Looking for the best horse camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests? It's easy to find Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. These scenic and easy-to-reach South Carolina campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Brick House Campground is located on SC Route 66, 3.5 miles east of I-26, situated in the heart of the Enoree Ranger District in Newberry County. The campground is surrounded by a mixed pine-hardwood forest with an elevation of approximately 550 feet. Long hot summers and mild winters are the norm for the Enoree Ranger District. Winter temperatures range from low 40's to upper 60's degrees and summer temperatures range from high 80's to high 90's. Wild azaleas are clumped by the old homesites and wildflowers and dogwoods dot the landscape. This site offers a great opportunity for all season camping. Ample hunting opportunities for wild turkey and whitetail deer are available in the surrounding general forest. The campground is located 51 miles north of Columbia and is 41 miles south of Spartanburg.
Brick House offers a year-round primitive, single loop campground with 21 campsites. The small campground offers a primitive laid back setting that one can relax and enjoy in. Available by reservation only year round through recreation.gov.__ The 30 mile Buncombe Horse Trail offers a variety a loops which riders can choose between a short or all day ride. The trail is open to horses, hikers and mountain bikers. The 24 mile Enoree OHV Trail is a short 10 minute drive north of Brick House. The motorized trail is open to atvs, utvs, and dirt bikes that are 50 inches and less in width. Bring your own equipment. The trail has a user fee and is closed when trail conditions are too wet for riding.Call the "Call Before You Haul" hotline. The surrounding national forest lands are a great place for big game deer and turkey hunting along with other small game hunting. Hunting and fishing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more about the SCDNR.
Brick House offers a year-round primitive, single loop campground with 21 campsites. The small campground offers a primitive laid back setting that one can relax and enjoy in. Available by reservation only year round through recreation.gov.__ The 30 mile Buncombe Horse Trail offers a variety a loops which riders can choose between a short or all day ride. The trail is open to horses, hikers and mountain bikers. The 24 mile Enoree OHV Trail is a short 10 minute drive north of Brick House. The motorized trail is open to atvs, utvs, and dirt bikes that are 50 inches and less in width. Bring your own equipment. The trail has a user fee and is closed when trail conditions are too wet for riding.Call the "Call Before You Haul" hotline. The surrounding national forest lands are a great place for big game deer and turkey hunting along with other small game hunting. Hunting and fishing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more about the SCDNR.
Over 700,000 acres of pine-hardwood forest with gently rolling terrain make up the Enoree Ranger District. Headleys Creek runs through the area a bit over half a mile away from the campground by road.__
Enoree OHV Trail- 10 minutes up the road is a 24 mile designated trail for motorized atvs, utvs and dirt bikes that are 50 inches wide or less. Warning: the trail closes when trail conditions are too wet for riding. Use the Call Before You Haul hotline to check trail status. Newberry Opera House, Newberry, SC. https://www.newberryoperahouse.com/
$5 / night
Camping Information: Each site is packed sand and has individual water and 30 amp electrical hookups. 17 sites accommodate RV's up to 35 feet, others up to 30 feet. 14 sites are pull through. The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers. Nine sites are newly-improved. Amenities include: a large, level parking area, a campfire ring with grill and a lantern hook. Four sites are equipped with tent pads. These pads provide a sand surface and can accommodate tents up to 10 x 10 ft. Loop 1 is closed seasonally. Loop 2 is open year round. Primitive Group Area: A primitive group camping area is ideal for organized groups up to 50 people. (An organized group is defined as a group that holds regular meetings and has a lead officer or elected/appointed officials.) Central water is available. Walking distant to restrooms. Showers not available. Reservations are accepted. To make a primitive group camping reservation, contact the park directly. Minimum rate is $11-13.50 which allows up to 10 campers. The rate increases by $5-6.25 increments for each additional five campers up to a total of fifty campers.
