Best Tent Camping near Folly Beach, SC

Francis Marion National Forest provides the primary tent camping options near Folly Beach, South Carolina. This 258,000-acre national forest offers both primitive and established tent sites approximately 25 miles north of Folly Beach. The forest features both drive-in camping areas and more secluded walk-in tent sites, particularly at locations like Halfway Creek where campers can choose between open grassy areas or more private spots deeper in the forest.

Tent campers should come prepared with adequate water supplies and insect repellent, as reviews consistently mention limited amenities and mosquito activity. Halfway Creek offers primitive camping with no potable water or toilet facilities. The camping area allows parking in a nearby lot, with some campers opting to sleep in vehicles there while others set up tents in the open field or hike further in for privacy. A camper noted, "Bring lots of water and bug spray and some trash bags to pack your trash out," highlighting the leave-no-trace expectations. Cell service is limited throughout the forest, adding to the disconnected backcountry experience.

The terrain in Francis Marion National Forest is characteristic of South Carolina's lowcountry, with flat walking trails and occasional wet areas. After rainfall, portions of trails can develop pools of water, making dry hiking challenging in some sections. Wildlife encounters are common, with snakes being the primary concern for tent campers. A reviewer mentioned that "nature is abundant, both flora and fauna," making this area ideal for nature observation and photography. The forest connects to the Palmetto Trail, offering extensive hiking opportunities for tent campers looking to explore beyond their campsite. The forest remains relatively uncrowded, allowing tent campers to find solitude even during popular seasons.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near Folly Beach, South Carolina (2)

    1. Francis Marion National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Huger, SC
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 336-2200

    "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."

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

    Nature is abundant, both flaura and fauna."

Show More
Showing results 1-2 of 2 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Folly Beach, SC

398 Reviews of 2 Folly Beach Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Campground at James Island County Park

    We love this campground!!

    So much to do— quiet and family friendly. Bike rentals, dog park, fishing pond, laundry, water park, etc. Large corner lot with plenty of shade. 20 mins from Folly Beach! Will be back!

  • Marvin D.
    May. 3, 2021

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Great campground

    Sprawling park and campground right between Charleston and Folly Beach. There is a camp store which is well stocked and stays open till 8pm. The predominance of this campground is RV sites. The sites are well maintained and with enough space between each site.

    The tent camping site and group tent sites are hike-in. The hike in is really not that far at all from where you park your cars, so no worries. The individual tent sites sit back in the woods, with a nice tree canopy, which gives it a real "primitive" feel to it. The sites are raised and contain a gravel bed.

    There are bathrooms and private showers on site in a few locations. The bathroom and showers for the tent sites lay next to the group site, which is a short walk.

    Shopping and stores are on hwy 117, just a few short minutes from the park.

  • Melissa W.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Givhans Ferry State Park Campground

    Nice Primitive camping area

    I like the primitive camping area. The bathroom and water source is nearby, as well as a pavilion/shelter. There are three sections, with multiple areas for camping in each one. Each has 2-3 tables and a fire ring. 

    I hammock camp, and there are plenty of trees useful for this purpose. This is primitive, so there is no electrical or water spout, although the bathroom has both. There is a 1 1/2 mile walking trail nearby, that runs along the Edisto River.

    I haven't actually frequented the other camping areas: RV drive-up and walk-in, so I can't review them.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2024

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Mobile Camping Bliss w/ Tons of Amenities & Attractions

    Should you be driving an RV, hitched to a 5th Wheeler or hauling a trailer, whatever your mobile camping experience might be, there’s 116 campsite options to choose from here at James Island Co Park, which offers both pull-through & back-in sites (maximum 80 feet), which provide a great launching pad to explore more than 643 acres of pure outdoor bliss offering perhaps one of the most expansive list of amenities and attractions (see more below). Once you arrive here at this RV Campground from James Island Parkway, you’ll pass the Ranger Station and will circumnavigate the circle-like exterior of the park until you arrive to this very CG, turn right and check-in at the main office, which also serves as the CG marketplace.

