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Dispersed Camping

Mountain Rest Mountain Top

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Mountain Rest Mountain Top is located in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, featuring forested terrain with rolling hills. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Chattooga River, known for rafting and fishing, and the scenic trails of Oconee State Park.

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Location

Mountain Rest Mountain Top is located in South Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.94953844 N
83.10810228 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Last on 3/22/25

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Willis Knob Horse Camp

Willis Knob Horse Camp

32 min away

Blue Valley Camp

Blue Valley Camp

36 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Last on 3/22/25

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park 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.


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Reviews

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4.5

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2025

Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mountain Rest Mountain Top by Zoey W., September 15, 2025
  • Review photo of Mountain Rest Mountain Top by Zoey W., September 15, 2025
  • Review photo of Mountain Rest Mountain Top by Zoey W., September 15, 2025
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2025

Great but lower your expectations

We arrived pretty late, close to midnight after hitting a lot of traffic traveling from Fl. The coordinates took us directly here, and upon first arriving we did see a campsite to the left which was being used. Continuing on for about another twenty minutes down a one-way gravel road we did not see anymore sites until the end of the road which has a beautiful sunrise view. There are hundreds of downed trees, I am assuming from Hurricane Helene. Which were chopped up, perfect for a firering.

We went almost to the end of the road before turning around and just pulling over onto a little 'shoulder' to set up the tent for the night.

Pros- Dead silent and relaxing Great view of the stars during early spring/late winter

Cons- Not car accessible (road is narrow and very bumpy. 4x4 recommended but I made it down in a 2x4 fullsize pickup) Have not seen nor heard any creek despite one being in the photos.

Definitely would come back

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Mountain Rest Mountain Top by Sara S., March 22, 2025
  • Review photo of Mountain Rest Mountain Top by Sara S., March 22, 2025
  • Review photo of Mountain Rest Mountain Top by Sara S., March 22, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2024

Hilltop camping with hiking trails

Great spot with room to turn around. Shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall. Had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet. A bit of extra vehicle clearance is helpful...slow and steady gets you to a great spot. No services here but good dispersed spot.

Siteonly one at top
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Mountain Rest Mountain Top by Claudia H., August 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Mountain Rest Mountain Top by Claudia H., August 12, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mountain Rest Campground located in SC?

Mountain Rest Mountain Top is located in the mountainous area of Mountain Rest, South Carolina. It sits on a scenic mountaintop offering expansive views of the surrounding woodland. The campground requires navigating a gravel road to reach it. You'll need a vehicle with moderate clearance to access the site, though careful drivers have made it in standard cars like Honda Civics. The campground is situated near hiking trails and serves as a trailhead for routes leading to a creek and a nearby waterfall.

What amenities are available at Mountain Top Campgrounds in Mountain Rest?

Mountain Rest Mountain Top is a primitive campground with no services or facilities. There are no water sources, restrooms, or electricity available at this site. The campground offers a spacious area with room for turning around vehicles and provides natural shade from the surrounding forest. This is a true primitive camping experience where you must pack in all supplies you'll need and pack out all waste. Remember to bring plenty of water, food, and other camping essentials as there are no nearby convenience stores.

What recreational activities can I enjoy near Mountain Rest Campground?

The area around Mountain Rest Mountain Top offers excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. You can hike the trail at the campground trailhead down to a creek or take a second nearby trail to a waterfall. Stargazing is exceptional here, with clear views of the night sky away from light pollution. The surrounding woodland provides plenty of space for nature exploration and wildlife viewing. The peaceful setting is perfect for disconnecting, with particularly quiet evenings after day visitors have departed.