Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp
4.587 reviews112 Andrew Pickens Circle, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp
$0.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group reservations cost $30 per night during peak seasons (May 1 - Sep 30, Jan 1 - Mar 31). During hunting seasons (Oct 1 - Dec 31 and Apr 1 - Apr 30), the campground is free. Fees exclude taxes and incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed beauty of Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp, where the rushing waters of the Chauga River provide a natural soundtrack to your wilderness adventure. Nestled within the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of Oconee County, this back-to-basics campground offers outdoor enthusiasts the perfect basecamp for exploring South Carolina's mountainous playground. Whether you're casting a line into crystal-clear waters, navigating forest trails on foot or horseback, tracking game through ancient woods, or seeking the thrill of whitewater rafting, this rustic retreat delivers authentic outdoor experiences. True to its primitive nature, the campground provides essential facilities including pit toilets and spacious RV parking areas, allowing you to disconnect from modern distractions and reconnect with nature.
Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp focuses on primitive and group camping, emphasizing natural surroundings and minimal facilities.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythms of mountain weather at Cassidy Bridge, where recent conditions have painted a picture of outdoor perfection. With temperatures dancing between crisp mornings at 34°F and comfortable afternoons reaching nearly 49°F, visitors can enjoy that ideal camping weather that makes every activity more enjoyable. Clear skies dominate the forecast nearly 60% of the time, offering stunning star-gazing opportunities and sun-drenched days. When nature does bring precipitation, it arrives dramatically—recent measurements recorded over 1.5 inches of refreshing rain accompanied by invigorating 23 mph winds that whisper through the forest canopy, reminding visitors of the raw power and beauty of the mountain environment.
ElevationElevation details not explicitly provided.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking landscape where the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains meet the pristine waters of the Chauga River. This forested sanctuary showcases nature's artistry at every turn—towering hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral overhead, while the melodic Chauga River carves its timeless path through the valley below. Just a stone's throw away, the legendary Chattooga River beckons adventurers with its wild and scenic waters, offering everything from peaceful pools perfect for swimming to heart-pounding rapids that challenge even seasoned rafters. The interplay of mountain streams, dense forests, and rugged terrain creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty that transforms with each season.
Geological RegionDiscover your place within the magnificent tapestry of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, where Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp serves as your gateway to one of the Southeast's most diverse ecosystems. As part of the Andrew Pickens Ranger District within the sprawling Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, this woodland haven sits along the banks of the historic Chauga River. Here, you're exploring just a fraction of an incredible 629,000-acre wilderness that stretches from South Carolina's Atlantic shores to its western mountain borders. This remarkable geological transition zone showcases the dramatic shift from coastal plains to mountain highlands, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity and stunning topography that defines the southern Appalachian landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source material.
Sites SizeThe campground offers group campsites but does not provide details on the size of individual sites.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is praised for its privacy: 'We enjoy how beautiful the spot is and how private the spot is.' (Donna H, 2020)
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring fishing and swimming gear for river activities. Plan for privacy but prepare for lack of fresh water.
Best CampsitesCampsite 001 is repeatedly praised for privacy and location.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Groups
Group reservations are required for non-hunting seasons. Specific details about the group site size are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Hunting seasons (Oct 1 - Dec 31 and Apr 1 - Apr 30) are free access. Peak seasons are May 1 - Sep 30 and Jan 1 - Mar 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available online via Recreation.gov, phone, and in-person platforms.
Walk-in AvailabilityFree access (first-come, first-served) during hunting seasons Oct 1 - Dec 31 and Apr 1 - Apr 30. Reservation periods require advance booking.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival. Changes to completely new dates incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations less than 1 day before (individual sites) or 14 days before (cabins/group sites) arrival forfeit the first night's fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
A variety of outdoor recreational activities are available, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and whitewater rafting, making it popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking
Hiking is a common activity at the campground, which is located in a forested area conducive to outdoor exploration. Specific trails are not mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is popular on the Chauga River, which runs alongside the campground. One user review recommends bringing fishing gear.Boating
Whitewater rafting is a featured activity, especially with the Chattooga River located a short drive away.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing in the surrounding forest environment. No specific species or areas are highlighted.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not documented, although the campground is open during certain hunting seasons (October-December and April).Water Sports
Whitewater rafting is highlighted, leveraging proximity to the Chattooga River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No direct information on fire policies. Firewood movement is restricted to avoid spreading pests.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews indicate the pit toilet cleanliness as a potential concern. No other explicit hazards are noted.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
No explicit information on nearby hospitals or emergency services. Local ranger station information is available at 864-638-9568.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 - September 30, January 01 - March 31.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to remove and dispose of all trash. A trash/recycling center is located 6 miles away at Mt. Rest Recycling Center, 107 C H 21, Mountain Rest, SC 29664.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Chauga River, with the Chattooga River within a 15-minute drive.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor toilet maintenance ('completely overrun and obviously hadn't been cleaned all summer') and lack of fresh water ('the only drawback is the lack of fresh water').
Campground Map
112 Andrew Pickens Circle, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Driving directionsFrom Walhalla, SC, drive 5 miles north on Highway 28. Turn left on Whetstone Road, and follow it for three quarters of a mile to Cassidy Bridge Road. Turn left on Cassidy Bridge Road, and follow it for 5 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessed via paved roads from Walhalla, SC. Some sections may be remote, but directions are straightforward. Accessibility is not noted as seasonal or challenging.Nearby places
Walhalla (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes drive)
Clemson (approximately 20 miles, driving time varies).
Nearby supplies
Trash/recycling center located six miles away (#6 Mt. Rest Recycling Center, 107 C H 21, Mountain Rest, SC 29664). No nearby grocery or fuel locations were specified.
Camper Reviews
4.6
7 reviews
Cassidy Bridge Primitive Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's privacy and natural beauty, while others highlight issues such as insufficient maintenance of facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Privacy and natural beauty are consistent highlights: 'We enjoy how beautiful the spot is and how private the spot is.' (Donna H). Many families return annually, citing the campground's clean...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
A major complaint is the poor maintenance of the pit toilet: 'The one pit toilet was completely overrun and obviously hadn't been cleaned all summer.' (Rich C). The lack of potable water is also...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing fishing gear and swimming gear to enjoy the river. Additionally, campers should prepare to bring their own drinking water due to the lack of potable water on-site.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is busiest during hunting seasons (October-December, April), when camping is free. Summer reviews caution about unclean facilities.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Even with the rain it was great.' (Jared C) 2. 'We enjoy how beautiful the spot is and how private the spot is.' (Donna H) 3. 'The one pit toilet was completely overrun and obviously hadn't been...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most reviews reference general experiences rather than specific campsites, although site 001 received both positive ('Excellent as always,' Jason H) and negative ('Did not stay due to the filthy...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No user feedback explicitly discusses accessibility features or experiences for people with disabilities.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews discuss pet-related experiences or policies.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025