Sumter National Forest spans nearly 371,000 acres across northwestern South Carolina, with primitive tent camping opportunities near Townville at elevations ranging from 800 to 2,200 feet. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate significantly, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter nights occasionally dipping into the 20s. Most dispersed camping areas near Townville require visitors to travel forest roads that become challenging during and after rainfall events.
What to do
Trout fishing: Burrells Ford offers prime fishing access on the Chattooga River. "Good amount of camping with a short hike in. Sites are right on the Chatooga River. This river is stocked with trout. Fishing license is required but both SC and GA are acceptable as the river is the state line," reports Jason D.
Swimming opportunities: Multiple campsites provide water access during summer months. At Grapevine Campground, "We brought some great floaties and hung out in the water during the day. Definitely gets busy," notes Ashley W. The campground sits along the Chauga River with designated swimming areas.
Hiking: Trails range from easy nature loops to more challenging multi-day routes. "Great hiking nearby! I always enjoy doing the nature loop. It is great for all ages. My favorite time of year to come is late spring/summer when all the flowers are in bloom," mentions a Grapevine visitor. Many trails connect directly to camping areas, allowing for convenient day hikes without relocating your base camp.
What campers like
Natural water features: Campers consistently mention river sounds as a highlight. "It is beside the Chatooga River and you can hear the peaceful sounds of water all night long," writes a reviewer about Grapevine Campground. Most tent sites sit within 100-200 feet of a water source.
Secluded campsites: Riley Moore Falls Campsite provides more isolation than developed areas. "Great spot in the banks of the Chauga River just by the falls for dispersed camping... Multiple options as it is dispersed, just note restrictions on distance from river and trail," advises Robbie B. This location requires more effort to reach but rewards with greater privacy.
Wildlife viewing: The forest supports diverse animal populations. At Panther Creek Recreation Area, campers should "Be on the lookout for wildlife if you camp here. I have encountered deer, skunks, opossums, raccoons, bobcats, bears and a wide variety of snakes," reports John W. Dawn and dusk offer best viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many prime tent camping locations near Townville require four-wheel drive or hiking. For Riley Moore Falls, "a 4x4 will get you to trailhead, spots for maybe 3 vehicles. Would not attempt without 4x4. Trail to river is well maintained and about 1 mile. It is a steep climb out," warns a reviewer.
Facility limitations: Most sites feature minimal infrastructure. A visitor to Denver Downs Farm notes: "There are no defined campsites we could see. Just a giant field to set up and camp. There is no water or any hookups. You will need to pack in and pack out everything."
Seasonal considerations: Tent camping areas experience significant crowds during peak periods. One Grapevine camper advises, "It does get pretty busy during the weekends, summertime, and holiday/long weekends." Another notes that Panther Creek can get "hot, humid, and buggy in summer." Off-season visits provide better solitude but require additional cold-weather gear.
Tips for camping with families
Safety around water: Many tent sites sit near rivers with varying water levels. "The trail to the waterfall is over a half mile (my estimation), and you have to cross a log footbridge. There was a huge downed tree that you also have to cross, but you have to be careful since the log was slimy," cautions a Burrells Ford visitor.
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential at tent sites. A Jocassee Gorges camper notes their area offers "no water spigots, bathrooms, or amenities other than a fire ring, and cell service is spotty so this is truly a down-to-basics getaway." Parents should bring bear-resistant containers and teach children about wildlife safety.
Site selection strategies: Family tent camping near Townville works best with thoughtful location choices. "The site I stayed at had a fire pit and a lantern hanger. A pit toilet and bear-proof trash receptacles were close by," reports a Grapevine visitor. Sites near toilets reduce nighttime walks while maintaining reasonable distance for noise control.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent camping areas near Townville cannot accommodate large vehicles. For Grapevine Campground, "You could probably drive an RV or pull a travel trailer to this campground, but it is not recommended. One thing that surprised me was that there were handicapped signs for access to the river, so I guess you could consider the campsites to be handicap accessible… maybe."
Alternative options: RVers seeking tent camping experiences can find limited options at Denver Downs Farm. "Very well maintained. We came here on Thanksgiving weekend because all other campgrounds were full. We were the only people here," reports Adam V. The farm offers a large open field suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs, though without hookups.
