Kind Reader, nestled in the heart of Francis Marion National Forest lies the stunning Buck Hall Recreation Area, boasting miles of sandy beaches, sprawling marshes, and lush maritime forests. As one of South Carolina’s top outdoor destinations, Buck Hall offers a plethora of activities for both nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike. From camping and fishing to boating and hiking, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this breathtaking recreation area.
Location and History of Buck Hall Recreation Area
Buck Hall Recreation Area is a 2,005-acre park located on the coast of South Carolina. The park is situated in the Francis Marion National Forest, which is known for its dense forests and swamps. It was originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and then was opened to the public in the 1960s. The park is named after the Buck Hall Plantation, which is a historical site nearby. The plantation was established in the early 1700s and was mainly used for growing indigo and rice. Later in the 19th century, the plantation was acquired by the Bell family, who transformed the plantation into a hunting lodge.
Features of Buck Hall Recreation Area
The Buck Hall Recreation Area is known for its pristine beaches and stunning views. The park is located along the coast of South Carolina and offers visitors a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping. The park has numerous campsites available for visitors who want to stay overnight, and there are also several picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful view. Additionally, there are several hiking trails that visitors can explore.
Location of Buck Hall Recreation Area
The Buck Hall Recreation Area is located on the coast of South Carolina, about 5 miles north of McClellanville. The park is accessible via the United States Highway 17. Visitors can take the Buck Hall Recreation Area exit off of Highway 17 and then follow the signs to the park.
Activities in Buck Hall Recreation Area
Buck Hall Recreation Area is known for its outdoor activities, and visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and camping. The park has many hiking trails that visitors can explore, and these trails are suitable for all skill levels. Visitors can choose to hike the trails alone, with their families, or with a guide. The park is also known for its excellent fishing, and visitors can catch a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish. Additionally, visitors can rent boats or kayaks to explore the marshes and creeks in the park.
Camping in Buck Hall Recreation Area
Buck Hall Recreation Area has several campsites available for visitors who want to stay overnight. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, and visitors can choose between primitive camping or camping with electrical and water hookups. Visitors are advised to make a reservation in advance to secure a spot.
Boating and Kayaking
Buck Hall Recreation Area is an excellent place for visitors who love boating and kayaking. The park has several creeks and marshes that visitors can explore, and there are boat and kayak rentals available on-site. Visitors are advised to bring their life jackets and follow safety guidelines.
About Buck Hall Recreation Area
Buck Hall Recreation Area is a popular outdoor destination located in a forested area of South Carolina, United States. The site is spread over an area of 329 acres which features a campground, picnic areas, hiking trails, a boat ramp, and a fishing dock.
Buck Hall Campground
The campground in Buck Hall Recreation Area is well-maintained with a total of 27 campsites, all equipped with picnic tables and fire pits. There are also restrooms with hot showers and a dump station available for visitors. The campground is open all year round and campsites can be reserved online.
Hiking Trails in the Park
Buck Hall Recreation Area is a great place to go hiking as it offers a network of well-marked trails that cover a total of 6 miles. The trails are ideal for both beginners and experienced hikers, with spectacular views of the surrounding area throughout the hike. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the native wildlife, including deer, turkey, and squirrels, that inhabit the area.
| No | Information |
|---|---|
| 1 | Name of the recreation area |
| 2 | Buck Hall Recreation Area |
| 3 | Type of recreation area |
| 4 | Campground and boat launch area |
| 5 | Location |
| 6 | McClellanville, South Carolina |
| 7 | Features |
| 8 | Canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping |
| 9 | Number of campsites |
| 10 | 25 |
| 11 | Facilities |
| 12 | Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas |
Things to Do at Buck Hall Recreation Area
Buck Hall Recreation Area offers endless recreational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The area is perfect for fishing, hiking, hunting, boating, and wildlife watching.
Fishing
The Buck Hall Recreation Area is a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. Anglers can fish for a variety of species, including bass, catfish, and crappie. The area has several small lakes, ponds, and streams, making it easy to find a great fishing spot.
Hiking and Hunting
The Buck Hall Recreation Area has an extensive network of hiking and hunting trails that provide a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area. The hiking trails range in difficulty from easy to challenging, and the hunting trails are carefully marked to ensure the safety of all visitors.
During hunting season, hunters can pursue a variety of game, including deer, turkey, and wild boar. The area is carefully managed to ensure that hunting is safe and sustainable, and all hunters are required to follow state regulations.
Activities at Buck Hall Recreation Area
Buck Hall Recreation Area has a variety of activities for visitors. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a beginner, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy:
Hiking and Biking
There are several trails for hiking and biking at Buck Hall Recreation Area. The trails range from easy to moderate and offer scenic views of the area. Some of the popular trails include Turkey Run Trail, Huger Trail, and Buck Hall Loop Trail. These trails offer a great way to explore the area and get some exercise.
