Camping
Overview
It doesn't matter if you enjoy primitive camping or RVing, you can find a spot on the Francis Marion National Forest. Camping is allowed only in developed campgrounds and in designated primitive sites. This policy, developed in the early 1970s, reduces conflicts and provides greater safety during the hunting seasons and reduces littering. Individuals desiring to camp outside these areas may apply for a free permit from the local district office.
Groups of fewer than 75 people may camp in a campground. Groups of more than 75 require a special-use permit in either a campground or undesignated area. Groups of any size camping in undesignated areas will need a permit.
Campfire permits are not required. However, please check with the local district office about fire conditions.
The Francis Marion National Forest offers camping opportunites at Buck Hall Recreation Area, Elmwood Recreation Area, Honey Hill Recreation Area and Swamp Fox Passage/Palmetto Trail.
Buck Hall Recreation Area
Please note: As of Tuesday, September 1, 2009, all RV and tent sites will be available for reservation under the Reserve America reservation system. The campground will no longer offer any first come/first serve campsites. (more)
This premier recreation area is situated on the site of the old Buck Hall plantation just six miles southeast of McClellanville. Its location on the Intracoastal Waterway provides the best access to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, 65,000 acres of marsh, tidal creeks and beaches and Bulls Bay, the best area for shrimp baiting on the coast.
Buck Hall boasts 14 full hook-up camper sites, five tent sites, two bathrooms, showers, a picnic shelter, boat ramp, two floating docks and a lighted parking area for 175 vehicles with trailers. (more)
Forest Supervisor's Order for Occupancy and Use at Buck Hall Recreation Area
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. The area also serves as a Sotuh Carolina Deprtment of Natural Resources game check station during big-game hunting season.
(more)
Honey Hill Recreation Area
This primitive camping facility is located between McClellanville and Honey Hill. A short camp loop swings through an upland pine/oak forest and encircles a fire lookout tower. The fire lookout tower is no longer in use. (more)
Swamp Fox Passage/Palmetto Trail
Named for Francis Marion, a famous Revolutionary War general known as the Swamp Fox, this hiking and mountain biking trail travels along old railroad logging trams for much of its length. It traverses a wide array of habitat types from mature longleaf pine stands to bottomland hardwood drains and evergreen shrub bogs offering great scenery for visitors. (more)