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Best Dispersed Camping near Harleyville, SC

12 Reviews

Dispersed camping in the Francis Marion National Forest near Harleyville, South Carolina primarily centers around several primitive sites that require no reservations. The main options include Halfway Creek Dispersed Camping, Halfway Creek Primitive Camping (temporarily closed), and Guilliard Lake. These sites offer free camping with minimal amenities on public forest land, typically requiring a permit. Caper's Island provides a boat-in only option for those seeking a more remote coastal camping experience.

Access to these dispersed camping areas varies significantly by location. The road to Guilliard Lake features large potholes that require careful navigation, making it unsuitable for large rigs or RVs. Several reviews mention the need to "weave across the track to avoid" hazards, particularly at night. Halfway Creek sites are accessible via a dirt loop road with pull-through spots suitable for small trailers. All sites lack drinking water, toilets, showers, and trash facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fires are permitted at most sites, but campers must bring their own firewood.

The primitive camping experience near Harleyville offers diverse settings from forest to coastal environments. Guilliard Lake provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, with one camper noting "bald eagles, owls, otter, fish" in the area. Halfway Creek features hiking trails on the Palmetto Trail and proximity to the Wambaw Cycle Trail for motocross enthusiasts. Site conditions and cleanliness appear inconsistent, with some visitors reporting peaceful experiences while others mention trash issues. Recent reports suggest some improvement, as "the area has been cleaned up and a few times during the day and night a police officer patrolled the area." Caper's Island offers beachfront dispersed camping with good shell hunting opportunities, described by one visitor as "no frills, pack it in, pack it out camping with no amenities beyond what you bring with you."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Harleyville, South Carolina (4)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Harleyville, SC

10 Photos of 4 Harleyville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Harleyville, SC

12 Reviews of 4 Harleyville 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.

  • 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

  • B
    Nov. 8, 2022

    Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping

    Trash everywhere, Agressive Homeless People

    Not a great campsite. I’m a big fan of primitive, and this is primitive, but too many things make it not worth it for me and mine. Immediately upon entering the roundabout is just completely full of trash, all the time. There are a few homeless people whose favorite pastime seems to be to scream as loudly as they can as often as they can, time of day (or night) not relevant whatsoever. I’ve given this place a few chances now, and every time I have been disappointed. Stay at your own risk.

  • Cori B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping

    Peaceful area

    I stayed out here for a full night. The area has been cleaned up and a few times during the day and night a police officer patrolled the area. Just smiled and waved.

Guide to Harleyville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Harleyville, South Carolina, where nature meets tranquility. With a variety of options available, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a unique camping experience away from the crowds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Harleyville, South Carolina

  • Make sure to pack out what you pack in, as sites like Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping require you to leave no trace behind to maintain the area's natural beauty.

Exploring wildlife while free camping near Harleyville

  • While camping at Guilliard Lake, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as bald eagles and otters, making your stay even more memorable.

Hiking adventures for dispersed campers near Harleyville

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Harleyville, SC is Halfway Creek - Dispersed Camping with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Harleyville, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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