Guillard Lake Campground

About

Guilliard Lake is a scenic 10-acre oxbow lake formed from the Santee River, located in the coastal plain of Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley County, South Carolina. The USFS officially designates this as a day-use fishing area rather than a developed campground with overnight facilities. The lake supports fishing for various species, with creel limits established under Supervisor's Order FM-14-01. An 18-acre portion of the site was established as a Research Natural Area in 1963, protecting a remnant of old-growth bottomland timber along the Santee River. The stand features towering bald cypress and water tupelo, with some cypress knees reaching nine feet tall and three feet in diameter at the base. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bears, bobcats, wood ducks, herons, and bald eagles. Access is via a rough dirt road with large potholes requiring careful navigation. While dispersed camping in Francis Marion National Forest requires a free permit obtained at least 5 business days in advance, the official USFS page for Guilliard Lake lists it as day-use only with no restroom facilities. Campers seeking overnight stays should contact the Francis Marion Ranger District for current regulations.

Directions

Guilliard Lake Campground is located near Jamestown in the Francis Marion National Forest. Access is via a dirt road with large potholes; caution is advised, especially at night. Standard passenger vehicles can manage with care, but large RVs and trailers are not recommended.