I absolutely love this campground! It’s a bit of a longer hike to get to the primitive campsites but is worth its since it’s along a river for the most part and the sites are not that close to each other either. I haven’t seen many people camping during the winter months, although during the summer and fall it gets booked quickly. But make sure to call ahead of time because every time that we have called short notice they have been closed or booked. Nearby the visitor center are the bathrooms and fish hatchery (all of which are kept very clean).
I adored this area for its flora and fauna. As a wildlife enthusiast I was impressed with the amount of frogs, fish, salamanders, birds, and rabbits I saw in such a short amount of time. I arrived shortly after heavy rain which helped my herping odds. The trails were nice and clean and they few staff members I spoke to where incredibly helpful.
Excellent spot elevated above the Middle Saluda River after a day of exploration. Nice clearing to pitch a tent and kindle a fire, string up a hammock and relax to the tranquil sound of water over rock.
I would consider this park to be the most beautiful of all I have camped at. Tent camping only. Nice, private walk-in sites. Creek runs through park. Definitely no call service. Only an emergency call box if anything goes on at night. It's a pack in pack out park. No trash cans. Does have a nice bathroom that's kept clean. Would definitely return here.
I used site 7 because an oncoming storm made me bug out of my trailside plans. Gorgeous site, a bit chilly by the river but beautiful and close enough to still use the park bathrooms! Sites are large and have varying degrees of privacy. I didn’t realize the main park trail was right across the river, might have been a little shyer if I had! Restrooms are clean and well stocked. No trash cans in park; you’re expected to LNT your trash out. Very helpful staff. Will return.
Love the privacy of this spot (#8) which is the closest walk in spot from the Parking area. We were able to hike in a ton of gear (coolers, dog bed, etc (with a little work and a few trips) and it was worth it for the seclusiveness. Having both toddler and dog we knew we couldn’t go far but this still felt like we were in the middle of nowhere.
Spot is right on the river and a great place to catch some sun on the rocks or rock hop. There are several hike options right from your site including a nice little waterfall. You will find more camp spots as you hike throughout.
This was a beautiful area with a lot to do and we will definitely be returning.
I've now camped at spots 3, 4, and 9. This is my favorite place to camp in the state. The spots are clean and well maintained. As you're in a state park, you have the added benefit of a fire ring and tent pad, but no picnic table. However, unlike other state park campgrounds, each spot is about a quart mile from the next, so you feel like you have the mountain to yourself. Awesome place!
This campground includes several very private walk-in and back country primitive sites. The trails in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area are lovely and accommodate a variety of skill levels. It is pretty clean, but you can tell it is a popular campground, as there is plenty of evidence of human activity. The ranger station has a nice picnic area with a little store, a bath house with flush toilets and hot showers, and an old retired fish hatchery to explore.
This is a great campsite for 1st time backpackers. The site is approximately 1 mile from the state park office. The trail is moderately difficult with lots of rocks. We went the day after a light rain and there were many muddy area where water was running to to the big stream. The site is very close to the stream and there are two good shores for filling your water bottles. There are several camp site along the trail but they are well spaces so you get lots of privacy.
This campground has 19 trail side sites that are all great and not far from the Middle Saluda River which runs through the middle of the park. Be sure to check out Rainbow Falls a 90ft free falling waterfall that's about 2 1/2 miles from the campsites.
