Camping
You’ll find a wide range of camping opportunities in the Sumter National Forest-Andrew Pickens Ranger District.
Note: A Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest regulation states that people may not camp or maintain a campsite in excess of 14 days within any 30-day period.
Developed Campgrounds
- Cherry Hill Recreation Area
- Burrell’s Ford
- Whetstone Horse Camp
- Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
Primitive Campsites
- Grapevine
- Long Bottom Ford
Back Country/Dispersed Camping
Camping is allowed at sites that are at least 50 feet from a maintained trail, 50 feet from any river or stream and .25 miles from an open road. A permit is not required for dispersed camping within Andrew Pickens Ranger District.
Burrells Ford Campground
Campground offers campsites, pit toilet, picnic tables and fire rings (no electricity or water available). It’s a 1/4 mile walk for sites along the Chattooga River. From campsites it’s pretty easy to hike and see the impressive King Creek Falls. Burrells Ford is a good base camp location for day hiking and exploring the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. Campground is open year round and no charge.
Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
Located on the Chauga River, this campground is open and free to use during big game season (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31) and turkey season (April 1 -30). Other times of the year, the camp is open by reservation for $30/night. The campground has vault toilets and trash cans. It can accommodate groups of up to 100 people. Families like to reserve the camp for reunions, cookouts and camp outs. The Chattooga River and commercial outfitters are within 15 minutes of the campground.
Cherry Hill Recreation Area
There are 29 campsites, some suitable for RVs. The campground has restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers and a dump station (no hook ups). Close to the Chattooga River, Walhalla State Fish Hatchery, Oconee State Park, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, and the Foothills Trail. Open April 1-October 31. Campsites are available through reservation only and the fee is $15 per night. Call (877) 444-6777 to reserve.
Forest Spring Family Campground
A well-kept campground surrounded by peaceful serenity that offers 30 spacious campsites. Daily, weekly and monthly campsites all with full hook-ups either 30 AMP or 50 AMP. Handicapped-accessible heated bathhouse, free WiFi, playground, sites have fire pit and picnic table, exercise room, Camp Store. Also available: 9 rustic cabins that are furnished and handicapped-accessible to sleep 1-4 people.
Grapevine
Primitive campsites that are first-come, first-served. Good for car camping, but doesn’t have amenities or facilities. Grapevine is located at the end of Forest Service Road 764, off of Chattooga Ridge Road (approximately 1.4 miles south of intersection with Whetstone Road.)
Lonesome Dove Campground and RV Park
Nightly and month-long rates for RV sites. Tent sites and group tent camping also. Open year round with full RV hookups. On-site propane filling station and Typsy Gypsy Tavern has beer and wine.
Long Bottom Ford
Primitive campsites without amenities or facilities. Located approximately seven miles NW of Stumphouse Ranger Station. Turn left off Hwy. 28 onto Low Water Bridge Road. Campsite is .5 miles on left.
Oconee Point Campground
Located at the northern end of Lake Hartwell on the Seneca River and close to Clemson, SC. This campground has 60 sites equipped with electric (50-amp) and water hook-ups. Private sites are spacious and located near or close to the water. Attractions: Shower/restroom facilities, dump station, playground, swim beach, boat access.
Upstate Wilderness School
Specializing in Wilderness skills education to promote a safe outdoor experience for those Hike, Camp, Backpack, and the weekend wanderers. Primitive living skills Wilderness Awareness,Bushcraft Skills, Survival concepts and hands on learning experiences.
Whetstone Horse Camp
Access to 28 miles of nearby trails and a good base camp for riders on both the Rocky Gap (South Carolina) and Willis Knob (Georgia) horse trails. The campground is open year-round and has 18 sites with parking spurs for horse trailers. Reservation only. Sites are equipped with water, picnic tables and grills. Vault toilets and drinking water available. Hitching posts throughout the facility. Fee: $15/night.
