Tent campsites near Sullivan's Island, South Carolina sit within the subtropical climate zone of the Atlantic Coastal Plain, experiencing hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. The low-country terrain features sandy soil with minimal elevation change, typically less than 20 feet above sea level across camping areas. Summer camping requires considerable water supplies due to the combination of heat and humidity, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September.
What to do
Truck exploration: Francis Marion National Forest offers extensive off-road opportunities where campers can find secluded spots away from designated areas. A camper at Francis Marion National Forest shared, "My buddies and drove our trucks off the normal road to find ultimate privacy. We didn't stay on a set camp ground, with no cell service and no one bothering us we got to simply relax."
Historic site visits: The area contains several historical structures accessible by short drives from campsites. "Something fun to do is to visit (gotta drive there) the Halfway Creek Church, constructed in 1941. You can also do a hike on one of the trails here," notes one visitor about activities near forest campsites.
Swimming: Several camping locations provide access to swimming areas popular during the warmer months. One camper reported, "I have my grandchildren for the end of summer before they started back to school and we went on camping for a little over a week it was great the children had a chance to go swimming and they love that."
What campers like
Trail accessibility: Many tent camping options near Sullivan's Island connect directly to hiking routes. A camper mentioned, "It's right on the trail, it also allows for you to drive right up to the campground and park your car, set up camp and then head out for a hike."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystem provides opportunities to observe native species in their natural habitat. "Nature is abundant, both flaura and fauna," notes one visitor about the camping experience.
Privacy options: Campsites range from open areas to secluded spots requiring short walks. "It has some spots closer to the parking area and others back away from it by a couple hundred feet," explains a regular visitor, highlighting the range of options for those seeking different levels of seclusion at tent sites near Sullivan's Island.
What you should know
Water planning: Most primitive camping locations have no reliable water sources. "There used to be water available but that spicket is well past its 'sell-by-date'. The closest store is a 10-minute drive," warns one experienced camper.
Flooding potential: Low-lying areas can become impassable after rain. "There are some areas where after rain it becomes 'pools' of water making staying dry a bit difficult," explains a hiker who frequently camps in the region.
Wildlife safety: Snake encounters are possible on trails and near campsites. "Snakes are probably the worst thing you'll come across, however most want to get away from people unless they feel a need to defend. So, keep your eyes open," advises a regular visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Pack adequate supplies: The remote nature of most sites requires comprehensive preparation. A family camper recommends, "Bring lots of water and bug spray and some trash bags to pack your trash/T.P. out!"
Educational opportunities: The natural setting provides learning experiences for children. One grandparent noted, "The children had a chance to go swimming and they love that they learned a lot of things about nature and did some life skills."
Campsite selection: For families, choosing sites with appropriate amenities matters significantly. "We camped at Halfway Creek in the Francis Marion National Forest for the eclipse. It's a free campground, but there are no water and no toilets. You can park in a lot just outside the camping area."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Electric connections exist at select locations, but full-service sites are rare near Sullivan's Island. Colleton provides water hookups and electric connections but lacks many other amenities typically associated with developed campgrounds.
Group camping considerations: Open grassy areas accommodate larger gatherings better than wooded sites. "The actual camping area is wide open and grassy, but if you prefer more privacy, you can hike in a bit and pick a spot. We stayed in the open area because we were a big group," notes one RV camper about their experience.
Weather monitoring: The coastal location experiences rapid weather changes that affect camping conditions. "The first night there was a flash flood," warned one camper, highlighting the importance of weather awareness when selecting tent campsites near Sullivan's Island, South Carolina.
