US Rt 17 North Carolina/SC

[lesteph1520]

How is route 17 from Wilmington, NC to Charleston, SC? I have a 37' 5W with a GMC 3500 dually truck.

[Oaklevel]

Typical 4 lane highway but depending on time of year at least the Myrtle Beach part has a lot of traffic.

We use Rt 38 to by pass Myrtle Beach.

[Boscorelli]

My TT is a little smaller than yours, but I like the drive on this road as opposed to the Interstate highways. In places it is a two lane highway. Outside of Myrtle Beach it is a smaller road, goes through some towns, and some forested areas.

[lesteph1520]

Thank you. I wanted to get off the interstate.

[lesteph1520]

Any places to stay or things to see that you would recommend?

[PJSNorwood]

I have driven 17 from Myrtle Beach to Charleston many, many times. I would look for the Robert Edge Parkway in North Myrtle Beach, take that to the Carolina Bays Parkway, which I believe is SC 31, all the way to the terminus at SC707, and then 707 to Murrell's Inlet. Back on US 17 south to Charleston. You will avoid all the MB traffic that way. After you get through Litchfield and Pawley's Island, it's a fairly nice trip to Mount Pleasant, where the traffic gets nutz again. A tricky "bear left" in Georgetown, but you'll make it just fine. Nice stretch of road from Georgetown to Charleston, two lanes in each direction, and few lights. But as I said earlier, Mt. Pleasant is congested, and you' ll still have to cross the bridge into Charleston, and deal with traffic in town. I've gone through with a 30' TH, and it ain't fun. The best option is I 526 in Mt. Pleasant around Charleston, back to US 17, Savannah Highway, a few miles west of James Island.
HAGT and drive safely.

[camaraderie]

Well of course there's Myrtle Beach with something for everyone and some really huge/nice RV Beach parks. On the more sedate side...Georgetown is a nice little place to walk around and have some lunch & good shrimp town!

[lesteph1520]

Thank you for the great directions!
Any recommendations for an RV park?

[Luke Moseley]

When I have the time I prefer Rt 17 over I 95. Much of Rt 17 is a very nice, just as good as interstate with less traffic. Its far more interesting with towns away from the hectic interstate. If you have the extra time, give it a try.

Originally Posted by lesteph1520

How is route 17 from Wilmington, NC to Charleston, SC? I have a 37' 5W with a GMC 3500 dually truck.

[Trailer traveler]

We have driven US-17 South from Norfolk, VA to I-95 in Yemassee, SC for many years. They seem to be constantly upgrading to 4 lane limited access bypasses around developed area. As was mentioned, SC-31/707 now bypasses all of Myrtle Beach. We get on SC-31 from SC-9 just South of Little River.

As for things to see, We enjoyed the tour of the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington. There are several plantations with nice tours in both the Wilmington and Charleston areas. Lots of history in the Charleston area with Fort Sumpter and Fort Moultrie. I believe the shuttle in downtown Charleston is still free. South of Charleston is the Caw Caw Nature Preserve.

[cboss]

Check out Buck Hall Forest Service Campground just north of Mt Pleasant. Only 14 sites and right on the Intercostal Waterway. If you have your Senior Pass it's 50% off!