Best Tent Camping near Dillon, SC
Tent campers near Dillon, South Carolina have access to several established campgrounds within a reasonable drive. Lumber River State Park offers two tent-friendly access points: Princess Ann and Chalk Banks, both located in nearby Orrum, North Carolina. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge provides permitted camping for tent users, though general public camping is restricted to educational groups and researchers who must obtain special permits and complete service projects during their stay.
Most tent sites in the region feature elevated platforms with dirt frames bordered by wooden railroad ties. Primitive facilities are standard, with Chalk Banks offering a single vault toilet and water spigot serving the entire campground. Tent sites at Lumber River State Park include individual trash cans emptied by rangers each morning. Gates at Chalk Banks close between 8 PM and 8 AM, requiring campers to obtain gate codes for after-hours access. Sandhills Campground B offers truly primitive camping with no bathrooms, water spigots, or services of any kind, making it essential for tent campers to bring all necessary supplies.
The tent camping experience in this region provides exceptional privacy and space. Sites at Chalk Banks are notably spacious with significant separation between campers, creating a secluded backcountry feel despite being an established campground. Tent sites 9-11 at Chalk Banks sit far back in the woods, offering an almost private camping experience with abundant forage wood available. The area provides good access for fishing and paddling, with the Lumber River accessible for kayaking and swimming. Cell service is generally available for both AT&T and Verizon users even in these remote tent sites. According to one visitor, "The tent sites are some of the better spread out ones that I've seen and having cell coverage is immensely appreciated considering you're basically in the middle of nowhere."