South Carolina is a beautiful state to visit, and Free South Carolina boondocking is a great way to do so on the cheap. “The Palmetto State” as South Carolina is known does have free South Carolina dispersed camping. One of the most appealing aspects of boondocking South Carolina is that the state offers a diverse range of interesting areas to visit, from the coast to the mountains. Boondocking is also a great way to get closer to nature. Many of the sites are in undeveloped areas, allowing you to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. When looking for the top Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations, we focused on Free RV camping South Carolina and Free South Carolina Boondocking Spots.
Jump directly to the 10 Eastern – South Carolina Boondocking Locations
Jump directly to the 16 Western – South Carolina Boondocking Locations
South Carolina Dispersed Camping
South Carolina offers a vast variety of terrain, natural history, and climate in one relatively small state, thanks to its four unique geographical settings. Camping in South Carolina is an excellent alternative for individuals who seek variation without a lot of travel time, as you can drive from the mountains to the Atlantic coast in a few hours.
Mountains rise above the foothills in the state’s extreme northwest region, appearing blue against the horizon. The Blue Ridge Mountains, possibly the most well-known region of the Appalachians, providing a pleasant break from the steamy summers in South Carolina. The Blue Ridge Mountains attract visitors from all over the country in the autumn, when the mountainsides are ablaze with color. Camping in South Carolina would not be complete without a visit to Table Rock or Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in the SC Blue Ridge Mountains, regardless of the season.
Campers can sail on Lake Murray, enjoy world-class fishing, or camp on the beach at Dreher Island State Park, just a few hours south of the Blue Ridge. The lake, which serves as a reservoir for the state’s midlands, is around 50,000 acres in size and has over 300 miles of shoreline. Lake Murray, a popular fishing area, has hosted three national fishing tournaments in the previous 15 years and is home to a variety of bass, crappie, bream, and other popular sport fishing species.
The beautiful South Carolina coast is less than three hours from Columbia, the state capital. There are more campgrounds than you can shake a stick at all along the shore.
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10 Eastern – South Carolina Boondocking Locations
Jump directly to the 16 Western – South Carolina Boondocking Locations
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1. Free South Carolina Boondocking – Woodbury WMA
Address
Woodbury Road
Gresham, South Carolina
GPS: 33.85934, -79.332878
Elevation: 23′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
There are 1-5 free South Carolina boondocking sites at this location. You may stay 4 days at Woodbury WMA. Primitive camping is available at boat ramps located within the property’s boundaries.
2. Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations – Pitts Landing
Address
Conway, South Carolina
GPS: 33.831638, -79.249031
Elevation: 13′
Management: Public – Unknown (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet.
3. Free South Carolina Boondocking Spots – Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Address
Murray Road
Gresham, South Carolina
GPS: 33.983033, -79.4709
Elevation: 47′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt and 3.65 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 free South Carolina boondocking sites at this location. You may stay 4 days at Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Primitive camping is available at the designated camping area only located adjacent to the informational kiosk.
4. Free South Carolina Camping Spots – South Island Ferry
Address
Georgetown, South Carolina
GPS: 33.25096, -79.26933
Elevation: 3′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service
South Island Ferry is open year round.
5. Free South Carolina RV Parking – Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area
Address
220 Santee Gun Club Road
McClellanville, South Carolina
GPS: 33.154879, -79.368238
Elevation: 17′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management: Area is open Non-hunting days. You may stay 4 days in free South Carolina boondocking sites at Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area. A permit is required for all camping. Primitive camping is available on Cedar and Murphy Islands beaches year round which requires no prior arrangement. All arrangements for camping should be made with the supervisor of the Santee Coastal Reserve.
6. Free South Carolina RV Boondocking – Elmwood Recreation Area
Address
McClellanville, South Carolina
GPS: 33.198958, -79.470065
Elevation: 71′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)
The road in is Paved. Elmwood Recreation Area is open Year Round. You may stay 14 Days at Elmwood Recreation Area. This recreation area is located in the northeastern portion of the Francis Marion National Forest. It’s a popular camp during deer and turkey hunts on the Waterhorn Hunt Unit.
7. Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations – Honey Hill Campground
Address
Jamestown, South Carolina
GPS: 33.174488, -79.561241
Elevation: 33′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1/4 miles from a paved road. Honey Hill Campground is open Year Round. There are 6-15 free South Carolina boondocking sites at this location. You may stay 14 Days at Honey Hill Campground.
8. Free South Carolina Dispersed Camping Locations – Wambaw ORV Area / Campsite
Address
Shulerville, South Carolina
GPS: 33.13913, -79.63445
Elevation: 49′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Wambaw ORV Area / Campsite is open year round. There are 1-5 free South Carolina boondocking sites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 14 days at Wambaw ORV Area / Campsite. Friendly host. Camping is free. Several campsites with room for trailers. Campsites are pretty well furnished with a table and benches. Has pit toilets.