Boating and Fishing
The Buck Hall boat ramp provides easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Bulls Bay. Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, and fishing. There are ample opportunities for fishing both in the creeks and out in the bay. Some of the popular catches include redfish, seatrout, and flounder.
Camping
Buck Hall Recreation Area has several campsites that are available for reservation. The campsites are located near the water and offer great views of the surrounding area. There are also picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it easy to enjoy a meal while camping. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway, camping at Buck Hall Recreation Area is a great option.
Hunting
Buck Hall Recreation Area is open for hunting during certain times of the year. Hunters can enjoy the area’s abundant wildlife, including deer, turkey, and rabbit. Hunters are required to have a South Carolina hunting license and follow all state hunting regulations.
“Buck Hall Recreation Area has a variety of activities for visitors. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a beginner, there is something for everyone.”
| No | Trail Name | Difficulty Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkey Run Trail | Easy | 1 mile |
| 2 | Buck Hall Loop Trail | Moderate | 5.2 miles |
| 3 | Huger Trail | Moderate | 14.3 miles |
Activities to Enjoy at Buck Hall Recreation Area
There’s something for everyone at Buck Hall Recreation Area, whether you are the type who enjoys a relaxing getaway or an outdoor enthusiast. Here are some activities that visitors can enjoy at Buck Hall Recreation Area:
1. Hiking and Biking Trails
Buck Hall Recreation Area has miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. These trails are perfect for nature lovers who enjoy exploring the great outdoors. The trails offer a variety of landscapes, including wooded areas, sandy dunes, and wetlands. Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent them from the park.
2. Fishing
Buck Hall Recreation Area is a fantastic spot for fishing enthusiasts. It offers access to several of Black River’s tributaries, including the Great Pee Dee River and Bull Creek. There is an abundance of fish species in these waterways, including red drum, spotted seatrout, and Spanish mackerel. Visitors can fish from the shore, a kayak, or a canoe.
3. Kayaking and Canoeing
Kayaking and canoeing is a popular activity at Buck Hall Recreation Area as it offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with nature. The park features miles of waterways that can be explored by kayaking or canoeing. Visitors can bring their own or rent boats from the park.
4. Swimming
The nearby Atlantic Ocean offers several beaches for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can take a dip in the ocean or relax on the sandy shore. The water may be cold in the winter months, but it is inviting during the summer months.
5. Camping
Buck Hall Recreation Area offers several campgrounds that visitors can use. Choose from sites available for tents, RVs, and cabins. Each site offers scenery and peacefulness that can be enjoyed by all. Visitors can also enjoy the campfire pits and communal settings of the campgrounds.
6. Hunting
Buck Hall Recreation Area offers numerous places for hunting. The area is popular for deer, turkey, and small game hunting. To access hunting sites, you must have a hunting pass and comply with the state’s regulations.
7. Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing at Buck Hall Recreation Area offers visitors the chance to see various species of animals that inhabit the park. Bird watching at the park is a popular pastime. Some of the bird species you will see include the bald eagle and the American swallowtail kite.
Things to Do Around Buck Hall Recreation Area
While Buck Hall Recreation Area is a nature lover’s paradise, there are plenty of other activities that visitors can enjoy during their stay. Below are some of the things that you can do around the area:
Fishing
Buck Hall Recreation area is a top destination for fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can try their hand at catching bream, catfish, bass, and crappie on the Intracoastal Waterway and the surrounding marshes. Anglers are required to have a valid South Carolina fishing license to fish in the area.
Boating
Boating is another popular activity at Buck Hall Recreation Area. Visitors can launch their boats at the public boat ramp at the campground and enjoy cruising on the Intracoastal Waterway. Boat rentals are also available at nearby marinas.
Hiking
There are several hiking trails at Buck Hall Recreation Area that visitors can explore. The Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail runs through the park and offers stunning views of the surrounding marshes, creeks, and forests. Visitors can also take a leisurely stroll on the boardwalk trail that extends through the saltwater marsh.
Camping
Buck Hall Recreation Area is a great place to experience camping in a natural setting. The park offers 64 campsites that are equipped with water and electric hookups. In addition, the park has shower and restroom facilities, as well as a picnic area for campers to enjoy.
Wildlife Viewing
Buck Hall Recreation Area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, deer, raccoons, and various bird species. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat and take pictures to commemorate their trip.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Visitors can paddle through the Intracoastal Waterway and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding marshes and forests. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at nearby marinas.
Beach Day
Cap off your trip to Buck Hall Recreation Area with a day of fun in the sun at the nearby beach. Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island are just a short drive away and offer pristine beaches, great restaurants, and unique shopping experiences.
Wildlife in Buck Hall Recreation Area
Buck Hall Recreation Area is home to a variety of wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, raccoons, opossums, and more. Visitors can explore the wildlife by hiking the trails, camping, or fishing in the area.
