Camping can open up a whole world of new opportunities for unplugging and getting outside to play. In days gone by, camping was considered a super affordable way to escape for a fun-filled yet relaxing family weekend. However, over the years, even the cost of renting a campsite seems to have soared. That’s likely because campgrounds have begun to compete with each other by adding all sorts of amenities – and raising their prices to pay for them. You won’t run into that issue at these affordable campsites and campgrounds in South Carolina (there are actually some places for FREE camping in South Carolina). What’s more, these nine glorious campsites don’t require a reservation. Sweet!

1. Fell Hunt Campground - Bradley
Flickr/NatureLifePhoto
1369 Cedar Springs Rd, Bradley, SC 29819, USA
Google Maps
Primarily used as a hunt and equestrian camp, this campground's tent and camper sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are 52 campsites on 15 acres and the camp serves as the trailhead for the 26+ mile Long Cane Horse Trail. The campground doesn't accept reservations and still offers some pretty great amenities for the low cost of camping here: water, picnic shelter, vault toilets, garbage cans, hitching posts for horses, grass tent sites, and camper parking. Find out more by calling the Long Cane Ranger District at (803) 637-5396, or by visiting the U.S. Forest Service website.
2. Elmwood Recreation Area - Jamestown
Jamestown, SC 29453, USA
freecampsites.net/Drifting Drew
If you're looking for a place to disconnect, you'll likely find spotty service for your mobile devices at this South Carolina campground. But that's good, right? Popular during deer and turkey season, this campground in the Francis Marion National Forest is located between McClellanville and Honey Hill in the middle of a pine and oak forest. This primitive campground has spigot water and vault toilets and offers free camping. Get more information by calling the Francis Marion Ranger District in Huger at (843) 336-3248. Or, you can visit the U.S. Forest Service website.

3. Halfway Creek Campground - Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail
Shirley Hall/Google Local
Huger, SC 29450, USA
Glenn Hanna/Google Local
Hit the trail to get to this hike-in-only campsite along the Palmetto Trail. The primitive campsite is located on the longest passage of the Palmetto Trail and has several designated hike-in sites including this one. However, we found a nearby road that makes this primitive site pretty accessible if you want to drive and walk a short distance to the site. You'll need to bring everything along because there's no drinking water or facilities. Visit the Palmetto Conservation website for more information about the Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail. You can also view the Google Map showing the access road nearby.
4. Brasstown Falls - Westminster
Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
Flickr/Joe Plocki
The U.S. Forest Service Southern Region lists a primitive campsite located at the top of Brasstown Falls. It's a tent-only hike-in site that's free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Discover more about Brasstown Falls on the Visit Oconee South Carolina website.

Take a look at this video showing Brasstown Falls by Let's Go Liz:

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5. Honey Hill Recreation Area - Jamestown
3533 French Santee Rd, Jamestown, SC 29453, USA
Google Maps [streetview]
Free camping in South Carolina? Yes, please! But be aware there's a 14-day max that you can stay for free here. Honey Hill dishes up a lot for free, including toilets, grills, and picnic tables - and plenty of shade. You'll find more information on the U.S. Forest Service website.
6. Brick House Campground - Whitmire
Brick House Campground, Brick House Rd, 49 Brick House Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178, USA
Flickr/Mark Doliner
This somewhat primitive campground is located in the Sumter National Forest and offers trails perfect for hiking and biking. Pack up the kids and go "off-grid" for the weekend here, where your biggest amenities will include a picnic table, a grill, and a post to hold your lantern. Find out more on the U.S. Forest Service website.
7. Nicholson Creek - Swamp Fox Passage, Palmetto Trail
7476 Hwy 17, McClellanville, SC 29458, USA
Flickr/Peretz Partensky
The Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail is 47 miles long. It's a long and enjoyable hike as long as you don't bring a lot of stuff. Just make sure you're armed for mosquitoes and snakes. There are several back-country hike-in-only primitive sites along the trail. Nicholson Creek is among them. For more information about the Swamp Fox Passage, visit the Palmetto Conservation website. Something to keep in mind -- there are no facilities or drinking water at Nicholson Creek.
8. Burrell's Ford - Mountain Rest
Flickr/Let Ideas Compete
Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Flickr/Let ideas Compete
The beautiful Chattooga River is a perfect place to camp! Burrells Ford Campground is open all year and camping there doesn't cost a cent. Your amenities include a nice old-fashioned pit toilet and a picnic table. The campground is .25 miles from the Chattooga River, and you can even walk in and camp along the river as long as you're the required 50 feet from the water. More information can be found on the U.S. Forest Service website.
9. Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area - Edgefield County
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Edgefield, SC 29824, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
The beautiful Lick Fork Lake area is a hidden gem in the Palmetto State. The campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis and only cost $7 per night. Note, there's a 14-night maximum stay allowed. The U.S. Forest Service website says there's currently no drinking or running water of any kind at the campground so that may pose an issue if you don't bring your own. The park offers vault toilets, fire rings, showers (when the water is working) and garbage cans. This is a seasonal campground that's open from May 1 through Nov. 15. No lifeguards are provided for lake swimmer's safety. More information, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.

The Palmetto State has some great spots to unplug and go camping in South Carolina. This list has a lot of options and hopefully, you found one that you really love, especially if it’s free camping in South Carolina! If not, then you can always check out others that are listed on the U.S. Forest Service website.

If you love to camp, then where are your favorite campgrounds in South Carolina? We’d love to know in our comments.

Do you prefer to know if you have reservations and a few more amenities when you camp? Check out these beachside campgrounds in South Carolina.

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More to Explore

Campgrounds In South Carolina

Robin Jarvis | June 17, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in South Carolina?

Many of the best campgrounds in South Carolina are located in state parks.

  • In the mountains, Devils Fork State Park is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The park offers two campgrounds, including a paddle-in campground that's a bit rustic and primitive in comparison to the campground that can accommodate RVs and trailers.
  • On the other hand, when seeking a camping spot on the beach, four South Carolina state parks are located right on the coast and offer ocean-side camping where you'll wake to the swift ocean breeze and a sunrise over the ocean.
  • For visitors who love chasing waterfalls, Jones Gap State Park has trails that lead to spectacular waterfalls, including the tallest in the state.

 

Are you allowed to camp in state parks?

South Carolina's many state parks offer a variety of camping opportunities and many also offer cabin rentals. The cabins range from rustic cottages along the beach to rugged mountain cabins along lakes and rivers, and even roundette cabins located over the lake at Santee State Park.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?

When preparing for a camping trip, it's important to create a checklist of items to pack. Essential camping gear for tent camping includes:

  • A tent (of course)
  • Lanterns
  • A flashlight
  • Rain gear
  • A dry pair of shoes (for when it rains)
  • Bug spray to ward off mosquitoes and noseeums
  • Sunscreen
  • Tin foil for cooking over an open flame or a grill
  • Matches or a lighter
  • Garbage bags
  • Kitchen utensils for cooking and eating
  • Food and beverage
  • It also helps if you have an air mattress, unless, of course, you prefer sleeping on the ground.

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