Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground

This primitive campground requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate the rough, rocky 1.5-mile forest road leading to the site. Big Bend provides one fire pit and space for multiple tents, though most ground is uneven with only two level spots available. Campers must bring all water and prepare for true backcountry conditions without restrooms, picnic tables, or other facilities.

The single large camping area offers complete solitude, with reviewers noting they encountered no other campers during their stays. The nearby Chatooga River provides fishing opportunities, though watercraft access requires a significant portage through wooded terrain. For those seeking additional campgrounds around Sumter National Forest, several developed options operate within the forest boundaries.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsSumter National Forest Big Bend Campground is located in South Carolina near Tamassee

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Walhalla, drive west on SC 28 for 7.5 miles and veer right onto SC 107. Drive 8.8 miles to the Cherry Hill Recreation Area on the right. The campsite is located at the end of Road 709, which begins at Highway 107 across the highway from Cherry Hill Campground. Road 709 is a primitive road which is impassable to some vehicles.

Coordinates

34.94953393 N
83.09994718 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 28 users
    Last on 6/7/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 3/5/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 6/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 28 users
    Last on 6/7/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground

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3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 3, 2023

Complete solitude

Got here right before dusk and it was complete solitude. Packing up in the morning and a fisherman showed up to walk down the hill. Otherwise, saw no one. Very nice large area to spread out, if you have a group.

SiteThe only one:)
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground by Steve S., November 3, 2023
  • Review photo of Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground by Steve S., November 3, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2020

Remote with Lots of Solitude

I rate this campground two stars only because it has no facilities. Rating a campground such as this one is subjective. Some people would love staying here. It is peaceful since there will not be any other campers for miles around. It is surrounded by woods, and it is accessible only by driving on a one and a half mile forest road that is rough with lots of rocks and pot holes. You cannot drive to this site with a low clearance sedan. It is almost impossible without scraping the bottom of your car. Fortunately, I had a 4-Runner, and I was using 4WD. There is only one fire pit, but you can set up a half dozen tents in the area. Most of the places are not level. I managed to find one of only two level places to set up my tent.  There is not a picnic table, but you can park within a few feet of the campsites.  If you have to go take care of personal business, there are no pit toilets. Just find your place in the woods. All water has to be taken in since there are no sources of water within miles. This is true primitive camping. So why go? It is a great place for solitude, and the Chatooga River is close by. Just know that you can’t launch a boat, canoe, or kayak from this location since it is too far to portage any watercraft through the woods.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground by Myron C., August 28, 2020
  • Review photo of Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground by Myron C., August 28, 2020
  • The road doesn't look too bad here, but it gets worse.  There is no way that a normal car could drive on this road.  You will need 4WD and a high clearance.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground?

Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground is located at 2435 feet.

Are fires allowed at Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Is there cell phone reception at Sumter National Forest Big Bend Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is possible coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.