If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Pawleys Island, look no further. Here you'll find a diverse selection of places to camp, including remote dispersed camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Guilliard Lake, an old oxbow off the Santee River, offers ten acres of fishing for a variety of species. Click here for a printable Francis Marion fishing opportunity guide.
This is a primitive area along the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest.
As of info we have on 3/8/2023, this site is temporarily closed. Trailhead temporarily closed to reestablish trailhead parking area.
This is a primitive area along the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest.
The parking area at the Halfway Creek Trailhead is not a designated camping area. Any dispersed camping in the area requires a dispersed camping permit issued by the Francis Marion Ranger District. All dispersed campsites must be 50 feet away from water and trails as well as half a mile away from any road or parking lot, including the trailhead parking lot.
Guide
We 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.
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.
Legend
This 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
Guide
Good camping spot. On the campground there is a hiking trail. You can pull your car in almost about anywhere, just be aware of low hanging branches. Had to deal with a ton of insects. Decently quiet at night. I do say it was packed when we were there. Also pls clean up after yourself
ScoutNot a great campsite. I’m a big fan of primitive, and this is primitive, but too many things make it not worth it for me and mine. Immediately upon entering the roundabout is just completely full of trash, all the time. There are a few homeless people whose favorite pastime seems to be to scream as loudly as they can as often as they can, time of day (or night) not relevant whatsoever. I’ve given this place a few chances now, and every time I have been disappointed. Stay at your own risk.
Scout
Not a great campsite. I’m a big fan of primitive, and this is primitive, but too many things make it not worth it for me and mine. Immediately upon entering the roundabout is just completely full of trash, all the time. There are a few homeless people whose favorite pastime seems to be to scream as loudly as they can as often as they can, time of day (or night) not relevant whatsoever. I’ve given this place a few chances now, and every time I have been disappointed. Stay at your own risk.
ScoutClosed for maintenance
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.
ScoutGreat little spot for primitive camping. Hiking trails are nice and groomed. Very peaceful and everyone stays to themselves.
TravelerCame back for another night cause it was perfect.
RangerThis is a primitive area along the Palmetto Trail in the Francis Marion National Forest.
Many hiker's heading to or coming down from the Appalachian Trail will camp here in a beautiful setting underneath live oak trees.
There are 3 areas to camp: along the dirt loop road, a big field, and a few areas tucked back in the trees.
This first appears to be a small campground due to the size of the road's loop. But, there are several large areas with plenty of room for tent or hammock camping.
There are only a couple spots for an RV or Travel Trailer to park, but they are pull through along the side of the main loop.
Plenty of parking for those willing to walk their gear into the large field, or along the camping areas down by the trail.
Depending on the year, you'll either have this campsite all to yourself, or be sharing it with 100 other tents. Large groups love this free site (i.e. church youth groups) as it's easy to get to and about 30 minutes to Charleston, SC.
I've always found this place to be one of those "nearest far away places" due to the seclusion.
Everything here is pack in and pack out, so don't expect anything fancy, just a free and fun spot to camp for a night. Down the road is the Wambaw Cycle Trail, a maintained trail system for motocross & dirt bikes.
ScoutBald eagles,owls,otter, fish. It's beautiful
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pawleys Island, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pawleys Island, SC is Guilliard Lake with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pawleys Island, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Pawleys Island, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
