Dispersed camping near Jamestown, South Carolina encompasses primarily Francis Marion National Forest lands, where campers can experience Lowcountry wilderness free of charge. Located near the convergence of the Cooper and Santee Rivers, this region sits at an average elevation of 25 feet above sea level with characteristic sandy soil conditions. Most dispersed areas flood during heavy rain events, making seasonal planning essential.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Pitts Landing provides direct river access for kayaking, with visitors noting the waterway's appeal: "The river is gorgeous and we spent a good amount of our time here kayaking." The landing serves as both a camping area and boat launch point.
Wildlife observation: Guilliard Lake offers exceptional wildlife viewing with a diverse ecosystem supporting multiple species. According to camper Stephen F., "Bald eagles, owls, otter, fish. It's beautiful." Morning hours typically provide optimal viewing conditions.
Fishing access: Local anglers regularly utilize Pitts Landing for its fishing opportunities. One camper observed the area is "very busy during the day with local fishermen." The site provides both bank fishing and boat launch options for accessing deeper water.
What campers like
Riverside camping: The waterfront setting at Pitts Landing appeals to campers seeking natural surroundings. Tami K. shared: "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."
Seclusion factor: Despite occasional daytime visitors, many campers appreciate the remote quality of the dispersed camping areas. One reviewer described Pitts Landing as a "Secluded Gem" offering distance from developed campgrounds.
Free camping access: The availability of no-cost camping provides budget-friendly options for overnight stays. The Longs noted they "made our way here just before Hurricane Milton hit Florida and stayed a week right next to the river," demonstrating the value of accessible public land camping during travel disruptions.
What you should know
Road condition challenges: Access roads to dispersed camping areas require careful navigation and appropriate vehicles. Andy K. warns about Guilliard Lake: "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."
Site limitations: Not all apparent camping spots are safely accessible with vehicles. At Pitts Landing, "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."
Supply preparation: Remote locations require complete self-sufficiency. One Guilliard Lake visitor advises, "Definitely make sure you have all you need before getting to the site, not a road you want to keep traveling down."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Waterfront camping requires vigilance with children. The riverfront location at Pitts Landing presents both recreational opportunities and safety concerns, particularly during fishing activity when "very busy during the day with local fishermen."
Accessibility issues: Some dispersed camping areas present significant navigation challenges unsuitable for family vehicles. Vinny D. reported difficulty locating Guilliard Lake: "Following the directions I drove to the coordinates nothing and came to a junction. I would have continued on but between me and the other road was a sinkhole."
Site selection strategy: Families should arrive early to secure optimal sites. During busy periods at Pitts Landing, flat sites away from loose sand provide the most stable camping surfaces for family setups.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large recreational vehicles face significant limitations at these primitive sites. One camper explicitly states about Guilliard Lake: "This is not a campground for anyone with a large rig or RV."
Ground stability concerns: Sand conditions create potential hazards for heavier vehicles. The loose sand at several Pitts Landing sites creates risk of getting stuck, making foot reconnaissance essential before attempting to position an RV.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies by location and carrier. According to Andy K., "Cell signal with Verizon 2 bars seemed ok" at Guilliard Lake, allowing for basic communication while maintaining the primitive camping experience.
