26 Free Attractions in Boondocking, South Carolina - RV Parking and Camping - our great getaway (2023)

South Carolina is a beautiful state to visit and free travel in South Carolina is a great way to do it cheaply. South Carolina's "Palm State" has free campgrounds distributed throughout South Carolina. One of the most appealing aspects of South Carolina is the variety of interesting attractions the state has to offer, from the coast to the mountains. Boondocking is also a great way to get in touch with nature. Many attractions are in undeveloped areas, allowing you to see wildlife in its natural habitat. When searching for the best Free Boondocking Spots in South Carolina, we focused on Free RV Campground South Carolina and Free South Carolina Boondocking Spots.

Jump straight there10 Crazy Places in Eastern South Carolina
Jump straight there16 Boondocking locations in western South Carolina

Scatterkamperen in South Carolina

With four unique regions, South Carolina offers a diversity of topography, natural history, and climate in a relatively small state. Camping in South Carolina is a great option for those looking for variety without the long travel time, as you can drive from the mountains to the Atlantic Seaboard in just a few hours.

Mountains tower over the foothills of the state's extreme northwest region and appear blue on the horizon. Perhaps the most famous region in the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a pleasant respite from the hot South Carolina summers. The Blue Ridge Mountains draw tourists from across the country in the fall when the mountainsides are awash with color. No camping trip in South Carolina would be complete without a visit to Table Rock or Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, no matter the time of year.

Campers can cruise Lake Murray, enjoy world-class fishing, or camp on the beaches of Dreyer Island State Park just hours south of the Blue Ridge. The lake is a reservoir in the central region of the state. It covers approximately 50,000 acres and has more than 300 miles of shoreline. Lake Murray is a popular fishing area having hosted three national fishing championships in the last 15 years and is home to a variety of bass, bass, snapper and other popular game fish.

South Carolina's beautiful coastline is less than three hours from the state capital of Columbia. There are so many campsites along the coast that it's hard to shake a stick.

Want more ideas to complete your trip through the Southeastern States?
► Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee ◄

• 29 Free Boondocking Locations in Alabama
• 94 Free Boondocking Locations in Arkansas
• 90 Free Boondockings in Florida - RV Parks and Campgrounds
• 52 best Louisiana boondocking and free RV parking spots
• 87 of the best communities and free RV parking in Mississippi

10 Crazy Places in Eastern South Carolina

Jump straight there16 Boondocking locations in western South Carolina

Watch our video

1. Kostenlose South Carolina Boondocking – Woodbury WMA

Address
Woodbury gone
Gresham, South Carolina
GPS: 33.85934, -79.332878
Height: 23'

Administration: Public - Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)

There are 1-5 free boondock locations in South Carolina at this location. You can stay 4 days at Woodbury WMA. A boat ramp within the property provides easy camping facilities.

2. Kostenlose Boondocking-Tour in South Carolina – Pitts Landing

Address
Conway, South Carolina
GPS: 33.831638, -79.249031
Height: 13′

Management: Public - Unknown (unofficial)

The access road is a dirt road 1 mile from the paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location with a maximum camper length of 7.5 meters.

3. Kostenlose South Carolina Boondocking-Attraktion – Swamp Wildlife Management Area

Address
Murray gone
Gresham, South Carolina
GPS: 33.983033, -79.4709
Height: 47'

Administration: Public - Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)

The access road is a dirt road 3.65 miles off the paved road. There are 1-5 free boondock locations in South Carolina at this location. You can stay 4 days in Marsh Wildlife Management Area. Primitive camping is only possible at designated campsites near the information stand.

4. Free South Carolina Campgrounds - South Island Ferry

Address
Georgetown, South Carolina
GPS: 33.25096, -79.26933
Height: 3′

Administration: Public - Fish and Wildlife Service

Ferries to the South Island operate all year round.

5. Free RV Parking in South Carolina - Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area

Address
Santee Gun Club Road 220
McClellanville, Zuid-Carolina
GPS: 33.154879, -79.368238
Height: 17'

Administration: Public - Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)

Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management: The area is open on non-hunting days. You can stay for free for 4 days at the Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area in South Carolina. A permit is required for all campsites. Primitive camping is available year-round on Cedar and Murphy Island beaches with no prior arrangement. All camping arrangements must be made with the Santee Coastal Reserve Supervisor.

