FORevR Platform Campsites Boosting Camping Access Along Lynches River

Becoming one with nature and exploring its majesty is incredible. But…there are means to indulge adventure and the full outdoors experience while minimizing the difficulties brought by being exposed to the elements!

Lynches River is amazing to paddle, with many people camping overnight to maximize the experience, but challenges gaining access to the river and camping prompted Friends of Revolutionary Rivers (FORevR) to raise funds to build platform campsites along the river.

This was inspired by the overall mission of FORevR to protect and promote through active conservation, education and responsible use, the natural, historic, and recreational resources of the SC Revolutionary Rivers National Recreation Trail within the Pee Dee region—and that includes Lynches River.

Thanks to fundraising efforts, the first platform campsite is complete and already is being rented by nature lovers!

It was built by WC Dennis Construction and located between Indigo Landing and Cockfield Landing around mile 38, which is only accessible by water. That was logistically challenging itself, as it required all construction materials be boated in.

As pictured, it has a wood frame, which is equipped with hooks inside to accommodate hammock sleeping bags (or people can simply sleep on the floor, which is FAR warmer than sleeping on earth). There’s also a ring with a grill attached and a primitive enclosed bathroom facility.

These platform campsites also minimize the impact on the environment, as campers don’t have to jeopardize vegetation and also are provided an easy means to dispense of trash and camp.

This first site was built on the property of Barry Frick, owner of RiverRat’s Canoe Rentals. People can reserve the platform for $25 per night by calling Barry at 843-687-1673.

FORevR is not done yet and is already gathering funds for a second site about 10 miles from the first one. These platforms are made possible by generous donations, including the sale of ceramic beads sold at last year’s Jingle Bell Christmas Market at the Florence Center donated by Olio Studio in Lake City (where we also raffled off a kayak) and our Pee Dee Shad Roe-deo event in Johnsonville sponsored by Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A..

We will provide updates as they are available!

To learn more about Friends of Revolutionary Rivers go to visitflo.com/revolutionary-rivers or on Facebook here.

To be a part of the Friends group, contact Barry Frick at RiverRat’s at 843-389-4656, or Jade Perkins at the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau at 843-664-0330 or email jade.perkins@visitflo.com.

Lastly, FORevR also has created a river map/nature guide to navigate the twists and turns of the SC Revolutionary Rivers Trail. It also helps you identify wildlife. Pick up a waterproof hard copy at the Florence Convention and Visitors Bureau at 3290 W Radio Drive in Florence!