The Francis Marion National Forest, named after the revolutionary war hero Francis Marion, is located just north of Charleston, South Carolina. It offers visitors a serene escape into nature with its lush subtropical coniferous forests and rich biodiversity. Known as part of the Middle Atlantic coastal forests ecoregion, this national treasure boasts a variety of outdoor activities for every adventurer. The forest encompasses the towns like Awendaw, Huger, Jamestown, and McClellanville. For a convenient and immersive stay, you can rent an RV from rentals around the forest through RV Share.
Camping in Francis Marion National Forest
Whether you prefer camping within the forest or nearby private campgrounds, there are options to suit every budget and style for camping near Francis Marion National Forest.
Campgrounds in Francis Marion National Forest
Private Campgrounds Near Francis Marion National Forest
Located in South Carolina, these private campgrounds, ideal for families and solo travelers, offer a perfect balance of comfort and proximity to the natural wonders of Francis Marion National Forest.
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
-
Buck Hall Campground
The Buck Hall Campground is on the site of the old Buck Hall plantation 6 miles southeast of McClellanville. It provides access to Bulls Bay, which has the best shrimp baiting on the coast. There are flush toilets, potable water, a dump station, and picnic tables at this campground, and there is a boat ramp available. Fees are $28 per night per RV site.
-
Cherry Hill Campground
The Cherry Hill Campground is a peaceful haven for nature lovers with its 29 sites. Despite being in a remote natural setting, visitors will have access to flush toilets, warm showers, potable water, and a dump station, though there are no hook-ups. The Chattooga River is nearby, as is Oconee State Park. There is a small store on-site, and fees are $15 per night.
-
Oak Plantation Campground
The Oak Plantation Campground offers 200 full-hookup sites that include water, sewer, and electricity, as well as cable and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include restrooms with hot showers, a laundromat, a general store, and an outdoor pool. The large play area features a disc golf course and a lawn chess area. For pets, there is a fenced-in park. Rates are $59.70 per night, and discounts are available for veterans and Sam's Club members. This campground is available year-round.
Francis Marion National Forest Hiking Trails
Discover the diverse hiking trails in Francis Marion National Forest, offering everything from strolls to treks.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Challenging Trails for Hikers
Lakeside Trails
-
Awendaw Passage Trail
The Awendaw Passage is a heavily trafficked out-and-back trail that features a river and is accessible year-round. It provides great low-country vistas, but the trail will get muddy after rain.
Length: 8.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
-
Palmetto Trail – Swamp Fox Passage
The Swamp Fox Passage is a part of the greater Palmetto Trail. This section is 45.9 miles long, and it is a point-to-point trail located near Bonneau, South Carolina. It features beautiful wildflowers and is best visited from September through June as it gets quite hot and humid in July and August. If you come in the summer months, make sure to bring plenty of water and bug spray. This is a great trail for bird watchers.
Length: 45.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate to Difficult
-
I'on Swamp Interpretive Trail
This moderately trafficked loop trail near Awendaw, South Carolina, is a historic, self-guided interpretive trail. It crosses over embankments that were built in the 18th century to create a patchwork of fields for rice production, which was a lucrative cash crop at the time. The trail provides a fascinating walk through the wetlands and offers views of beautiful wildflowers.
Length: 1.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
-
South Tibwin Loop Trail
This is a moderately trafficked loop trail that features a river. The trailhead is located near McClellanville, South Carolina. The scenery along this trail is quite varied, though it gets muddy in spots. It is best used from January through September.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
-
Battery Warren Interpretive Trail
Located near Jamestown, South Carolina, this lightly trafficked out-and-back trail features a river and is accessible year-round. It culminates in a high bluff atop the Santee River and traverses mixed hardwood and pine forests. In the spring, when the dogwoods are in bloom, it is particularly beautiful. The Battery Warren, a Civil War earthen fort that was meant to blockade advancing Union troops, is the highlight of the trail. Named for Revolutionary War hero Col. Samuel Warren, the embankments of this fort can be explored by visitors.
Length: 0.9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Activities in Francis Marion National Forest
Here are some interesting things to do in Francis Marion National Forest.
Hiking
Explore the vast Palmetto Trail, which includes different trails, like Swamp Fox Passage and Lake Moultrie Passage, offering varying difficulty levels.
