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Map showing campground location near Huger, South Carolina
Camper submitted image from Francis Marion National ForestView 4 Photos
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Francis Marion National Forest

6 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Francis Marion National Forest stretches across the coastal lowlands of South Carolina, and this established campground within it gives visitors access to a landscape that shifts between open grassy clearings and denser forest cover. Managed by the US Forest Service, the site sits near the Swampfox Passage of the Palmetto Trail, making it a practical base for hikers. The terrain is largely flat, consistent with the lowcountry geography of the region, and several places to camp near Francis Marion National Forest are dispersed across the surrounding forest for those who want more solitude.

Cell service is unreliable here. Campers should note that conditions on access roads can deteriorate after rain, with some low-lying sections collecting standing water that makes staying dry a challenge on foot or by vehicle. The campground has electric hookups, drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables, and it accommodates both drive-in and walk-in arrivals. Pets are allowed. Those looking for a more primitive experience can reach Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping to the south, where no hookups or facilities are available.

Snakes are a documented presence along the trails, particularly in sunny spots where they warm themselves on the path. Bug spray is worth packing regardless of season, and mosquitoes are especially active in warmer months. As one reviewer puts it, "bring lots of water and bug spray and some trash bags to pack your trash out," which reflects the leave-no-trace ethic expected here. Reservations are available, so booking ahead is advisable during peak spring and fall hiking seasons.

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Map & DirectionsFrancis Marion National Forest is located in South Carolina near Huger

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

33.14481005 N
79.69517097 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Drive Time

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Francis Marion National Forest

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5 Stars

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1 Star

17%
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33%
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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2021

Walking

My grandchildren and I went for traveling time there the first night there was a flash flood so the second day when we got there the people next to us were drunk and they had dogs. Well the people were drunk, they curseI have an also have just lost a love one trying to have peace of mind there was impossible you can hear the dogs howling from the shower stalls it was the first time ever going there and I will not go back to that location again it’s very disappointing the beach was phenomenal the ice cream store that they have there was great.

Sitewalking around
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2021

Put on the wild side of nature.

I have my grandchildren for the end of summer before they started back to school and we went on camping for a little over a week it was great the children had a chance to go swimming and they love that the they learned a lot of things about nature and did some life skills people were very friendly and in all of the areas of congaree national park. we went to Congaree national Park , and the people are extremely nice and helpful. very family friendly.

Sitecongaree
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 7, 2021

Great spot for an overnight or for a weekend

I love this spot. Its right on the trail, it also allows for you to drive right up to the campground and park your car, set up camp and then head out for a hike. It has some spots closer to the parking area and others back away from it by a couple hundred feet. There used to be water available but that spicket is well past it "sell-by-date". The closest store is a 10-minute drive. Hiking is great. There are some areas where after rain it becomes "pools" of water making staying dry a bit difficult. The trail is being added to. At some point in the future, you can start at the ocean and walk across the state to the border of North Carolina and Georgia. The low country side is going to be flat walking with some minor up and over terrain. Hills don't show up until you get more west. Snakes are probably the worst thing you'll come across, however most want to get away from people unless they feel a need to defend. So, keep your eyes open, I've stumbled across a couple laying on the trail just trying to get sun and warm up. Once my presence was recognized they get away as fast as possible. Stay safe and keep your eyes and ears open.

SiteHalfway creek primitive trail camp
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

A great low-country experience

Fantastic hiking, well maintained (during normal services), and the primitive campsites are the best "get-away" opportunity.

Nature is abundant, both flaura and fauna. So bug spray is recommended to the unfortunate of us that are preyed upon by mosquitoes and the like. Also my dogs love it and it's a great energy burner for them.

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2020

Cheap, primitive, rustic!

We camped at Halfway Creek in the Francis Marion National Forest for the eclipse.  It's a free campground, but there are no water and no toilets.  You can park in a lot just outside the camping area--some people sleep in their cars there.  This site does not take reservations, so it's first come-first served.

The actual camping area is wide open and grassy, but if you prefer more privacy, you can hike in a bit and pick a spot.  We stayed in the open area because we were a big group and wanted the best view of the eclipse!

Something fun to do is to visit (gotta drive there) the Halfway Creek Church, constructed in 1941.  You can also do a hike on one of the trails here.

Bring lots of water and bug spray and some trash bags to pack your trash/T.P. out!

[Off Halfway Creek Road (SC Route 98-S), located along Swampfox Passage/Palmetto Trail]

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Francis Marion National Forest by Courtney B., August 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Francis Marion National Forest by Courtney B., August 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Francis Marion National Forest by Courtney B., August 1, 2020
Reviewed May. 25, 2019

Good Times

My buddies and drove our trucks off the normal road to find ultimate privacy. We didn’t stay on a set camp ground, with no cell service and no one bothering us we got to simply relax. We stayed in our trucks that night. The next morning after we made breakfast we explored for hours, in our trucks and by foot. It was absolutely amazing, I can’t wait to go again... hopefully sooner than later.

  • Review photo of Francis Marion National Forest by Matt W., May 25, 2019
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the camping areas in Francis Marion National Forest?

Francis Marion National Forest offers several camping areas including Halfway Creek, which is a free primitive campground. There are also numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout the forest where visitors can find privacy off the main roads. Some camping spots are conveniently located right on hiking trails, allowing campers to park their vehicles, set up camp, and easily access hiking opportunities. These sites vary in proximity to parking areas, with some close by and others a couple hundred feet back from parking.

What amenities are available at Francis Marion National Forest campgrounds?

Francis Marion National Forest campgrounds are primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Halfway Creek is a free campground but lacks water facilities and toilets. While there was previously water available at some locations, this may no longer be the case, so campers should bring their own water supply. There are parking areas near most camping spots, with some allowing you to drive directly to your campsite. Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas of the forest. The campgrounds are well-maintained during normal service periods but essentially offer a back-to-basics camping experience.

What do visitors say about camping in Francis Marion National Forest?

Campers generally enjoy the privacy and natural experience at Francis Marion National Forest. Many appreciate the opportunity to find secluded spots away from crowds, with some mentioning the excellent primitive campsites as perfect "get-away" opportunities. Visitors frequently highlight the fantastic hiking trails and abundant wildlife. The forest offers family-friendly experiences where children can swim and learn about nature. However, some have reported occasional issues with disruptive neighboring campers. Bug spray is recommended as mosquitoes can be prevalent in this natural setting.

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