The rolling hills of Enoree Ranger District in Chester County are home to the Woods Ferry Recreation Area which includes the Woods Ferry Campground, Woods Ferry Picnic Area, Woods Ferry Boat Ramp. The Woods Ferry Recreation Area is situated in the piedmont of South Carolina along the east bank of the Broad River with elevation averaging around 350 feet and is approximately 40 miles southwest of Rock Hill and 57 miles southeast of Spartanburg. The surrounding area is the rolling hills of upland pine and maturing hardwood forests. It offers a wonderful change is scenery from the area___s typical pine forests. The highlight of the area is the Broad River corridor. The many variety of hardwood trees create an umbrella with their leaves in the summer, keeping you cool during your trail ride or hike. Thatches of pine are mingled in and the sun shines through them providing you warmth in the winter. Wander on the Woods Ferry Horse Trail and you___ll see wild azaleas clumped by the old homesites and dogwoods are scattered through-out the forest. Inhale fragrance of the honeysuckle in these peaceful surroundings.__ The forest and river environment draw a variety of wildlife to the area. Visitors interested in nature watching have an opportunity to see birds such as red-shouldered hawks, great blue herons, osprey, wood ducks, barred owls and the American Bald Eagle.____
The Woods Ferry Recreation Area offers Woods Ferry Campground users access to a wide range of recreational activities such as picnicking, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing or trail riding. Its location on the Broad River makes fishing and boating easily accessible. The Woods Ferry Day Use Picnic Area: picnic tables and grills, two group picnic shelters with group grills, three fishing platforms to fish or view wildlife from. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish on the national forests.__ The Woods Ferry Horse Trail is a 26 mile trail system that traverses along the Broad River and hardwood drains of the area. The trail is open to horses, hikers and mountain bikers. Broad River- boating, canoeing and kayaking opportunities abound with current access south of the Neal Shoals Dam, 2 miles downstream from the Woods Ferry Campground.__ The surrounding national forest lands are a great place for big game deer and turkey hunting along with other small game hunting. Hunting and fishing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more about the SCDNR.
The Woods Ferry Recreation Area offers Woods Ferry Campground users access to a wide range of recreational activities such as picnicking, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing or trail riding. Its location on the Broad River makes fishing and boating easily accessible. The Woods Ferry Day Use Picnic Area: picnic tables and grills, two group picnic shelters with group grills, three fishing platforms to fish or view wildlife from. A valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish on the national forests.__ The Woods Ferry Horse Trail is a 26 mile trail system that traverses along the Broad River and hardwood drains of the area. The trail is open to horses, hikers and mountain bikers. Broad River- boating, canoeing and kayaking opportunities abound with current access south of the Neal Shoals Dam, 2 miles downstream from the Woods Ferry Campground.__ The surrounding national forest lands are a great place for big game deer and turkey hunting along with other small game hunting. Hunting and fishing in South Carolina is regulated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Visit www.dnr.sc.gov for more about the SCDNR.
The Woods Ferry Recreation Area is situated in the piedmont of South Carolina, along the east bank of the Broad River and adjacent to the 26 mile Woods Ferry Horse Trail. It lies within a beautiful wooded floodplain surrounded by upland pine woods and maturing hardwood forests.__ The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres in four districts throughout South Carolina, from the low country Atlantic Coast to the western foothills along the Georgia border. For more information on Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests https://www.fs.usda.gov/scnfs
Leeds Shooting Range, Enoree Ranger District, Sumter National Forest. Bring your own weapon, target and target holder to practice from designated shooting tables down range with at a maximum distance 100 yards. Click here for more information https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/scnfs/recreation/otheractivities. Olde English Tourism District. https://www.oldeenglishdistrict.com/about/district. Find upcoming events, restaurants, artists, farmers markets surrounding the Woods Ferry Recreation Area. Historic Brattonsville. https://www.visityorkcounty.com/things-to-do/history-culture/historic-brattonsville/
$14 / night
Enjoy nature at its finest. Located at the entrance of Bussey Point wilderness recreation area- a 2,545 acre peninsula on J. Strom Thurmond Lake- the campground provides a relaxing getaway for the nature enthusiast for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The Bussey Point horse trail was created by horseback riders for horseback riders. This trail circles the peninsula and is 12.5 miles long. Along with the horse trail, there are an additional 20 miles of roads and trails located within the area that all are welcome to use (no motor vehicles please). Located within the area are 15 food plots, six hike/bike/ride/boat in camping/picnic sites, and several natural beaches. Ample deer and turkey inhabit the area along wiht other mammals and birds to provide on of the best opportunities on teh lake to view wildlife in its natural setting. Adjacent to the area is the campground with 14 primitive campsites without water or electric, however, there are picnic tables, fire rings, and grills located at each site. There is also a boat launching ramp, hand pump for drinking water, and rustic toilets locatd throughout the area.