Off-road vehicle riding
Explore Wambaw Cycle Trail (North Loop) and Wambaw Cycle Trail (South Loop) for off-road vehicle riding via ATVs and motorcycles.
Canoeing and Kayaking
You can explore unique waterways such as the I'on Swamp and Hell Hole Bay Wilderness by paddle.
Wildlife Viewing
Spot a variety of animals, including alligators, deer, otters, bobcats, and the American black bear, which finds refuge in the Francis Marion Forest.
Fishing
Enjoy casting your line in the Francis Marion National Forest's many rivers and lakes.
-
Fishing
The Francis Marion National Forest offers many fishing opportunities; you can find bream, bass, crappie, catfish, and shad, as well as red drum and spot. The best places to fish include the lower portion of the Santee River and the Intercoastal Waterway. Other species sometimes found in the rivers and lakes include yellow perch and northern pike, as well as walleye, panfish, pickerel, and the tiger muskie.
-
Nature and Bird Watching
Bird watchers will also find many species in the Francis Marion National Forest; there are many types of woodpeckers and cuckoos, as well as the Eastern whip-poor-will, American woodcock, and Mississippi and swallow-tailed kites. You may also encounter many types of warblers, hawks, vireos, nuthatches, and buntings. Some subspecies, such as the Wayne's Warbler, are only seen in the coastal plains of the Carolinas. Visitors to the park might also see otters, beavers, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, opossum, deer, and bears.
How to get to Francis Marion National Forest
Address: 2967 Steed Creek Rd, Huger, SC 29450
Fee: Entry fee $3.0
By Car
From Charleston:Take US-17 N and continue onto Steed Creek Rd. Then follow Halfway Creek Rd to Yellow Jacket Rd, leading to Francis Marion National Forest.
From Myrtle Beach: Take US-17 S to McClellanville. Then continue on SC-45 W and follow Yellow Jacket Rd to reach Francis Marion National Forest.
By Air
The nearest airports to Francis Marion National Forest are:
Charleston International Airport (CHS): Located approximately 30 miles southwest of the forest, this is the closest major airport. You can rent a car from the airport or use a taxi or rideshare service to reach the forest.
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): Approximately 87.5 miles northeast, providing another convenient option.
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV): About 117 miles south, offering additional access to the region.
Seasonal Restrictions
Seasonal Restrictions: The Francis Marion National Forest is open year-round, but some activities may be subject to seasonal restrictions. Hunting is permitted during specific seasons in the fall and winter, which may limit access to certain areas of the forest. Weather conditions can also affect accessibility, particularly during hurricane season in late summer and early fall, which may lead to temporary closures or disruptions. Wildlife activity varies throughout the year, with spring and summer being ideal for bird watching and other outdoor activities, while cooler months offer better chances for spotting mammals like deer, otters, and the American black bear. It’s important to check for any updates or temporary restrictions before planning your visit.
Fees in the Francis Marion National Forest
There is no entry fee to access the Francis Marion National Forest; however, you may need to pay fees for specific activities like camping, using developed recreation areas, or accessing certain OHV trails ($5 self-service fee per motorized trail vehicle per day or a $50 annual pass per motorized trail vehicle) within the forest. Some places for camping near Francis Marion National Forest in developed campgrounds require a self-service permit or annual pass, depending on the activity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Francis Marion National Forest
Is Francis Marion National Forest open all year round?
Yes, the Francis Marion National Forest is open year-round. In fact, the forest has some of the best birding all year long of any area in South Carolina. The mild weather means the forest is a pleasant place for hiking and biking at any time of year.
Is there a fee to get into Francis Marion National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Francis Marion National Forest. There may be fees for recreational activities like using OHV trails or day-use areas. There may also be permits or fees required for camping or other activities.
Does Francis Marion National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Francis Marion National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest. RVs and cars are not allowed when dispersed camping - campers must arrive on foot or by canoe. Campers must bring everything they need with them, and must leave no trace when they go.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Francis Marion National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Francis Marion National Forest. Campers may be in one spot for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After that, campers must move off of forest land.
What type of wildlife lives in Francis Marion National Forest?
Wildlife living in the Francis Marion National Forest includes black bears, otters, bobcats, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The forest is also home to more than 1600 species of plants including 32 different species of orchids and 12 species of carnivorous plants.
