Murrells Inlet, South Carolina provides access to several dispersed camping options within driving distance, including riverfront sites at Pitts Landing and more remote locations like Guilliard Lake in nearby Jamestown. These free camping areas offer primitive experiences without developed amenities, catering primarily to tent campers and those with smaller RVs seeking boondocking opportunities. The waterways near these sites create natural focal points for camping, with riverside locations providing flat areas suitable for setting up camp and opportunities for water-based recreation including fishing and kayaking.
Road conditions vary significantly between camping areas, with some sites requiring careful navigation. At Guilliard Lake, campers report challenging access conditions with "very large potholes" where drivers "have to weave across the track to avoid them," making it unsuitable for larger rigs. Similarly, at Pitts Landing, a visitor noted that "there were a few sites that are not safe to drive to because of very loose sand" and recommended that campers "park and explore on foot before driving up to those sites." Cell service is limited but available in some areas, with one camper reporting "Verizon 2 bars seemed ok" at Guilliard Lake. Weather considerations include potential hurricane impacts during storm season.
Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the camping experience in this coastal region. Guilliard Lake receives praise from visitors who have spotted "bald eagles, owls, otter, fish" in the area. Pitts Landing tends to be "popular with the locals" and "very busy during the day with local fishermen," according to recent visitors. The waterways are a major draw, with one camper noting "the river is gorgeous and we spent a good amount of our time here kayaking." Some campers mention trash issues at certain sites, with one visitor reporting they "cleaned up our area the best we could." Despite proximity to highways at some locations, the natural settings and water access remain the primary attractions for those seeking primitive camping experiences in the region.
"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."
"The drive in was smooth, dirt road but smooth if your driving at night. Big open space where the boat ramp is, spots that are tucked away in the trees are sandy terrain and heard you can get stuck."
"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."
ScoutThis 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.
GuideThe drive in was smooth, dirt road but smooth if your driving at night.
Big open space where the boat ramp is, spots that are tucked away in the trees are sandy terrain and heard you can get stuck.
Be vigilant, heard there may be a woman searching for food. Otherwise everyone coming there early are fisherman.
A little noise from the road but it is a beautiful spot.
GuideFollowing 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.
LegendThis 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
GuideWe 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.
ScoutBald eagles,owls,otter, fish. It's beautiful
Dispersed camping near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina centers on waterfront opportunities along coastal rivers and inland lakes. This region maintains a subtropical climate with average summer temperatures ranging from 75-90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 40°F. Terrain consists primarily of coastal plains with sandy soil conditions that can impact vehicle access and campsite selection at free camping areas.
Fishing from shore: At Pitts Landing Dispersed, local anglers frequent the riverfront throughout daylight hours. "Very busy during the day with local fishermen," notes a recent camper who stayed for a week before Hurricane Milton.
Kayaking the waterways: The river systems provide excellent paddling routes with minimal current in most sections. One visitor at Pitts Landing mentioned "The river is gorgeous and we spent a good amount of our time here kayaking," making it ideal for water-based recreation.
Wildlife observation: The waterways support diverse animal populations. At Guilliard Lake, visitors can spot "Bald eagles, owls, otter, fish," according to camper Stephen F., who rated the experience five stars specifically for its wildlife viewing opportunities.
Flat riverside terrain: Pitts Landing offers "flat, river front dispersed sites for tents or boondocking," as reported by camper Tami K., who found the clearly defined camping areas easy to locate and use.
Natural seclusion: Despite proximity to developed areas, these sites maintain a wilderness feel. Tami K. described Pitts Landing as a "Secluded Gem" with good separation between sites and natural boundaries.
Stream access: Guilliard Lake features what one visitor describes as "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," providing water proximity without flood risks.
Access road challenges: Road conditions present significant obstacles at certain sites. For Guilliard Lake, Andy K. warns "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."
Self-sufficiency requirements: No services exist at these primitive sites. Another Guilliard Lake visitor advises to "Definitely make sure you have all you need before getting to the site, not a road you want to keep traveling down."
Site navigation cautions: Some campsites require assessment before driving in. At Pitts Landing, Tami K. recommends "It is safer to park and explore on foot before driving up to those sites" due to loose sand conditions that can cause vehicles to become stuck.
Trash management: Pack additional garbage bags as some areas have accumulated litter. One visitor noted they "cleaned up our area the best we could" at Pitts Landing due to "a lot of garbage spread out" from day users.
Highway noise considerations: For light sleepers, be aware of traffic sounds at certain locations. A Pitts Landing camper mentioned being "Close to a busy highway but it didn't bother us," though families with sensitive sleepers might want earplugs.
Water safety planning: With open water access at most sites, establish clear boundaries for children near the shoreline, particularly at river access points where water levels can fluctuate seasonally.
Size limitations: Large motorhomes and trailers cannot safely access most dispersed camping locations in this region. For Guilliard Lake, Andy K. explicitly states, "This is not a campground for anyone with a large rig or RV."
Navigation difficulties: Even properly equipped vehicles may struggle with route finding. Camper Vinny D. reported "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."
Cell service considerations: Limited connectivity exists at some sites. At Guilliard Lake, "Cell signal with Verizon 2 bars seemed ok," according to Andy K., though other carriers may have different coverage levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Murrells Inlet, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Murrells Inlet, SC is Pitts Landing Dispersed with a 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
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