    This RV Campground is basically the expanse of 2 lateral football fields with an east and west side, dissected on the east side by 3 simple short lanes and a restroom / shower / laundry facility located right in the middle. Over on the west side, there’s a single loop that isn’t dissected at all, but has a second, narrower loop on its northern flank, where hereto, a central restroom / shower / laundry facility has been plotted right in the middle of this circuitous loop.

    RV Campground Amenities include: FHUs with 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water & sewage, 24-hour staffing, activity center, super-clean, new bathhouses and restrooms, designated dump station, complimentary WiFi, campground marketplace, coin-operated laundr-O-mat, stand-up grills / BBQs, fire rings, picnic tables, propane-refueling station, trash / recyclable containers, cottages available to rent as well as ice + firewood for sale.

    Situated just north of where your RV is anchored is the Outdoor Zone featuring a 50 foot climbing wall, obstacle challenge course, 1K sq ft bouldering wall and slackline that will have you and your brood enjoying these backwoods in no time. West of this Outdoor Zone is an 18-hole disc golf course and back towards the center of the park is a Splash Zone Waterpark complete with (2) 200 foot waterslides, 500 foot long lazy river, leisure pool & rainforest play structure, kid’s playground as well as a boat house with kayak, pedal boat and canoe rentals along with direct access to a small lake, round-trip shuttle service (to the nearby Convention& Visitor Bureau, Folly Beach Pier of Folly Beach County Park), Spray Play Waterpark, K9 park, crabbing & fishing dock, 16K acres of freshwater lakes, Santee Stage for live music and events, 4 individual group shelters and countless picnic tables in addition to 5+ miles of paved paths offering hiking / biking bliss.

    Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are one of those RV campers that come towing a Jeep behind them or have somehow managed to transport a golf cart with you and find that the slot you’ve been given doesn’t adequately provide enough space for everything including your RV (let alone the additional transport you’ve brought) have no fear, as there’s substantial, additional parking that exists right in front of the Group Camping area, just due north of where you are stationed; (2) I found it hard to believe that with over 100 sites there was only 2 restroom / shower facilities and every time we tried to use the showers, there was a waiting line – so given this, timing is EVERYTHING as normally everyone is heading to get their showers first thing in the morning – so I highly recommend you either get up SUPER early or simply change your shower schedule to mid-afternoon or early evening; (3) In the event that you wanna try something other than what you’ve been whipping up from the confines of your on-board mini-fridge or roto-molded Cordova cooler, then nearby there’s mediocre fast food options like Zaxby’s or Bojangles, but if you’re OK to drive a smidge further, there’s a great joint called Bohemian Bull that’s one part restaurant / one part outdoor tavern of which I highly recommend the fried green tomatoes and bar-b-cuban sandwich; (4) Should you need to stock up on any supplies while here, there is the county park store over in the RV Campground, but for anything more substantial, just about 5 minutes south of this CG you’ll find a Walmart Supercenter; and (5) IMHO the best slots in this RV exclusive campground are those on the perimeter with the best sites being the ones without anything behind them, specifically on the NW periphery with sites #46 - 55; along the westernmost side with sites #20, #21, #23, #24 and #26.

    Happy Camping!

  • Lori D.
    May. 16, 2018

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Awesome Place to RV Camp

    We found this campground well maintained and quiet. The bath house was recently remodeled and now has air conditioning. I found it to be one of the nicest bath facilities we have ever used. The campsites have full RV hook-ups and come with a picnic table and fire ring. The park does allow pets and has a dog park with a beach; it seems like the pups were having a marvelous time playing chase on the beach.This is a County Park with trails for walking or leisure biking. A new water park is under construction and should open this summer. The camp store is well stocked and the staff was very friendly and helpful. One downside was the WIFI (one of the perks at this place) did not work the entire 5 days we were there. I need to work remotely so this was a BIG problem. I had to go to the Starbucks to work...bummer! Positives were the easy drive and parking at nearby Folly Beach during the week, and the close proximity to Historic Charleston.

