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Bussey Point Wilderness Area offers primitive camping facilities with equestrian sites that feature pre-installed horse hitches and spacious areas for horse trailer parking. Located on the shores of Clark Hill Lake (also called Strom Thurmond Lake), this campground provides waterfront sites at $10 per night through a reservation system on recreation.gov. The campground is primarily designed for equestrian use, with campsite layouts accommodating horse needs. Plenty of room to maneuver horse trailers makes access convenient for riders. Campsite amenities include picnic tables and fire pits, while the grounds offer a well for water access and open-pit latrines. The outhouses and vault toilets remain well-maintained despite the primitive nature of the facilities.
A 12-mile horse trail extends throughout the peninsula, giving riders extensive terrain to explore from their campsites. Trail riders often mention the abundance of wildlife visible throughout the park, with the natural setting providing a quiet atmosphere perfect for horse camping experiences. Pack-in and canoe-in campsites are also available further out on the peninsula for more adventurous equestrians. The campground operates on an honor system for fee collection. While there are no power connections or daily shower facilities, this creates an ideal setting for off-grid camping away from more crowded, RV-focused campgrounds. For riders seeking primitive horse camping with waterfront access, Bussey Point offers direct trail connectivity in a peaceful setting with clean sites that provide adequate space for horses and camping equipment.
"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!✌"
"This park is just a few miles away from Mistletoe and we only stayed here because we could not get a site at Mistletoe."
"People are here with boats, golf carts, big outside TV’s and LOUD music that went on until 9:45 at night (camp hosts finally shut down the party scene)."
"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."
from $45 - $50 / night
Check Availability"We hiked from the campground to Lake Buncombe and also hiked from Sunset Drive trail to Lake Liberty and the office. Equestrian trails are closed to hiking during the weekend."
"It has a couple of hiking trails, boat rentals, a nice lake to fish, and some historical buildings to explore but not a lot else to do. That was fine with us and our 2 night stay."
from $15 - $650 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $525 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $450 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
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ScoutWhen we got there, another family was in our space. They said the one they reserved was overgrown with brush (a few were). We tried to call to have it resolved but no one to call. We ended up having to pick another site that was empty. That portion was very stressful after a long drive to get there. Experience was okay, the water is down a good bit right now.
ScoutFantastic campground. This campground has made many recent improvements. It comes with full hook up and Wi-Fi. The campground is pet friendly and they have laundry room rooms and bathrooms on site friendly staff.
GuideI would caution those who arrive on a weekend and expect a quiet respite. It is wall to wall huge RV’s and trailers. People are here with boats, golf carts, big outside TV’s and LOUD music that went on until 9:45 at night (camp hosts finally shut down the party scene). Many groups were clearly gathering for a good time. Weekdays may be an entirely different experience. That being said, the bathrooms were outstanding. Great showers (complete with shelves and hooks), and even heated. No complaints here.
GuideOur family stayed over the Christmas/ New Year’s holidays and it was great. The restrooms were just built in 2019 and were VERY clean and kept clean. The camp hosts were really nice. Plenty of things to do at the park. Crawfordville was where they filmed “Sweet Home Alabama” and it was cool to drive around and see places from the movie. The small town has a quaint library off Main Street. Will definitely come back!
ScoutWe really enjoyed RV camping at this campground. It wasn’t busy, especially for a weekend. Lots of empty campsites. Super clean bathrooms. It has a couple of hiking trails, boat rentals, a nice lake to fish, and some historical buildings to explore but not a lot else to do. That was fine with us and our 2 night stay. Equestrian camping seems to be the big thing there.
Travelerim only staying one night. hitting as many towns as i can in the next 3 days that have griffin in the name. i am always prepared to be off grid. always nice to pu up and not have to unpack all my gear.
TravelerOver 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!
TravelerOur favorite park is Mistletoe, a GA state owned park. This park is just a few miles away from Mistletoe and we only stayed here because we could not get a site at Mistletoe. In the end, we are glad that we did as this park is about 35% less expensive than Mistletoe and provides the same great lake views (ok, Mistletoe is still our favorite, but for the money this is a no brainer).
We stayed on two sites as nothing was available for our entire duration. So, we started on site 38 and then moved to 58 after a couple of days (we can be quite fast at breaking down/setting up for in-park moves).
Site 38 was interesting because we had about 100 whitetail deer in our back yard every night. The camp host apparently was feeding them, and he set up spot lights so that they could be watched as they ate. The deer had no fear (not sure that is good), but I am sure the appreciated the food. The only bad side to this is that the lights stayed on very late and it was impossible to block the light from our windows. I can overlook this, though.
