Campbell’s Covered Bridge - a red covered bridge with a gabled roof. The bridge spans across a small creek, supported by stone abutments. The surrounding area is lush with leafless deciduous trees, suggesting it might be autumn or winter. A wooden fence runs along one side of the bridge, adding to the rustic charm. To the left of the frame, there’s a signpost.

Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Today, as you drive along Highway 11 in northwestern South Carolina, it’s hard to imagine that not too long ago, this entire region was an isolated frontier with only a few sparsely populated settlements scattered across the landscape. Referred to as the Dark Corner due to its isolation, the area was in much need of a way to improve access to services for the people who lived here. Enter Campbell’s Covered Bridge and the road system connecting these villages. Fast forward to today and this area is one of the fastest growing regions in the state.

Campbell Covered Bridge in Fall - red covered bridge with creek running below and tin roof - trees behind the bridge have their leaves turning - lots of reds some yellow and still some green leaves.
Campbell’s Bridge Park is a great stop along any fall road trip. The fall leaves surrounding the old covered bridge make the whole scene look like something from Norman Rockwell.

Visiting Campbell’s Covered Bridge Park in Greenville SC

Today Campbell’s Bridge is a roadside attraction and park in Landrum, South Carolina. While the bridge is the main attraction here it’s not quite the whole story.

Campbell Covered Bridge - a rustic red covered bridge spanning across a small creek, surrounded by lush greenery. The bridge, with its gabled roof and wooden siding, is supported by stone abutments on either side. The creek flows gently over a rocky bed, set against a backdrop of dense trees in various shades of green
Campbell’s Covered Bridge in early spring.

Although Alexander Campbell owned the property when his namesake bridge was built and also operated a grist mill downstream, he died in 1920. The nearby stone ruins are the remnants of a home and grist mill built in 1938 by Joseph Smith. Unfortunately the grist mill and home are long gone today – only the bridge remains.

Campbell Covered Bridge mill foundation - a series of stone structures under a clear blue sky. In the foreground, there is a stone bench on the left and an informational plaque mounted on an angled stand in the center. The middle ground shows layered stone walls creating terraces, with some leafless trees and greenery scattered throughout. In the background, there is a grassy hill with more trees and what appears to be walking paths or steps leading up the slope.
The foundation of the Smith home and corn mill near the covered bridge of the same name. Picnic tables are nearby.

There’s a picnic table on the foundation of the old Smith house and lots of benches and seating all within earshot of the creek. There’s a large open field facing this side of the bridge with benches around the perimeter which are a little more secluded but still have a great view of the bridge.

Half of Campbell's Covered Bridge - a traditional covered bridge with a red exterior and a corrugated metal roof, spanning over a calm stream. The bridge is supported by stone abutments at each end. Surrounding the scene are trees displaying autumn foliage in vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and red against a clear blue sky.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge in fall is a must see attraction in Greenville County.

The water flowing under the bridge is really shallow and easy to get down to, and is one of the most popular pastimes for people who visit the bridge. Depending on how rainy it’s been there are some large flat boulders that remain dry and are perfect for spreading a picnic blanket over. If you do go down to the creek, just watch out for snakes and slippery rocks.

A half mile nature trail runs along the steam and then back around the property to the parking area.

Campbell’s Bridge - a traditional red covered bridge with a weathered, corrugated metal roof spanning over a calm stream. The bridge is supported by stone abutments on either side and is flanked by lush green trees under a clear blue sky. A wooden fence runs parallel to the stream on the left side, leading towards the bridge,
Campbell’s Bridge from the front in springtime.

Campbell’s Bridge has been closed to traffic for over 40 years so you can safely walk under the bridge, but path ends just on the other side.

Campbell’s Bridge From creek - a gently flowing creek with clear water. Lush green foliage surrounds the water, and a traditional red covered bridge spans across the creek in the background. The sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled light on the water’s surface, highlighting the tranquility of this rural setting.
Campbell Covered Bridge from the Beaverdam Creek bed

Campbell’s Covered Bridge Place in History

Campbell’s Bridge - red covered bridge with a weathered, corrugated metal roof, spanning over a calm stream. The bridge features side openings and is supported by stone abutments at each end. The surrounding area is filled with lush greenery, with trees displaying early signs of spring foliage.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge from side

Prior to the 20th century, northern Greenville County was known as the Dark Corner. Populated by dirt farmers who lived in isolation from the rest of the county, the residents gained a reputation as poor and uneducated who cared more about moon shining and gunfights than anything else.