  • Scott F.
    Mar. 1, 2020

    Hunting Island State Park Campground

    🏕 Beachside Rustic Site 15 🏕

    Hunting Island Beachside Camping has amazing views and is right on the beach. I was no more than 40 yards from the water. All rustic sites are car friendly but you must keep car on paved area. You have great and easy car access to some nice and easy ocean and marsh trails. I recommend the Lagoon Trail to Little Hunting Island Loop Trail (about 4 miles round trip). Little Hunting Island is a cool small island filled with petrified trees and driftwood. In total there are 12 trails totaling 9.45 miles. There is also a store, bathrooms with showers, and WiFi in the campgrounds.

    I camped here at the end of February. The daily and nightly temps were very manageable/comfortable. High in the low 60s and Low in the mid to low 40s.

    Why I did not rate this 5 stars is for two reasons. One is price, it cost $90.00 for two nights at the end February which is offseason. The cost does include admission into the state park which is were most of the trails are. It is also home to the only lighthouse in SC you can walkup.

    The second reason for the 4 star rating is the campsites are extremely close. You are right on top of other campers. I could clearly hear other sites’s conversations and music and for it being off-season most sites were booked. However there was one site that was more private, closer to the water, and next to the tree line, rustic site 13. THIS IS THE SITE YOU WANT. If you want more privacy or have more people or both and you have the money I would rent site 13 and 14. Because the sites are so close together these two have a natural flow and feel like one nice campsite.

    Pros • Beach camp close to the Ocean • Good easy trails • Store • Bathrooms w/ shower • WiFi • Fire ring w/ grille • Picnic table • February temps comfortable • Amazing Sunrise!!!! • Dog Friendly • Nature center • Fishing pier • Wildlife viewing area • Great parking/ easy driving. (SUV)

    Cons • Price ( $90 for two night in Feb) • Sites extremely close to one another • No alcohol 😉

  • Adam V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Honey Hill Recreation Area

    National Forest Free Campground

    This primitive camping facility is located between McClellanville and Honey Hill. A short camp loop swings through an upland pine/oak forest and encircles a fire lookout tower. The fire lookout tower is no longer in use.

    This semi-primitive campground is about 30 minutes north of Charleston, SC, 8 miles west of Highway 17 in the heart of the Francis Marion National Forest.

    The number one thing I love about this site: It's free. It's easy to get to. It's camping!

    There are 12 fairly large sites spaced well apart so you avoid that parking lot feel. LOTS of trees. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The entire campground is well maintained by the National Forest Service, and the ranger. I say it's semi-primitive because there is a vault toilet which is old, yet clean. 

    In the center, there is an old abandoned fire tower that is fenced off from people going up it.

    I've been here several times and overall, it's fairly quiet. However, there was one Friday night where a bunch of 20 something's came in, climbed up the fire-tower and partied making for a not so quiet experience.

    Since it's free, you can expect to see some interesting neighbors coming in and out. But with the ranger station down the street, the rangers do patrol this daily (I've never seen them in here at night). It's first come first serve, so weekends are usually packed. You better get here early.

    I give it 4-stars because it's clean with generous spaces and we've always had a great time. Plus, the spots have so many trees, it makes hammock camping a breeze. All sites are perfect for car / truck camping. Just pull up and unload.

    Nearby are several of the major trails that run through this National Forest, including the popular Swamp Fox. The site also is right next to one of the dirt forest roads, that takes you in even deeper.

    10 minutes away, at the Highway 17 intersection are gas stations & mini markets, so if you need some basic supplies, things are right down the road.

    Directions: From Charleston, take US Highway 17 north to McClellanville. At the intersection of SC Highway 45 (the yellow caution light) turn left, and drive eight miles to the camp.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2018

    Buck Hall Recreation Area

    Intercoastal Camping: Watch Wildlife from the Campground

    Reservations during the main season are key if you have any hope of getting a campsite in this awesome Francis Marion National Forest campground which sits just along the gorgeous intercoastal waterway, about 40 minutes northeast of Charleston, SC! We pulled in without reservations and nearly every site was booked out. The campground host was super helpful, though, finding us an empty spot (due to a cancellation) for a couple nights, then moved us to a non-reservable site for the remainder of our time.

    The majority of the sites are designed for very large RVs, with a few very nice waterfront sites designated for tents. Each site is spacious, complete with a picnic table, firepit, 2 lantern poles, and electrical hookups, with a dump station at the back of the campground. The bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets, sinks, and a shower and kept relatively clean.

