Francis Marion National Forest surrounds Bonneau, South Carolina, covering over 258,000 acres of coastal plain and wetlands with elevations rarely exceeding 50 feet above sea level. The forest's tent camping areas provide access to extensive pine flatwoods and cypress-tupelo swamps characteristic of South Carolina's low country. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop to near freezing.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: Francis Marion National Forest offers extensive wildlife viewing along its trail systems. Visitor Caleb J. notes, "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." Francis Marion National Forest provides habitat for numerous bird species, white-tailed deer, and various reptiles.
Church visits: Take a short drive from your campsite to explore historical structures. As one camper mentioned, "Something fun to do is to visit (gotta drive there) the Halfway Creek Church, constructed in 1941." The small, rustic church provides historical context to the surrounding forest areas.
Swimming access: Several water access points within driving distance offer cooling relief during hot months. According to visitor Brenda L., "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."
What campers like
Off-road truck camping: Some areas permit vehicle access to remote locations for increased privacy. Matt W. shares, "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." This allows tent campers to access more secluded spots than typical established campgrounds.
Open group camping areas: Halfway Creek offers versatile camping spaces suitable for larger gatherings. Courtney B. describes the area as having "actual camping area is wide open and grassy, but if you prefer more privacy, you can hike in a bit and pick a spot." This flexibility accommodates different camping preferences within a single location.
Trail connectivity: The forest sits along the developing Palmetto Trail system. One visitor explains, "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." Current sections provide day hiking opportunities directly from campsites.
What you should know
Water source limitations: Plan to bring all necessary water for your stay. Recent reports indicate water availability has declined. According to Caleb J., "There used to be water available but that spicket is well past it 'sell-by-date'. The closest store is a 10-minute drive."
Trail conditions after rain: Sections of trails frequently flood during wet weather. One regular visitor warns, "There are some areas where after rain it becomes 'pools' of water making staying dry a bit difficult." Waterproof footwear is recommended, particularly in spring and after summer thunderstorms.
Wildlife awareness: Keep alert for native wildlife, particularly snakes. A regular visitor advises, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: The forest environment provides natural learning experiences for children. One grandmother reported, "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...they learned a lot of things about nature and did some life skills."
Pack extra supplies: The primitive nature of sites requires thorough preparation. Courtney B. recommends, "Bring lots of water and bug spray and some trash bags to pack your trash/T.P. out!" Families should pack additional supplies beyond typical camping trips due to limited facilities.
Consider noise levels: Some camping areas experience varying noise levels from neighboring campers. Visitor feedback indicates mixed experiences with noise, as one reviewer mentioned difficulty finding "peace of mind" due to neighboring campsites with "dogs howling" that could be heard throughout the area.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup information: The Francis Marion National Forest campgrounds offer minimal RV-specific amenities. While RVs are accommodated at certain sites, visitors should note the absence of sewer hookups, water hookups, dump stations, and designated big-rig friendly areas.
Truck camping alternatives: For RVers seeking more primitive experiences, truck camping provides a flexible option. Matt W. explains their approach: "We stayed in our trucks that night. The next morning after we made breakfast we explored for hours, in our trucks and by foot." This approach combines vehicle comfort with forest accessibility.
Parking arrangements: Some camping areas have separate parking lots adjacent to tent sites. Courtney B. notes, "You can park in a lot just outside the camping area--some people sleep in their cars there." This creates options for RVers who prefer sleeping in their vehicles while still accessing the camping area.
