Elmwood Recreation Area

Star4.33
67 reviews
Elmwood Recreation Area, Francis Marion National Forest, SC

Quick Facts

69 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open all year.

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Francis Marion National Forest site

Official Website
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Elmwood Recreation Area
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping at Elmwood Recreation Area is completely free of charge, as stated in the authoritative content and corroborated by multiple user reviews.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 67 reviews

59 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulwater

Some mention

mosquitoes

"User reviews generally describe Elmwood Recreation Area as peaceful, scenic, and well-suited for primitive camping. Key highlights include the availability of potable water, vault toilets, and abundant wildlife. However, limitations like insect problems, an overgrown field, and the lack of structured campsites are frequently noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Elmwood Recreation Area, Francis Marion National Forest, SC

Elmwood Recreation Area

Elmwood Recreation Area, Francis Marion National Forest, SC

Driving directionsFrom Charleston, take US Highway 17 north past McClellanville to Rutledge Road (SC Route 857-S). Turn left onto Rutledge Road, and drive four miles to Elmwood Recreation Area.
Access to Elmwood Recreation Area is primarily via paved roads transitioning to dirt roads closer to the site. User reviews indicate that the dirt roads may appear intimidating but are navigable even for large RVs, such as a 40-foot Class A rig towing a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Nearby places
McClellanville (approx. 10 miles) and Charleston (approx. 35 miles)
Nearby supplies
BJ's Bar, which has a store, is mentioned as being a few minutes away by one user. Walmart is less than 30 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Elmwood Recreation Area

Spring and fall bring near-perfect camping conditions to Elmwood, with comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall creating ideal outdoor weather. Summer arrives with characteristic Southern intensity—expect warm, humid days that buzz with insect activity, making bug spray an essential companion. The moderate spring and autumn seasons offer the most pleasant camping experiences, with crisp mornings giving way to warm afternoons perfect for forest exploration.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer reviews warn of mosquitoes and ticks; insect repellent recommended.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers comfortable temps and minimal rainfall; noted as a good season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.5 / 5
Top 3% in SC

Spring: "woods explode with color" from azaleas; peak season for blooms and wildlife.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter reviews mentioned but fewer specifics on highlights.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Spring appears to be popular based on user reviews highlighting blooming flora and active wildlife during that time.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open all year.
  • Current Alerts: None mentioned.

About Elmwood Recreation Area

Tucked away in the northeastern reaches of Francis Marion National Forest, Elmwood Recreation Area offers an authentic wilderness camping experience for those seeking solitude and connection with nature. This rustic, primitive campground transforms into a bustling hub during hunting season, when deer and turkey hunters gather to share stories and check their game at the official station. Outside hunting season, the campground provides a peaceful retreat for adventurers who prefer their camping unadorned and their nature undisturbed.
Elmwood Recreation Area features primitive camping with minimal facilities, accommodating both tent and RV campers. It also serves as a popular group camping site during hunting seasons.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No official check-in time provided.
Check-out
No official check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Stay is limited to 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Elmwood Recreation Area offers primarily outdoor recreational opportunities, including walking, jogging, and biking on service roads. The area is notable for its wildlife viewing experience and proximity to hunting zones. However, it lacks specific hiking trails or designated swimming and boating facilities.
FishingFishing is available at the site, with one user sharing: "Several places with water access and good fishing." Specific details about fish species or quality of fishing were not provided.
BikingBiking is available but restricted to service roads, as mentioned in user reviews.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight at Elmwood Recreation Area. One camper described: "The wild life is amazing...quiet, lots of birds, beautiful old trees."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks, mosquitoes, and stinging insects are recurring issues. 'Ticks are extremely bad here so be prepared for that,' warns one user review. Tall grass sometimes hides ant hills and snakes.
Active AlertsNone mentioned.

Weather at Elmwood Recreation Area

Reviews

4.3
67 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Elmwood Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Elmwood Recreation Area as peaceful, scenic, and well-suited for primitive camping. Key highlights include the availability of potable water, vault toilets, and abundant wildlife. However, limitations like insect problems, an overgrown field, and the lack of structured campsites are frequently noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 67 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic views with abundant flora and fauna, including blooming flowers like wisteria and azaleas. - Free camping with 14-day stay limit. - Accessible water spigot and vault toilets. - Friendly...
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Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

- Insect problems, including mosquitoes and ticks. - Overgrown grass making it difficult to spot hazards like ant hills and snakes. - Lack of structured campsites with only fire pits marking...
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Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring insect repellent and check for ticks after walks. - Carry sufficient supplies, as there are no nearby stores. - Bring orange clothing during hunting season for visibility. - Vault toilets and...
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Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is noted for its blooming flowers and active wildlife, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Summer reviews highlight the need for insect repellent due to mosquitoes and ticks. Winter...
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Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Everything was starting to bloom... Wisteria Jasmine, azaleas and more flowers than you can possibly imagine!" - Adrienne Young 2. "Beautiful place to camp RV or tent there are about 30 spots......
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Based on 67 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific campsite details were not provided in the authoritative or user reviews. However, general descriptions note the availability of approximately 30 spots, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet.
Based on 67 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility challenges or enhancements were noted. Users did not report significant issues for differently-abled campers.
Based on 67 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned, but user reviews note ticks are a concern for pet owners, suggesting careful checks are necessary after walks.
Based on 67 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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