Burrell's Ford Campground Parking

For South Carolinians seeking an authentic, tranquil, and truly immersive camping experience amidst the natural splendor of the Upstate, Burrell's Ford Campground offers an ideal retreat. Nestled alongside the wild and scenic Chattooga River, this beloved spot provides a rustic, back-to-basics environment perfect for disconnecting from daily life and reconnecting with family and nature. It’s a place where the sounds of the river and the forest replace urban noise, inviting deep relaxation and genuine outdoor adventure.

Burrell's Ford Campground is consistently praised by its visitors for being a "well taken care of campground" with a wonderfully "nice and quiet place." Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the privacy offered by the spacing between sites, a refreshing change from more crowded venues. While it's a primitive campground, which means fewer amenities than a typical RV park, it delivers on the promise of a serene natural setting perfect for fishing, family time, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. Reviewers emphasize the need for preparedness, particularly regarding the walk from the parking lot, but the consensus is that the peaceful reward is well worth the effort. For those who value quietude and a close connection to nature, Burrell's Ford remains a top choice in South Carolina.

Burrell's Ford Campground is located in the scenic area of Tamassee, SC 29686, USA. This places it deep within the lush Sumter National Forest, in the extreme northwestern corner of South Carolina, very close to the Georgia and North Carolina borders. The campground is notably situated on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, a federally protected waterway renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

For South Carolina residents, reaching Burrell's Ford involves a picturesque drive through winding mountain roads, part of the charm of accessing such a secluded natural area. While the address guides you to the general vicinity, it’s important to note that the campground itself is typically a walk-in experience from the parking area. Reviews highlight this crucial detail: "Bring a cart to move your gear from and to parking lot, especially going back to car, can’t imagine walking uphill 1/3rd of mile without a cart." This indicates a walk of approximately 0.33 miles (about 530 meters) from the parking lot down to the campsites along the river, and then a noticeable uphill walk back. This walk-in nature contributes to the campground's quiet and secluded atmosphere, as it deters excessive vehicle traffic at the sites. Despite the short hike, the accessibility to the pristine Chattooga River makes the journey worthwhile for those seeking true riverside camping. It's an ideal spot for locals who appreciate a bit of effort for a significant payoff in terms of natural beauty and tranquility.

Burrell's Ford Campground, being a primitive or rustic campground within a national forest, offers a basic but essential set of services designed to facilitate a back-to-nature camping experience.

• Primitive Campsites: The campground provides numerous individual campsites suitable for tent camping. These sites are generally well-spaced, offering privacy from other campers.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing campers to safely build campfires for cooking, warmth, and ambiance.
• Access to Chattooga River: The primary "service" is the unparalleled access to the Chattooga River, renowned for fishing and scenic beauty. Many campsites are located directly along the riverbank.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage: While not explicitly stated in reviews, primitive campgrounds in bear country (which this area is) typically provide or require bear-resistant food storage solutions, such as bear-proof lockers or requiring food to be hung. Campers should be prepared for this.
• Vault Toilets/Outhouses: It is common for primitive national forest campgrounds to have vault toilets (outhouses). While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, this is standard for such facilities. Campers should be prepared with their own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• No Potable Water: Campers should anticipate needing to bring their own fresh water or be prepared to filter/treat water from the river, as potable water is generally not available at primitive sites.
• Trash Management: As with most primitive campgrounds, a "pack it in, pack it out" policy is typically encouraged, meaning campers are responsible for taking all their trash with them. Bear-resistant trash receptacles may be available at the parking area.

Burrell's Ford Campground boasts several key features that make it a highly desirable destination for those seeking a rustic, peaceful, and naturally beautiful camping experience.

