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Best Equestrian Camping near Aiken, SC

11 Reviews

Bussey Point Wilderness Area accommodates equestrian campers with dedicated hitching posts and ample space for horse trailers at each campsite. Located along the shores of Clark Hill Lake (also known as Strom Thurmond Lake), the campground features waterfront sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground operates primarily for equestrians, with all sites situated along the water providing direct lake access. Campsites are primitive with pit toilets and a well for water but no electricity, creating an ideal setting for off-grid camping. The $10 per night fee operates on an honor system through recreation.gov reservations. Visitors note the campground maintains clean campsites with an abundance of wildlife, offering plenty of privacy and consistently quiet surroundings.

A 12-mile horse trail winds through the peninsula, connecting riders to pack-in and canoe-in campsites deeper in the wilderness area. The trail network provides ample riding opportunities with natural terrain suitable for various skill levels. Horse owners must pack out all waste as there is no trash pickup provided at the campground. The primitive nature of Bussey Point appeals to those seeking genuine natural experiences rather than luxury amenities. Campsite #4 offers plenty of room to spread out, though riders should be cautious of underwater obstacles near the shoreline. The volunteer Camp Ranger from the US Army Corps of Engineers occasionally patrols the area, but campers generally enjoy significant privacy in this less crowded alternative to nearby state parks.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Aiken, South Carolina (5)

    1. In The Pines RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Jackson, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 295-2867

    $40 - $450 / night

    2. Stable View

    Be the first to review!
    Graniteville, SC
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (484) 356-3173

    $40 - $50 / night

    3. Bussey Point Wilderness Area

    5 Reviews
    Modoc, GA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 533-3478

    "Bussey Point is primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer. The sites have a picnic table and a fire pit."

    "Btw, watch out for the horse poop!✌"

    4. Wildwood County Park

    4 Reviews
    Modoc, SC
    33 miles
    Website

    "This park is just a few miles away from Mistletoe and we only stayed here because we could not get a site at Mistletoe."

    "Walking to other areas of the campground was a hike of several miles. Free WiFi available. Enjoyed our stay!"

    5. Plum Branch RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Plum Branch, SC
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 484-6365

    $45 - $50 / night

    "Will try again in future as it keeps improving

    We just overnighted so did not use facilities nor do much in the surrounding areas."

    "This campground is very quiet and right near the water. I enjoyed it and would stay again."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Aiken, SC

11 Reviews of 5 Aiken Campgrounds

  • cody S.
    Sep. 15, 2018

    Bussey Point Wilderness Area

    Quiet spot and a simple campsite

    Bussey Point is primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer. The sites have a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground has a well for water and an open pit latrine. There's no power which is perfect for camping off grid away from all the trailers.

    The campsites are right on the water and the view is beautiful. Over the weekend I was the only one here and the only person I spoke to was the volunteer Camp Ranger from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

    There is a 12-mile horse trail that goes out on the peninsula and some pack-in or canoe-in campsites out on the peninsula.

    Fee per night is on an honor system at $10. I have no complaints about this campsite only about the other campers that leave their trash behind.

    I recommend this campground if you're looking to get away from all the people especially the crowds at the more popular campsites at the state parks, and if you're fine with more primitive camping that doesn't involve daily showers.

  • D
    Jun. 20, 2022

    Wildwood County Park

    Not perfect, but really good!

    Our favorite park is Mistletoe, a GA state owned park. This park is just a few miles away from Mistletoe and we only stayed here because we could not get a site at Mistletoe. In the end, we are glad that we did as this park is about 35% less expensive than Mistletoe and provides the same great lake views (ok, Mistletoe is still our favorite, but for the money this is a no brainer).

    We stayed on two sites as nothing was available for our entire duration. So, we started on site 38 and then moved to 58 after a couple of days (we can be quite fast at breaking down/setting up for in-park moves).

    Site 38 was interesting because we had about 100 whitetail deer in our back yard every night. The camp host apparently was feeding them, and he set up spot lights so that they could be watched as they ate. The deer had no fear (not sure that is good), but I am sure the appreciated the food. The only bad side to this is that the lights stayed on very late and it was impossible to block the light from our windows. I can overlook this, though.

    Site 38 was large enough and had big, flat, surface for the picnic table, fire ring, camper, and truck. Beyond this pad there was not much distance before you got to the next site, which just had a tent camper (who mostly was gone because this time we visited during a VERY cold spell and I don't think the tent camper would have survived the night!).

    Site 38 had views of the water, kind of like a finger cover, but it was not very close to the camper. Still nice though as the walk through the woods to the water was easy. 

    We moved to site 58 after a couple of days and it was directly on the water. This site was smaller than 38, and was only one of a handful of RV sites that are situated in an yurt camping area (if you have family that does not have an RV, you could stay in your RV and they could stay in the really upscale yurts!). 

    The weather, as noted already, was very cold and moving to a true waterfront lot made going outside something only for the brave! It was 40 degrees with 60 mph wind gusts that day...kind of fun!

    We walked around to see what the park had on that side, and it included a nice sandy beach, picnic tables under the shade, and a really cool primitive camping area that was out on a peninsula.

    As noted at the start, a nice park for the money. The cost was only $25 a night in March 2022 and that is hard to beat. If this were $40 a night I would de-rate it to 4 stars.

    All of the photos are from site 38 except the white caps on the lake, which was taken On our walk near 58.

