Brick House Campground is located in the Sumter National Forest region of South Carolina, where the elevation ranges between 300-400 feet above sea level. The area experiences humid subtropical climate with hot summers regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. During hunting season (typically October through January), campgrounds throughout the Newberry area experience significantly higher occupancy rates with different regulations in effect.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Brick House Campground, site 16 connects directly to a 9.8-mile loop trail system. "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," reports Jacob L.
Paddling on Lake Murray: Big Creek RV Park offers direct paddling access to the main lake from their property. "You can paddle out to the main lake from this location. Quiet setting," notes Ashley F. The calm waters make this an excellent location for kayaking with dogs.
Train watching: The free camping at Alston Trailhead offers a unique train-watching experience. "This place is nice and quiet. Except for being snuggled up to a train track. Twice in the night the train came through. But we laughed, it was like being a kid where you could hear the train off in the distance and would ride your bike to go watch it pass," writes Ron K.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds near Newberry offer affordable camping. "This 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," explains richardhoerz about Brick House Campground, adding "it's $5 a night."
Spacious waterfront sites: Lake Greenwood State Park offers premium lakefront camping spots. "I love the waterfront spots. Great campground. Geocaching close. Lots of golf cart riding inside the campground. Very clean bathrooms. #55," writes Melanie. The park maintains paved campsites with good separation during non-peak seasons.
Free dispersed camping: Alston Trailhead provides no-cost camping options. "We enjoyed this free trailhead parking. No bathroom, and the train only woke us up once in the night. Only one other van there with us, so very quiet and peaceful. Lovely walk on the Palmetto trail in the morning. There are also 'walk-in' campsites right behind the trailhead signs in the trees," notes Rachel S.
What you should know
Seasonal hunting impacts: During hunting season, expect increased occupancy and noise at some 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 with not much to see or do," reports Samantha S. about Brick House Campground.
Water availability varies: Bring your own water to primitive sites. At Collins Creek, expect "Primitive camping area with fire pit but no picnic tables, vaulted toilets, access to water from a free standing faucet. Great place to camp if you like roughing it," according to Susan B.
Distance to services: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Newberry are isolated from amenities. "Broad River Campground is pretty far from restaurants, grocery stores, etc so plan accordingly," advises Kim S. The nearest veterinary services are typically 15-30 minutes away.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Newberry/I-26/Sumter NF KOA offers organized recreation for children. "The owners and host are amazing at what they do! They've planned so much for this campground that our kids have had 5 days of things to do each day," says Logan S.
Swimming options: Lake-based campgrounds provide water recreation for families with dogs. "My family loves this campground! It's clean and has a Great lake to swim in," shares Frankie E. about Lake Greenwood State Park.
Elevated camping experience: For families seeking unique accommodations, consider treehouse camping. "This is a unique experience for those looking to camp a little higher off the ground and enjoy the huge deck looking out into the forest," explains Jake C. about Prices Bridge Glampsite, where pets are allowed in designated units.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: RVers should carefully select their campsite, as leveling can be challenging at some locations. "To date, our most unlevel site we have found," reports Joe R. about Woodsmoke Family Campground.
Overnight convenience: Woodsmoke Family Campground works well for short stays. "We were just traveling to Fl and needed someplace to spend the night without unhooking. The site was perfect and the campground was wooded and lovely. Easy in and out," shares Benda N.
Full hookup options: Several campgrounds near Newberry offer complete utility connections. "Full hook ups (including sewer) which were easy to access. Spots were SUPER close together and no picnic tables, but great spot to stay for a night," notes Kim S. about Broad River Campground.
