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Best Tent Camping near Harleyville, SC

484 Reviews

Francis Marion National Forest and Congaree National Park provide the main tent camping options near Harleyville, South Carolina. The national forest offers several primitive tent camping areas with varying levels of development and access. Congaree National Park features two distinct campgrounds - Longleaf Campground with walk-in tent sites and Bluff Hike-In Campground for more secluded backcountry tent camping experiences. Both areas lie within an hour's drive of Harleyville and showcase the region's unique lowcountry ecosystem.

Most tent camping areas in the region require visitors to pack in their own water and supplies. At Congaree's Longleaf Campground, tent sites are located a short walk from the parking area, with Site 1 being closest at approximately 20 yards from the lot. The vault toilets at the parking area provide basic sanitation, though no running water is available at the campsite itself. Potable water can be obtained at the visitor center. Francis Marion National Forest offers more primitive tent camping with dirt pads and minimal amenities. A visitor noted, "We camped at Halfway Creek in Francis Marion National Forest. It's a free campground, but there are no water and no toilets."

Tent campers in this region experience the unique lowcountry ecosystem with its distinctive flora and fauna. Sites at Congaree National Park offer proximity to boardwalk trails through swampy terrain and opportunities to view wildlife. Tree roots can pose challenges when setting up tents, particularly at Longleaf Campground. One camper mentioned that "the sites were clean but the tree roots are horrible, at night you will trip over them and there will be some under your tent." The backcountry tent sites at Bluff Hike-In Campground require a one-mile walk from the parking area, offering more seclusion but requiring careful planning to transport gear. Spring visitors may witness the synchronous fireflies, described by several campers as a magical nighttime experience unique to the area.

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Best Tent Sites Near Harleyville, South Carolina (3)

    1. Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    31 Reviews
    Gadsden, SC
    48 miles

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Our time at Congaree was different from the other national parks we visited, because South Carolina had just undergone major flooding and much of Congaree -- especially its trails -- were under water."

    "The campground is primitive. There are 10 single sites that you have to walk into from the parking lot. Not a very long walk but just enough to feel secluded from traffic and other people."

    2. Francis Marion National Forest

    6 Reviews
    Huger, SC
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (843) 336-2200

    "Its right on the trail, it also allows for you to drive right up to the campground and park your car, set up camp and then head out for a hike."

    "Fantastic hiking, well maintained (during normal services), and the primitive campsites are the best "get-away" opportunity. Nature is abundant, both flaura and fauna."

    3. Bluff Hike In Campground — Congaree National Park

    Be the first to review!
    Gadsden, SC
    48 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Harleyville, SC

10 Photos of 3 Harleyville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Harleyville, SC

484 Reviews of 3 Harleyville Campgrounds

  • Hannah W.
    Mar. 11, 2022

    Poinsett State Park Campground

    Great stay!

    Stayed here for a few nights with a friend for spring break. The staff were very friendly and answered all the questions that we had. We were tent camping and the campsite was perfect! Had a picnic table, fire ring, plenty of space to pull the car in, level ground for the tent, and trees for hammocking. The bathroom facilities were very clean, and were right by the campsites. In terms of activities, there are plenty of hiking trails and a beautiful lake right in front of the visitor center. We rented a paddleboat and got to see some wildlife on the water (cranes, turtles, and even a couple little gators). Overall, this was a perfect state park, great for a quiet getaway.

    (Side note: the bugs were practically nonexistent in March when we visited, but we were told that they can get bad in the summer months)

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jun. 29, 2017

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Bluff Campground the way to go for quiet, peaceful park oasis

    Having been on the road for about three months before coming to Congaree, we were happy to arrive to such a quiet and tucked-away campground. For $5 per night, Bluff Campground was the perfect spot to hole up for a few days and relax surrounded by the old growth forest of Congaree National Park.

    Our time at Congaree was different from the other national parks we visited, because South Carolina had just undergone major flooding and much of Congaree -- especially its trails -- were under water.

    With no crowds and not much to explore, our three days in the park was very relaxing. We chose Bluff Campground -- a one-mile walk-in campground near the visitor center -- because we knew it would be less popular than Longleaf Campground, and we knew we’d be spending a lot of time there. The one mile hike seemed further than we thought because of our heavy loads, but once we arrived at our camp, set up our tent, chairs, hammocks, and slack line, we were able to just make the easy walk in and out each day.

    The campground itself has no facilities; its only amenities are the fire ring and picnic table at each site. We encountered only one other camper in our two nights here. We did encounter many mosquitoes, though, so don’t forget bug spray!

    At Congaree, there are several hiking trails and kayaking trails that we would have liked to do, but with our plans foiled by rain, we spent time at the visitor center, around the short boardwalk trail adjacent to the visitor center, and kayaking through the flooded plains, straight off the boardwalk.

    You can read much more about our three days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Congaree)

  • Melissa W.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Givhans Ferry State Park Campground

    Nice Primitive camping area

    I like the primitive camping area. The bathroom and water source is nearby, as well as a pavilion/shelter. There are three sections, with multiple areas for camping in each one. Each has 2-3 tables and a fire ring. 

    I hammock camp, and there are plenty of trees useful for this purpose. This is primitive, so there is no electrical or water spout, although the bathroom has both. There is a 1 1/2 mile walking trail nearby, that runs along the Edisto River.

