Camping & Cabins

There are no cabins for rent on the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests.

Camping is allowed in developed campgrounds and in designated primitive sites. Visitors who wish to camp outside these areas (dispersed camping) may obtain a free permit from the local district offices on the Long Cane, Enoree and Francis Marion districts. No permit is required on the Andrew Pickens district for dispersed camping.

Many of our campgrounds are available for reservation on recreation.gov. Some campgrounds have campsites available on a first-come-first-served basis.  

Campfire permits are not required. However, please check with the local district office about fire conditions.

Get a Free Dispersed Camping Permit

Dispersed camping is primitive camping (like backpack camping or canoe camping) that occurs outside of developed campgrounds and within the general forest. RV and car camping are not allowed as dispersed camping. Camps should be at least 50 feet from water and trails, and ½ mile from any road or parking lot. No permit is required for dispersed camping on the Andrew Pickens district in the mountains.

Visitors who wish to disperse camp on the Long Cane, Enoree or Francis Marion ranger districts need to complete free permit below. Please include your name, e-mail address and mobile number and sign electronically.  Then email the completed form to the appropriate ranger district below.

Please be specific when listing the location of your entry and exit points on the permit. Include road names or GPS coordinates for the entry and exit point. (Example: Forest Service Road (FSR) #144, Laurel Hill Rd)

Once approved, you’ll receive a signed Dispersed Camping Permit back via email. Please print off a copy of your signed permit and keep it on you while camping. Your permit must be approved before you can go dispersed camping. Incomplete permits will not be approved. Please abide by the rules and regulations outlined in the permit and enjoy your stay on your national forests!

Due to the volume of requests, submit your permits at least 5 business days ahead of your planned dispersed camping visit to allow sufficient time to process the permit. Requests for weekend camping should be submitted no later than Monday at noon to ensure adequate time for processing.

Download a Primitive Camping Permit

Email your completed Dispersed Camping Permit application to the below address or call for more information:

Francis Marion Ranger District: SM.FS.fmrd@usda.gov; or call (843) 336-2200

Enoree Ranger District: christopher.evans@usda.gov and michael.w.utt@usda.gov; or call (803) 276-4810

Long Cane Ranger District: jerome.collins@usda.gov; or call (803) 637-5396