But being looked down upon by the upstanding city folks of the city of Greenville didn’t bother the folks of the Dark Corner. They reveled in their independence and often took a stance at odds with rest of the state.

a historical marker sign mounted on a wooden post next to a red covered bridge. The bridge is partially hidden by leafy green trees, suggesting a lush, wooded area. Sunlight filters through the foliage, casting dappled shadows on the scene. The sign seems to contain text about the history or significance of the location, but it’s too distant to read clearly. The image captures the coexistence of historical preservation and natural beauty, potentially sparking curiosity about the bridge’s history and its place within its environment. The text “Campbell Covered Bridge” is visible on the sign.

During the Nullification Crisis over a series of tariffs during Andrew Jackson’s presidency, the residents of the Dark Corner supported the Federal Government over the state of South Carolina.

Later as the Civil War broke out, the Dark Corner remained Unionist and the region became known as a safe harbor for those deserting the Confederate army.

Life in the Dark Corner Before Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Looking at maps from the time, it’s no wonder that the people of the Dark Corner were so isolated. Crisscrossed by numerous creeks and rivers, the rural communities that dotted the landscape had very little contact with each other. Safe crossings were few and far between, so traveling through the area required a 25 mile round trip and a full day to complete.

At the turn of the 20th Century, a concerted effort to connect the rural communities of northern Greenville county began. Roads were built and four bridges were constructed in hopes of connecting the region. Only one of these bridges survives today.

Campbell’s Covered Bridge Marked a Turning Point for the Dark Corner

Campbell's Covered Bridge from back - red wooden covered bridge with a corrugated metal roof, situated in a serene rural setting. The bridge features prominent cross-bracing on its sides and is surrounded by lush greenery, including trees with bright green leaves to the left. A wooden fence runs along the right side of the bridge, leading to a gravel path. In the background, there is a glimpse of a calm river and more dense foliage under a clear blue sky.
Bridge from the front with the foundation of grist mill in background

Campbell’s Covered Bridge, built by Charles Irwin Willis in 1909, on land owned by Alexander Campbell. It’s not only the last of the Dark Corner bridges still standing, but it’s also the last historic covered bridge remaining in South Carolina.

Today we tend to romanticize covered bridges, but when people still traveled by foot, horse, or wagon covered bridges were a practical and welcome sight. The cover kept rain and snow off the bridge deck making the bridge much safer to traverse in poor weather.

After Campbell’s Covered Bridge was built, what was once an all day 25 mile ordeal could be completed in about an hour.

Final Thoughts about Campbell’s Covered Bridge

You can’t help but feel a hint of nostalgia for a time long past as you stroll across the bridge and listen to the Beaverdam Creek rustling underneath. And that nostalgia is what keeps people visiting Campbell’s Covered Bridge.

Campbell's Covered Bridge - a wooden picnic table situated on a stone-paved area. Stone steps lead up to this picnic spot, inviting visitors to enjoy a meal amidst nature. The area is surrounded by bare trees, suggesting it might be late fall or early spring. In the distance, a forested hill adds a touch of greenery to the scene.

The park is small and the only real attraction is the bridge itself, but there are always people here, and most of them aren’t locals. They’re either just passing through or spending the day on a road trip. There area a couple picnic tables at the park, so it’s a great place to stop for a bit.

Campbell Covered Bridge Park - pathway bordered by a rustic wooden fence that curves gently to the right. Beyond the fence lies an expanse of dry grass, leading up to a line of leafless trees at the edge of a hill. The colors in the image suggest it might be late autumn or early winter.
A number of benches are located around the tree line with a view of the bridge, but the area could benefit from some landscaping.

The open field behind the bridge tends to get overgrown and isn’t maintained as well as the rest of the park. I’m not really sure what the purpose is or if there are any plans to add something to the park here. A simple mowing would make the area look much more inviting, but it really doesn’t take anything away from the main attraction of the park being unkempt.

If you’re in the area, Campbell’s Bridge is a great place to visit at least once especially in the fall as the sugar maples put on a spectacular show. But don’t build a day around your visit. Combine Campbell’s Bridge with other nearby attractions like Poinsett Bridge or the Caesars Head overlook.

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Fast Facts about Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Type:Historic Place and Roadside Attraction- Covered Bridge and Park
Admission:Free
Location:171 Campbell’s Covered Bridge Rd, Landrum, SC 29356
Website:https://greenvillerec.com/parks/campbells-covered-bridge/
Phone(864)288-6470
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Things to do at Campbell’s Covered Bridge: Picnic tables, short nature trail, dog walking, creek bed is accessible for wading just watch out for snakes.

Map to Campbell’s Covered Bridge