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Best Equestrian Camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

80 Reviews

Brick House Campground in Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests permits horses on its premises and connecting trails. The campground features 21 primitive sites with fire rings and picnic tables, accessible to both tent campers and RVs. While there are no dedicated horse corrals or stalls, riders can use highlines or portable corrals they bring themselves. The campground connects directly to a 9.8-mile loop equestrian trail within the national forest system. Rangers check the campground daily, and the $5 per night fee makes it an affordable option for horse owners. Vault toilets are maintained regularly, but no water sources exist on site, requiring campers to bring all necessary water for themselves and their horses.

Located approximately 5 miles off Interstate 26, Brick House Campground provides convenient trailer access with several pull-through sites that accommodate larger horse trailers. The campground is popular during hunting season when it tends to fill with equestrians and hunters. Riders should be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on the horse trails, especially after rainfall, as the hooves create excellent mud puddles according to experienced visitors. The nearby Palmetto Trail also runs through the area, offering longer riding options for those seeking extended journeys. Forest Service roads provide additional riding opportunities, though fallen trees occasionally block some paths, particularly following severe weather events. Horse owners must pack out all manure and practice leave-no-trace principles when camping with their animals.

Map showing campgrounds near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, South CarolinaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests (9)

    1. Lake Greenwood State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Ninety Six, SC
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 543-3535

    "It’s a primitive, tucked in the woods spot on the lake. The camp sites are wonderfully spaced out. We stayed in sites you had to park and walk to, but the walk was very short."

    "This review is neither negative or positive. Just how it is, so you know before you go. The park is clean and nearly every camp spot is shaded. All roads and camp spots are paved and have fire pits."

    2. Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    17 Reviews
    Kinards, SC
    13 miles

    $5 / night

    "Only 23 sites, spaced a good distance apart. Each site has a fire pit and picnicking area. Trails nearby. Horses and other pets allowed."

    "Mostly away from everyone and was right next to a 9 mile loop hiking trail. Had a great stay in our roof top tent and will be back"

    3. Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    State Park, SC
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 788-2706

    "The site was level with a gravel drive and parking area. Lots of pines all around but the site was clear enough for easy parking. No sewer hookups."

    "The park is in Columbia SC, and is a great choice for families who may want to do things outside the park. The park is super close to the Riverbanks Zoo."

    4. Chester State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chester, SC
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 385-2680

    "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."

    "Stayed 1 night, sites are close to each other. Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated."

    5. Woods Ferry Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    2 Reviews
    Union, SC
    34 miles
    +1 (803) 276-4810

    $7 - $14 / night

    6. Bussey Point Wilderness Area

    5 Reviews
    Modoc, SC
    49 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!✌"

    7. Plum Branch RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Plum Branch, SC
    42 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."

    8. Poulous Loop Seasonal Camp

    1 Review
    Union, SC
    40 miles

    9. Stable View

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

    $40 - $50 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

80 Reviews of 9 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Campgrounds

  • J
    Sep. 5, 2019

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    In the middle of Columbia SC

    Built to celebrate the Sesquicentennial of South Carolina in the 30’s . At one time on the furthest outskirts of Columbia SC. It is now firmly in the muddle of the Metro area. Plenty of trailer sites. Tent site and primitive camping. Has recreational areas. Restaurants and shopping nearby

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Woods Ferry Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Secluded Campground in National Forest

    It was difficult for me to find Woods Ferry, but after talking with a park official, I finally got there. It is off the beaten path, so it is quiet. Apparently, there had been a lot of rain recently, and the area showed it. Woods Ferry 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. Horseflies and the actual site itself are my two main concerns. Selecting my campsite was my mistake. It was sloped, but there are a few others that were not sloped. There is running water and a pit toilet. Otherwise, you will have to take everything else in that you need. 

    Since South Carolina is hot during this time of year, I was a bit uncomfortable, especially since I was on a slope.

    There is a separate section for group camping. However, I think it caters to groups of horse campers, as there are corrals at the campsites. 

    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.

  • D
    Nov. 19, 2021

    Sesquicentennial State Park Campground

    Campsite 41 was poorly planned and maintained

    Pros The pond was beautiful, nice walking trail for beginners, would never consider this a hiking park. Location was close to Colombia and all it offers. Bathhouse was acceptable but nothing to brag about. Toilets were three flushers is you cared about the next guy.

    Cons Guessing I may have had the worst site (41) but walking through there were others similar. Site 41 is a pull through lot which declines quickly upon entry and is marred by deep ra9n crevices. You then incline to the area you should probably land as there is an obvious flat spot. Unfortunately in you stop there, your camper door will open on the neighboring fire ring which is the only fire ring on the back side of the neighboring spot in in the fore ground of yours. Asinine. I had to manipulate my camper for an hour to a spot level enough yet not in my neighbor's fire and dealt with a large tree and had to tie back branches to extend my awning. Uggg

    Effing covid. The state of South Carolina, the City of Columbia don't have mask mandates. But this state park requires a mask to pee in the urinal. The boss says the county still mandates it.

