Best Tent Camping near Walhalla, SC
Primitive tent camping options dot the landscape around Walhalla, South Carolina, particularly within the Sumter National Forest where several dispersed and established sites can be found along the Chattooga River. Burrells Ford offers tent sites with picnic tables and lantern poles, requiring a short walk-in from the parking area, while Riley Moore Falls Campsite provides more remote tent camping along the banks of the Chauga River. The Grapevine area features spacious riverside tent sites and King Creek Primitive Campsites provide secluded spots accessible by multiple means including hike-in options.
Most tent campsites in the Walhalla area are primitive with minimal amenities. Forest roads leading to sites like Big Bend Campground and Grapevine are often rough gravel requiring high-clearance vehicles. As one visitor reported, "certain cars may have difficulty" on the fully gravel and rocky Burrells Ford road. Pit toilets or vault toilets are available at select locations such as Grapevine and Burrells Ford, but many sites have no facilities whatsoever. Campers should plan to bring all water supplies or reliable filtration systems, as drinking water is rarely available. Fire restrictions vary by location and season, with designated fire rings at most established sites.
Tent campers frequently find solitude at these primitive sites, especially during weekdays and non-summer seasons. The walk-in tent sites at Burrells Ford provide direct access to fishing opportunities on the Chattooga River and hiking trails, including a path to King Creek Falls. A review noted that "multiple options for dispersed camping" exist, with varying distances from rivers and trails. Sandy Beach Campsite and other river-adjacent areas offer tent camping "right next to the Chattooga river" with beach access. Many sites feature natural tree cover providing shade, though some locations have reported issues with trash left by previous campers. Forest Service personnel regularly patrol certain areas to ensure compliance with regulations, including maintaining proper distance from waterways.