    The campground itself is dripping with live oaks and speckled with Palmetto trees, so lots of shade is available, especially in the tent areas. The boat launch is walking distance from the campground and has a nice picnic area adjacent to it. We watched a pods of pelicans and dolphins come through the area, as well as many other sea birds.

    We kayaked along the intercoastal waterway and out into marshy sea grass areas and had one of the most amazing wildlife encounters to date (and we’ve been all over the country). We saw a pod of dolphins in the distance, which appeared to be feeding. We stopped about 150 away and just enjoyed watching them dance and dive in the morning light. Then, two of the dolphins peeled away from the pack and headed straight toward us. As they approached our kayaks, the larger one gave an extra tail fin flap and dove under our boats, coming up just a bit on the other side. As naturalists, our hearts were pounding with excitement! We also hiked and mountain-biked along the gorgeous Palmetto Trail (which is a mountains-to-sea trail across South Carolina, and this campground serves as its coastal terminus).

    Also, don’t miss the famous Sewee Restaurant for some downeast coastal Carolina fare, as well as the Center for Birds of Prey just across the highway from this restaurant. This wildlife conservation and rehabilitation center is doing some amazing things for birds and in the region and doing a great job of public education. If you head up the coast, be sure to stop in Boats & Hoagies in McClellanville for a bite to eat. Cute place, great food, awesome service!

    The $20 per night fee is a great price for the amenities this campground offers, especially with full hook-ups and showers, and a boat launch. Check out our blog on The Dyrt's Online Magazine about our experience on the coast of South Carolina.

  • John P.
    May. 31, 2019

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Great for families and pets!

    Perfectly situated near folly beach! Awesome trails. Pet friendly ,great fishing. Clean restrooms.


Guide to Folly Beach

Francis Marion National Forest offers dispersed camping options approximately 25 miles north of Folly Beach, South Carolina. The national forest includes multiple primitive camping areas where tent campers can experience the South Carolina lowcountry's natural environment. The forest's large size (258,000 acres) provides ample opportunities for solitude, with specific areas designated for camping along trails and forest roads.

What to do

Wildlife observation: The forest hosts diverse wildlife that tent campers regularly encounter during their stay. One camper noted, "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" while visiting Francis Marion National Forest.

Historic site visits: While camping near Folly Beach, visitors can explore historic structures within short driving distance of camping areas. A camper mentioned, "Something fun to do is to visit (gotta drive there) the Halfway Creek Church, constructed in 1941."

Extended hiking: The forest connects with the developing Palmetto Trail system, allowing for multi-day hiking trips. A reviewer explained, "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."

What campers like

Easy vehicle access: Many camping spots combine accessibility with natural surroundings. One visitor to Francis Marion National Forest described, "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."

Privacy options: Campers appreciate the flexibility to choose between open areas and more secluded spots. A reviewer explained, "You can hike in a bit and pick a spot" if you prefer more privacy than the open grassy areas provide.

Spontaneous camping: The first-come, first-served policy at many sites appeals to last-minute planners. One group reported, "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."

What you should know

Water concerns: Tent camping near Folly Beach requires bringing all water supplies. A camper at Francis Marion National Forest warned, "There used to be water available but that spicket is well past it 'sell-by-date'. The closest store is a 10-minute drive."

Weather impacts: The flat terrain can develop water pooling issues after rainfall. A reviewer cautioned, "There are some areas where after rain it becomes 'pools' of water making staying dry a bit difficult."

Wildlife awareness: Snake encounters are common in this region during warmer months. One camper advised, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Educational opportunity: The natural setting provides hands-on learning experiences for children. A grandmother reported at Francis Marion National Forest, "The children had a chance to go swimming and they love that they learned a lot of things about nature and did some life skills."

Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience varying noise levels depending on neighboring campers. One family reported challenges when "the people next to us were drunk and they had dogs... you can hear the dogs howling from the shower stalls."

Plan multiple activities: Combining tent camping with other attractions creates more varied experiences. A family camper mentioned, "The beach was phenomenal the ice cream store that they have there was great."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Folly Beach, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Folly Beach, SC is Francis Marion National Forest with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.