Brick House Campground in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests provides primitive camping opportunities approximately 5 miles off Interstate 26. The campground features 21 sites available for $5 per night with access to vault toilets but no running water. Located near Clinton, South Carolina, the campground connects to a 9.8-mile loop horse trail that joins the Palmetto Trail system. During hunting season, this federal campground frequently reaches capacity with larger vehicles and horse trailers occupying available spaces.
What to do
Trail exploration: Site 16 at Brick House Campground connects directly to a 9-mile loop hiking trail. "Spent new years at site 16 and it was a little damp due to a heavy rain but a great site. Mostly away from everyone and was right next to a 9 mile loop hiking trail," notes Jacob L.
Disc golf competitions: The championship disc golf course at Chester State Park Campground attracts players throughout the year. "Championship Disc golf course," Keith K. mentions in his review, making this an excellent destination for disc golf enthusiasts seeking equestrian camping near Clinton, South Carolina.
Water recreation: The lake at Chester State Park offers multiple water activity options within a structured environment. "There are tournaments through out the year, as well as boating, kayaking, & fishing," reports Chris W., highlighting the variety of water-based recreation available for campers.
What campers like
Affordability: The basic amenities and low cost appeal to self-sufficient campers looking for horse-friendly camping in the Clinton area. "We like it, and it's $5 a night. It's also only a short drive from where we live in Spartanburg," richardhoerz explains about his experience at Brick House.
Spacious sites: Plum Branch RV Park provides campers with quieter surroundings near the water. "This campground is very quiet and right near the water. I enjoyed it and would stay again," reports robins662, making it a good alternative to busier equestrian campgrounds.
Early morning serenity: The lakeside setting at Chester creates opportunities for peaceful wildlife observation. "My favorite part of this camping experience was waking up early in the morning and sitting by the lake. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to capture a photo of the ducks taking off and flying in a perfect v-formation, but it was so peaceful there," Myron C. shares.
What you should know
Seasonal congestion: During hunting season, expect reduced site availability and increased noise levels at primitive campgrounds. "This time of year (hunting season) was full of bigger rigs and generators. The few spots that weren't taken when we first got here eventually got scooped up by about 20 Boy Scouts. To say the least this campground was loud and crowded," cautions Samantha S. about her stay at Woods Ferry Campground.
Water access: No potable water exists at several campgrounds in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. "There is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty," richardhoerz advises about Brick House Campground.
Price changes: Some seasonal campgrounds have undergone significant fee structure modifications. "Forest Service has changed the price from $5 to $30 a night for a primitive campground. Nasty vault toilet, and trash cans but no water," Larry A. reports about Poulous Loop, indicating potential value issues at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Pack insect protection: Horse-friendly campgrounds typically experience higher insect activity, particularly during summer months. "I did get chiggers from the whole experience," warns Adam S. about his stay at Woods Ferry, highlighting the need for appropriate insect preparations when horse camping near Clinton.
Consider tent placement: Site selection significantly impacts comfort levels for tent campers. "Tent campers would have a hard time finding a suitable site that would not be too rocky. When I checked in, the lady was nice enough to find a site with grass behind the gravel so I could set up my tent. She didn't warn me that it was sloped," explains Myron C. about Chester State Park Campground.
Verify campground status: Some facilities undergo seasonal closures or service modifications. "As of July 2019 campground appears closed," noted Larry A. about Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp, emphasizing the importance of confirming operational status before traveling.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Recent renovations at some parks may affect pad stability and hookup configurations. "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," Kevin H. details about Plum Branch RV Park.
Cell service variability: Mobile connectivity fluctuates significantly across campgrounds in the region. "I was right under a WiFi antennae, and managed a 4.5meg download and 4.48 upload. Following are phones 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," Kevin H. continues about his stay at Plum Branch.
Legend
