Camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, South Carolina, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Dreher Island State Park Campground, provide excellent fishing opportunities. One camper mentioned, "We spent 90% of our time on the lake swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and enjoying one of the best lakes we’ve ever experienced."
• Hiking: Trails abound in the area. A visitor at Brick House Campground noted, "There are several loop trails you can take that are really close, and the Palmetto Trail runs right through there."
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Campers at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground enjoyed the water, with one reviewer stating, "Beautiful site right on Lake. Plenty of places to walk. Beautiful scenery."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. A visitor at Hamilton Branch State Park Campground said, "Clean bathroom, loved the General store. Will go back."
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A camper at Pine Ridge Campground shared, "The owners are beyond accommodating and want to genuinely make sure your experience is amazing."
• Scenic Views: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. One camper at Modoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake mentioned, "The scenery on the lake and the lack of mosquitoes. This is a peaceful place."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Brick House Campground, have limited amenities. A reviewer noted, "There is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty."
• Wildlife: Expect to see wildlife. A camper at Modoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake reported, "I've seen deer, a bobcat, and various waterfowl."
• Seasonal Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy during peak seasons. A visitor at Dreher Island State Park Campground mentioned, "We got here during a heat wave and it was very, very hot."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Magnolia Family Campground said, "They’ve planned so much for this campground that our kids have had 5 days of things to do each day."
• Safety: Ensure the campground is safe for kids. A visitor at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground noted, "It was nice knowing that there are no alligators there."
• Space for Activities: Choose sites with enough space for kids to play. A camper at Chester State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites were decent and we felt we had privacy."

Tips from RVers:

• Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A reviewer at Croft State Park Campground noted, "Site #37 felt significantly sloped to me for our setup."
• Electric Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground mentioned, "Some have water and power (30 and 50 amp), some have sewer."
• Quiet Hours: Be aware of quiet hours to avoid disturbances. A visitor at Broad River Campground said, "The vibe is residential/family-oriented. The park staff are friendly."

Camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, South Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!