Tent camping options near Conway, South Carolina extend beyond the established parks along the Waccamaw River. The region sits within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by sandy soil, blackwater rivers, and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Summer humidity levels typically exceed 80% from June through September, creating challenging conditions for campers without proper ventilation or shade structures.
What to do
Water activities accessible from camp: River Island Adventures offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and tubing directly from their camping area. As one visitor noted, "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."
Shoreline fishing: Lake Waccamaw State Park Campground provides access to unique fishing opportunities in its shallow waters. "The lake is beautifully kept and clean. Very shallow. You can walk out a good 300 meters. We kayaked and fished while we were here," reports one regular visitor.
Nature trails: Primitive hiking paths connect campsites at Princess Ann Access to the surrounding forest. According to visitors, "Good spot for camping or hiking or kayaking you can do it all." Most trails remain unmarked and require proper footwear due to seasonal flooding and muddy conditions.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Princess Ann — Lumber River State Park offers significant separation between camping areas. "The sites were kind of course together, but it turned out just fine," mentions one camper, while another notes, "We had the privilege of having the park COMPLETELY to ourselves...the ranger confirmed that we were the only campers that night!"
Helpful staff: Maintenance and ranger assistance receives consistent praise at River Island Adventures. One visitor mentioned, "The workers were a joy to be around and very attentive. Our campsite was amazing." Rangers at Princess Ann regularly empty individual trash cans and check on campers during their stays.
Wildlife observation: Campsites offer opportunities to observe native species in their natural habitats. Lake Waccamaw features abundant dragonflies and amphibians, with one camper reporting, "Bullfrogs, peepers, and owls called all night. Dragonflies galore flew about."
What you should know
Site accessibility: Cypress Ranch Glamping provides drive-in access to tent sites, unlike some other area campgrounds requiring longer walks from parking areas. Most campgrounds in the region lack ADA-compliant facilities or designated accessible sites.
Insect preparation: Biting insects remain a persistent challenge, particularly at sites near standing water. One Lake Waccamaw camper advises, "Bring mosquito netting or pop up to keep the horse flies away!" Bug pressure intensifies during summer months, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Toilet facilities: Bathroom options vary significantly between locations. One camper at Lake Waccamaw notes, "The pit toilet had a healthy population of spiders, but the campsite was an easy walk to flush toilets and water fountains." Some locations feature vault toilets that may present challenges for some campers.
Tips for camping with families
Distance awareness: Whispering Pines Nudist Resort provides closer access to amenities than some public campgrounds. Families should note that at Lake Waccamaw, "Sites 4 and 5 are very far from the bathroom. Don't forget anything in the car."
Water safety considerations: Swimming conditions vary between locations, with Lake Waccamaw offering particularly shallow water. "The lake is super shallow for at least a hundred yards in all directions from the dock. Where shoes when walking on the dock, lots of nail heads and splinters," advises one visitor.
Campsite selection for groups: Choose adjacent sites at Princess Ann for multi-family camping. "Sites 7 & 8 would be perfect for two families to camp together, because they'd have the whole trail area to themselves," recommends a camper who regularly visits with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most primitive tent sites near Conway lack RV-specific amenities. RV campers should note that while some campgrounds like River Island Adventures accommodate tents and RVs, hookup options remain limited. Campers requiring electrical connections should verify availability when booking.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds feature unpaved sections that may challenge larger vehicles. Standard clearance RVs generally reach established campgrounds, but tent-only areas often require parking in designated lots and walking to campsites.
Extended stay considerations: For longer visits, Lake Waccamaw offers practical advantages. One camper shared their extended experience: "We stayed in site 5 for 11 days. The rangers were helpful and checked in to make sure we didn't need anything and kept the trash can empty."