6. Free RV Parking in South Carolina - Elmwood Recreation Area

Address
McClellanville, Zuid-Carolina
GPS: 33.198958, -79.470065
Height: 71'

Administration: Public - Forest Service (USDA) (official)

The road is paved. The Elmwood Recreation Area is open year round. You can stay 14 days at the Elmwood Recreation Area. This recreation area is located in the northeast portion of the Francis Marion National Forest. This is a popular spot for deer and turkey hunting with the Waterhorn Hunt Unit.

7. South Carolina Cost Loser Boondocking Spot – Honey Hill Campground

Address
Jamestown, South Carolina
GPS: 33.174488, -79.561241
Height: 33'

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer (official)

The access road is a dirt road 1/4 mile off the paved road. Honey Hill Campground is open year-round. There are 6-15 free boondocking sites in South Carolina at this location. You can stay at Honey Hill Campground for 14 days.

8. South Carolina Free Distributed Campgrounds – Wambaw ORV Area/Campground

Address
Schuylerville, Zuid-Carolina
GPS: 33.13913, -79.63445
Height: 49'

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer (official)

The Wambaw ORV area/camp is open year round. This location has 1-5 vacancies in South Carolina with a maximum RV length of 45 feet. You can stay in the Wambaw ORV area/camp for 14 days. Friendly host. Camping is free. Various campsites with caravan sites. The campsite is well laid out with tables and benches. There are pit toilets.

9. Kostenloses South Carolina Boondocking – Midway Creek Trail Camp

Address
Halfway down Creek Road
Hoch, South Carolina
GPS: 33.056686, -79.696588
Height: 46'

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer (official)

The way in is a dirt road. There are 1-5 free boondock locations in South Carolina at this location. You can stay up to 14 nights at Halfway Creek Trail Camp. A pristine campground near the Palmetto Trail in Francis Marion National Forest. Ideal place to pitch a tent while hiking. Just a small dirt track that has space for a few cars.

10. Kostenlose Boondocking-Tour in South Carolina – Bob Cat Boat Landing

Address
Bamberg, South Carolina
GPS: 33.336903, -81.020401
Height: 142'

Management: Public – National Forest (unofficial)

The road is paved. No amenities or water, just rubbish. As far as I know there are no usage restrictions for this area, it is government property, there are no signs, no patrols and no one to harass rednecks.

16 Boondocking locations in western South Carolina

Jump straight there10 Crazy Places in Eastern South Carolina

1. Complimentary South Carolina Boondocking - SCE&G Boat Ramp #4

Address
Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina
GPS: 34.0801, -81.52065
Height: 417 feet

Management: Public – Boat Ramp and Recreation Area (Official)

Services include 24-hour bathrooms. There is no drinking water here, so bring your own. The area swarms with cars and boats at times, and there's an occasional loud party in the houses across the lake.

2. Free South Carolina Boondocking Site - Palmetto Trail (Hike)

Address
Hill, South Carolina
GPS: 34.241688, -81.332267

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer (official)

Primitive camp picnic tables available

3. Kostenlose South Carolina Boondocking-Attraktion – Palmetto Trail – Alston

Address
Allston weg
Summit of South Carolina
GPS: 34.24324, -81.316734
Height: 238′

Administration: Public – County Parks (official)

The access road is gravel. There are 1-5 free boondock locations in South Carolina at this location. A free, primitive campground at the start of the Palmetto Trail's Peak to Prosperity passage.

4. Kostenloses Camping in South Carolina – Brasstown Falls

Address
751 FS Road, bei Brasstown Road (Co. Rd. 48)
Long Creek, South Carolina
GPS: 34.721471, -83.296479
Height: 1116'

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer (official)

The access road is gravel. Brasstown Falls is always open, but most people come in the spring, summer, and fall. There are 1-5 free campsites in South Carolina at this location. We were told that you can stay 14 days as long as you don't change camp. At Brasstown Falls.

