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Best Tent Camping near Murrells Inlet, SC

447 Reviews

The coastal lowlands surrounding Murrells Inlet, South Carolina offer several tent camping options within reach of the Atlantic shoreline. Francis Marion National Forest, located approximately 45 minutes southwest of Murrells Inlet, provides primitive tent campsites with both drive-in and walk-in access. River Island Adventures, situated closer to Murrells Inlet, features six dedicated tent sites with water access and basic amenities. Nature Adventures Outfitters also maintains tent-only camping areas along the Intracoastal Waterway, catering to paddlers and tent campers seeking waterfront sites.

Tent campgrounds in the region vary significantly in their amenities and accessibility. At Francis Marion National Forest, campers will find rustic, primitive tent sites with minimal facilities. The Halfway Creek area offers first-come, first-served camping with no water or toilets available. Campers should bring adequate water supplies, insect repellent, and trash bags for pack-out. River Island Adventures provides more developed tent camping with drinking water, toilets, and shower facilities. Sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings. Nature Adventures Outfitters features waterfront tent sites with basic amenities but visitors report the facilities can be somewhat dated. Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout the region, particularly at waterfront locations.

Fall and early spring offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions in the Murrells Inlet area. According to reviews, the primitive campsites in Francis Marion National Forest provide excellent opportunities for seclusion. One camper noted that sites range from areas close to parking to spots set back several hundred feet from access points, allowing for varying levels of privacy. At Nature Adventures Outfitters, tent campers appreciate the waterfront locations that provide direct access to paddling opportunities. The sites are set far enough from roads that traffic noise is minimal. Backcountry tent camping in Francis Marion National Forest requires preparation for wildlife encounters, including snakes that are common in the warmer months. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking the expanding trail network that includes the Swampfox Passage of the Palmetto Trail.

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Best Tent Sites Near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina (4)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Murrells Inlet, SC

6 Photos of 4 Murrells Inlet Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Murrells Inlet, SC

447 Reviews of 4 Murrells Inlet Campgrounds

  • Britt B.
    Jan. 23, 2021

    Myrtle Beach State Park Campground

    Quiet wooded park on the beach, but so close to Myrtle Beach!

    This State Park is in one of the best locations we’ve seen. Nestled in a huge wooded setting, set back from the beach. It doesn’t feel like you are just 15min from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle beach. There is a bike track for easy access to the shopping complex across from the entrance to the State Park. Its 15min from Murrels Inlet(great seafood places!) 

    The State Park has its own fishing pier and you can walk to Mtryle using the beach! There is an entrance fee for visitors to the Park which keeps traffic down (fee not payable if camping). It is also gated from 10pm to 6am. 

    Most sites have some privacy between them. Half the sites are full hookup, the other having electric and water. Most sites can fit a travel trailer or larger, with a few sites towards the front of the park reserved for tents (or tiny trailers only). The amenities although older, are clean. Decent size laundry which takes $2 of quarters. Cell service (Sprint) was ok, however the parks WIFI is poor, especially toward the back of the park, do not rely on it. Even in the off season(December) they said it was also due to so many people using it. 

    Fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Firewood for sale at the camp store for $15 a bundle. Summer it wouldn't work at all. Will definitely stay again.

  • Chelsie N.
    Mar. 21, 2017

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    Huntington Beach State Park

    Best beach camping I've had! Lots of shade at the walk-in tent sites. The sites are secluded with bear/animal proof food storage at each site. Of course raccoons are about everywhere, but the nature is so friendly at this campground. A little birdy built a nest in our beach towels one night. The park rangers were helpful (for that situation) so that's cool. We camped during a tropical depression with no flooding. 8 straight hours of hard rain. Great great park.

  • Penny G.
    Jul. 30, 2021

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    Great Spot a short walk to ocean!

    Very clean, organized campground. Our spot was a walk in. Great spot. Every site had a bear box for food. That's a treat , no walking food back to vehicle. Clean Clean restrooms and good showers. Reasonably priced. But fills up fast.

  • Bran P.
    Sep. 14, 2016

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    We Love this Place!

    Huntington Beach SP is a wonderful campground in Murrells Inlet, SC. The nature center at this park recently was struck by lightning and all was lost. They are in the process of recovering from that but I would highly recommend doing what you can to visit this SP. Very nice campsites, conveniently located minutes from the ocean! Lots of birds and other wildlife all around too. Clean, friendly and welcoming. Great hiking as well!

  • Kathryn W.
    Mar. 3, 2019

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    Short walk through Maritime forest to beautiful beach

    There are only 6 tent sites at this RV friendly park. We stayed in site 4 and had a cut through to the beach. Site 2 also could access the shortcut, but other sites had a slightly farther walk. Going before the bugs come out is a must. Potable water on site and a short walk to bath houses. Beach is absolutely breathtaking and not crowded.

    We also went on a night hike to the beach and saw so many stars!

    No long hiking trails to speak of, but a few short walks through forest and an interpretive trail are available.

    Tent sites are close together. There is little visual or auditory privacy.

    Raccoons are abundant and the park has provided lockers for all food. We didn’t have any problems, but neighbors who didn’t store food properly did.

    Camp site is situated on a pad that I assume is set up that way for flooding, but it made the campsite feel cramped, even though there were 2-4 feet of cleared space around the raised pad before the tree line.

  • N
    May. 27, 2020

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    Plenty of wildlife photo ops here

    This park is huge. We are in the northern camping area Lot 160. Platform is cement so the camper is Level. Our site has a built-in black and grey water private dump station.

    The park has nature trails to walk and bike.There is a causeway with a lot of marsh birds and several crocodiles. We went there after tropical storm and a lot of crocs were dry active.

    Our site was a 1 minute walk to the shore. The beach was clean but barely occupied due to social distancing. It was part of a 60 mile stretch of beach.