9. Free South Carolina Boondocking – Halfway Creek Trail Camp
Address
Halfway Creek Road
Huger, South Carolina
GPS: 33.056686, -79.696588
Elevation: 46′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 free South Carolina boondocking sites at this location. You may stay 14 nights at Halfway Creek Trail Camp. A primitive campground near the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest. Ideal place to pop a tent while thru hiking. Just a small dirt loop with room for a few vehicles.
10. Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations – Bob Cat Boat Landing
Address
Bamberg, South Carolina
GPS: 33.336903, -81.020401
Elevation: 142′
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
The road in is Paved. No facilities elect or water, boondocking only. There are no restrictions that I know of for use of this area, it is State owned no signs, no patrol, or anyone to bother boondockers.
16 Western – South Carolina Boondocking Locations
Jump directly to the 10 Eastern – South Carolina Boondocking Locations
1. Free South Carolina Boondocking – SCE&G Boat Ramp #4
Address
Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina
GPS: 34.0801, -81.52065
Elevation: 417′
Management: Public – Boat ramp and rec area (Official)
Services including a 24/7 bathroom. No drinkable water here so bring in your own. Area sometimes can be busy from cars and boats and occasional loud parties from houses across the lake.
2. Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations – Palmetto trail (hike-in)
Address
Little Mountain, South Carolina
GPS: 34.241688, -81.332267
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
Primitive camp site Picnic tables available
3. Free South Carolina Boondocking Spots – Palmetto Trail – Alston
Address
Alston Road
Peak, South Carolina
GPS: 34.24324, -81.316734
Elevation: 238′
Management: Public – County Park (Official)
The road in is Gravel. There are 1-5 free South Carolina boondocking sites at this location. A free primitive camping site at the trail head of the Peak to Prosperity Passage on the Palmetto Trail.
4. Free South Carolina Camping Spots – Brasstown Falls
Address
Off Brasstown Road (Co. Rd. 48), on FS Road 751
Long Creek, South Carolina
GPS: 34.721471, -83.296479
Elevation: 1116′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel. Brasstown Falls is open Anytime but most people come during the spring, summer and fall.. There are 1-5 free South Carolina camping spots at this location. You may stay 14 days is what we were told, unless you move your campsite. at Brasstown Falls.
5. Free South Carolina RV Parking – Riley Moore Falls Trail
Address
Riley Moore Falls Trail
Westminster, South Carolina
GPS: 34.745306, -83.183958
Elevation: 928′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Free Dispersed camping in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Andrew Pickens Ranger District. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted
6. Free South Carolina RV Boondocking – Double Branch Camp
Address
Longcreek, South Carolina
GPS: 34.775425, -83.224014
Elevation: 1294′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)
The road in is Dirt. Double Branch Camp is open Year Round. You may stay 14 Days in free South Carolina camping spots at Double Branch Camp. GPS coordinates are ‘best effort’ on this campsite. They mark the end of Double Branch Road, where there appears to be a turn around. This is a primitive site in the Sumter National Forest.
7. Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations – Grapevine Campground
Address
Whetstone, South Carolina
GPS: 34.82379, -83.18119
Elevation: 1352′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Free South Carolina camping spots right on Chattooga river. There’s a pit bathroom, camping spaces all around. And there’s even a space along side the river with sand, kind of like a beach. There is plenty of tree cover. There are ‘public’ trash cans too.
8. Free South Carolina Dispersed Camping Locations – Blackwell Bridge
Address
697 Whetstone Road
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
GPS: 34.833575, -83.174677
Elevation: 1457′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Free South Carolina camping spots in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Andrew Pickens Ranger District. Reservations are not accepted at this campsite.
9. Free South Carolina Boondocking – Grapevine Camp
Address
Longcreek, South Carolina
GPS: 34.825378, -83.191582
Elevation: 1692′
Management: Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official)
Grapevine Camp is open Year Round. You may stay 14 Days in free South Carolina camping spots at Grapevine Camp. Located at the end of road 764 off Chattooga Ridge Road, approximately 1.5 miles south of the intersection with Whetstone Road.
10. Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations – Thrifts Ferry Primitive Camping
Address
Forest Road 795
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
GPS: 34.813651, -83.289741
Elevation: 1527′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt. Thrifts Ferry Primitive Camping is open year round. There are 1-5 free South Carolina camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Thrifts Ferry Primitive Camping. There’s room for a medium sized class C right at the start of the spur. After that, it gets tight.
11. Free South Carolina Boondocking Spots – Fall Creek
Address
237 Fall Creek Road
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
GPS: 34.825738, -83.260823
Elevation: 1850′
Management
Free Dispersed camping in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Andrew Pickens Ranger District. Reservations are not accepted at this campsite.
12. Free South Carolina Camping Spots – Turpin Branch
Address
Fall Creek Road
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
GPS: 34.833442, -83.252981
Elevation: 1736′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Free South Carolina camping spots in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Andrew Pickens Ranger District. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted.