  • 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.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Chester State Park Campground

    State Park with a Beautiful View of the Lake

    I gave this campground four stars, but only for RVs and travel trailers. I would not give it four stars 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. With that said, it is a campground in a beautiful setting. The lake and the sitting area beside the lake are both beautiful. There is a paved walkway down to the lake to a sitting area and a dock. The bath house was air conditioned, almost too much. It is a shock to the system moving from the intense South Carolina heat into the bath house. However, it was a nice break from the heat. Be aware that when you take a shower, you may have to wait a few minutes for the hot water to start. When I first turned it on, I wondered if there was any hot water. Eventually it came, and it was HOT, so I had to adjust it quickly. Also, take your own hand soap with you. There are paper towels but no soap. There are several trails, and you can rent boats, peddle boats, canoes, and kayaks. There is also a disc golf course. If I had known beforehand, I would have taken my own discs. That’s my fault for not doing the research. 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. Overall, this is a great campground to get away from civilization.

  • Matt G.
    Jul. 18, 2016

    Lake Greenwood State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Cotopaxi 35L Travel Duffel at Lake Greenwood State Park

    Lake Greenwood State Park is a smaller state park in South Carolina. The lake is sizable, you can easily take your boat or jet skis, but at the same time the lake is suitable for canoes and kayaks as well. This weekend, we opted for the tubes as our means to relax on the lake, and we achieved that. The only issue we found was the size of the campground itself. The campsites are nearly on top of one another, but there are some beautiful spots right on the lake. Since they are so close, you can hear the neighbors at all hours, and there is hardly any privacy. One other issue was the sites themselves. Now, if you have an RV, it's no problem. But if you are into tent camping, like I am, you will have to pitch the tent on gravel or pavement. Not the easiest pitch. With that, though, it was still enjoyable and relaxing.

    Gear Review – As a Dyrt Ranger, I also get to review and test products in the field. This weekend was the perfect weekend to test the Cotopaxi 35L Travel Duffel. Right out of the mail, I knew that it would be one bag that lasts for a super long time. It is extremely well made, and very versatile. The only thing I was concerned about when I opened it for the first time was the size. I didn't quite believe I could fit everything for the weekend inside. This was not the case this weekend, though. I even had enough room for the frisbee with all of my clothes, toiletries, and extra pair of shoes. Overall, it is an excellent weeken bag, in it for the long haul. Check it out here: https://www.cotopaxi.com/collections/chumpi/products/chumpi-35l-travel-duffel

  • K
    Apr. 14, 2019

    Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Practically boondocking!

    The only amenity is pit toilets. No water, no electric. Only 23 sites, spaced a good distance apart. Each site has a fire pit and picnicking area. Trails nearby. Horses and other pets allowed.

    Stayed two nights with three other campers and never heard a sound except for nature. Would return again.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2021

    Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests

    Remote Campground in the National Forest

    This is a remote campground in the national forest, and it is close to equestrian camping as well. With that said, there will be horseflies. However, it is a quiet campground. A big disadvantage, as far as I am concerned, is that it does not have water access. With that said, plan to dry camp and bring your own water. There is a pit toilet, so that is one good thing I can say about this campground. 

    Avoid campsite 4 if you are in a tent, unless you have a rake. There are a lot of sweetgum balls. Since I was there at the beginning of the week, there were only two or three other campers and they were in RVs. 

    Overall, it’s not bad for camping if you are prepared and know that you will need to take everything in, including water.

Guide to Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Discover the joys of horse camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina, where equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy beautiful trails and serene settings.

Equestrian campgrounds include unique amenities

  • Brick House Campground offers a reservable site with horse accommodations, making it a great choice for those traveling with their equine companions.
  • Woods Ferry Campground features corrals at many campsites, catering specifically to horse campers and providing a quiet, secluded atmosphere.
  • Bussey Point Wilderness Area is designed for equestrians, with pre-installed horse hitches and ample space for horse trailers, ensuring a comfortable stay for both riders and their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Brick House Campground, you can explore a 9-mile loop hiking trail that is perfect for both horseback riding and hiking.
  • Woods Ferry Campground provides access to several loop trails, including the Palmetto Trail, ideal for longer rides and scenic views.
  • Bussey Point Wilderness Area features a 12-mile horse trail that winds through beautiful landscapes, perfect for a day of riding and enjoying nature.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like corrals and water access

  • Woods Ferry Campground includes running water and pit toilets, ensuring basic needs are met for horse campers.
  • Brick House Campground allows fires and pets, creating a welcoming environment for both campers and their horses.
  • Bussey Point Wilderness Area operates on an honor system for fees and provides a well for water, making it a practical choice for those who prefer a more rustic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests is Lake Greenwood State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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