Bussey Point Wilderness Area lies on the shores of Strom Thurmond Lake, approximately 25 miles from North Augusta, South Carolina. The peninsula location creates a secluded environment for equestrian camping with seasonal water level fluctuations affecting shoreline access. Campsites remain primitive by design with little development beyond basic facilities, making it popular for visitors seeking off-grid experiences in all seasons except during extreme weather events.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: At Plum Branch RV Park, campers can spot diverse wildlife along the lake shoreline. According to a visitor, "This campground is very quiet and right near the water. I enjoyed it and would stay again."
Trail exploration: The equestrian trails at Wildwood County Park offer varying terrain suitable for both experienced and novice riders. One camper noted, "We walked around to see what the park had on that side, and it included a nice sandy beach, picnic tables under the shade, and a really cool primitive camping area that was out on a peninsula."
Water activities: Swimming and fishing access points are available at multiple sites around Strom Thurmond Lake. A visitor to Wildwood County Park mentioned, "Awesome beach area, great playground for kids. Kayak & paddleboard rentals. Decent pricing for campsites."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Many sites allow campers to enjoy lakefront views with minimal crowding. A camper at Lake Greenwood State Park Campground reported, "Lakefront sites are well worth the extra cost. Campsites are a bit tight, but the lakefront sites have great views."
Solitude and quiet atmosphere: The peninsula location creates natural isolation from urban areas. A visitor to Bobby Brown Park Campground commented, "Bobby Brown was clean and very quiet! Just what we were looking for!"
Well-maintained facilities: Despite primitive amenities, park staff maintain clean facilities. As one visitor to Lake Greenwood State Park noted, "Paved campsites. Clean bath houses. Nice shores, not too rocky. No red clay."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campsites require advance booking. A visitor to Bussey Point Wilderness Area shared, "Campground rates are $10 per night and reservations must be made now through recreation.gov."
Limited amenities: Services vary between parks with most offering only basic facilities. One camper noted about Wildwood Park, "We are Columbia County residents who have been camping for years, but this is the first time at Wildwood, which is a Columbia County Park. We stayed on site 15 across from the boat ramps. Nice swim area, one bath house, good price."
Pack-in/pack-out requirements: No trash service exists at most primitive sites. A camper explained, "If you pack it on, pack it out. There is no trash pickup provided."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: Some campsites provide direct access to sandy beaches for children. At Lake Greenwood State Park, a visitor noted, "My family loves this campground! It's clean and has a Great Lake to swim in."
Playground facilities: Several parks maintain playground equipment for younger visitors. According to a Bussey Point camper, "Campsite #4 has 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!"
Wildlife education opportunities: Children can observe natural habitats safely within park boundaries. One camper reported, "Clean camp sites. Abundance of wildlife. The out houses & vault toilets are in good shape. This park is always quiet and offers plenty of privacy."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary between campgrounds with limited full-service sites. An RVer at Lake Thurmond commented, "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."
Cell service coverage: Network availability fluctuates throughout the region. As one RVer documented, "I was right under a WiFi antennae, and managed a 4.5meg download and 4.48 upload. 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."
Maneuvering considerations: Some campsites have challenging access for larger rigs. At Lake Greenwood, campers noted, "Driving through can be tricky due to the multitude of cars, trucks, boat trailers parked everywhere."
