Dispersed camping opportunities near Travelers Rest, South Carolina extend beyond the established campgrounds into Sumter National Forest, where backcountry sites require proper preparation and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. The area sits at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between valley floors and ridge camping locations. Winter camping remains viable with proper cold-weather gear, as nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing access along the Chattooga River: Burrells Ford campground provides direct river access for trout fishing. According to a camper, "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."
Waterfall hiking within short distance: King Creek Falls trail starts near Burrells Ford campground, requiring moderate hiking ability. "Short hike to King Creek Falls," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "The trail to the waterfall is over a half mile (my estimation), and you have to cross a log footbridge."
River tubing and water recreation: Wilderness Cove Campground provides organized water activities during summer months. A visitor shares, "Tubing is great, but the campsites and cabins are very limited," highlighting the need to reserve early for peak summer weekends.
What campers like
Tent sites with river sound backdrop: Jones Gap State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its riverside tent sites. A camper notes, "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."
Sense of privacy despite proximity: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing between sites. According to one Jones Gap visitor, "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!"
Natural forest immersion: Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area provides deep forest camping experiences. As one camper describes, "My family and I mainly hike to the first-come-first-serve campsites but there are also a lot of boaters tying off at the shoreline. It features two bridges and a waterfall/river."
What you should know
Limited parking at trailheads: Most primitive tent camping near Travelers Rest requires planning for limited parking areas. A visitor to Pine Point Primitive Campground advises, "If you pull past the visitor center and the beginning of the lake, you should park towards the far end of the lot. You'll see the sign and the trail immediately to the right."
Gear transportation considerations: For hike-in sites, prepare to transport all supplies from parking areas. One camper at Burrells Ford observed, "It is a bit of a walk down a rode to get here and saw a Father and son taking there stuff down with a hand truck which is a very good idea."
Weather variability impacts experience: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring proper preparation. A camper described unexpected conditions: "It dropped to 17 degrees and our plan to stay in 2 tents quickly changed to everybody in the 4-man / 3-season tent that we had just purchased. The wind was whistling down the river next to us."
Tips for camping with families
Short-distance hike-in options: Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area offers manageable distances for families with younger children. A visitor shares, "This place is wonderful! My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails."
Child-friendly water features: Look for camping spots with safe water access for supervised play. One family at Jones Gap State Park mentions, "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."
Elevation considerations for temperature: Sites at higher elevations experience cooler temperatures, requiring additional layers. A parent notes from their experience, "Morning couldn't come soon enough. I think that I slept a total of 2 hours on and off," after facing unexpectedly cold conditions with children.
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodations for comfort: Wilderness Cove Campground offers both tent sites and cabins for those wanting a more comfortable experience without an RV. One visitor shares, "My kid(12) and I had a great experience here: 2 nights in tents and 2 in a River Cottage. The tent camping is not quite 'roughing it': there's pretty reliable WiFi and the bath house is air conditioned and kept very clean."
Road access limitations: Many forest roads leading to tent camping areas near Travelers Rest have clearance issues. A visitor cautions, "The drive down the mountain is a little nerve-wracking for a city boy, and my car's low clearance had me scraping my underside on some rocky bumps inside the property."
Consider small trailers for remote sites: A few camping areas can accommodate small trailers but require careful navigation. At The Bike Farm, a camper notes, "If you're looking for a paved place to park your 30 foot long fifth wheel this isn't it. If what you are looking for is a great place to get out in nature and get away from the crowds you're in the right spot."
