Big Bend (FR 709) in SC

Dispersed camping corridorFrancis Marion and Sumter NFs, Andrew Pickens Ranger District

9.8 mi from Highlands

Maps 2,270 ft

Designated sites only

Stay limit: 14 days · within 30 days

VerizonMARGINAL

AT&TNONE

T-MobileNONE

StarlinkPOOR

Rough

All 1.7 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, graded dirt the whole way.
Near Moody Spring.
Estimated climb: 340 ft over 1.7 miles through 3 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 12% and pitches to 14%.
Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side.
A gate 1.7 miles along the road.

Some privacy

Camping except at developed campgrounds or other designated camping areas. [36 CFR 261.58(e)] (see exemption 3)…On the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, camping may occur in any area at least 50 feet away from any lakes or streams, and which is at least 50 feet away from maintained trails, and also which is more than one quarter mile of any roadway
Camping rules (Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests (forest-wide, all roads)) On the Andrew Pickens Ranger District, camping is allowed more than one quarter mile from any road and at least 50 feet from lakes, streams and maintained trails; On the Long Cane, Enoree and Francis Marion districts, primitive camping with a free permit at least one half mile from any road or parking lot.
Food storage: Food storage required. (Andrew Pickens Ranger District: all dispersed camping locations plus Burrells Ford, Cherry Hill, Grapevine, Whetstone, L)
Camping rules

Campfires are not allowed if the state has issued a “Red Flag Warning” (Primitive camping with permit)
Camp at least 50 ft from water source or trail. (Primitive camping with permit)
Pack it in, Pack it out: pack out all trash and bury human waste (Primitive camping with permit)
Current fire orders

October normals 47–69°F, 5.0″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Big Bend (FR 709) in SC -- Camping Rules & Access