5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Woods Ferry Campground in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests provides multiple campsites specifically designed for equestrian camping, making it one of the top horse campgrounds near Pauline, SC. The campground features horse corrals at many campsites, making it convenient for visitors traveling with horses. This primitive campground offers limited amenities with vault toilets and some water access, though horseflies can be prevalent during warmer months. Campsite layouts accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment. The campground is secluded and quiet when not heavily occupied, with ample space for campers who bring horses. Horse owners should note that the campground caters primarily to equestrians, with corrals as standard features at numerous sites.
The horse trails adjacent to Woods Ferry Campground connect directly to the campsite areas, allowing convenient access for daily rides. While primarily developed for horse riders, the trails include both dedicated equestrian paths and multi-use sections. The forest setting provides natural terrain for rides of varying difficulty levels. During rainy periods, the trails may become muddy due to horse traffic, requiring appropriate footwear for hikers sharing these routes. Brick House Campground, also within the national forest, similarly offers equestrian camping with access to horse trails. Hunters frequently use these campgrounds during hunting season, creating a busier atmosphere at certain times. The primitive nature of these facilities requires campers to bring their own water supplies and prepare for basic accommodations while enjoying the horse-friendly environment.
"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."
"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."
Available this weekend
"Only 23 sites, spaced a good distance apart. Each site has a fire pit and picnicking area. Trails nearby. Horses and other pets allowed."
"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"
from $5 / night
"There is a nice playground, hiking trails, a lake, canoe rental, and a trading post with some food, ice, camping supplies, firewood and souvenirs. There is also a separate Equestrian campground!"
"When not in the side, a short walk takes you to the Trading Post, a small store selling firewood ($7), ice, souvenirs, and sundries. Next to that is a large playground connected to a pavilion."
Available this weekend
from $7 - $14 / night
"The part of the park that is best to go to is the Sparrow Springs access, some folks may not be aware that there are actually several entrances to the park, and the main entrance with trails to the Crowder"
"The trails are strenuous but views are amazing! Its definitely worth it and right outside town, not far out."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $47 / night
"My friend and I hiked the Raven Cliff Falls loop trail a while back and have added it to our list of top 10 favorite trails."
"Wonderful trails with breath taking views and technical climbs plus discrete camping."
from $4 - $20 / night
from $125 - $149 / night
ScoutI have stayed at brickhouse multiple times, and will stay again in the future. It’s always quiet, and relaxing! No potable water, so make sure you bring plenty with you, no bath houses, only privy toilets.
LegendWe stayed here for three nights in space number 17. Surprisingly it was quite level. The whole time we were there there was only usually about three or four other campers in the 21 spaces. 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. This is totally dry camping and there are two sets of vault toilets. Nearest town was Whitmire about 7 miles away. Minimal facilities. Clinton and Newberry are both about 15 miles away and they both have plenty of shopping facilities. Hikes in the forest noted several downed trees, most likely due to the hurricane that occurred last year. Some of the trails were impassable.
Guide37 ft pull behind and we stayed at the upper campground (not the lakeside) close to the trail that takes you down to the creek for a swim. Lots of hiking and biking to be done which is always a great time.
ScoutMany camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways. Some sites are listed as RV sites but are half as large as they need to be to accommodate a medium size RV. If that wasn't enough, sites are very close to each other and there are almost no plants other than tall trees to offer any privacy. SC Park system needs to take a serious look at making improvements.
RangerThis 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. Great place to camp.
GuideI recently stayed for 3 nights with my popup in site#10. The site is a good size for a tent or small camper only. Overall we were surprised by the campground based on other reviews . In my opinion The sites are close together, poorly maintained, and most are very small. The Trading Post is nicely stocked, and open all day. The bathrooms near my site were the best part…it was modern, clean and the showers were hot with good pressure. But other than the bathrooms everything felt like it hadn’t been maintained at all. Won’t be coming back.
ScoutMy husband and I come out to camp at kings mountain state park often and we love it if we decide to go camping or to go out to walk some trails with our dog this is the place we always come to the park rangers are all nice respectful and the keep the place clean and help to make your stay amazing. They also answer any questions you may have about the park like things to do while you are there and to enjoy your stay.
ScoutSpent 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
Traveler1st thing was i received an email telling me to check in at trading post and had the wrong address. we arrived as well as 2 other campers at the wrong address and then had to drive a mile or so to turn around. The trading post check in is in the campground!! The park is very pretty with all the trees, but the campsites themselves are very unlevel and laid out very awkwardly. The electric and water are in odd spots on each site. Luckily we were on one of the rare fairly level sites. The road into the campground is narrow, hilly and windy. We were able to do it in our 32 foot class A, but luckily no one was coming the other direction. This would be a very nice park if they spent some money on the individual campsites.
