bikers. As much space as you like pitch your tent anywhere you like, enjoy fire barrels in the evenings along with a cold beer and music if you choose. Animals welcome. :) 843-835-2645 cell 843-542_5793

100%

(5)

Marsh Side Retreat near the Beach

1 site · RV1 acre · Charleston, SC

Nestled in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by the marsh you'll have plenty of quiet that nature lovers are always seeking, along with plenty of opportunity for adventure and beach bumming with both Folly Beach and Charleston only a few miles away! Bring your fishing poles for creekside fishing, ride your bikes to the beach, and enjoy a campfire in your private outdoor lounge area. If you are wanting a private pool for a few hours, that can also be arranged! In Charleston, there is endless opportunity for outdoor enjoyment. While it may not be a secluded, tree covered camping site you wont get much closer to the beach than our little marsh side RV parking spot!

95%

(20)

Bells Marina & Resort

16 sites · Lodging, RVs6 acres · Eutawville, SC

Our small size and inspiring location make Bells Marina and Resort an exclusive experience. Enjoy the comforts of our boutique hotel and luxury cabins, bring your RV or camper, or “rough it” in one of our glamping sites. Bring your boat and keep it in one of our guest slips or our secured boat storage area. Our friendly staff can provide guides, gear, and just about anything you need for a family-friendly outdoor adventure at this secluded angler’s paradise. Bells Marina and Resort is an outdoor community in a protected cove on the popular Lake Marion, known for world-class fishing and record-breaking catches. Most of our visitors are dazzled at the beauty of the woods and water. We border 400 acres of the Santee Cooper Wildlife Management Area, and you can enjoy 180-degree views of the cove and waterfowl, from white herons to bald eagles. Meals are a special experience for our guests, and you have a lot of delicious options. Our friendly outdoor cooking area features barbecues and open-fire cooking. This is a great place to make new friends. The country store is stocked with the usual groceries, along with bait and tackle and camping accessories. We have fishing kits, s’mores kits, and many pre-made food options to make your stay easier. We also have a new 2-phase Electric vehicle charge station! Our family restaurant is a local favorite and offers fried, fresh-caught catfish. We are open for three meals most days. You can have a hot breakfast starting at 6:00 am, and be on the water or in the woods at sunrise. We will even cook your catch! If you don’t feel like hunting or fishing, Bells Marina has play spaces for the kids and relaxing spaces for adults. Join us for movie nights or just unwind at the community campfire. Golfing is just minutes away! No matter what kind of vacation you have in mind, Bells Marina and Resort has everything you need for a memorable adventure. Please note our store closes at 9 pm. If you make a last-minute reservation please call our store Before reserving at 803-492-7924 or you may not get a spot as we sync to our calendar once a day!

90%

(25)

Suburban Folly Beach Get-Away

1 site · RV1 acre · Charleston, SC

Experience tranquility less than 2 miles from the iconic Folly Beach, where you can stay in a peaceful neighborhood on a quiet street. Spend your days enjoying the beach, and your evenings by the firepit. Downtown Charleston is less than 20 minutes away, or you can unwind in the privacy of the fenced backyard. Your host is dedicated to ensuring your stay is splendid and accommodating.

98%

(26)

Ted P.’s Land

10 sites · Tents70 acres · Wadmalaw Island, SC

Learn more about this land:We’ve got more Spanish Moss than you can shake a stick at - and we’ve got plenty of those too! While we lack ocean-side beach front, we do have spectacular views of the Wadmalaw river, particularly under a full moon and especially at sunset (we face west by southwest). We're offering approximately 60 acres of primitive hiking and campsites: areas for all levels of camping experience available.You can have a camping experience from literal back yard camping, to a serious “lost in the woods” adventure. Despite the near-by civilization, on clear nights there is very little light contamination - which makes for excellent star gazing.Campfires are allowed within local regulations. Pets are welcome!We are less than twenty miles from historic downtown Charleston, around twenty miles from Charleston’s shopping and commerce area (West Ashley), and just over twenty miles from Kiawah Island Resort and beaches.

Booked 2 times

The Hidden Corner

1 site · RV7 acres · North Charleston, SC

Finding a spot to camp in Charleston can be challenging. After a year on the road, we're excited to offer a space for fellow campers to securely park their homes on wheels. This space is tucked away at the end of a dead-end street, providing a secured space. Plus, you're just minutes away from 526, making it convenient to get around the Charleston area.

from

$18

/ night

100%

(2)

Compass Rose Homestead

4 sites · RVs55 acres · Georgetown, SC

55 Acre Homestead off a one-lane gravel road. Only a few homes on this road and a 20 acre crop field across the road from homestead. We love to meet new people and introduce our animals and teach about animal care and farm stuff. Hosted by a homeschooling, homesteading family. LGBTQ and 2A friendly host/site. Full hookups (elec, water, septic). Cell signal is strong enough here for cellular-based internet. LOCATION: Minutes from public access to Black River, 20min to Georgetown city, Andrews or Hemingway; 30min to Kingstree; 45min to Litchfield beach, Pawleys Island, Florence, Conway, Murrells Inlet... Lots of parks, forests and Wildlife Management Areas within a 1hr drive including Lynches River and Huntington Beach State Park, Woods Bay State Park and Tom Yawkey Wildlife Preserve. Closer places to visit including Lake City (home of ArtFest) and Brookgreen Gardens PLUS numerous Parks, WMA and hunting preserves (Francis Marion National Forest, Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge, Peedee Station, Hell Hole Bay, Wee Tee Forest, Black Cypress Reserve, Backwoods Hunt Club, and more).

100%

(33)

Herd It Here Farm

5 sites · RVs13 acres · Cottageville, SC

Herd It Here Farm is a unique agritourism destination that provides enjoyable and educational experiences for visitors of all ages. Get ready to be immersed in our farm culture! Learn about our fabulous alpacas and feel their amazing fleece. You'll also get up close and personal with our silkie and Polish chickens, the fainting and pygmy goats, Eddie the mini donkey, Tilly the mini pony and the big guy, our rescue horse, Cherokee. Visit our Country Store for an opportunity to purchase beautiful alpaca fleece clothing - scarves, hats, and gloves as well as felted items, toys, souvenirs, and local artisan goods. We're only 45 minutes from historic Charleston and even closer to beautiful "Plantation Row". Come visit us! Please plan your trip to arrive before dark. Once we put the animals to bed, we are done for the day...

The best camping near Francis Marion National Forest guide

Overview

About

Nicknamed the Swamp Fox, Gen. Francis Marion's war tactics gave the Redcoats fits. Re-live that history in the national forest that bears his name. Four wilderness areas cover 259,000 acres and four quaint towns. Explore cypress swamps, palmetto-lined hiking and ATV trails, and fishing lakes.

Start with the Yellow Branch Falls Trail. Walk 1.5 miles to the falls and back for 3 miles total. Dip your hand in the 50-foot cascade of water heading over several layers of rocks for a refresher on a hot day.

Head to nearby Stumphouse Tunnel Trail. Follow it until you reach an opening in the side of the mountain. You can go in a few hundred feet, and it's a cool respite on a hot summer's day. Walk down the trail a little farther to reach Issaqueena Falls, a photogenic and isolated spot.

Check out Little Wambaw Swamp Wilderness and its beautiful cypress trees. It's best to explore in winter to avoid mosquitoes.

Numerous campgrounds have various amenities throughout this vast forest.