Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions most frequently asked are listed below.

For questions about employment, please see the employment section.

1. Are cabins available to rent?

2. Is my car safe?

3. May I take my dog?

4. Do any of your campgrounds have electrical hook-ups?

5. Is gold panning/prospecting allowed in the creeks or streams of the forests? If so, what are the rules or procedures to get permission?

6. Do people who inner tube on sections I and II of the Chattooga River have to wear a lifesaving device?
   
7. Do I have to wear helmet and goggles while riding on the OHV trails?

    

Are cabins available to rent?
No. There are no cabins to rent on the Francisf Marion and Sumter National Forests.

Is my car safe ?
As safe and peaceful as National Forests may seem, some visitors may experience auto break-ins. Take these precautions to prevent this from happening to you:

• Lock your car. As simple as this may sound, many people still forget.
• Don't leave travel plans visible. A would-be thief could use this information to indicate how long you will be away from your car.
• Don't leave valuables inside your car. If you must leave valuables, hide them from view or lock them in the trunk.
• Don't park you car with the trunk backed toward the woods. This provides cover for someone trying to break into your trunk.

Finally, if your car is vandalized, contact local law enforcement officials by calling "911" from a telephone or cell phone, or notify any Forest Service personnel you see, and they will contact law enforcement personnel for you.

May I take my dog ?
On trails - If you take your dog hiking, keep him under verbal or physical restraint at all times. Remember, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests are multiple-use forests, which means depending upon where you are, you and your dog may encounter horseback riders, mountain bikers, or off-highway vehicle riders, as well as a multitude of big and small native wildlife. Use a leash when in a crowd. And remember - hiking is hard work for a dog, especially if he's not used to long hikes in hot weather. Watch your pet for signs of stress and fatigue, and give him plenty of water and rest.

In campgrounds, picnic areas, parking areas, and trailheads, dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times. In these areas, dispose of their waste properly. If you tie your dog, find a shady spot and give him a lot of attention to minimize barking, which could disturb other forest users

Do any of your campgrounds have electrical hook-ups?
The only campground that offers electrical hook-ups is Buck Hall, located on the Francis Marion.

Is gold panning/prospecting allowed in the creeks or streams of the forests? If so, what are the rules or procedures to get permission?
Recreational panning requires a letter of authorization from the appropriate District Office. That letter must be specific about activities and location, and must be obtained before panning.

As for prospecting, that usually requires more permits and environmental analysis because it involves ground-disturbing activity. Again, though, you'll need to work with the appropriate district office to obtain the appropriate permit before any propsecting.

Do people who inner tube on sections 1 and 2 of the Chattooga River have to wear a life-saving device?
No, life-saving devices aren't required for inner tubers in sections I and II. Life-saving devices are required only for rafters, canoeists, and kayakers.

Do I have to wear a helmet and goggles while riding on the OHV trails?
The state of South Carolina does not require helmets. However, we recommend that all riders take safety precautions and wear a helmet and goggles.

USDA Forest Service - Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests
Last Modified: Wednesday, 09 August 2006 at 14:02:32 EDT August 9, 2006