OUR PARK: We are a beautiful Year-Around RV Park and Campground quietly nestled in a wooded area just down the street from Lake Thurmond, third largest lake east of the Mississippi.
THINGS TO DO:
• Easy access to Landam Creek boat ramp less than 2 miles away
• Lake Thurmond: easy access to Fishing and Boating
• Hunting(Turkey and Deer)
• Hiking
• Golf: Savannah Lakes Village; Hickory Knob State Park; and McCormick Country Club
RATES:
• Onsite Campers (Fully Equipped): $395 weekly and $750-795 Monthly
Nightly: $45-50
• Weekly: $200-250
• Monthly: $445 + electric+ $200 deposit
$45 - $50 / night
Poulous Loop offers a rustic camp setting ideal for exploring the area's hunting opportunities. The surrounding forest environment sustains abundant wildlife populations, making it one of the most desirable hunting areas in the state. During big-game and turkey seasons, the campground is open for hunters. From early January through late March groups can reserve the entire camp for events. Families, churches and clubs might like to reserve the camp for reunions, get togethers and campouts. Other recreation opportunities in the area include trail riding, birding and wildlife viewing, berry picking and photography. Nearby, try your hand at fishing the Broad River at the Woods Ferry Picnic Area. Click here for a printable guide.
Stable View has incorporated 10 full RV hookup sites into the property as a means to accommodate more guests. Used for horse show competitors, wedding attendees, or RV enthusiasts, these sites are a cost effective way to stay on-site and experience all Stable View has to offer. Over the past few years we’ve invested in the infrastructure of Stable View so that separate from Equestrian activities, it could be used for Weddings, Corporate Retreats and Family Reunions. As a result being able to purchase an additional 850 acres the property increased in size from 160 to 1,000 acres. In keeping with one of our core values, we decided to introduce a wild life and habitat management program. Environmental concern is at the center of this development which has been focused on our LEED (Gold) Certified Pavilion and our management of the surrounding area. Our intention is to participate to the fullest extent in the South Carolina Agritourism Association and to introduce Ecotours to Stable View.
$40 - $50 / night
Scout
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. Had a great stay in our roof top tent and will be back
ScoutNice and remote. As usual, your experience will vary greatly depending on your neighbors. We had a nice night here (great place to stop on your way to the mountains).
Traveler
We stayed in loop 2 at site 48 for 2 nights at the end of April. Chose this campground because we had an event in Columbia that we had to attend on our way back from a trip to Florida so we needed a place to stay for a few nights. 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. There was water but we had some trouble getting the pressure just right. Really good tv signal since the campground is right outside of the city. Only a 20-30 minute drive down the highway. The part of town you go through to get there is a bit rundown (not bad by any means but you wouldn’t know there was a park nearby). The park itself it quite lovely. There’s a small lake that rents paddle boats and kayaks. A nice camp store. Cute park and splash pad. I actually wish we could have stayed longer. We have family nearby and will probably stay here next time we visit. I would recommend visiting if you want a quiet low key getaway.
GuideThis campground is run by the state and reservations have to be made through rec.gov. Check with them or the local ranger before headed out. It can get tricky through hunting season versus non hunting season. Sometimes all sites have to be reserved and sometimes half of them are first come first serve. Fire pits, most with grill tops, and picking tables are provided. However, there is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty. There are several loop trails you can take that are really close, and the palmetto trail runs right through there, so longer options are available. We like it, and it's $5 a night. It's also only a short drive from where we live in Spartanburg.