5. Free RV Parking in South Carolina - Riley Moore Falls Trail

Address
Rileymore Falls-Wandel
Westminster, South Carolina
GPS: 34.745306, -83.183958
Height: 928 feet

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer

Dispersed camping in the Andrew Pickens Ranger area of ​​the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. First come, first served -> First come, first served. no reservations

6. Kostenloses South Carolina RV Boondocking – Double Branch Camp

Address
Long Creek, South Carolina
GPS: 34.775425, -83.224014
Height: 1294′

Administration: Public - Forest Service (USDA) (official)

The way in is a dirt road. Shuangzhi Camp is open all year round. You can stay at Double Branch Camp's free campsite in South Carolina for 14 days. GPS coordinates are a best effort reference for this campground. They mark the end of Double Branch Road where there appears to be a bend. This is a pristine campground in the Sumter National Forest.

7. Kostenlose Boondocking-Tour in South Carolina – Grapevine Campground

Address
Wheatstone, Zuid-Carolina
GPS: 34.82379, -83.18119
Height: 1352′

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer (official)

Free South Carolina Campgrounds on the Chatoga River. Around it there is a pit toilet and a campsite. There is even a piece of sand near the river, a kind of beach. There is a lot of trees. There are also "public" trash cans.

8. Kostenloses Scatter-Camping in South Carolina – Blackwell Bridge

Address
697 Oilstone Road
Bergrust (South Carolina)
GPS: 34.833575, -83.174677
Elevation: 1457'

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer

Free camping in the Andrew Pickens Ranger Area, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest, South Carolina. This campsite does not accept reservations.

9. Free field trip to South Carolina - Grapevine Camp

Address
Long Creek, South Carolina
GPS: 34.825378, -83.191582
Elevation: 1692'

Administration: Public - Forest Service (USDA) (official)

Grapevine Camp is open year round. 14 days of free camping at Grapevine Camp in South Carolina. Located at the end of Route 764 on Chattooga Ridge Road, approximately 1.5 miles south of the Whetstone Road intersection.

10. Kostenloser Boondocking-Platz in South Carolina – Thrifts Ferry Primal Camping

Address
Lynn Road 795
Bergrust (South Carolina)
GPS: 34.813651, -83.289741
Altitude: 1527'

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer (official)

The way in is a dirt road. Thrifts Ferry Primitive Camp is open year round. This location has 1-5 free campsites in South Carolina with a maximum RV length of 25 feet. You can stay at Thrifts Ferry's original campsite for 14 days. At the beginning of the spur there is room for a medium-sized C-Class. After that it gets tight.

11. Free Boondocking Attractions in South Carolina - Fall Creek

Address
237 Qiuxi Street
Bergrust (South Carolina)
GPS: 34.825738, -83.260823
Altitude: 1850′

manage

Dispersed camping in the Andrew Pickens Ranger area of ​​the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. This campsite does not accept reservations.

12. Free Camping in South Carolina - Turpin Branch

Address
Qiuxi-weg
Bergrust (South Carolina)
GPS: 34.833442, -83.252981
Elevation: 1736'

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer

Free camping in the Andrew Pickens Ranger Area, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest, South Carolina. First come, first served -> First come, first served. Reservations are not accepted.

13. Free RV Parking in South Carolina - Timmy Place

Address
Earl Ford Road
Bergrust (South Carolina)
GPS: 34.875858, -83.228101
Height: 1621′

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer

Free camping in the Andrew Pickens Ranger Area, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest, South Carolina. First come, first served -> First Camp. Reservations are not accepted.

14. Kostenloser South Carolina RV Boondocking – Low Water Campground

Address
low water bridge road
Bergrust (South Carolina)
GPS: 34.898146, -83.187454
Height: 1585′

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer (official)

The access road is a dirt road 800 meters from the paved road. This location has 1-5 free campsites in South Carolina with a maximum RV length of 25 feet. You can stay at the Low Water Campground for 14 days. Easy access for Class C mini rigs, trailers, pop ups, tents, vans and truck campers. With some trailers, turning can become a problem when all spaces are occupied. 2 garbage cans. A pit toilet.

