Francis Marion National Forest provides numerous free camping near Bonneau, South Carolina opportunities throughout its 259,000 acres of protected land. The terrain consists primarily of wetlands and pine forests with elevation rarely exceeding 50 feet above sea level. Dispersed camping sites typically remain available year-round, though seasonal flooding can affect accessibility during periods of heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: The Palmetto Trail system through Francis Marion National Forest offers well-maintained paths for day hikes from camping areas. At Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping, campers appreciate the maintained paths. According to Nick C., "Hiking trails are nice and groomed. Very peaceful and everyone stays to themselves."
Wildlife viewing: The forests and waterways provide habitats for diverse species. Guilliard Lake offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities according to Stephen F., who spotted "Bald eagles, owls, otter, fish. It's beautiful."
Beachcombing: For those willing to make the boat journey, coastal camping options reward with shoreline exploring. Michelle C. reports from Caper's Island: "After we set up our campsite, we went on a long walk down the boneyard beach for firewood and sea shell hunting (tons of conch shells and sand dollars)."
What campers like
Natural seclusion: The remote locations provide peaceful camping experiences away from crowds. Adam V. notes about Halfway Creek, "I've always found this place to be one of those 'nearest far away places' due to the seclusion."
Multiple camping configurations: Dispersed sites offer various setup options. Adam V. describes Halfway Creek's layout: "There are 3 areas to camp: along the dirt loop road, a big field, and a few areas tucked back in the trees."
Convenient accessibility: Despite the primitive nature, some sites remain relatively accessible from nearby urban areas. Adam V. mentions Halfway Creek is "easy to get to and about 30 minutes to Charleston, SC," making it popular for no-cost camping near Bonneau.
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads accessing dispersed sites can be challenging. Andy K. warns about Guilliard Lake: "The dirt road in for several miles has VERY large potholes and you have to weave across the track to avoid them. Ok with car if very careful especially at night."
Campsite availability varies: Visitor volume fluctuates significantly throughout the year. As Adam V. describes, "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)."
Pack in, pack out required: No waste facilities exist at these primitive sites. Adam V. reminds visitors about Halfway Creek: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Boat access camping: For families with watercraft, coastal camping offers unique experiences. Michelle C. shares about Caper's Island: "My family camped with another family with a total of 8 people and 2 dogs... We all had an awesome time and plan to camp on Caper's Island again soon!"
Insect preparation: Forest environments harbor significant insect populations, especially during warmer months. Ethan B. cautions, "Had to deal with a ton of insects... I do say it was packed when we were there."
Site selection planning: Arrive early to secure preferred camping spots, particularly during busy periods. On weekends and holidays, dispersed sites can fill quickly. Look for flat, elevated ground away from standing water to minimize insect exposure.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle size limitations: Large RVs have significant access challenges on forest roads. Andy K. advises, "This is not a campground for anyone with a large rig or RV," regarding Guilliard Lake access.
Pull-through options: Some dispersed areas offer limited pull-through parking. Adam V. notes, "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" at Halfway Creek.
Provisioning strategy: Stock all supplies before arrival as return trips on rough roads are best avoided. Andy K. recommends, "Definitely make sure you have all you need before getting to the site, not a road you want to keep traveling down."
