Cherry Hill Recreation Area

Are you a South Carolina local yearning for a peaceful escape into nature, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Appalachian foothills? Look no further than Cherry Hill Recreation Area, a true gem nestled in the heart of the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. This beloved campground offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, making it an ideal destination for families, solo adventurers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors without straying too far from home.

Cherry Hill Recreation Area is renowned among South Carolina residents for its tranquil atmosphere and accessibility to some of the state’s most captivating natural attractions. Imagine waking up to the sound of West Fork Creek gently flowing by, surrounded by towering hardwoods and the fresh scent of pine. This is the everyday reality at Cherry Hill, a place where the hustle and bustle of city life fades away, replaced by the calming rhythms of nature.

Whether you're an experienced camper with your own RV or a first-timer eager to pitch a tent under the stars, Cherry Hill offers a welcoming environment for all. It’s a place where memories are made, stories are shared around crackling campfires, and the simple pleasures of outdoor living are celebrated. For those who appreciate the beauty of South Carolina's natural landscapes and desire a convenient, comfortable camping experience, Cherry Hill Recreation Area truly stands out.

Cherry Hill Recreation Area boasts a prime location in the scenic Upstate region of South Carolina, specifically at SC-107, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA. Its address places it within easy reach for many South Carolina residents, making it a convenient weekend getaway or an extended vacation destination. To get there from Walhalla, simply drive north on Highway 28 for about seven miles, then turn right onto Highway 107 and continue for approximately nine miles. You'll find Cherry Hill Recreation Area on your right, clearly marked and ready to welcome you.

The campground's strategic position offers incredible accessibility to a myriad of natural wonders and recreational opportunities. It’s situated in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, part of the larger Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. This means campers have direct access to a vast network of trails, rivers, and wilderness areas. The proximity to the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River is a significant draw, offering opportunities for fishing, whitewater activities, and serene riverside picnics. Additionally, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring sections of the famous Foothills Trail, a 77-mile National Recreation Trail that winds through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Southern Appalachians.

While tucked away in a natural setting, Cherry Hill Recreation Area remains accessible for various types of vehicles, with parking available for at least one vehicle per campsite, and some sites accommodating two. It's a place that feels remote enough for a true escape, yet close enough to be a practical choice for many South Carolina families.

Cherry Hill Recreation Area provides a thoughtful selection of services designed to enhance your camping experience, balancing the desire for rustic adventure with essential comforts:

• Campsites: The campground features 29 designated campsites, suitable for both tent camping and RVs. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grill, perfect for enjoying meals outdoors and cozy campfires.

• Restrooms with Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: A significant amenity that sets Cherry Hill apart from more primitive campgrounds is the availability of well-maintained bathhouses. These facilities offer flush toilets and hot showers, providing a welcome comfort after a day of hiking or exploring.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is conveniently available at centrally-located points throughout the campground, ensuring campers have access to fresh water.

• Dump Station: For RV campers, a dump station is available on-site, allowing for easy waste disposal, even though individual sites do not have electric or water hookups.

• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site during the operating season, providing assistance, answering questions, and helping to ensure a pleasant experience for all campers. While some experiences may vary, their presence generally contributes to a safer and more organized environment.

Cherry Hill Recreation Area offers several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts in South Carolina:

• Proximity to West Fork Creek: Many campsites are nestled alongside West Fork Creek, offering the soothing sounds of babbling water and a serene ambiance. This proximity to the creek enhances the natural feel of the campground and provides a peaceful backdrop for your stay.

• Access to Hiking Trails: The campground serves as a gateway to several outstanding hiking trails. The Big Bend Trail, for instance, begins at Cherry Hill and leads to a junction with the Foothills Trail along the Chattooga River. Other nearby trails include the Winding Stairs Trail, offering access to beautiful waterfalls like Cheohee or Miuka Falls.

• Close to Chattooga River: The Wild and Scenic Chattooga River is a major attraction in the area, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting through various outfitters. Its natural beauty and recreational potential are a significant draw for visitors to Cherry Hill.

• Nearby Natural Attractions: Beyond the river, campers can easily visit the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery, the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area, and even take a short drive to Whitewater Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. Oconee State Park is also just a few minutes away, offering additional recreational activities like paddle boating on a mountain lake.

• Forested Setting: The campground is situated beneath a canopy of towering hardwood and pine trees, providing ample shade and a sense of immersion in the forest. This natural setting is perfect for those seeking a true escape from urban environments.

• Privacy: While a developed campground, many sites offer a good degree of privacy, allowing campers to enjoy their surroundings without feeling too crowded.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground, Cherry Hill Recreation Area operates with a standard fee structure. The fee for a single campsite is $15 per night. It's important to note that Interagency Senior and Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to single campsites, specifically for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder. This discount does not apply to any additional fees or campsites occupied by other members of the party. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, and can be made up to six months in advance via www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. While direct promotions from the campground itself are not typically offered beyond the federal pass discounts, booking in advance ensures your spot at this popular destination.

For inquiries and reservations, here's how you can get in touch with Cherry Hill Recreation Area:

• Address: SC-107, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA

• Phone: (864) 638-9568 (Andrew Pickens Ranger District)

• Mobile Phone: +1 864-638-9568

Please note that reservations are primarily handled through the national reservation system at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. The phone numbers provided are for the Andrew Pickens Ranger District office, which manages the area and can provide general information.

Cherry Hill Recreation Area stands as an ideal camping destination for South Carolina locals for a multitude of reasons. Its convenient location in Walhalla, SC, means it’s an accessible retreat for residents across the state, offering a genuine escape without requiring extensive travel. For those living in the Upstate, it’s practically in their backyard, providing a quick and easy way to immerse themselves in nature.

The campground’s blend of essential amenities—including flush toilets and hot showers—with its rustic, forested setting makes it suitable for a wide range of campers, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to families introducing their children to camping for the first time. The availability of a dump station for RVs, despite the lack of direct hookups, demonstrates a commitment to accommodating different camping styles while preserving the natural environment.

Beyond the campground itself, the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor activities. Direct access to the Foothills Trail system means endless hiking opportunities, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. The proximity to the Chattooga River opens up avenues for fishing, paddling, and experiencing one of the region's most iconic waterways. The nearby Walhalla State Fish Hatchery and Oconee State Park further diversify the recreational options, ensuring there's always something new to explore.

While customer reviews sometimes highlight minor issues like noise from inconsiderate campers during holiday weekends or temperature regulation in showers, the overall sentiment points to a very nice U.S. Forest Service campground that many return to repeatedly. These minor inconveniences are often outweighed by the overall tranquility, natural beauty, and the affordability of the sites. For South Carolina locals, Cherry Hill Recreation Area offers an authentic and accessible outdoor experience, a chance to disconnect from daily routines, and reconnect with the serene beauty of their own state's natural treasures. It’s a perfect spot to create lasting memories and enjoy the peaceful solitude that only a well-preserved natural area can provide.