Woods Ferry Campground provides equestrian camping facilities in Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests near Chester, South Carolina. The campground sits at approximately 600 feet elevation in typical South Carolina Piedmont forest terrain. Most equestrian campsites include corrals for horses, with water hookups available but no shower facilities and only pit toilets for sanitation.
What to do
Trail riding from camp: The equestrian trail system at Woods Ferry Campground connects directly to campsites, eliminating the need to trailer horses to separate locations. The campground primarily serves horse owners, with corrals at many sites. One visitor notes, "It is a campground mainly for campers who have horses. There are corrals at many of the campsites, so there are also a lot of horseflies."
Mountain hiking: Crowders Mountain State Park offers strenuous hiking trails with elevation gain. Visitors can access multiple trails with varying difficulty levels. A camper reports, "The hikes are pretty strenuous, but the views are well worth it. The people are friendly, and maps are easy to come by. The trails are easy to follow, but be sure to bring plenty of water."
Disc golf: Chester State Park features a championship disc golf course near the lake. The course attracts tournament players but remains accessible to recreational players. As one visitor mentioned, "Very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course."
What campers like
Secluded atmosphere: Horse campgrounds near Chester provide quiet settings away from busy areas. At Woods Ferry Campground, the remote location creates privacy for campers and their horses. A visitor observed, "It is off the beaten path, so it is quiet. Apparently, there had been a lot of rain recently, and the area showed it."
Clean facilities: Chester State Park Campground maintains clean, updated facilities. The bathrooms receive regular attention from staff. One reviewer noted, "Stayed 1 night, sites are close to each other. Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated."
Affordable primitive camping: Brick House Campground offers basic camping at low rates. Sites include fire rings with grill bars and gravel pads. A camper shared, "Easy access from I26. Spent a week here and really enjoying it. Has 21 spots. All have legal gravel pads, fire rings with grill bars. Vault toilets clean and trash containers serviced."
What you should know
Campground status checks: Call ahead to confirm operational status of equestrian campgrounds. Recent information suggests Woods Ferry may have occasional closures or limited availability. At Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp, a primitive horse camp in the area, a visitor reported, "As of July 2019 campground appears closed."
Pricing changes: Campground fees have increased at several horse camping areas near Chester. What was once $5 per night now costs significantly more at some locations. A visitor noted about Brick House Campground, "$5.00 to me is great for the peace and quiet."
Seasonal considerations: Rain can affect camping conditions at horse camps, creating muddy sites and increasing insects. A reviewer at Woods Ferry noted, "It was difficult for me to find Woods Ferry, but after talking with a park official, I finally got there... Apparently, there had been a lot of rain recently, and the area showed it."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible lake activities: Kings Mountain State Park offers family-friendly lake access with multiple water activities. The park includes a country store with supplies. A visitor mentioned, "Great campground with clean facilities and lots of amenities. Convenient country store at the park office. Hook ups for both RVs and tent campers."
Kid-friendly amenities: State parks near Chester provide playground equipment and educational opportunities for children. Some parks offer ranger-led programs during peak seasons. One visitor to Chester State Park noted, "It's a small comfortable campground in a beautiful State Park. The lake is breathtaking. There are tournaments throughout the year, as well as boating, kayaking, & fishing."
Pack all supplies: Remote horse camps require bringing all necessary food, water, and equipment as no stores exist on site. The nearest supplies may be 30 minutes away in Chester. When camping at Brick House, a visitor advised, "There is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At equestrian campgrounds, RV sites vary in levelness and accessibility. Choose carefully based on your rig size. A camper at Woods Ferry noted, "Overall, it's not too bad for those who camp in an RV or a travel trailer, but it's not ideal for tent campers."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps may have rough sections requiring careful navigation. RVers should proceed slowly on unpaved roads. One Brick House visitor warned, "Beware of the giant pothole when turning off the 66 onto the Brickhouse Road. We hit it and it jarred the trailer so much it broke our back window."
Limited hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds offer water but lack electrical or sewer connections. RVers should arrive with fully charged batteries and empty holding tanks. A visitor at Cane Creek Park noted, "Campground is clean and well-maintained. The bathhouse is in good shape and clean. I will come back when I'm in this area."
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