Equestrian camping near Pauline, South Carolina offers access to Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests where riders can explore over 20 miles of designated horse trails. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September, while winter temperatures typically range from 30-60°F. Horse campers should be prepared for seasonal conditions that can affect trail conditions, particularly after rainfall when paths become muddy and slippery.
Trail riding at Brick House Campground: The campground connects to multiple forest trails suitable for beginners and experienced riders. "Horse trail and hiking here. Vault toilets," notes Wolf R.N. in his review of Brick House Campground.
Hiking with non-riders: Several multi-use trails accommodate hikers and equestrians. Lake Greenwood State Park offers alternatives for non-riders. "The lake was beautiful and clear, the grounds and trails on the park were quaint and well kept," according to Adam W. at Lake Greenwood State Park.
Geocaching near camping areas: Search for hidden caches along trails. "Geocaching close. Lots of golf cart riding inside the campground," mentions Melanie in her review of Lake Greenwood State Park.
Disc golf: Several parks in the region feature courses. "There is also a disc golf course. If I had known beforehand, I would have taken my own discs," writes Myron C. about Chester State Park.
Primitive settings with basic necessities: Many equestrian campers appreciate the rustic experience. "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," says Robert D. about Brick House Campground.
Affordability of national forest camping: Budget-conscious campers benefit from lower fees. "Cheap primitive camping with several RV pull-throughs," notes richardhoerz about Brick House Campground, adding "$5 a night. It's also only a short drive from where we live in Spartanburg."
Seasonal availability for hunting: Some equestrian camping areas are popular during hunting season. "Camp ground used by hunters alot," observes Wolf R.N. about Woods Ferry Campground.
Secluded camping options: For those seeking privacy, certain sites offer isolation. "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," reports Myron C.
Seasonal insects affect comfort: Prepare for insects, especially during warm months. "There are corrals at many of the campsites, so there are also a lot of horseflies," warns Myron C. about Woods Ferry Campground.
Limited facilities require preparation: Most equestrian campgrounds offer minimal amenities. "This is a primitive, tucked in the woods spot on the lake. Be prepared- bring lanterns to navigate the dark forest," advises Asia + Jalen B. about Kings Mountain.
Campsite selection matters: Not all sites are equally suitable for different setups. "Campsite layouts accommodate both horse trailers and camping equipment," but "selecting my campsite was my mistake. It was sloped, but there are a few others that were not sloped," notes Myron C. about Woods Ferry.
Water availability varies: Confirm water sources before arrival. "The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty," advises richardhoerz about Brick House Campground.
Choose family-friendly alternatives: Some equestrian sites may not be ideal for children. "Great campground with clean facilities and lots of amenities. Convenient country store at the park office," recommends Sarah W. about Kings Mountain.
Plan for educational opportunities: Incorporate history into your trip. "Tons to do, including hikes and history. Make sure to go across the street to the Kings Mountain Military site. Better yet, plan your stay when they are doing an event," suggests Don H.
Consider partial equestrian trips: Mix horse camping with more developed sites for comfort. "Small cabins available, walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated. Very nice trail along the lake perimeter," notes Keith K. about Chester State Park Campground.
Check weather forecasts: Rain can significantly impact equestrian campgrounds. "It depends on what you want. Nobody else was there when I was there this past summer and so I was able to let my dogs roam freely," shares Adam S. about Woods Ferry, though he warns, "I did get chiggers from the whole experience."
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the region require preparation. "Many camping sites are very much in need of leveling. Sites slope from left to right, front to back, and some slope in both ways," cautions Richard E. about Kings Mountain.
Access road conditions: Some equestrian campgrounds have challenging approaches. "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," warns Lisa M. about Brick House Campground.
Pull-through availability: Several equestrian sites accommodate larger rigs. "Easy access from I26. Has 21 spots. All have legal gravel pads, fire rings with grill bars. Access for bigger rigs too," notes Michael W. about Brick House Campground.
Setup logistics for horse trailers: Position your RV strategically near corrals. "It's not too bad for those who camp in an RV or a travel trailer, but it's not ideal for tent campers," observes Myron C. about equestrian camping at Woods Ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pauline, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pauline, SC is Croft State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pauline, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Pauline, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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