Free dispersed camping at Mountain Rest Mountain Top requires navigating a narrow, bumpy gravel road that winds through Sumter National Forest. The one-way access road extends for about twenty minutes of slow driving, with multiple pull-off spots and a larger area at the road's end that provides sunrise views. Recent storm damage has left hundreds of downed trees throughout the area, though these have been cut up and provide ready firewood for campers.
The mountain-top location offers open woodland camping with clear star visibility during cooler months. Claudia H. notes the area "had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet." Trail access leads down to a creek and connects to a waterfall trail nearby. Cell service remains available at this elevation.
Vehicle clearance becomes important on the forest road, though standard cars can make the drive with careful navigation. One reviewer successfully completed the route in a Honda Civic, though branch scratches are common. The road surface and narrow width make 4WD helpful but not essential for most vehicles.
Campers seeking developed facilities might consider Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground, located half a mile east with established sites and amenities.
Description
Primitive campsites are available at Burrells Ford Campground and camping is allowed along the trail.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingMountain Rest Mountain Top is located in South Carolina
Coordinates
34.94953844 N
83.10810228 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/5/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/3/26
AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 5/3/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/5/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/3/26
- AT&TPossible CoverageVerified by 30 usersLast on 5/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mountain Rest Mountain Top needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 18 min from Greenville, SC
- 1 hr 27 min from Asheville, NC
