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Camping in South Carolina: campsites, permits and passes

Camping in South Carolina starts in one of a few places: South Carolina State Parks for state park campsites, Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds, or free dispersed camping on National Forest land. Here's where to book each, plus permits, passes and licences.

Most people go to:

State park campsites

South Carolina state park campgrounds are booked through South Carolina State Parks ↗. Book as early as you can for summer and holiday weekends, and check each park's page for cabins, yurts, group sites and pet rules.

National parks in South Carolina

• Congaree National Park

Campgrounds in national parks are booked on Recreation.gov. See every park, monument and historic site in South Carolina on the National Park Service South Carolina page ↗.

National forests and free camping

South Carolina's national forests include Francis Marion, Sumter. Developed campgrounds are booked on Recreation.gov (some are first-come, first-served), and most national forest land allows free dispersed camping away from developed sites, usually for up to 14 days. Check the forest's rules and any fire restrictions first.

Permits and lotteries

Most camping in South Carolina doesn't need a special permit beyond your campsite reservation. Some wilderness areas, rivers and busy trailheads do; check the managing agency before you go.

Fishing and hunting licences

Licences for South Carolina are sold by the South Carolina DNR ↗, online or at local retailers. Rules and seasons differ by species and water, so check before you go.

Passes

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks and many federal lands in South Carolina. State parks usually sell their own day or annual passes; see South Carolina State Parks.

Best time to camp in South Carolina

Spring and fall are most comfortable. Summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms; winter is mild in the south.

Questions

Packing checklists

Nearby states (Southeast)