ScoutGreat spot for a quick weekend away without needing to travel too far. For tent camping the spaces are large and pit toilets very clean. The only negative part of this campground is how close of proximity all sites are. very popular spot and more people than we had expected after reading other reviews! Definitely will come back though!
ScoutMany trails to hike on and many beautiful sites close to town but far enough for minimal traffic sounds
TravelerThe staff was very welcoming and helpful, large plots. Mostly quiet unless there’s something going on in the city, only downside is you can’t swim in the lake but other than that I enjoyed my stay
TravelerBeautiful campground. Everyone is spaced apart, not side by side. Has a splash pad and kayak rentals. Host was very friendly and helpful.
Traveler
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!
GuideIt was a great place, limited things to do. Great geocaching area
ScoutGreat little spot for what we wanted to do. Quick last minute camping trip we didn’t want to drive hours away from home. This was fairly close and one of the few places to all booked up for the weekend. As a lady i can appreciate the glorified outhouses so I didn’t have to squat in the woods. My boyfriend and hiked the trail next to the camp. It’s mainly a bourse trail but we knew that going into it. Which means you need to expect to get muddy as the bourses make excellent mud puddles. We didn’t complete the whole 9.8 miles. Went about 3 and turned around. The campground was very quiet for us all weekend. A few random people rolling by from time to time who were staying or checking the place out. If you want secluded this isn’t for you. We got lucky. It was empty our first night and a few other car campers joined us spread out through the camp the next night.
GuideWe camped here March 6-10. 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. We stayed during a rainy time, which was fine for us since we didn’t need to entertain kids that trip. The campground is pretty small, but average for an SC state park. There are a few “improved” sites with full hookups, but they are all pretty close together, and don’t have much privacy. We stayed in the 2nd loop, where the campsites were more spaced out, and had more trees. Most of the sites are sand, and not very level. A few have gravel and are level. Most sites would be really difficult for a larger trailer or motor home do the the size of the sites. The campground restrooms are the cleanest I’ve ever seen! The campground hosts were always checking and cleaning the sites and restrooms (We did go during the week, in March). The amenities are few, but would be super fun in summer. There’s a splash pad, and canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards to rent. There’s a very small lake, but no swimming is allowed. There are a couple of “hiking” trails that are more like nice walks. There’s also a bike trail that we didn’t check out.
GuideBeautiful, clean & heated bathrooms, nice hot shower, site were a little cramped, but once people clear out o Sunday, feels spacious. I didn't get to venture to the trails & site seeing, I mostly used this trip to relax & learn more about camping. This was the 2nd SC State Park I've visited.
GuidePros 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.
GuideHad a quick one nighter here in fall 2021. Sites are large and spread out. No facilities except for very clean pit toilets. 5 mi off I26 makes it easily accessible.
ScoutSite 49 pull through site. A little tight for a 10’ pop up camper; nor is it especially level. Otherwise very roomy once we worked out the details.
Planning to explore Saturday with our 4 yr grandson and will update the adventures accordingly.
LegendThis 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.
Legend
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.
GuideJust as everyone else described
RangerNobody here! We had the campground all to ourselves. $5 fee and a full campground to choose from. The sites are clean and spacious. You can collect firewood to have campfires in the provided fire pits. Would definitely come again!
Legend
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.
GuideThis campground is very quiet and right near the water. I enjoyed it and would stay again.
GuideNot too far off of I-26 about a half mile down a well-maintained gravel road. Plenty of level campsites. Two out houses that seem to be cleaned about once a week. Fire pits and picnic tables at most campsites.
GuideHiking trails. No sewer hook ups but water and electric which is standard for SC state parks. It is in the middle of town and nothing to really see.
TravelerThis 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!✌
ScoutI've been going to this place since I was a kid. It's grown tremendously over the years and it's lost it's campground appeal with all the fancy things they have put in place of the woods, still a beautiful place.
RangerVery well taken care of campground. Vault toilet was clean. There are a couple pull-through spots. We were the only campers there. $5 a spot.
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 Brick House Campground (Sc) — Francis Marion And Sumter National Forests with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.