The White-tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer is a popular species of deer found in Buck Hall Recreation Area. Many people enjoy hunting these deer during hunting season. They are known for their large antlers and graceful gait.
Wild Turkey
Another popular species found in Buck Hall Recreation Area is the wild turkey. These birds are known for their beautiful plumage and are also hunted by visitors to the park during the hunting season. Visitors can also enjoy watching these birds in their natural habitat during the rest of the year.
Camping at Buck Hall Recreation Area
Camping is a popular activity at Buck Hall Recreation Area, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the great outdoors while staying close to nature. There are many campsites available for visitors to choose from. Here are some of the campsites available and what they offer:
Buck Hall Campground
Buck Hall Campground is located near the Intracoastal Waterway and offers campsites with water and electrical hookups. It is also near the boat ramp, providing easy access to boating and fishing activities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing in the area.
Live Oak Campground
Live Oak Campground is located on the banks of Awendaw Creek and offers campsites with water and electrical hookups. It is also near the hiking trails, providing easy access to hiking and wildlife viewing activities.
Group Camping
For larger groups, Buck Hall Recreation Area offers group campsites that can accommodate up to 25 people. These campsites require reservations in advance and offer picnic tables, grills, and access to a bathhouse.
Buck Hall Recreation Area FAQ
Welcome to our Buck Hall Recreation Area FAQ, designed to help answer any questions or concerns you may have before visiting the park. Here you will find information about camping, fishing, boating, and more.
1. What are the park hours?
The park is open 7 days a week, from 7am to 8pm.
2. Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is a small entrance fee. The fee is $5 per vehicle or $2 per person for walk-ins.
3. Can I camp at Buck Hall Recreation Area?
Yes, there are camping facilities available. There are 25 tent sites and 48 RV sites available. Reservations are recommended.
4. What are the camping fees?
The camping fees vary depending on the site and the time of year. Tent sites start at $15 per night and RV sites start at $20 per night.
5. Are there showers and restrooms available for campers?
Yes, there are clean restroom and shower facilities available for campers.
6. Can I bring my boat to Buck Hall Recreation Area?
Yes, you can bring your boat to the park. There is a boat ramp available for launching. Please be aware that there is a small fee for using the boat ramp.
7. Is fishing allowed in the park?
Yes, fishing is allowed in the park. You can fish from the pier or from a boat. There is a boat ramp available for launching
8. What kind of fish can I catch at Buck Hall Recreation Area?
There are a variety of fish that can be caught in the park, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish.
9. Are there any hiking trails in the park?
Yes, there is a hiking trail that runs through the park. The trail is approximately 2 miles long.
10. What kind of wildlife can be seen in the park?
There is a variety of wildlife that can be seen in the park, including deer, turkey, and various types of birds.
11. Can I bring my dog to the park?
Yes, you can bring your dog to the park. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
12. Are there picnic facilities available in the park?
Yes, there are picnic tables and BBQ grills available for use.
13. Is there a playground for children in the park?
Yes, there is a playground located near the picnic area.
14. Is alcohol allowed in the park?
No, alcohol is not allowed in the park.
15. Is smoking allowed in the park?
Yes, smoking is allowed in designated areas only.
16. Are there any stores or restaurants in the area?
There are a few small stores and restaurants located nearby. However, it is recommended that you bring your own supplies.
17. Can I rent boats or fishing equipment at the park?
No, there are no boat or fishing equipment rentals available at the park. Please bring your own equipment.
18. Is there a limit on the number of people that can camp at one site?
Yes, there is a limit of 6 people per site for tent camping and 8 people per site for RV camping.
19. Are there any special events or activities planned at the park?
There are occasionally special events and activities planned at the park. Check the park’s website for more information.
20. What is the cancellation policy for camping reservations?
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours in advance for a full refund.
21. Are there any rules or regulations that I should be aware of when visiting the park?
Yes, there are several rules and regulations that should be followed when visiting the park. These include respecting other visitors, following all posted signs, and staying on designated trails.
22. Is there a phone number I can call for more information?
Yes, you can call the park office at (555) 555-1212 for more information.
23. Can I reserve a specific campsite?
You can request a specific site when making a reservation, but we cannot guarantee that it will be available.
24. Are there any age restrictions for camping?
No, there are no age restrictions for camping. However, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
25. Is there a limit on the number of nights I can camp at the park?
Yes, there is a limit of 14 nights per visit.
For more information about Buck Hall Recreation Area, take a look at their official webpage.
Until We Meet Again
Kind Reader, we hope you enjoyed reading about the Buck Hall Recreation Area and its many activities. Whether you’re looking for a day of fishing or exploring the great outdoors with your family, Buck Hall is the perfect destination. Remember to pack your bags with sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of snacks. We look forward to seeing you here again for another fun-filled adventure. Thank you for your time, and happy travels!
