Tent camping near Summerton, South Carolina centers primarily on the eastern portion of Congaree National Park, located approximately 35 miles north of town. The area sits at an elevation of only 80-140 feet above sea level, creating unique lowland forest conditions with seasonal flooding patterns. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing between December and February.
What to do
Synchronous firefly viewing: During late May through early June, Congaree National Park hosts a rare natural light show. A visitor at Longleaf Campground noted, "We camped here to see the synchronous fireflies, and loved our stay! The fireflies were one of the most magical things I've ever seen!" Some visitors report seeing fireflies at their campsites, while the peak viewing areas require a short walk from the campground.
Swampfox Passage hiking: The Palmetto Trail's Swampfox section cuts through Francis Marion National Forest with multiple access points for day hikers. According to a camper at Francis Marion National Forest, "We explored for hours, in our trucks and by foot. It was absolutely amazing." The trails include both hardwood forest sections and elevated boardwalks over swampy terrain.
Church exploration: Historical structures dot the camping areas around Summerton. "Something fun to do is to visit the Halfway Creek Church, constructed in 1941," suggests one Francis Marion visitor. These historic buildings provide cultural context for the region and offer photography opportunities during day trips from campsites.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: The swampy lowland environments create ideal habitats for diverse animal species. "We saw other wildlife around the campground too. A lizard during a walk during the day. Many frogs during the rain at night," reports one Longleaf Campground visitor. Bird watching opportunities abound, particularly during spring and fall migrations.
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the natural buffers at Longleaf Campground. According to one reviewer, "Sites were spread out, but also the vibe was less 'party all night' and more 'sleep and then explore the park during the day.'" Another mentions, "Sites are pretty large and about 10-20 yards away from each other," providing adequate separation for a more personal camping experience.
Cell service availability: Unlike many remote camping areas, connectivity remains surprisingly good. A Longleaf camper reports, "We had Verizon service. Enough to use Google image search to look up plants, animals, and mushrooms we had found." This allows tent campers to maintain emergency communications while still enjoying nature.
What you should know
Flooding concerns: The low-lying terrain throughout the Summerton camping areas means water accumulation happens quickly. One Bluff Hike In Campground visitor observed, "The first night got a lot of rain and storms and several of the campers from sites farther back left saying they were flooded out." Another camper cautioned, "It's lowlands so it floods easily in heavy rains...learned this the hard way!"
Challenging terrain: Tent placement requires careful site selection. "The tent pad stayed fully drained" during storms, according to one camper, indicating that established platforms often provide better drainage than random ground placement. Roots and uneven surfaces characterize many sites throughout the area.
Limited facilities: Restroom conditions vary significantly across campgrounds. A Longleaf camper noted, "The vault toilet was disgusting, covered in splattered poop and very smelly. I sometimes drove to the visitor center to use the flush toilet and sink there." At more primitive locations like Halfway Creek, a visitor warns, "there are no water and no toilets" so campers must pack in all necessities.
Tips for camping with families
Bring a wagon: Moving gear from parking areas to tent sites requires planning. "Bring a wagon for packing your stuff in," advises one parent at Longleaf Campground. "If you don't want to walk far, get campsite #1. It's right next to the parking lot and closest to the bathrooms."
Consider age-appropriate sites: For families with younger children, proximity to facilities matters. One camper at Halfway Creek suggests, "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." The open areas allow easier supervision of children while still enjoying nature.
Pack extra bug protection: Insect activity remains intense, especially during warmer months. "Bring lots of water and bug spray," warns a forest camper. Another visitor adds, "prepare to be eaten alive by deer flies everywhere you go!" Consider both repellents and physical barriers like screened tents for meals.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most camping options near Summerton focus primarily on tent camping with minimal RV accommodations. Francis Marion National Forest offers some sites with "electric hookups" according to their amenities list, though these are limited in number and typically require advance booking.
