Equestrian camping opportunities near Appling, Georgia center around Lake Thurmond, where campsites accommodate riders and their horses across several designated areas. The region features rolling piedmont topography with mixed pine-hardwood forests and approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall. Winter camping temperatures typically range from 30-60°F, while summer months see temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Trail riding on Bussey Point peninsula: The 12-mile equestrian trail system offers varied terrain for all skill levels. "This is my favorite spot for taking it in, and getting back to nature. Bussey Point is primitive camping at it's best. Btw, watch out for the horse poop!" notes reviewer Big D. from Bussey Point Wilderness Area.
Swimming and paddling: Access the lake from waterfront campsites for swimming or paddling. Claire M. reports, "Over all a great campground/site. We stayed at site #4. Plenty of room to spread out! It has a fallen tree and lots of underwater sticks right when you walk out on the lake so watch your toes!"
Historical exploration: Visit nearby historical sites, including the A.H. Stephens museum. A reviewer at A. H. Stephens State Park Campground shared, "We did the A. H. Stephens museum tour and that was very nicely done. We did a day trip to Greensboro and walked the shops and went to Oconee Brewery."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many sites offer direct lake access with beach areas. At Wildwood County Park, Tanya S. reports, "They have lots of sites right on the water many with your very own mini beach an you can bring your boat up to as well."
Well-maintained facilities: Despite primitive settings, sites are generally well-kept. According to Josh R., "Clean camp sites. Abundance of wildlife. The out houses & vault toilets are in good shape. This park is always quiet and offers plenty of privacy."
Spacious campsites: Sites provide adequate room for horse trailers and equipment. Cathy C. describes A.H. Stephens Park: "Large, well maintained sites. We stayed on 17 and it was very private. We hiked from the campground to Lake Buncombe and also hiked from Sunset Drive trail to Lake Liberty and the office."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites now require advance booking. Linda A. notes about Bussey Point, "Campground rates are $10 per night and reservations must be made now through recreation.gov. All sites are waterfront On Clark Hill Lake(Strom Thurmond Lake)."
Pack-in, pack-out policy: No trash services available at primitive sites. "If you pack it on, pack it out. There is no trash pickup provided," reminds a reviewer at Bussey Point.
Limited supplies nearby: Stock up before arrival as shopping options are limited. According to Luan N. at A.H. Stephens State Park, "The park located in small town. It is very quite, nothing is nearby. Walmart is 33 miles away, so you should stock up before camping there."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Several parks feature swimming areas with gentle shorelines. David H. from Wildwood Park shares, "Awesome beach area, great playground for kids. Kayak & paddleboard rentals. Decent pricing for campsites."
Holiday activities: Check for seasonal events when planning visits. Mary G. reports, "The park had a beautiful Christmas light display with hot chocolate and a Christmas movie playing on a big screen. The park staff were so friendly."
Consider site location relative to facilities: Some primitive sites require longer walks to bathrooms. Elaine G. notes about primitive camping at A.H. Stephens, "It was a bit of a hike to the bathrooms..but everything else was fantastic."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some equestrian sites feature tight turns and inclines. Frankie M. notes about A.H. Stephens equestrian sites: "We stayed at the esquirion site which was large and had stables. Beautiful place and clean... Kind of tight and up hill a little getting in and out."
Utilities and amenities: Many RV sites offer full hookups but check specific campground capabilities. Clark B. from Wildwood shares, "Water, power (50&30 amp). Access road to campsites is about a mile long. Walking to other areas of the campground was a hike of several miles. Free WiFi available."
Expect variable site conditions: Site quality and amenities vary considerably between parks. Kevin H. from Plum Branch RV Park reports, "Still being upgraded, so newish pad was still soft but pretty level. Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches. Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways."