13. Free South Carolina RV Parking – Timmy Place
Address
Earls Ford Road
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
GPS: 34.875858, -83.228101
Elevation: 1621′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Free South Carolina camping spots in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Andrew Pickens Ranger District. First come -> first camped. No reservations are accepted.
14. Free South Carolina RV Boondocking – Low Water Campground
Address
Low Water Bridge Road
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
GPS: 34.898146, -83.187454
Elevation: 1585′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 0.5 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 free South Carolina camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Low Water Campground. Easy access for small rigs Class Cs, Trailers, Pop-ups, tents, vans, truck-campers. Turn around might be an issue for some trailers if campsites are all full. 2 trash cans. One pit toilet.
15. Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations – Tamassee Camp
Address
Winding Stairs Road
Tamassee, South Carolina
GPS: 34.921904, -83.074384
Elevation: 1286′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Free Dispersed camping in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Andrew Pickens Ranger District. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come, first served.
16. Free South Carolina Dispersed Camping Locations – Burrells Ford
Address
Mountain Rest, South Carolina
GPS: 34.96925, -83.118095
Elevation: 2047′
Management: Public – USDA Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 2 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 free South Carolina camping spots at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. Burrells Ford campground is open year round with no charge. A pit toilet and picnic tables are available. Walk .25 miles to camp on the
Are There Free South Carolina Boondocking Locations?
There are numerous responses to this question. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is the part of the state you wish to visit. You could choose to go to the little Blue Ridge region near Sassafras Mountain in the northwest portion of the state, or the gently undulating hills of the Piedmont region with its magnificent orchards. Alternatively, you may travel to the Sandhills region, which offers fantastic white-water rafting and hiking options.
The intercoastal area is a fantastic place to go woodland exploring. If you enjoy being near water, the coastal zone, which includes Myrtle Beach, is a must-see destination. When you start looking into Free South Carolina boondocking, you’ll be able to make the most of your stay in these areas while also taking advantage of the benefits of free tent camping South Carolina.
Camping in ‘the Palmetto State’ is mostly a paid activity, and the state’s few free camping places are mostly near the ocean. Fortunately, this is also the most desirable camping location in South Carolina, making it a win-win situation for most campers passing through.
FAQ’s on Free South Carolina Boondocking and Camping Spots
Can I camp anywhere in South Carolina?
South Carolina has paid tent camping at state parks and commercial campgrounds, as well as free tent camping on public lands. Free tent camping is available in national forests and a national park in this area, both dispersed (without a designated campground) and in primitive campgrounds.
Can you Boondock at Myrtle Beach?
If you enjoy being near water, the coastal zone, which includes Myrtle Beach, is a must-see destination. You may make the most of your vacation in these places by boondocking in South Carolina and taking advantage of the benefits of free camping in South Carolina.
Is it legal to camp on the beach in SC?
Most public beaches make it unlawful to camp on the beach, so you’ll have to arrange ahead of time where you’ll go. Don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path to locate some of the nicest sites away from the major touristy beaches. Hunting Island State Park and Huntington Beach State Park are both worth visiting on the SC State Parks webpage.
Can you sleep on the beach in SC?
The campsites at Edisto Beach State Park are the closest you can get to sleeping on the beach in South Carolina. On the beaches of South Carolina, you are not permitted to strip naked. A few places (Myrtle Beach and Isle of Palms, for example) are considerably stricter, prohibiting the public display of buttocks. There will be no thongs.
Free Camping on South Carolina’s Coast
We should point out that a lot of this is camping along the seaside rather than on the beach. Parking on the sand is uncommon in the Southeast United States, and South Carolina is no exception. What you will discover, though, are free camping spots within a few kilometers of the Atlantic Ocean. To put it another way, basecamp experiences.
The Francis Marion National Forest and the nearby, state-run Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area, located about 60 miles south of Myrtle Beach, have several of these locations. You can only stay for four days, but it is free, gorgeous, and conveniently located.
A few of campsites in a live oak grove are available at the wildlife management area. Meanwhile, the national forest has a variety of camping options, including hunting camps like Elmwood Recreation Area. The nearby Halfway Creek Trail Campground, which is more formal but still free, has actual campsites with picnic tables and fire rings.
Boondocking in Sumter National Forest
While vehicle and RV camping are officially prohibited as part of this national forest’s dispersed camping accommodations (tent camping is permitted), primitive camping is accessible at the Grapevine Campground, a more formal collection of numbered campsites.
Sumter National Forest is the calmer of South Carolina’s national forests, yet it still offers lots of recreational options. The location, which is nestled along the Blue Ridge Mountains’ edge, has everything from rustic tent sites to easy access to state parks. Beautiful hiking trails abound, such as the Andrew Pickens Ranger District’s Yellow Branch Falls Trail. On the Chattooga River, you can go fishing and travel by practically every type of human-powered watercraft. North of the forest lie Lake Jocassee and Devils Fork State Park, and these are just a few of the services provided by the forest service.
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