Site 38 was large enough and had big, flat, surface for the picnic table, fire ring, camper, and truck. Beyond this pad there was not much distance before you got to the next site, which just had a tent camper (who mostly was gone because this time we visited during a VERY cold spell and I don't think the tent camper would have survived the night!).
Site 38 had views of the water, kind of like a finger cover, but it was not very close to the camper. Still nice though as the walk through the woods to the water was easy.
We moved to site 58 after a couple of days and it was directly on the water. This site was smaller than 38, and was only one of a handful of RV sites that are situated in an yurt camping area (if you have family that does not have an RV, you could stay in your RV and they could stay in the really upscale yurts!).
The weather, as noted already, was very cold and moving to a true waterfront lot made going outside something only for the brave! It was 40 degrees with 60 mph wind gusts that day...kind of fun!
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.
As noted at the start, a nice park for the money. The cost was only $25 a night in March 2022 and that is hard to beat. If this were $40 a night I would de-rate it to 4 stars.
All of the photos are from site 38 except the white caps on the lake, which was taken On our walk near 58.
ScoutOne of the best sites I've stayed at yet. Super quiet, nice privacy (at this site for sure), and the weather was perfect. Super clean and maintained. Very well marked sites (since coming in after dark).
Bussey Point Wilderness Area stretches across a peninsula on Clark Hill Lake in Georgia, 10 miles from Parksville, South Carolina. The area features mature hardwood forests and rolling terrain at around 330 feet elevation. Winter temperatures average 40-60°F, while summer months often reach 85-95°F with high humidity, making spring and fall optimal for equestrian camping.
Horseback riding on wilderness trails: The 12-mile trail system at Bussey Point Wilderness Area offers varied terrain for equestrians. "This park is primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer," notes camper Cody S.
Swimming and lake access: With lakefront sites available, campers can enjoy direct water access. At Wildwood County Park, "nice swim area, great playground for kids. Kayak & paddleboard rentals" are available according to David H., making it a versatile spot for water activities.
Historical site visits: Visit A.H. Stephens State Park to explore Civil War history. "The park is the home of the VP of the Confederacy and features his home and Civil War artifacts. Ask camp host for tour of CCC built fire tower," suggests Norris K., noting the educational opportunities beyond outdoor recreation.
Quiet, uncrowded atmosphere: Many equestrian campers appreciate the peaceful setting. "This is my favorite spot for taking it in, and getting back to nature. Bussey Point is primitive camping at it's best," shares Big D. about their experience at Bussey Point.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Greenwood State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife observation chances. "Lakefront sites are well worth the extra cost. Campsites are a bit tight, but the lakefront sites have great views," mentions Megan M., highlighting the natural setting.
Well-maintained facilities despite primitive setting: Campers appreciate the clean conditions at horse campgrounds near Parksville. Josh R. notes about Bussey Point that "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."
Reservation requirements: Camping at Plum Branch RV Park and other area campgrounds often requires advance planning. "Still being upgraded, so newish pad was still soft but pretty level. Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches," notes Kevin H., indicating ongoing improvements.
Primitive facilities are common: Many equestrian sites offer basic amenities only. "Bussey Point is primitive camping at its best. Btw, watch out for the horse poop!" warns Big D., reminding visitors about the realities of horse campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly. "We stayed during a VERY cold spell and I don't think the tent camper would have survived the night!" shares Dan F. about Wildwood County Park, suggesting proper gear for off-season visits.
Beach access for children: Waterfront sites provide family-friendly recreation. At Bobby Brown Park Campground, "Bobby Brown was clean and very quiet! Just what we were looking for!" reports Ashton H., noting the peaceful atmosphere for family getaways.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. David H. mentions that Wildwood County Park has a "great playground for kids" making it suitable for families with younger children.
Site selection for accessibility: Choose campsites strategically for easier access with children. "Site 4 has a fallen tree and lots of underwater sticks right when you walk out on the lake so watch your toes!" warns Claire M. about Bussey Point, suggesting families consider site 5 instead for safer lake access.
Power availability varies: A. H. Stephens State Park Campground offers different hook-up options. "Power and water, with dump station. The shower house is new (2019) and is ADA. Also laundry is at shower house," reports Norris K., noting the modern facilities despite the park's historic nature.
Site levelness and access: RV campers should consider site layout. "Large, well maintained sites. We stayed on 17 and it was very private," shares Cathy C. about A.H. Stephens State Park, indicating good options for privacy-seeking RVers.
WiFi and connectivity challenges: Cell service can be limited at equestrian campgrounds. "No WiFi available," notes Luan N. about A.H. Stephens State Park, reminding campers to prepare for limited connectivity while camping near Parksville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Parksville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Parksville, SC is Bussey Point Wilderness Area with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Parksville, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Parksville, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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