Francis Marion National Forest
RV Guide
Introduction
Like many old Southern places, Francis Marion National Forest has its share of southern hospitality along with a few adventures. Travel to this quiet oasis in your RV for your next memorable camping experience. Mere minutes from Charleston, this national forest is nestled north of the famous South Carolina city and covers over 258,000 acres in both Berkeley and Charleston counties. Steeped deep in history the area is named after Francis Marion, a revolutionary war hero for his battle with Britain's Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Explore the Subtropical coniferous forest through the Forks Area Trail System or Palmetto Trail by foot, bike, or motorcycle. Bird lovers will be excited to get a glimpse of the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker. Relax as you fish in the beautifully wild Chattanooga River. Bring your horse along on your motorhome camping trip or plan to travel the park on your ATV. There are four different RV camping sites at Francis Marion National Forest. Read on to find details for the top three RV campgrounds.
RV Rentals in Francis Marion National Forest
Transportation
Driving
Pack your bags and travel down scenic Highway 17 in your RV to access the majestic Francis Marion National Forest for your next camping trip. You’ll find that this area is a fantastic place to enjoy the Lowcountry in its natural state. With the national forest less than an hour away from Beaufort, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and just over two hours from Columbia and Savannah, Georgia, this area of the country makes the perfect Lowcountry getaway. What is not to like? With the vast array of trees, abundant wildlife, and majestic vistas, your trip will be Instagram worthy. Make your plans for some RV camping today.
Parking
You’ll find once you’ve entered Francis Marion National Forest that this area is the perfect place to camp in your RV. There is a parking fee once you enter the park, and make sure to follow all rules and regulations. While trying to locate your camping site, be on the lookout for visitors riding mountain bikes, ATVs, and horses. Once you’re here, you’ll quickly see why the wildlife-rich Francis Marion National Forest is the perfect place for camping in the great outdoors and getting closer to nature.
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Francis Marion National Forest
Campsites in Francis Marion National Forest
Reservations camping
Buck Hall Recreation Area
If you are looking for full amenities head to the Intracoastal Waterway on the former site of the Buck Hall plantation. Buck Hall offers an idyllic campground with 15 full-hookup sites and four tent-only sites. Potable water, showers, toilets, and picnic tables are available for campers. This campground is an excellent place for swimming, laying out on the beach, and fishing. The maximum RV length is 40 feet. Reservations are available.
First-come first-served
Honey Hill Recreation Area
Hunters will delight at the location of Honey Hill Recreation Area as its ideally located near great hunting grounds for deer and turkeys. Take a break from your daily routine by heading to this coastal area escape by setting up camp at one of the six available sites. Toilets, potable water, grills, and picnic tables are available for use. You’ll want to get here early as this campsite is first-come, first-served. Keep in mind this is a primitive campground with no hookups available.
Elmwood Recreation Area
Open all year-round, this first-come, first-served campgrounds offers two RV sites. Toilets, grills, picnic tables, and potable water are available. If you are looking for primitive camping, you’ll find it easy to surround yourself with peace and quiet of nature at this campground.
Seasonal activities in Francis Marion National Forest
Off-Season
Riding on the Jericho Horse Trail
Experience trail riding in such a beautiful place like Francis Marion National Forest as you take a moment to get back to nature. The national forest offers a 19-mile loop that is grassy and non-surfaced. You'll see a variety of wildlife while out on the Jericho Horse Trail as its creation is only for horseback riders and mountain bikers. Due to the natural structure of the trail, try to avoid traveling the area during very rainy periods.
Birding
Whether your viewing from your rustic RV camping site, a canoe, on horseback or while on foot, the wildlife is abundant at Francis Marion National Forest. Be on the lookout for the endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Kite, Bachman's Sparrow, and the Swainson's Warbler to name a few. Attracted to the forest by the pine woods of the floodplain forest, this area is a bird lovers paradise. Visit the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Educational Center during your stay to see if other species of birds have been located in the park. Don't forget your binoculars in your camping trailer- you'll need them to capture all the sights around you.
Visiting the Sewee Center Visitor & Environmental Education Center
C' mon out and learn more about the natural history by seeing, listening, and touching at the Sewee Center Visitor and Environmental Education Center. The organization's mission is to teach visitors of all ages conservation education while providing information and interpretation on the ecosystems of refuge and forest. Join a seminar on feeding Red Foxes to seeing the varied exhibits; this center is one that you won't want to miss.
In-Season
Fishing
Surround yourself among the surrounding beauty as you enjoy the sport of fishing at the 17 fishing ponds within the Francis Marion National Forest. Before you cast your rod, make sure to secure your South Carolina fishing license and pack your favorite rod and bait. From being out in the boat on the lake or fishing along the quiet streams, you will want to bring your camera to capture your next biggest catch. Known for salmon, this area of the country has some great fishing spots that will provide your next provide dinner for your next outdoor picnic.
Enjoying the Canoe Life
Have a paddling experience unlike no other as you travel through the wilderness of South Carolina's bogs and swamps during your camping trip. With seven canoe trails like the Awendaw Creek, Enoree River, Turkey-Stevens, and Tyger River, adventure seekers of all levels will have a great time. Spend a few peaceful moments as you leisurely view saltmarsh along the Intracoastal Waterway to the steep hardwood bluffs of this amazing national forest.
Hiking the Trials
Take a hike among the coastal nature of South Carolina, which is an excellent place to take a walk among the unique wildlife of the lowboy try. You will want to pack waterproof boots in your camper as some parts of the trail will lead you into exploring the swamp. Take a moment of zen as you travel down the Palmetto Trail and the Forks Area Trail System. Travel by foot, horse, or mountain bike as time on the trails is an excellent activity for campers of all levels.
