Francis Marion NF - Local insights needed

[-miko-]

My son and I need to be in Charleston for a weekend in early October for some college visits and thought we'd try to include some trails and maybe some camping as part of the fun. We're hoping y'all could provide some local knowledge on the Francis Marion NF.

- Are the Honey Hill and Elmwood camp sites crowded during deer season?
- Is Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area another camping option or is it heavily used in deer season as well? Would we be better off planning for a hotel instead of camping at all at that time of year?
- What trails would you recommend we hit?
- Any that we should avoid with no lockers or winch (we do have a come-along for emergencies)?

Many thanks in advance!

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[JTR178]

- What trails would you recommend we hit?

There aren't really trails in Francis Marion. Non-maintained dirt roads are as extreme as it gets. I've ridden the SCAR routes from McClellanvile to Moncks Corner and Jamestown. Nice way to spend a few hours away from civilization. Don't go off trail and don't drive around road closed signs. Enough Jeeps have pissed off folks in the area and they're happy to call you in.

 

[-miko-]

There aren't really trails in Francis Marion. Non-maintained dirt roads are as extreme as it gets. I've ridden the SCAR routes from McClellanvile to Moncks Corner and Jamestown. Nice way to spend a few hours away from civilization. Don't go off trail and don't drive around road closed signs. Enough Jeeps have pissed off folks in the area and they're happy to call you in.

Ah, got it. That's helpful to know about the level of trails - and not offending the locals. And yes, the SCAR was a route we were thinking about. Sounds like it'll be a good way to spend some time in the woods. Many thanks.

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