Where to Sleep Under the Stars in the Palmetto State (Legally & Comfortably)
South Carolina might not be the first place you think of for van life—but trust me, it’s a sleeper hit. With everything from moss-draped oaks along the coast to quiet mountain forests in the upstate, the Palmetto State has something for every kind of road wanderer. I've spent a lot of time exploring this region, and these are my favorite spots for van living and car camping across the state.
Here are the 10 best car camping and van life locations in South Carolina, perfect for travelers who want a balance of beauty, accessibility, and peace of mind.
1. Francis Marion National Forest (Dispersed Camping)
Region: Coastal Lowcountry (Near Charleston)
Type: Free dispersed camping
This massive national forest is a vanlifer’s haven. You’ll find quiet forest roads, open fields, and primitive sites tucked into the woods. It’s close enough to Charleston for a day trip but far enough away for some solitude.
🌳 Check out the Wambaw Hunt Camp and Willow Hall areas for peaceful overnights.
2. Table Rock State Park
Region: Upstate SC (Near Greenville)
Type: Developed campground
If you're craving mountain vibes, this is the spot. Table Rock has stunning views, waterfalls, and great hiking. While you'll need to book a campsite, the serenity is worth it—especially if you want hot showers and picnic tables.
🏞️ Arrive mid-week for more privacy. The campground has electric hookups and lake access.
3. Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area (Musterground Road)
Region: Northwest SC
Type: Remote dispersed camping
This is one of South Carolina’s most rugged and scenic regions. The roads are gravel and best suited for high-clearance vehicles, but vanlifers can find secluded spots to boondock along the forest service roads.
🧭 Bring plenty of water and supplies—there’s no cell signal or amenities here.
4. Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area
Region: Coastal SC (Near McClellanville)
Type: Free camping with permit
This spot is off the beaten path and ideal for birdwatchers and solitude-seekers. You can request a free permit for overnight camping, and the area is full of marshes, wildlife, and unpaved roads perfect for a peaceful night.
🌅 Gorgeous sunsets, but bring bug spray—the mosquitoes can be intense.
5. Caesars Head State Park
Region: Mountain Bridge Wilderness, Upstate SC
Type: Trailhead access + nearby camping
While the park itself doesn’t offer car camping, there are private and public campgrounds nearby, and you can park at trailheads for access to the park’s epic overlooks and waterfalls.
🥾 Explore Raven Cliff Falls—one of the most stunning hikes in the state.
6. Lake Hartwell Recreation Area
Region: Western SC (On the Georgia border)
Type: Developed campground & day-use areas
Lake Hartwell has several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds that are van-friendly. They’re affordable, clean, and offer lakefront sites that are perfect for kayaking, swimming, and chilling.
💧 Many sites offer electric hookups and water—great for a recharge day.
7. Myrtle Beach State Park
Region: Coastal SC
Type: Paid developed campground
Yes, it’s a tourist hotspot—but if you want to fall asleep to the sound of ocean waves, this is the place. The campground is shaded, walkable to the beach, and surprisingly peaceful if you go during the off-season.
🌊 Reserve early if traveling in spring or summer—this place books fast.
8. Sumter National Forest (Enoree and Andrew Pickens Districts)
Region: Central & Western SC
Type: Dispersed and designated primitive camping
South Carolina’s lesser-known national forest is full of vanlife potential. The Enoree Ranger District has several quiet areas to boondock. Andrew Pickens, further north, feels more mountainous and wild.
🌲 Check with rangers for updated dispersed camping guidelines and forest road conditions.
9. Congaree National Park (Longleaf Campground)
Region: Central SC
Type: Primitive campground (reservation required)
Want to sleep near one of the country’s only old-growth floodplain forests? Congaree is quiet, lush, and full of boardwalk trails and giant trees. Longleaf Campground is tent-style but van-accessible if you’re self-contained.
🦉 Great for birding and night sky photography. Quiet hours are enforced.
10. Walmart & Cracker Barrel (Urban Overnight Options)
Region: Statewide
Type: Stealth / overnight parking
South Carolina has a good number of Walmarts, Cracker Barrels, and Pilot/Flying J truck stops that allow overnight parking. While not scenic, they’re perfect for quick overnight stays or when you’re near Columbia, Greenville, or Charleston.
🛒 Always ask a manager and be respectful. No chairs or camp setups outside the vehicle.
🔑 Van Life Tips for South Carolina
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Humidity is real. Invest in a rechargeable fan or crack windows with mesh netting to stay cool.
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Bugs are no joke. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are thick near water—bring bug spray and citronella.
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Stealth camping is trickier in the coastal cities—stick to known-friendly lots or head to forest land.
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Watch hurricane season. From June to November, stay aware if you're near the coast.
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Locals are friendly. Especially in rural areas, a kind wave or small talk goes a long way.
South Carolina surprised me in the best way. There’s a balance of peaceful forests, coastal charm, and Southern hospitality that makes it ideal for vanlife if you know where to look. Whether you're looking to boondock in the pines or wake up on the beach, the Palmetto State has a spot for you.
Got a favorite SC camp spot I missed? Drop me a message—I’m always up for a new adventure.
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