No matter what time of year it is, camping in South Carolina is a true treat. What’s not to love? You can spend the entire day enjoying the great outdoors and then light up a campfire and watch the sun go down. It’s an activity that lends itself to all levels of camping, from glamping in a six-figure RV to a rustic cabin and even to backcountry camping in sites accessible only by way of a little hike. Following are five fantastic places to find back country, very primitive campsites (and, surprise… not all of them require a hike). Check ’em out… would you ever go to this extreme for some primitive camping in South Carolina??

1. Raven Rock Trail - Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Sunset

Keowee Toxaway State Park, 108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
AllTrails/Matthias Gruenwald
Hike in or paddle your way to one of the three back country, trailside campsites along the 4.1-mile Raven Rock Loop trail at Keowee-Toxaway State Park. You'll need to pack in everything you'll need, as these sites are entirely primitive and offer no amenities.

2. Longleaf Campground - Congaree National Park, Hopkins

Congaree National Park Sign, National Park Rd, Hopkins, SC 29061, USA
Google Maps/Ken Reeves
Camp in South Carolina's only National Park when you stay in the Longleaf Campground in the park's back country. Experience the true wilderness of Congaree National Park by hiking into one of the 10 individual tent sites. The only resources you'll find here are a fire ring and picnic table at each camp site. The entrance to the campground has a single vault toilet. You can obtain fresh water by trekking over to the park's Visitor Center. All sites must be reserved in advance.

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3. Jones Gap State Park - Marietta

Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Rd, Marietta, SC 29661, USA
AllTrails/Jeff Peoples
Perfect for those who are accustomed to car camping but wish to do some beginner backpack camping. The hike-in sites along the Jones Gap Trail are all found along the beautiful Middle Saluda River, a moss-covered, boulder-strewn paradise and the perfect setting for a primitive camping trip. Learn more about it and make a camping reservation on the Jones Gap State Park website.

4. Bluff Campground - Congaree National Park, Hopkins

Congaree National Park, South Carolina, USA
Google Maps/A.C. Antonelli
The other primitive campground at Congaree National Park is a bit more secluded - and difficult to reach if you're carrying all of your gear. It's located approximately one mile into the looped Bluff Trail, approximately one half way around the 2.1-mile loop. The campground has six individual sites (no group sites) and a fire ring and picnic table for each site. There are no toilets and you'll have to hike to the Visitor Center if you need fresh water.

5. Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp - near Long Creek

Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp, South Carolina 29664, USA
Google Maps/Joe Lucas
Located right on the banks of the beautiful Chauga River, Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp takes on a couple of personas throughout the year. During big game season (Oct 1 - Dec 31) and turkey season (April 1 - 30), it's open to all and absolutely free. During the rest of the year, groups can utilize this primitive site for a nominal fee. The campground has sites specifically set aside for reservations as well as walk-in first-come, first-served sites.

Bear in mind that while the occasional primitive camping area has vault or pit toilets, most offer nothing of the sort. Rustic, backcountry camping in South Carolina (or any location!) is quite different than visiting a campground filled with amenities. Be sure to check out all of the information for these and other primitive campsites before embarking on your own rustic camping adventure. Another thing you’ll want to be aware of is all the gorgeous hiking opportunities, in addition to the journey to your campsite. AllTrails+ is an excellent resource for detailed hiking maps and to connect with fellow hikers to learn about the trails before you head out.

Prefer a more traditional camping experience? Check out these places in South Carolina where you can camp on the beach. Also, take a peek at the most beautiful campground in South Carolina!

This Might Just Be The Most Beautiful Campground In All Of South Carolina

 

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More to Explore

Primitive Camping Near Me

Tori Jane | April 11, 2023
  1. Where can I go primitive camping in South Carolina? 

Most campgrounds in South Carolina are going to have some primitive – or non-electric – sites available. Some are first-come/first-serve, while others require a reservation. Some of the best places for primitive camping in South Carolina are ones like:  

  • Fell Hunt Campground – This one is perfect for those who prefer a smaller, more intimate experience. With just 52 campsites on 14 acres, this is great for peace and quiet.  
  • Halfway Creek Campground – Hit the Palmetto Trail and access this primitive site with no drinking water or facilities – so be sure to bring your own.  
  • Top of Brasstown Falls – Seriously! There is one primitive campsite located at the top of Brasstown Falls. It is every bit as awesome as it sounds.  

Learn more about each of these awesome places for primitive camping in South Carolina.    

  1. Where is dispersed camping in South Carolina permitted? 

Here in beautiful South Carolina, dispersed camping is free and legal in many places. Many of its state parks are open to dispersed camping and/or boondocking (car camping). Some of the most notable places for dispersed camping in South Carolina include:  

  • Capers Island – This spot near Whitehall Terrace is beautiful AND relaxing. Perfect.  
  • County Parks – South Cove County Park, Chau Ram County Park, High Falls County Park, and many others permit dispersed camping.  
  • Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area – Again, this one is almost too cool to be true!  

Learn more about camping at Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area.  

  1. What are some awesome places to go camping in South Carolina?

Naturally, the above-mentioned places are nowhere near exclusive; there are so many great places to go camping in SC that we can’t even TRY to mention them all. Other noteworthy camping spots in South Carolina include (but are obviously not limited to):  

  • Lake Jocassee – With stunning lake views and even some waterfalls, what’s not to love?  
  • Ocean Lakes Campground – Camp right alongside the ocean at this amazing private campground.  
  • Willow Tree RV Resort and Campground – Another privately-owned but definitely-worth-it place to rest your head.  

Learn more about camping at Willow Tree RV Resort and Campground. 

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