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Best Dispersed Camping near Georgetown, SC

14 Reviews

Dispersed camping near Georgetown, South Carolina includes several primitive sites in the Francis Marion National Forest. Free camping opportunities exist at locations like Guilliard Lake, Halfway Creek, and Pitts Landing, all offering backcountry experiences with minimal development and no facilities. Capers Island provides boat-access-only camping along the Intracoastal Waterway for those seeking more remote experiences. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required.

Access roads to many dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. The dirt road to Guilliard Lake contains numerous large potholes requiring vehicles to weave across the track, making it unsuitable for large rigs or RVs. According to one camper, "This is not a campground for anyone with a large rig or RV. The dirt road in for several miles has VERY large potholes." Some sites are accessible only by boat, such as Capers Island, which requires watercraft transport for camping gear. Most areas require permits, though Pitts Landing does not. Camping duration limits typically follow standard U.S. Forest Service regulations for dispersed sites.

These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences based on location. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several sites, with one visitor to Guilliard Lake noting "Bald eagles, owls, otter, fish. It's beautiful." Halfway Creek features hiking trails along the Palmetto Trail system. Site conditions can change dramatically between visits, with some campers reporting trash accumulation at certain locations while others find pristine conditions. Pitts Landing offers riverfront sites suitable for tents or boondocking vehicles but requires caution due to loose sand at some sites. Cell service is spotty but available at certain locations, with Guilliard Lake reporting approximately two bars of Verizon coverage. Capers Island offers beach camping with opportunities for shell collecting along what locals call "boneyard beach."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Georgetown, South Carolina (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Georgetown, SC

11 Photos of 5 Georgetown Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Georgetown, SC

14 Reviews of 5 Georgetown Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2018

    Caper's Island

    Perfect family camping

    Caper's Island is a boat-in beach/camping area located on the Intracoastal Waterway just outside Charleston, SC. It is no frills, pack it in, pack it out camping with no amenities beyond what you bring with you. My family camped with another family with a total of 8 people and 2 dogs. After we set up our campsite, we went on a long walk down the boneyard beach for firewood and sea shell hunting( tons of conch shells and sand dollars). We all had an awesome time and plan to camp on Caper's Island again soon!

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

    Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping

    Primitive National Forest Camping

    This is a primitive area along the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest.

    Many hiker's heading to or coming down from the Appalachian Trail will camp here in a beautiful setting underneath live oak trees.

    There are 3 areas to camp: along the dirt loop road, a big field, and a few areas tucked back in the trees.

    This first appears to be a small campground due to the size of the road's loop. But, there are several large areas with plenty of room for tent or hammock camping.

    There are only a couple spots for an RV or Travel Trailer to park, but they are pull through along the side of the main loop.  

    Plenty of parking for those willing to walk their gear into the large field, or along the camping areas down by the trail. 

    Depending on the year, you'll either have this campsite all to yourself, or be sharing it with 100 other tents. Large groups love this free site (i.e. church youth groups) as it's easy to get to and about 30 minutes to Charleston, SC.

    I've always found this place to be one of those "nearest far away places" due to the seclusion.

    Everything here is pack in and pack out, so don't expect anything fancy, just a free and fun spot to camp for a night. Down the road is the Wambaw Cycle Trail, a maintained trail system for motocross & dirt bikes.

  • Tami K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Pitts Landing Dispersed

    Secluded Gem

    This was a nice spot with flat, river front dispersed sites for tents or boondocking. It was easy to discern the campsites and had an open parking lot. There were a few sites that are not safe to drive to because of very loose sand. It is safer to park and explore on foot before driving up to those sites.

  • Nick C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2022

    Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping

    Halfway Creek Dispersed

    Great little spot for primitive camping. Hiking trails are nice and groomed. Very peaceful and everyone stays to themselves.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2022

    Guilliard Lake

    Couldn’t find anything

    Following the directions I drove to the coordinates nothing and came to a junction. I would have continued on but between me and the the other road was a sinkhole. I honestly don’t think a 4X4 would have made it. Before I got there I had already turned off my ESC. My right is a 21 ft Promaster 3500 with OHV lift and was able to turn around but not without doubt.

  • Andy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2023

    Guilliard Lake

    Ok campground very tricky road in

    This is not a campground for anyone with a large rig or RV. The dirt road in for several miles has VERY large potholes and you have to weave across the track to avoid them. Ok with car if very careful especially at night. Not really what I would call a lake more like a large stream. Several sites back on to the stream but at a higher level. Cell signal with Verizon 2 bars seemed ok. Definitely make sure you have all you need before getting to the site, not a road you want to keep traveling down

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2023

    Halfway Creek Primitive Camping - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Buggie

    Good camping spot. On the campground there is a hiking trail. You can pull your car in almost about anywhere, just be aware of low hanging branches. Had to deal with a ton of insects. Decently quiet at night. I do say it was packed when we were there. Also pls clean up after yourself

  • The Longs ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2024

    Pitts Landing Dispersed

    Popular with the locals.

    We made our way here just before Hurricane Milton hit Florida and stayed a week right next to the river. Very busy during the day with local fishermen. There's a lot of garage spread out, we cleaned up our area the best we could. Close to a busy highway but it didn't bother us. The river is gorgeous and we spent a good amount of our time here kayaking.

  • stephen F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2019

    Guilliard Lake

    Beautiful with wildlife

    Bald eagles,owls,otter, fish. It's beautiful

Guide to Georgetown

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Georgetown, South Carolina, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a true back-to-nature experience. With various options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Georgetown, South Carolina

  • Make sure to bring all necessary supplies, as locations like Guilliard Lake lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets.
  • Be prepared for rough access roads; for instance, the route to Guilliard Lake features large potholes that require careful navigation, especially at night.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to maintain the natural beauty of areas like Halfway Creek Primitive Camping, which has been noted for its cleanliness issues.

Wildlife watching opportunities for dispersed campers

  • Campers at Caper's Island can enjoy a unique experience with abundant wildlife, including opportunities for shell hunting and spotting various marine life.
  • The serene environment at Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping allows for peaceful wildlife observation, with sightings of local birds and other creatures.
  • Nature lovers will appreciate the diverse ecosystem around Pitts Landing, where fishing and kayaking provide additional ways to connect with the area's natural beauty.

Dispersed campers should check out Guilliard Lake

  • The picturesque setting of Guilliard Lake offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
  • With its proximity to a stream, campers can enjoy activities like fishing and relaxing by the water, making Guilliard Lake an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat.
  • This location is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure at Guilliard Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Georgetown, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Georgetown, SC is Guilliard Lake with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Georgetown, SC?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Georgetown, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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