Best Tent Camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Are you in need of a campground near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, SC? Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, SC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Tent Sites Near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests (14)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

5 Photos of 14 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

286 Reviews of 14 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 24, 2023

    Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

    Nice spot would return for sure

    I was passing thru SC on the SCAR headed down to the Palmetto Rally and stopped here to camp. It was a very nice campground with level pads, picnic table and fire ring (bring your own wood). As well there were several vault toilets and there was even a water faucet. It was a good campground and I would stay here again. It is not reservable so first come first served. There was some cell coverage as well. I tent camped so can not comment on RV as the others in the campground were tent camping as well.

  • D
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Campsite 41 was poorly planned and maintained

    Pros The pond was beautiful, nice walking trail for beginners, would never consider this a hiking park. Location was close to Colombia and all it offers. Bathhouse was acceptable but nothing to brag about. Toilets were three flushers is you cared about the next guy.

    Cons Guessing I may have had the worst site (41) but walking through there were others similar. Site 41 is a pull through lot which declines quickly upon entry and is marred by deep ra9n crevices. You then incline to the area you should probably land as there is an obvious flat spot. Unfortunately in you stop there, your camper door will open on the neighboring fire ring which is the only fire ring on the back side of the neighboring spot in in the fore ground of yours. Asinine. I had to manipulate my camper for an hour to a spot level enough yet not in my neighbor's fire and dealt with a large tree and had to tie back branches to extend my awning. Uggg

    Effing covid. The state of South Carolina, the City of Columbia don't have mask mandates. But this state park requires a mask to pee in the urinal. The boss says the county still mandates it.

  • N
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Elijah Clark State Park Campground

    Friendly. Fun. Relaxing.

    Set up well for families with children… room to ride bikes, scooters, skateboards; playground; putt putt course; trails to walk; beach areas all around the camp ground for easy access to the water. Kayak rentals.

    Bathrooms were generally clean. Campsites a relatively flat. Good picnic tables at each site. Not every site had a pole for a lantern or trash bags to hang from. Fairly good tree coverage around the campground for shade and hammocking.

  • Michael W.
    Jan. 8, 2021

    Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Better than Thought

    Easy access from I26. Spent a week here and really enjoying it. Has 21 spots. All have legal gravel pads, fire rings with grill bars. Vault toilets clean and trash containers serviced. Within good driving distance to larger towns. Access for bigger rigs too. Ranger Bob was here and talked to him. Real nice and informative. 5.00 to me is great for the peace and quiet. Arrived after hunting season, informed was busy then. 4 or 5 come and go.

  • Bill W.
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Sumter National Forest Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

    "roughing it" in a small secluded campground.

    I spent a great couple of days here mid-week in mid-June. There was one other occupied campsite (out of 9) the first night and I had the whole place to myself the second. No showers, no wi-fi or cell sevice, no dump station, no electricity, and a common water spigot-just what I wanted. No reservations either. 

    There were people who came to fish in the pond (more of a pond than a lake) and I had a nice swim.. There are two trails. A short one (about a mile) around the pond and a longer 5.6 mile loop. Great trail.

    Be sure to check the website for problems beforehand.   The water was out when I was there (actually it was restored just as I pulled out!!!).

    So all in all, I great place if you want a rough campsite with few others around.

  • L
    Jun. 9, 2019

    Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp

    Was once nice. (Edited)

    Forest Service has changed the price from $5 to $30 a night for a primitive campground. Nasty vault toilet, and trash cans but no water. As of July 2019 campground appears closed.

  • Samantha S.
    Nov. 21, 2020

    Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Busy this time of year

    This time of year (hunting season) was full of bigger rigs and generators. The few spots that weren’t taken when we first got here eventually got scooped up by about 20 Boy Scouts. To say the least this campground was loud and crowded with not much to see or do. $5 for the night with a pay box but I never saw any rangers coming through to check. Toilets were clean but no water source Every campsite did have its own fire ring and picnic table.

  • Danny B.
    Mar. 30, 2019

    Leroys Ferry

    Can’t beat it for the price

    $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. Each site has a pick nick table and fire ring, a few had charcoal grills on stands but not all. 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 . Cell service was spotty on Verizon but I was able to get and receive calls and a few txts although they seemed very delayed .


Guide to Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Tent camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina offers a serene escape into nature, with various options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Sedalia Campground features running water and well-maintained vault toilets, making it a comfortable choice for primitive camping.
  • At Fell Hunt Camp, campers can enjoy delicious well water and a spacious area perfect for group gatherings.
  • Willow Oak Hunt Camp provides a peaceful setting for tent camping, surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest.

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $30

  • Camping at Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp used to be a budget-friendly option at $5, but recent changes have increased the price to $30 per night.
  • The Sedalia Campground offers affordable rates, making it an attractive choice for those looking to camp without breaking the bank.
  • For a unique experience, Fell Hunt Camp provides a well-reviewed spot for tent campers at a reasonable price.

Tips for tent camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

  • Be prepared for a primitive experience at Tip Top Hunt Camp, where amenities are minimal but the natural surroundings are stunning.
  • If you're into cycling, Sedalia Campground is a great base for road cycling and trail riding, offering access to nearby lakes.
  • For those seeking solitude, Rocky Branch Hunt Camp is a quiet spot ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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 3.3-star rating from 4 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.