15. South Carolina Free Boondocking Spot – Tamassee Camp

Address
spiral staircase
Tamasy, South Carolina
GPS: 34.921904, -83.074384
Height: 1286′

Administration: Public – Staatsbosbeheer

Dispersed camping in the Andrew Pickens Ranger area of ​​the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come first serve.

16. Free scattered campgrounds in South Carolina - Burrells Ford

Address
Bergrust (South Carolina)
GPS: 34.96925, -83.118095
Height: 2047′

Management: Public - USDA Forest Service (Official)

The access road is a dirt road that is 2 miles off the paved road. The campground has 6-15 free campsites in South Carolina with a 15 foot RV length restriction. Campgrounds in Burrells Ford are free all year round. Pit toilets and picnic tables are available. Walk 0.25 miles to camp

Are there vacant boondocking locations in South Carolina?

There are many answers to this question. One of the most important decisions is which part of the state to visit. You can choose to head to the small Blue Ridge region near the Sassafras Mountains in the northwest of the state, or to the rolling hills of the Piedmont region with its beautiful orchards. Or head to the Sandhills area for great whitewater rafting and hiking.

The coast is an excellent place for forest adventures. If you enjoy being on the water, the coastal areas, including Myrtle Beach, are a must. Starting your search for free things to do in upstate South Carolina will allow you to make the most of your stay in these areas while enjoying the benefits of free tent camping in South Carolina.

Camping in the Palm State is mostly a paid activity, and most of the few free campgrounds in the state are near the ocean. Luckily, it's also one of South Carolina's most desirable campgrounds, a win-win for most campers who drop by.

Frequently asked questions about free parking and camping in South Carolina

Can I camp anywhere in South Carolina?

South Carolina offers paid tented camping in state parks and commercial campgrounds, and free tented camping on public lots. National forests and national parks in the area offer free tent camping, both scattered (no designated campgrounds) and basic campgrounds.

Can you walk to the boondock in Myrtle Beach?

If you enjoy being on the water, the coastal areas, including Myrtle Beach, are a must. Make the most of your vacation in these locations by exploring upstate South Carolina and enjoying the benefits of free South Carolina camping.

Is it legal to camp on South Carolina beaches?

Beach camping is prohibited on most public beaches. You must therefore plan in advance where you are going. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path to find some of the best spots away from the big tourist beaches. On the SC State Parks page, both Hunting Island State Park and Huntington Beach State Park are worth visiting.

Can you sleep on the beach in South Carolina?

Edisto Beach State Park's campgrounds are the closest thing to sleeping on the beach in South Carolina. It is not legal to be naked on South Carolina beaches. Some places (like Myrtle Beach and The Isle of Palms) are much stricter, prohibiting the public display of buttocks. There will be no strings.

Free camping on the South Carolina coast

We should point out that many of them camp by the sea and not on the beach. Beach parking is uncommon in the US Southeast, and South Carolina is no exception. You can find free campsites within a few kilometers of the Atlantic. In other words, the base camp experience.

Francis Marion National Forest and the nearby state-owned Santee Coastal Preserve Wildlife Management Area, about 60 miles south of Myrtle Beach, are home to several such sites. You can only stay four days, but it's free, beautiful, and conveniently located.

The Wildlife Management Area offers a number of campsites in the Oak Forest. There are now a variety of camping options in the National Forest, including hunting camps such as the Elmwood Recreation Area. The nearby Halfway Creek Trail Campground, which is more formal but still free, has actual campgrounds with picnic tables and fire pits.

Sumter National Forest

While vehicle and RV camping is officially prohibited in this national forest's scattered campgrounds (tent camping is permitted), simple camping is permitted at the Grapevine Campground, a more formal collection of numbered campgrounds.

Sumter National Forest is one of South Carolina's most serene national forests, yet offers many recreational opportunities. Nestled on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the campground offers everything from rustic tented camps to easy access to state parks. There are many beautiful hiking trails, such as the Yellow Branch Falls Trail in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District. You can fish and travel on almost any human-powered boat on the Chatoga River. North of the forest are Lake Jocassee and Devils Fork State Parks, just a few of the services offered by the forest service.

You might want to join usFor more information, visit the Boondocking Group on Facebook

You might want to join usFor more information, visit the Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook

Check out our photosInstagram – our great sanctuary.