Tent campsites near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina are predominantly found within a 60-mile radius of the coast. The region features sandy coastal plains transitioning to pine forests inland with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Most primitive camping areas in this region experience heavy humidity during summer months, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and September.
What to do
Paddle the Lumber River: At Princess Ann — Lumber River State Park, visitors can enjoy multiple water activities. "A great spot for camping or hiking or kayaking you can do it all," notes camper Donald C. The river provides gentle currents suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Team building challenges: River Island Adventures offers unique outdoor activities beyond standard camping. According to Cherish C., "They offer kayaking, paddleboarding, tubing, camping, glamping, night paddles with 6 different kinds of smores!! And the super cool Escape River Island which is 10 challenges like survivor or amazing race or escape room or something. Great team building!!!"
Stargazing: The rural locations of many tent sites provide excellent night sky viewing opportunities. Jennifer H. describes her experience at Princess Ann: "You can see tons of stars here at night, it is amazing! It's lovely to sit by the water and look at the night sky." Light pollution is minimal at most campgrounds within 40 miles of Myrtle Beach.
What campers like
Attentive staff: Campers frequently mention the quality of service at tent camping locations near Myrtle Beach. Malaisiah C. shares about River Island Adventures: "The workers were a joy to be around and very attentive. Our campsite was amazing." Similarly, Sara H. noted at Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground: "The rangers were helpful and checked in to make sure we didn't need anything and kept the trash can empty."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. Courtney B. describes the Princess Ann access point: "We slept in hammocks and were awoken at dawn by a cacophony of juvenile barred owls directly above us." Many campers mention hearing owls throughout the night in this area.
Privacy between sites: Many tent camping areas near Myrtle Beach offer secluded sites. At Whispering Pines Nudist Resort, David M. notes it is "Nice and private. Very clean and everyone is very friendly." Kristin T. confirms this trend at Lake Waccamaw: "The sites are all a far distance from one another so there's no chance of bothering one another at night."
What you should know
Distance to facilities: Many tent sites require significant walking to reach bathrooms. Kristin T. warns about Lake Waccamaw: "The only warning I'd give is you are permitted to drive to your campsite to set up, but sites 2-5 are a quarter mile plus from the parking area... especially sites 4 and 5 (we were in 4) are very far from the bathroom. Don't forget anything in the car."
Insects are prevalent: Mosquitoes and biting flies are common at tent sites near Myrtle Beach. Sara H. advises: "Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!" Primitive sites with proximity to water tend to have higher concentrations of biting insects, especially from May through October.
Water conditions: Many camping areas feature shallow water access. Sara H. describes Lake Waccamaw: "The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters." Similarly, Courtney B. notes about the Lumber River: "The river is nice to swim in after a hot summer's day, although the bottom is quite squishy."
Tips for camping with families
Consider weather timing: Summer heat makes tent camping challenging with children. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) provide more moderate temperatures while maintaining warm enough conditions for water activities.
Campsite selection matters: For families, select sites close to bathrooms. Jennifer H. notes about Princess Ann: "The bath house was a decent walk, but nothing ridiculous." If camping with multiple families, sites 7 & 8 at Princess Ann are recommended as Courtney B. explains: "These sites would be perfect for two families to camp together, because they'd have the whole trail area to themselves."
Activity packages: Cypress Ranch Glamping provides family-friendly amenities with "Beautiful views and a great staff too!" according to Anya G. Many campgrounds offer package deals that include both camping and recreational activities for family groups.
Tips from RVers
Walk-in sites have advantages: While tent sites near Myrtle Beach are not typically accessible to RVs, many locations offer both RV and tent camping areas. Courtney B. explains at Lake Waccamaw: "You are allowed, thankfully, to drive to your site, but it's a hike to walk to the running water toilets, and I saw lots of people drive to them."
Bring sufficient water: Moriah H. mentions that at River Island Adventures, "The previous campers had left us a few jugs of water." Most primitive tent sites near Myrtle Beach don't offer running water at the campsites themselves, requiring campers to transport and store their own drinking water.
