Best Dispersed Camping near Round O, SC
Dispersed camping near Round O, South Carolina includes several primitive options in the Francis Marion National Forest. Halfway Creek offers free primitive camping areas with both drive-in and walk-in access points. The sites are situated along the Palmetto Trail, providing a natural setting beneath live oak trees. Camping permits are required for all dispersed sites in the area. Caper's Island, accessible only by boat via the Intracoastal Waterway, provides another primitive camping option for those with watercraft.
Access to Halfway Creek camping areas varies, with most sites requiring navigation along dirt roads that may become difficult during wet weather. The camping area features three main zones: spots along a dirt loop road, a large open field, and several areas tucked back in the trees. No amenities are provided at any of these locations—campers must pack in all necessary supplies including drinking water and pack out all trash. Fires are permitted in designated areas, but campers must follow current fire restrictions. The primitive nature of these sites means no toilets, showers, or hookups are available.
The camping experience at these locations ranges from peaceful seclusion to potentially crowded conditions depending on the season. Halfway Creek provides access to hiking trails and is located approximately 30 minutes from Charleston. The large field areas can accommodate group camping, making it popular with church youth groups and other organizations. Wildlife viewing opportunities are common throughout the forest. Recent visitor experiences have been mixed, with some noting the tranquility of the area while others report concerns about site cleanliness. "Great little spot for primitive camping. Hiking trails are nice and groomed. Very peaceful and everyone stays to themselves," according to one review on The Dyrt. Caper's Island offers beachfront camping with opportunities for shell collecting along its "boneyard beach."
