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Best Equestrian Camping near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

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.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests (8)

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

1 Photos of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

55 Reviews of 8 Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Maddi P.
    Sep. 8, 2018

    Croft State Park Campground

    Great for equestrians

    Spent many weeks here over the past few years. Its a clean and well maintained park with beautiful trails and lake. Perfect for equestrian as most of the trails are horse friendly and there is a large arena free to use. The barn is clean as well and provides stall shavings for a small fee.

  • Jennifer C.
    May. 26, 2018

    Croft State Park Campground

    Feels quaint and serene but isn’t far from a suburban area

    state Park with equestrian facilities, a lake for fishing and boating, paddle boat rentals, and lots of liking and equestrian trails. Bath houses and dump stations. Many flat camping spaces and lots of shade. A camping store on site and many other stores within a five minute drive.

  • Sarah G.
    Jun. 13, 2021

    Croft State Park Campground

    Peaceful & friendly

    Compared to some other state parks in SC, this one was less crowded and more peaceful. It had rained right before we arrived, and we got stuck in the mud trying to back-in our pop-up on a hill (lake campground #29). The campers all pitched in to pull us out. It was silent at night. Nice hiking around lake, fishing, and boat rental. Saw some turtles while paddling, and there were frogs and lots of fireflies near our campsite. We enjoyed seeing the equestrian visitors too.

  • 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.

  • Candy H.
    Sep. 21, 2020

    Croft State Park Campground

    Nice hiking trails

    It’s also a horse camp with a large ring. The first camping loop is the best. Head back to the end of the camping loop away from the office and find a trail that leads down to a nice swimming creek. Great place for exploring all over the park. Sites were well spaced with picnic table and fire ring.

  • 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

Brick House Campground offers primitive camping for equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts in Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests. The campground contains 21 sites with fire rings located roughly 5 miles from Interstate 26. Visitors can access equestrian trails directly from the campground, making it convenient for those traveling with horses and requiring trailer parking.

What to do

Equestrian trails: Woods Ferry Campground provides dedicated facilities for horse camping with corrals at many campsites. According to Myron C., "Woods Ferry is a campground mainly for campers who have horses. There are corrals at many of the campsites." The area offers extensive riding opportunities through forested terrain.

Disc golf courses: Chester State Park Campground features a championship disc golf course alongside its lake. Keith K. notes, "Very nice trail along the lake perimeter and Championship Disc golf course." This provides an alternative recreation option between trail rides.

Lakeside relaxation: For water activities beyond riding, campers can enjoy time by various lakes. Christopher B. shared about Chester State Park: "Beautiful state park campsite on the water. Clean. Newly renovated community areas. Great rentals and goods to purchase from the Ranger Station."

What campers like

Budget-friendly options: Brick House Campground offers affordable camping with basic amenities. Michael W. notes, "$5.00 to me is great for the peace and quiet." This makes it accessible for extended stays when exploring multiple equestrian trails.

Spacious sites: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds provide ample space for trailers and horses. At Bussey Point Wilderness Area, cody S. explains, "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."

Natural surroundings: Horse campers appreciate the natural settings. Big D. states about Bussey Point, "This is my favorite spot for taking it in, and getting back to nature. Bussey Point is primitive camping at its best. Btw, watch out for the horse poop!"

What you should know

Water access limitations: Many horse campgrounds require bringing your own water supply. richardhoerz mentions about Brick House, "There is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty."

Restroom considerations: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Plum Branch RV Park, Kevin H. notes, "Really pleasant staff. Friendly and were helpful and obliging." Meanwhile, at more primitive sites, expect vault toilets or pit latrines.

Seasonal variations: Conditions at horse campgrounds change throughout the year. Allyse found at Brick House Campground, "Very well taken care of campground. Vault toilet was clean. There are a couple pull-through spots. We were the only campers there."

Tips for camping with families

State parks for amenities: Lake Greenwood State Park Campground offers more facilities than forest service campgrounds. Frankie E. shares, "My family loves this campground! It's clean and has a Great Lake to swim in," making it suitable for families seeking horse-friendly options with additional activities.

Trail selection: When camping with children near equestrian trails, consider shorter loop options. Lisa M. reports at Brick House Campground, "Hikes in the forest noted several downed trees, most likely due to the hurricane that occurred last year. Some of the trails were impassable."

Site selection: For family camping near horse trails, Robert D. recommends, "This is a great temporary stop. I was there for two days. It has a pit toilet. This is a federal campsite. Rangers check the campsite every day and night."

Tips from RVers

Pull-through options: Sesquicentennial State Park Campground provides RV-friendly options when exploring horse campgrounds. Stanton L. describes, "Plenty of drive-through, front entry and back-in sites, all with power and water. Excellent shower and toilet buildings."

Road conditions: Access to some horse campgrounds requires careful driving. Lisa M. cautions about Brick House Campground: "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."

Seasonal popularity: Jacob L. found Brick House Campground ideal during holidays: "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."

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 4.2-star rating from 18 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, with real photos and reviews from campers.