    I haven't actually frequented the other camping areas: RV drive-up and walk-in, so I can't review them.

  • Marvin D.
    May. 3, 2021

    Campground at James Island County Park

    Great campground

    Sprawling park and campground right between Charleston and Folly Beach. There is a camp store which is well stocked and stays open till 8pm. The predominance of this campground is RV sites. The sites are well maintained and with enough space between each site.

    The tent camping site and group tent sites are hike-in. The hike in is really not that far at all from where you park your cars, so no worries. The individual tent sites sit back in the woods, with a nice tree canopy, which gives it a real "primitive" feel to it. The sites are raised and contain a gravel bed.

    There are bathrooms and private showers on site in a few locations. The bathroom and showers for the tent sites lay next to the group site, which is a short walk.

    Shopping and stores are on hwy 117, just a few short minutes from the park.

  • M
    Jun. 23, 2018

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Congaree National Park Longleaf Campground

    If you like seclusion this campground is for you. The campground is primitive. There are 10 single sites that you have to walk into from the parking lot. Not a very long walk but just enough to feel secluded from traffic and other people. It has no showers, vault toilets and no running water. There is potable water at the visitor center and also flush toilets. The trails are very nice and well kept. Depending on when you go you may be the only ones on the trail. The wildlife is very neat it makes you feel like you are in a mini rainforest. There are snakes, skinks, lots of birds, insects and fox squirrels.

  • Matt C.
    Oct. 30, 2021

    Poinsett State Park Campground

    Nice state park

    We tent camped for the weekend in mid October. The park was probably 80% full, but didn’t seem crowded. All the spaces were spread out and the sites were level. We stayed at site 30, so it was a close walk to the bathhouse, with plenty of space, picnic table, and fire ring. The bathhouse was in fair condition, but the hot water was limited. The mens bathroom definitely needed to be cleaned. There were lots of trails, a pond, and a park for thing to do. T-mobile service barely worked. Check out our review https://youtu.be/pL1zgad0rN0

  • Jessica M.
    Jan. 16, 2022

    Poinsett State Park Campground

    Great for Activities, Camping is lacking...

    Large. Multiple trails. Secluded. Scenic. Rental/Activities. Waterways. Picnic areas. Kid playground. ***BUT...! if you are camping... there's no wifi or cell service in camping section!! Whether 'primitive' or tent/rv with power, it ALL seems a little primitive. Only difference is power connection sites and a bathhouse. I'm truly ok with semi-primitive, but no cell service or Wi-Fi (in camping area), as a female... this needs to be addressed for safety, at minimum. It was beautiful, but we had to leave, as safety is #1. *oh.... SITE 17.... is the worse, if you wanted a little seclusion. It's the only rv/tent site that is "in" the 'activity field' (there was a group of teens playing loud and rough football right next to us, even my daughter did NOT like it). Highly suggest day visits, not so much camping.

  • S
    Jun. 10, 2018

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    Nice campsites, and great experience, prepare to walk in and bring water

    We stayed in Longleaf campground at Congaree National Park for a stop-over on our way back north from a family trip in Florida. The campsites at Longleaf each had a fire ring and picnic table, and were pretty good sized. The key thing to know about Longleaf is that you need to be prepared in several ways:

    1. You have to make a reservation online. The ranger at the visitor's center told us to make sure we had some kind of documentation of our reservation. Reception can be spotty, so printing your reservation ahead of time might be a good idea.
    2. There is one parking lot, and you'll be walking with your stuff into your campsite. It isn't far, but be prepared to carry things. (Note: The walk into Bluff campground is further than Longleaf)
    3. There is no potable water at either campground. Bring your own. (Relatedly, there are only vault toilets at the campground)

    We stayed in campsite 6 at Longleaf, which was great. Campsites 1-3 are closer to the lot, but also closer to the walk that everyone takes from their cars to their sites. For a little more space/privacy, opt for campsites 4 and above.

    Although the campground is barebones, it had everything we needed and made for a great stop for us. Most of the park trails were underwater when we were there after a recent flood. It seemed like paddling would have been an optimal way to see the park and surrounding areas, but even so, we had a great time. There were lots of people out on the boardwalk trails, including lots of kids and dogs. Before you hit the trails, stop in the Visitor's Center and pick up the interpretive brochures on the types of trees/wildlife - they have kid versions and grown-up versions. Both were helpful in understanding the unique environment of the floodplain.

  • H
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park

    gorgeous location

    It’s a great location and very quiet. Walk in campsites and pretty secluded. You can see you neighbor, but a decent amount of space in between and not many campers overall. No electricity, but there’s LTE connection. Also only one pit toilet for each gender and no running water at the site.

Guide to Harleyville

Tent camping near Harleyville, South Carolina, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. With several well-reviewed options, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the surrounding beauty.

Local Attractions to Explore

Tips for Tent Camping Near Harleyville

  • At Francis Marion National Forest, be prepared for a rustic experience with no running water or toilets, making it essential to bring your own supplies and trash bags.

Local Activities for Adventurers

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Harleyville, SC is Longleaf Campground — Congaree National Park with a 4.1-star rating from 31 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Harleyville, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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