Dispersed camping sites near Pendleton, South Carolina extend beyond Sumter National Forest into adjacent areas of western South Carolina and nearby North Carolina. The region sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 3,500 feet, creating varied camping environments from river valleys to mountain ridges. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer brings heavy humidity with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that create challenging conditions for primitive campers.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Several rustic camping spots provide access to waterfall trails. At Glen Falls Backcountry Campground, the site "is located near the far trailhead at Glen Falls located at the end of a forestry road," allowing campers to enjoy waterfall views after a hike that "involves going down many (many) stairs but is well worth it."
Fishing opportunities: Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping offers river access for anglers. As one camper noted, "there's a sign posted that the river is open trout fishing all year, with no lure or size restrictions."
Stargazing: Mountain Rest Mountain Top provides excellent night sky viewing. One camper reported "Great view of the stars during early spring/late winter" with "Dead silent and relaxing" conditions that make astronomy activities ideal.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Blue Valley Dispersed Camping offers "Beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn't see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek."
River proximity: Many campers appreciate water access. At Sandy Beach Campsite, you're "Right next to the Chattooga river. You're on the beach," providing immediate water access for swimming or fishing.
Trail connections: Campers value sites near hiking paths. One visitor to Falls Creek appreciated that their spot was "Very secluded and fairly level. Overall a great spot... River is about .6 mile hike away and the road is not bad getting in."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites demand higher-clearance vehicles. For Blue Ridge Roadside Campsites, campers report "the short couple yards dirt road entrance to the campsite had a couple big pot holes that requires accurate driving around."
Weather impacts: Mountain elevations create variable conditions. Black Balsam Knob campers warn "expect wind gusts that are capable of snapping tent poles. There is very little wind coverage at the top of the mountain."
Hidden locations: Finding unmarked sites requires persistence. One Blackwell Bridge camper described it as "unmarked and almost literally under a bridge. There's a pull-off to either side of the structure, which quickly goes from asphalt to a very uneven dirt road which had been graveled long ago, snaking down to the river."
Tips for camping with families
Exploration spaces: Sites with natural play areas work best for children. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping offers "lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore."
Water safety planning: Many sites feature unfenced water access. At Sandy Beach Campsite, you're camping directly "on the beach" beside the Chattooga River, requiring close supervision of children.
Navigation challenges: Prepare children for hiking conditions. The Glen Falls Backcountry Campground approach involves a trail that "is relatively steep and involves going down many (many) stairs," which may be difficult for young children.
Tips from RVers
Avoid most dispersed sites: Nearly all primitive sites in this region cannot accommodate larger vehicles. One Mountain Rest Mountain Top visitor clarifies that the area is "Not car accessible (road is narrow and very bumpy. 4x4 recommended but I made it down in a 2x4 fullsize pickup)."
Low clearance dangers: Even small RVs face challenges. A Blackwell Bridge visitor noted "My small car had difficulty getting down it and the drop-off from the asphalt is abrupt."
Size limitations: Few sites have turning space. Blue Ridge Roadside sites offer "two great things about this campsite. It's free, and it is close to great views of the mountains" but "This is not a good place for RVs or travel trailers."