    The facilities, were pretty clean and hardly used when I was there.

    There was so much to do in the area, including kayaking, that I’ll have to come back for more.

    When we left very early (4:30 am) the park entrance was padlocked. Luckily a ranger came out pretty quickly to help with the padlock.

    Contact info 16148 Ocean Hwy, Murrells inlet, SC 29576

    843-237-4440

    www.southcarolinaparks.com

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

    Honey Hill Recreation Area

    National Forest Free Campground

    This primitive camping facility is located between McClellanville and Honey Hill. A short camp loop swings through an upland pine/oak forest and encircles a fire lookout tower. The fire lookout tower is no longer in use.

    This semi-primitive campground is about 30 minutes north of Charleston, SC, 8 miles west of Highway 17 in the heart of the Francis Marion National Forest.

    The number one thing I love about this site: It's free. It's easy to get to. It's camping!

    There are 12 fairly large sites spaced well apart so you avoid that parking lot feel. LOTS of trees. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring.

    The entire campground is well maintained by the National Forest Service, and the ranger. I say it's semi-primitive because there is a vault toilet which is old, yet clean. 

    In the center, there is an old abandoned fire tower that is fenced off from people going up it.

    I've been here several times and overall, it's fairly quiet. However, there was one Friday night where a bunch of 20 something's came in, climbed up the fire-tower and partied making for a not so quiet experience.

    Since it's free, you can expect to see some interesting neighbors coming in and out. But with the ranger station down the street, the rangers do patrol this daily (I've never seen them in here at night). It's first come first serve, so weekends are usually packed. You better get here early.

    I give it 4-stars because it's clean with generous spaces and we've always had a great time. Plus, the spots have so many trees, it makes hammock camping a breeze. All sites are perfect for car / truck camping. Just pull up and unload.

    Nearby are several of the major trails that run through this National Forest, including the popular Swamp Fox. The site also is right next to one of the dirt forest roads, that takes you in even deeper.

    10 minutes away, at the Highway 17 intersection are gas stations & mini markets, so if you need some basic supplies, things are right down the road.

    Directions: From Charleston, take US Highway 17 north to McClellanville. At the intersection of SC Highway 45 (the yellow caution light) turn left, and drive eight miles to the camp.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2018

    Buck Hall Recreation Area

    Intercoastal Camping: Watch Wildlife from the Campground

    Reservations during the main season are key if you have any hope of getting a campsite in this awesome Francis Marion National Forest campground which sits just along the gorgeous intercoastal waterway, about 40 minutes northeast of Charleston, SC! We pulled in without reservations and nearly every site was booked out. The campground host was super helpful, though, finding us an empty spot (due to a cancellation) for a couple nights, then moved us to a non-reservable site for the remainder of our time.

    The majority of the sites are designed for very large RVs, with a few very nice waterfront sites designated for tents. Each site is spacious, complete with a picnic table, firepit, 2 lantern poles, and electrical hookups, with a dump station at the back of the campground. The bathrooms are equipped with flush toilets, sinks, and a shower and kept relatively clean.

    The campground itself is dripping with live oaks and speckled with Palmetto trees, so lots of shade is available, especially in the tent areas. The boat launch is walking distance from the campground and has a nice picnic area adjacent to it. We watched a pods of pelicans and dolphins come through the area, as well as many other sea birds.

    We kayaked along the intercoastal waterway and out into marshy sea grass areas and had one of the most amazing wildlife encounters to date (and we’ve been all over the country). We saw a pod of dolphins in the distance, which appeared to be feeding. We stopped about 150 away and just enjoyed watching them dance and dive in the morning light. Then, two of the dolphins peeled away from the pack and headed straight toward us. As they approached our kayaks, the larger one gave an extra tail fin flap and dove under our boats, coming up just a bit on the other side. As naturalists, our hearts were pounding with excitement! We also hiked and mountain-biked along the gorgeous Palmetto Trail (which is a mountains-to-sea trail across South Carolina, and this campground serves as its coastal terminus).

    Also, don’t miss the famous Sewee Restaurant for some downeast coastal Carolina fare, as well as the Center for Birds of Prey just across the highway from this restaurant. This wildlife conservation and rehabilitation center is doing some amazing things for birds and in the region and doing a great job of public education. If you head up the coast, be sure to stop in Boats & Hoagies in McClellanville for a bite to eat. Cute place, great food, awesome service!

    The $20 per night fee is a great price for the amenities this campground offers, especially with full hook-ups and showers, and a boat launch. Check out our blog on The Dyrt's Online Magazine about our experience on the coast of South Carolina.

  • K
    May. 17, 2018

    Huntington Beach State Park Campground

    Need some quality beach time?

    By far, Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet, SC is one of thee best beach campgrounds the east coast has to offer. Be sure to reserve a site on the South end, it just opened in April 2018. Concrete pads, FHU, WiFi and the beach is just steps away from your door. The older section is still of high quality outdoorsy things to do. Do not miss this gem!

Guide to Murrells Inlet

Tent camping near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a variety of water sports at River Island Adventures, where you can kayak, paddleboard, or tube down the river.
  • Experience the thrill of team-building challenges at River Island Adventures, featuring activities like night paddles and unique s'mores options.
  • Explore the scenic trails and wildlife at Francis Marion National Forest, ideal for hiking and immersing yourself in nature.

Tips for tent camping near Murrells Inlet

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Cypress Ranch Glamping provides a range of accommodations, including glamping options, making it a great choice for those who want a bit more comfort.
  • At Whispering Pines Nudist Resort, you can enjoy clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed camping experience.
  • River Island Adventures features essential amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay while you enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Murrells Inlet, SC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Murrells Inlet, SC is River Island Adventures with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Murrells Inlet, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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