Equestrian camping options surround J. Strom Thurmond Lake with access to bridle trails spanning over 25 miles across multiple parks. The lake region maintains multiple horse-friendly campgrounds where riders can enjoy forested terrain from spring through fall. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access points along many horse trails.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: Bussey Point Wilderness Area features a 12-mile bridle trail system across the peninsula. As one camper notes, "This is my favorite spot for taking it in, and getting back to nature. Bussey Point is primitive camping at it's best." The trails can be accessed directly from the equestrian campground.
Fishing access points: Multiple piers and shoreline spots around the lake allow for bass and catfish fishing year-round. At Wildwood County Park, "Campsites are right on the water and the view is beautiful," making it convenient for anglers to access fishing spots directly from their sites.
Historical exploration: Visit nearby historical sites including military installations and early settlements. At A. H. Stephens State Park Campground, "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." The park features historical exhibits about its namesake, who served as Vice President of the Confederacy.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the direct lake access from their campsites. At Wildwood County Park, one reviewer mentioned, "We stayed on site 15 across from the boat ramps. Nice swim area, one bath house, good price. Campsites on this loop have dirt road, sites are fairly level."
Privacy between sites: At Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground, the sites provide good separation. A camper noted, "The sites are shaded, and flat with a gravel drive and tent pad. We hadn't planned on staying here but were pleasantly surprised to find a few vacancies on the first Saturday in November."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. One camper at Watson Mill Bridge mentioned, "The restrooms were very clean," while another noted that "A nice perk was laundry facilities outside the restrooms."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. At 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)."
Limited amenities at horse camps: Expect primitive facilities at equestrian sites. As one camper at Bussey Point explained, "If you are looking for luxurious amenities, and a pristine restroom facility, this is not the place for you."
Pack-in, pack-out rules: Lake Greenwood State Park Campground and other sites enforce strict waste management. A camper at Bussey Point reminded, "If you pack it on, pack it out. There is no trash pickup provided."
Variable site conditions: Some sites around the lake may have challenging terrain. At Watson Mill Bridge, a camper warned about the pioneer sites: "If there is rain in the forecast do not, for the love of God, do not camp in the pioneer sites. You will get flooded."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming spots with gradual entry. At Lake Greenwood State Park, one camper noted, "The lake was beautiful and clear, the grounds and trails on the park were quaint and well kept, and the bathroom facilities were clean and inviting."
Educational opportunities: Bobby Brown Park Campground and other sites offer interpretive programs. While Bobby Brown was described as "clean and very quiet," nearby Watson Mill Bridge offers historical elements: "You will pass the ruins of a old hydro power plant."
Recreation rentals: Some parks offer boat and equipment rentals seasonally. At Lake Greenwood State Park, "My brother and I went for our first camping trip. The lake was beautiful and clear, the grounds and trails on the park were quaint and well kept."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds near camping loops. As one camper at Wildwood County Park noted, "Awesome beach area, great playground for kids. Kayak & paddleboard rentals. Decent pricing for campsites."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness variations: Some campgrounds have more level sites than others. At Plum Branch RV Park, one RVer observed, "Still being upgraded, so newish pad was still soft but pretty level. Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches."
Power considerations: Many horse-friendly campgrounds have limited electrical options. A camper at A. H. Stephens State Park noted their experience with the equestrian site: "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."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies widely around the lake. As one camper at Watson Mill Bridge noted about their primitive site, "Phone service with ATT and Sprint/T-Mobile is non existent at the campsite. 200 yards uphill at bathhouse service is available."
