Is Long Bottom Ford first-come first-served or reservation?

Long Bottom Ford operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Long Bottom Ford?

Long Bottom Ford does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Long Bottom Ford?

Pets are not allowed at Long Bottom Ford. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Long Bottom Ford?

Long Bottom Ford offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Long Bottom Ford

4.06

18 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping South Carolina#3 Fall Camping South Carolina Forest Camping South Carolina +1 more

Quick Facts

1,601 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,601 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Long Bottom Ford

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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Provider

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Campground Map

Long Bottom Ford

34.8983, -83.1867

Driving directionsApproximately seven miles NW of the Stumphouse Ranger Station. Turn left off Hwy. 28 onto Low Water Bridge Road. Campsite is 0.5 miles on the left.

Accessibility requires turning off Highway 28 onto an unpaved local road (Low Water Bridge Road), and the campsite is located 0.5 miles down this road. No information is provided on whether seasonal closures or challenging terrain exist.

Weather at Long Bottom Ford

Best Time to Camp at Long Bottom Ford

Summer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s and nights cooling into the 50s and 60s. The elevation and forest canopy keep things comfortable even during peak heat. Spring runoff feeds the waterfalls well into early summer, making that window ideal for both flowing water and pleasant temperatures. The primitive nature of the site means moderate crowds year-round.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer temps mid-70s to mid-80s; canopy keeps site comfortable.

Planning Tips

About Long Bottom Ford

Long Bottom Ford sits within Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests at 1,601 feet elevation, offering primitive tent camping in dense Southeastern woodlands. The campground attracts visitors seeking a peaceful escape without modern amenities, and reviewers consistently note its quiet atmosphere and easy access despite the remote feel.

Long Bottom Ford offers primitive camping options only. There is no indication of RV, cabin, glamping, or group camping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions, with daytime temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s and nights cooling into the 50s and 60s. The elevation and forest canopy keep things comfortable even during peak heat. Spring runoff feeds the waterfalls well into early summer, making that window ideal for both flowing water and pleasant temperatures. The primitive nature of the site means moderate crowds year-round.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain where hardwoods and evergreens create thick overhead canopy. Nearby waterfalls cut through bedrock, their flow strongest from spring runoff into early summer. The dense forest provides natural shade and hosts active wildlife populations throughout the warmer months. Moss, fallen logs, and layered understory characterize the woodland floor.

Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent expanse of Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, this campsite sits in a landscape shaped by millennia of natural forces. The surrounding terrain showcases the region's signature dense forest ecosystems, where ancient hardwoods and evergreens create a multilayered tapestry of green. Nearby waterfalls carve their timeless paths through the bedrock, testament to the powerful geological processes that have sculpted this breathtaking corner of the Southeast.

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Stay limited to 14 days.

Amenities available

Long Bottom Ford is a primitive campsite in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. It is located at latitude 34.89833 and longitude -83.1867. According to the authoritative content, restrooms are available onsite, but potable water is not provided. The site does not offer additional modern amenities like electricity hookups, Wi-Fi, or camp stores.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Long Bottom Ford

Long Bottom Ford is primarily tailored for primitive camping. User reviews emphasize the peaceful and accessible nature of the site. While no specific recreational activities like hiking trails or boating are mentioned in the available data, the surrounding national forests may offer opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Description notes active wildlife populations throughout warmer months.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Waterfalls, bedrock, and dense canopy create strong photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include hazardous terrain near waterfalls and the absence of potable water on-site.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

18 reviews

Satisfactory

Long Bottom Ford is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise Long Bottom Ford for its peaceful ambiance and suitability for primitive camping. Reviewers consistently highlight the site's tranquility and accessibility.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

'Great place to spend the day or camp out. No long trek and very peaceful.' (Michael Dyar, 2022). 'Great little primitive Campground' (Scott, 2019).

Based on 18 reviews

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Long Bottom Ford

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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USFS

Provider

Go if

Tent campers who pack in all their water and want no-fee forest camping close to a working waterfall. Spring through early summer is the sweet spot when runoff keeps the falls flowing and temps stay comfortable.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means every drop comes from home. If that's a dealbreaker, or you need hookups or a camp store, this first-come primitive site won't work for your setup.

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