  • Big D.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Bussey Point Wilderness Area

    Not Another Cookie Cutter Campground

    This is my favorite spot for taking it in, and getting back to nature. Bussey Point is a no frills campground. If you are looking for luxurious amenities, and a pristine restroom facility, this is not the place for you. Bussey Point is primitive camping at it's best. Btw, watch out for the horse poop!✌

  • Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2021

    Plum Branch RV Park

    Nice place, definitely has potential

    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. All nice and new. Will try again in future as it keeps improving

    We just overnighted so did not use facilities nor do much in the surrounding areas.

    I was right under a WiFi antennae, and managed a 4.5meg download and 4.48 upload. Following are phones ( mostly for hotspot) I have and how they feature Cricket; 7.98dn, 0.84up ATT; 27.69, 0.3 up Visible: 7.2dn, 1.2up Verizon: 44.9dn. 1.88 up T-mobile mifi: no 4g nor 5G service

    If I we’re staying in the area for more than a week, I would probably try a nearby COE as they are on the water. This park is near the water and has a restaurant an few hundred yards down the road.

    Really pleasant staff. Friendly and were helpful and obliging.

  • C
    Jul. 6, 2022

    Bussey Point Wilderness Area

    Campsite #4

    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! When we come back we’d probs choose site #5 to avoid the tree and all the limbs. Has a nice public spot down the road though, and the restroom was surprisingly clean. We’ll definitely be coming back!

  • Clark B.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Wildwood County Park

    First time staying at Wildwood

    We are Columbia County residents who have been camping for years, but this is the first time at Wildwood, which is a Columbia County Park. 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. Not quite as big and level as local USACOE campgrounds. Park has great boating access. Quiet cove area. 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. Enjoyed our stay!

  • robins662
    May. 7, 2021

    Plum Branch RV Park

    Quiet and peaceful

    This campground is very quiet and right near the water. I enjoyed it and would stay again.

  • Linda A.
    Jul. 11, 2020

    Bussey Point Wilderness Area

    reservation only now. Great place for horse camping

    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) 

    If you pack it on, pack it out. There is no trash pickup provided

  • Tanya S.
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Wildwood County Park

    Lake side

    I've stayed at this camp ground 3 times 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. Bathrooms always cleaned by host an super friendly people. The only issue the last time I stayed was there was a main pipe that burst an the water was cut off to the entire area for a whole day that was awful could not wash dishes take shower nothing. Had to leave two days early. But that was one experience every other time we have a blast. Wish the sites were a little more private as they are pretty close. But this place is well kept an love that the boat rental kegs creek is in this camp ground

Guide to Aiken

Horse camping in South Carolina offers a unique opportunity for equestrians to enjoy the great outdoors while accommodating their beloved horses. With a variety of campgrounds featuring horse-friendly amenities, riders can explore scenic trails and relax in nature.

Tips for equestrian camping near Aiken, South Carolina

  • Stable View provides electric and water hookups, making it a convenient choice for horse campers looking for essential amenities.
  • In The Pines RV Park allows pets and features reservable sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
  • Bussey Point Wilderness Area is ideal for those seeking a primitive camping experience, with horse hitches available at the campsites.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Bussey Point Wilderness Area, enjoy a 12-mile horse trail that winds through beautiful landscapes, perfect for a day of riding.
  • Wildwood County Park offers access to a sandy beach and picnic areas, making it a great spot for family outings after a day of horseback riding.
  • Lake Thurmond RV Park is near the water, providing opportunities for fishing and boating, adding variety to your camping experience.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like hitching posts and water access

  • Stable View features water hookups and electric connections, ensuring your horse has access to hydration and comfort.
  • In The Pines RV Park includes sanitary dump facilities and picnic tables, catering to the needs of equestrian campers.
  • Bussey Point Wilderness Area offers a well for water and open pit latrines, making it a practical choice for those who prefer a more rustic camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equestrian trails are available at Aiken horse camping areas?

Wildwood County Park offers access to scenic riding trails along the shoreline of the lake, providing beautiful water views and varied terrain for riders of different skill levels. The park's trail system connects to nearby wooded areas perfect for longer excursions. The Aiken area is also home to the extensive trail network at Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the country with over 70 miles of sandy trails ideal for horseback riding. Most trails in the region are well-maintained and clearly marked, making navigation straightforward for visitors.

Where are the best horse camping facilities in Aiken, SC?

Bussey Point Wilderness Area is a premier destination for horse camping near Aiken, featuring campsites specifically designed for equestrians with pre-installed horse hitches and ample space for horse trailers. At $10 per night, these waterfront sites offer an affordable option for riders seeking a natural setting. Another excellent option is Stable View, which provides dedicated facilities for horses and riders in a convenient location. Both campgrounds offer the perfect base for exploring the region's extensive trail systems.

What amenities are provided at Aiken horse camping facilities?

Plum Branch RV Park offers newer facilities with electric hookups and sewer connections, though some sites are still being upgraded. The park provides convenient waterfront access in a quiet setting. For a more rustic experience, In The Pines RV Park features water access and reservable sites. Horse-specific amenities at area campgrounds typically include hitching posts, ample parking for horse trailers, water access for horses, and in some locations, designated areas for riding. Most equestrian campgrounds offer basic facilities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to water, while bathroom facilities range from vault toilets to more modern options.

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