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Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping

6 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

A dirt loop road through live oak forest marks the entry point to Halfway Creek, a free dispersed camping area along the Palmetto Trail in Francis Marion National Forest. The layout is larger than it first appears. Three distinct zones give campers options: sites along the loop road itself, a wide open field, and several spots tucked into the trees, with the latter two requiring campers to carry gear on foot.

Crowd levels here vary considerably. On quiet weekends the area can feel nearly empty, but large groups, including church youth groups and hikers moving between trail segments, sometimes fill the field with dozens of tents. Cleanliness has been an ongoing concern in reviews, though a more recent visitor noted the area had been cleaned up and that a police officer patrolled through during the day and night. Cell service is listed as available. The Wambaw Cycle Trail, a motocross and dirt bike system, is nearby, so expect some mechanical noise depending on when you visit.

"The hiking trails are nice and groomed," Nick C. notes, and the Palmetto Trail runs directly through the area. RV access is limited to a couple of pull-through spots along the main loop. Van campers should be aware that overnight vehicle camping may not be permitted in the adjacent trailhead parking lot. Everything is pack-in, pack-out. Those exploring camping spots near Francis Marion National Forest will find additional developed options in the surrounding area. Fall and spring tend to bring the most manageable temperatures for this lowcountry forest terrain.

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Map & DirectionsHalfway Creek is located in South Carolina near Isle of Palms

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Directions

Off Halfway Creek Road (SC Route 98-S) Located along Swampfox Passage/Palmetto Trail.

Coordinates

33.040442914529365 N
79.70491669079166 W

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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
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/28/26

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
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 8/28/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/28/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Halfway Creek

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

17%
33%
17%
17%
16%

3.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Free primitive camping with varied sites from open fields to tree-covered areas near Charleston. Several guests observed cleanliness and noise issues, though recent visitors noted improved conditions with police patrols.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Nov. 16, 2025

Unclear where the actual camping is

There’s a trailhead parking lot a little beyond the coordinates which you can’t overnight camp in your vehicle. However, there were tents in the trail a bit, so it might just be walk in tent specific, and not for vans? Still unsure.

Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2025

Peaceful area

I stayed out here for a full night. The area has been cleaned up and a few times during the day and night a police officer patrolled the area. Just smiled and waved.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2022

Trash everywhere, Agressive Homeless People

Not a great campsite. I’m a big fan of primitive, and this is primitive, but too many things make it not worth it for me and mine. Immediately upon entering the roundabout is just completely full of trash, all the time. There are a few homeless people whose favorite pastime seems to be to scream as loudly as they can as often as they can, time of day (or night) not relevant whatsoever. I’ve given this place a few chances now, and every time I have been disappointed. Stay at your own risk.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Mar. 27, 2022

Halfway Creek Dispersed

Great little spot for primitive camping. Hiking trails are nice and groomed. Very peaceful and everyone stays to themselves.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

Perfect

Came back for another night cause it was perfect.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping by Chloe S., July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping by Chloe S., July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping by Chloe S., July 17, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Nov. 30, 2020

Primitive National Forest Camping

This is a primitive area along the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest.

Many hiker's heading to or coming down from the Appalachian Trail will camp here in a beautiful setting underneath live oak trees.

There are 3 areas to camp: along the dirt loop road, a big field, and a few areas tucked back in the trees.

This first appears to be a small campground due to the size of the road's loop. But, there are several large areas with plenty of room for tent or hammock camping.

There are only a couple spots for an RV or Travel Trailer to park, but they are pull through along the side of the main loop.  

Plenty of parking for those willing to walk their gear into the large field, or along the camping areas down by the trail. 

Depending on the year, you'll either have this campsite all to yourself, or be sharing it with 100 other tents. Large groups love this free site (i.e. church youth groups) as it's easy to get to and about 30 minutes to Charleston, SC.

I've always found this place to be one of those "nearest far away places" due to the seclusion.

Everything here is pack in and pack out, so don't expect anything fancy, just a free and fun spot to camp for a night. Down the road is the Wambaw Cycle Trail, a maintained trail system for motocross & dirt bikes.

SiteDispersed. No set sites.
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping by Adam V., November 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping by Adam V., November 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping by Adam V., November 30, 2020
  • (8) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Halfway Creek Campground located and how do I get there?

Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping is located in the Francis Marion National Forest. The campground sits along the Palmetto Trail in a beautiful setting featuring live oak trees. It's situated in a primitive area with access via a dirt loop road. For exact directions, it's best to use GPS coordinates or contact the Francis Marion National Forest office for detailed driving instructions as this is a more remote, dispersed camping area rather than a developed campground.

What hiking trails are accessible from Halfway Creek Campground?

The Palmetto Trail is directly accessible from Halfway Creek Campground, offering well-maintained hiking opportunities through the Francis Marion National Forest. The trails around the campground are nicely groomed and provide peaceful walking experiences through the natural surroundings. This area serves as a connection point for hikers, with some using it as a staging area before or after tackling longer trails, including the Appalachian Trail.

Is Halfway Creek Campground free to use or are there camping fees?

Halfway Creek is a free dispersed camping area in the Francis Marion National Forest. There are no camping fees required to stay at this primitive site. As with most dispersed camping on national forest land, there's no reservation system - camping is first-come, first-served. While this makes it a budget-friendly option near Charleston, SC, remember that free camping means minimal amenities and a responsibility to practice Leave No Trace principles.

Can you RV camp at Halfway Creek Campground?

Halfway Creek is not ideal for RV camping. This is a primitive, dispersed camping area with three main camping zones: along the dirt loop road, in a field, and in other natural areas. The undeveloped nature of the site, including dirt access roads and lack of designated pads or hookups, makes it unsuitable for most RVs, particularly larger ones. This location is better suited for tent camping and smaller, self-contained vehicles that can handle primitive conditions.

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