Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina offer several primitive tent camping opportunities with basic facilities and natural settings. Sedalia Campground provides tent sites with running water and vault toilets for $5 per night for single campsites or $10 for group camping. Leroys Ferry Campground features waterfront tent sites accessible by both car and boat, with fire rings and picnic tables at most sites.
Tent camping areas throughout these national forests typically feature unpaved sites with minimal amenities. Most campgrounds provide fire rings, but campers should bring their own water or be prepared to treat water from natural sources. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Sedalia and Leroys Ferry, but facilities are generally basic. The forests see increased camper traffic during hunting seasons, particularly fall deer and spring turkey seasons. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis with payment collected via drop boxes.
Sites are often spaced adequately to provide privacy between campers. A visitor commented, "Leroys Ferry is a great, unpopular place to camp with most campsites having access via trails to the lake." Tent campers appreciate the forest setting and proximity to outdoor activities. The Palmetto Trail passes through Sedalia Campground, making it convenient for hikers. Most areas have limited or spotty cell service, offering a true disconnect from everyday life. The natural settings provide opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. During peak seasons and holidays, early arrival is recommended to secure preferred sites, especially at the more popular waterfront locations.
"Has fire pit and access to running water . No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets . But very nice place to get away from stress of life . Definitely will be back"
"If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes. Just be aware that there are no picnic tables. Still it's cheap and close to where we live in Spartanburg."
from $5 - $150 / night
from $75 / night
"10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
"Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming."
from $10 / night
from $45 - $55 / night
from $25 / night
TravelerIt was very nice! My fiance and I and our kitty stopped for the night, had burgers and went on a little hike in the morning with a gorgeous view. It’s very quiet, well kept. Has 2 porta-potty’s as well. Would definitely come back.
LegendHickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWhen we got there, another family was in our space. They said the one they reserved was overgrown with brush (a few were). We tried to call to have it resolved but no one to call. We ended up having to pick another site that was empty. That portion was very stressful after a long drive to get there. Experience was okay, the water is down a good bit right now.
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
ScoutWhen I moved here in October 2025 Tom and Jen were helpful. The lot however hadn’t been cleaned in quite some time. The dead leaves and pine needles were at least 2 inches thick and I was left to clean them by myself. The amenities are far below substandard and barely work. If you need to shower at the office pray the hot water is working before going. It doesn’t work more than it works. There are always campground wide water and electric issues. The mail carrier delivers all mail to the office and they distribute to mailboxes when they feel like it unless Jen has something against you then she brags to other people in the campground how she is shredding your mail. I moved out in July 2026 and had paid my rent a week early but found a place to move the day after paying and they refused to reimburse the rent. They also raised the 6 times as well as forced all residents to pay for WiFi that was very inadequate to watch tv with so you pay for their WiFi as well as a second WiFi that actually works. I am not telling you to not move or camp here just want you to be informed of what you’ll be dealing with.
ScoutI have stayed at brickhouse multiple times, and will stay again in the future. It’s always quiet, and relaxing! No potable water, so make sure you bring plenty with you, no bath houses, only privy toilets.
TravelerI stayed for weeks in May 2026. The campground is easy to get to, with the non-seasonal sites convenient to the restroom, which is a well maintained vault toilet. The water spigot is there too. The wooded sites are pleasantly separate and equipped with only a fire ring, so bring any tables and chairs you may need. I had Verizon and had barely any connection at all. Starlink worked ok. Solar power is in short supply due to trees.
TravelerSpacious private sites with electric and water. $26/night, half price with the America the Beautiful pass or Senior or Military pass. Booked 2 nights the day before arrival.
TravelerVery quiet, beautiful, large site. We stayed at 13 and it was very private and large. We will definitely be back!
The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests span over 630,000 acres across South Carolina, with terrain varying from coastal plains to piedmont forests. Camping opportunities exist year-round, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Several primitive campgrounds offer alternatives to the more developed sites, each with varying levels of facilities and seasonal availability.
Fishing access: Leroys Ferry provides direct water access with sites approximately 100 feet from the shoreline. As one camper notes, "Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming." Leroys Ferry maintains clean facilities despite its primitive designation.
Hiking opportunities: The Sumter National Forest contains numerous trails suitable for day hikes. At Sedalia Campground, one visitor mentioned, "If you're a road cyclist this is heaven, and some decent trail riding down to the lakes." The campground's proximity to multiple trail systems makes it convenient for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.
Seasonal hunting: Several hunt camps throughout the forests cater specifically to hunters. Fell Hunt Camp operates from September through early January and features specialized amenities. A camper reported, "20+ campsites in a circle for tent campers and some additional ones on the side for equestrian campers and their horses. The water in the spouts is well water and delicious."
Site spacing: The distance between campsites creates natural privacy for visitors. At Leroys Ferry, one camper observed, "$10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
Water quality: Several campgrounds feature well water that receives positive reviews. A camper at Soap Creek Marina appreciated the overall facilities: "Pull-up RV or tent spots with fire pits and picnic tables. There are also a few cabins available to rent. To use the boat launch it costs $5."
Affordability: Budget-conscious tent camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests consistently ranks as a top benefit. One visitor to Sedalia noted, "Still it's cheap and close to where we live in Spartanburg," highlighting the accessible pricing structure that maintains $5 for individual sites at many locations.
Cleanliness varies: Facilities maintenance depends on previous visitors and ranger schedules. A camper at Leroys Ferry mentioned, "It seems to attract people inclined to leave a lot of garbage. I filled a bag before I even set up camp."
Limited amenities: Most sites provide only basic facilities. A Sedalia Campground visitor reported, "Has fire pit and access to running water. No picnic tables and has vaulted toilets. But very nice place to get away from stress of life."
Payment systems: Most campgrounds use self-service payment methods. As one camper at Leroys Ferry explained, "First come first serve, bring exact money because it's just a drop box. It's primitive camping so bring your own water, no electricity. No trash dumpster either so be prepared to pack if out."
Best tent camping locations: When selecting sites for family camping, consider proximity to water sources. A visitor to Leroys Ferry appreciated that "It's clean with easy access and most sites are very easy to navigate. The pit toilets were kept very clean."
Activity options: Families benefit from campgrounds with open spaces. Clarks Hill receives positive reviews for its cleanliness and recreation options, with one camper simply stating, "Very clean park. Great fishing."
Group accommodations: Some sites offer dedicated areas for larger family gatherings. At Sedalia Campground, "There is a spacious grassy area in the middle of the campsites for whatever activities you want to engage in. There is also a large, separate grassy area for group camping. It includes a communal fire pit."
Site leveling: Many primitive sites present challenges for recreational vehicles. Regarding Leroys Ferry, one RVer advised, "You can fit an RV on most sites, although they aren't all completely level."
Hookup availability: For RVers requiring electricity, Blythewood Acres offers full-service options. A reviewer noted, "Water, sewer, power and dump station on site! These sites are level and waiting for your RV."
Size limitations: Most primitive sites in these forests accommodate smaller RVs only. Large motorhomes and fifth wheels may find limited suitable locations, particularly during peak hunting seasons when campgrounds fill with regular visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests is Sedalia Campground with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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