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Dispersed Camping

Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping is located near Columbia in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. The area features forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces. Campers can explore nearby attractions such as the Sumter National Forest trails and enjoy temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer.

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Location

Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping is located in South Carolina

Detail location of campground

Directions

697 Whetstone Road, Mountain Rest, South Carolina

Coordinates

34.83357533 N
83.174677 W

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Connectivity

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    Verified by 1 user
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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Pets
  • Fires

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 Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping needs a permit.

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General Info


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2 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

Shhh, secret sweet spot…

Access is rough, (moderate clearance vehicles required). Also, as courtesy - cruise the bridge and see if people are down there first, (both sides).

Sweet backcountry spot! Nice gurgling stream and hiking trails.

SiteSecret… ;)
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Oct. 31, 2020

Primitive Camping next to the Chauga River

I didn’t get a chance to explore this camping area much because it was wet. I mean really wet! It is beside the Chauga River, and if you camp there after a storm like I did, expect a lot of wet puddles and soggy ground. It is a great destination for fishing, but the water was too high and too muddy this time. There is a parking area, and you have to pack everything in. I parked across the road because of the drop-off from the road. It was probably a good idea anyway since the parking area would require me to put my vehicle in 4WD. I am sure others had a better experience than I did, but between the bugs and the soggy mess, it was difficult to rate this campground anything other than just one star. There are not toilet facilities, water, lantern hangers, etc. That is usually not a problem for me, but… did I mention that it was wet? Building a campfire this time was out of the question. It was a good thing I carry my little Solo stove. I used it as a mini fire pit. On the positive side of things, being so close to the river makes it almost impossible to hear any sounds from the highway. It’s not a busy road anyway, but it is nice sleeping to the sounds of the river. Overall, I don’t think I will return to this camping area. It was okay as a learning experience, but other than that, it was just too small of a camping area, too many bugs, and too… did I mention it was wet?

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping by Myron C., October 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping by Myron C., October 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping by Myron C., October 31, 2020
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Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Blackwell Bridge Campground?

Blackwell Bridge is a true dispersed camping experience with minimal facilities. The campground does not offer developed amenities like restrooms, potable water, or electrical hookups. Campers should come prepared with all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal bags. The natural surroundings include a gurgling stream and hiking trails. As this is backcountry camping, practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash when departing.

Is fishing allowed at Blackwell Bridge and what species can be caught?

Fishing is permitted at Blackwell Bridge, which offers direct access to the Chauga River. The site is considered a great fishing destination, though water conditions can significantly impact the experience. After heavy rains, the river may become high and muddy, making fishing challenging. During normal conditions, the Chauga River typically supports various fish species common to South Carolina waterways. Before fishing, ensure you have a valid South Carolina fishing license and check local fishing regulations regarding catch limits and seasons.

Where is Blackwell Bridge Campground located and how do I access it?

Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping is located alongside the Chauga River. Access to the campground requires moderate vehicle clearance as the approach road is rough. When arriving, it's good practice to cruise over the bridge first to check occupancy on both sides of the camping area before pulling in. This helps avoid overcrowding and respects the backcountry nature of the site. The area's riverside setting means it can become very wet after storms, so timing your visit during drier periods is advisable.