• Chattooga River Access: A major highlight is its direct location on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. This provides incredible opportunities for fishing, wading, and simply enjoying the sights and sounds of one of the Southeast's most pristine rivers.
• Excellent Fishing: The Chattooga River is renowned for its trout fishing, making this campground a prime spot for anglers. Reviewers specifically mention it as a "great place to camp and fish with your family!"
• Quiet & Peaceful Setting: Guests consistently praise the campground for being "nice and quiet." The primitive nature and walk-in access contribute to this serene atmosphere, ensuring a peaceful retreat away from noise and crowds.
• Secluded Sites: The campsites are "not too close to the other campers," offering a good degree of privacy and a sense of solitude, which is highly valued by many campers.
• Well-Maintained: Despite its primitive classification, the campground is described as "well taken care of," indicating that the U.S. Forest Service or managing body puts effort into its upkeep.
• Natural Beauty & Ambiance: Surrounded by the lush Sumter National Forest, the campground offers a beautiful natural setting, perfect for enjoying the sights and sounds of wildlife and the tranquility of the wilderness.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The area around the Chattooga River offers numerous hiking opportunities, including trails that follow the river or lead to scenic overlooks. While not explicitly mentioned in the brief reviews, this is a common feature of campgrounds in national forests.
• Pet-Friendly: As a national forest campground, pets are generally welcome, provided they are kept on a leash and owners adhere to responsible pet waste disposal, making it a great option for families with furry companions.

As a primitive campground typically managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Sumter National Forest, Burrell's Ford Campground usually operates on a fee-based system, but does not offer traditional "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. Its value proposition lies in its unique, natural setting and accessibility rather than promotional pricing.

Common aspects of fees and access for such campgrounds include:

• Modest Fees: Many national forest primitive campgrounds have a modest nightly fee, often collected via an honor system or a self-pay station at the entrance. While the exact fee for Burrell's Ford is not provided in the prompt, these fees are typically very affordable.
• First-Come, First-Served: Primitive campgrounds often operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically accepted. This adds to the adventurous spirit but requires flexibility, especially during peak seasons.
• America the Beautiful Passes: Holders of certain interagency passes (like the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass) might receive discounts on camping fees, though this usually applies to developed campgrounds rather than primitive sites. It's worth checking with the local Forest Service office.
• Stay Limits: To ensure fair access, there is usually a maximum stay limit (e.g., 14 days within a 30-day period).

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any specific fees, availability (as it's first-come, first-served), and regulations, it is highly recommended that interested campers contact the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests directly or check their official website before planning their trip. This will provide the most current details regarding this specific campground.

For general inquiries about camping in the Sumter National Forest or information that might pertain to Burrell's Ford Campground, you can reach out to the managing body. While a direct phone number for the campground itself might not exist due to its primitive nature, you can typically contact the relevant Ranger District for the Sumter National Forest.

Address: Tamassee, SC 29686, USA (This is the general location; for precise directions and parking information, consult a detailed map or forest service resources).

Based on the provided information, no specific phone number for Burrell's Ford Campground Parking was supplied, so I cannot invent one. For inquiries, it is advisable to search for contact information for the Andrew Pickens Ranger District (which manages the area) within the Sumter National Forest.

For residents of South Carolina, Burrell's Ford Campground offers a truly ideal and accessible opportunity for an authentic wilderness escape right in their own state. Locals often seek out genuine outdoor experiences that allow them to disconnect from the daily grind and immerse themselves in nature, and this primitive campground delivers exactly that. Its location on the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River is a significant draw, providing unparalleled access to excellent fishing and the soothing sounds of flowing water, making it a perfect spot for family fishing trips.

The quiet and secluded nature of the campsites, coupled with the well-maintained grounds, ensures a peaceful and comfortable stay, even without extensive amenities. While the walk from the parking lot with gear (a "1/3rd of mile" uphill on the return!) requires some preparation – a cart is highly recommended – this effort contributes to the campground's serene atmosphere by limiting vehicle traffic at the sites. For South Carolinians who own a tent, appreciate privacy, enjoy fishing and hiking, and are willing to embrace a "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy, Burrell's Ford Campground is an exceptional local gem. It provides a rare chance to experience the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Sumter National Forest and the iconic Chattooga River, fostering a deep connection to the natural heritage of their home state. It's a genuine escape, offering tranquility and adventure just a drive away.