2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Bussey Point Wilderness Area features primitive equestrian campsites with pre-installed horse hitches and ample space for horse trailers. Located on Strom Thurmond Lake (Clark Hill Lake), this campground offers waterfront sites at $10 per night through a reservation system on Recreation.gov. The campsites include picnic tables and fire pits with direct lake access. While primarily designed for equestrians, the sites lack electrical hookups or modern facilities, providing an off-grid experience away from RV crowds. A well provides drinking water, and the campground maintains an open pit latrine for basic sanitation needs. Horse manure management follows a strict pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy with no trash service available.
A 12-mile horse trail extends through the peninsula, offering riders scenic lake views and access to additional pack-in campsites. The campground remains notably quiet throughout the year, with a volunteer Camp Ranger from the US Army Corps of Engineers occasionally patrolling the grounds. The primitive nature of Bussey Point appeals to equestrians seeking an authentic outdoor experience rather than luxury amenities. Waterfront access allows horses cooling opportunities during summer months. Riders report abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the property. For those requiring more facilities, A.H. Stephens State Park Campground in nearby Crawfordville offers equestrian sites with stables and a newly constructed equestrian campground area, though it typically has more visitors than the secluded Bussey Point wilderness area.
"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!✌"
"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
"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)."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $650 / night
"The sites are shaded, and flat with a gravel drive and tent pad. We hadn’t planned on staying here but were pleasantly surprised to find a few vacancies on the first Saturday in November."
"The drive down is washed out a bit but a 2 wheel drive Tahoe handled it. Getting back up if it had been raining would probably not be guaranteed, so watch the weather carefully."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $85 / night
from $25 - $525 / night
from $40 - $50 / night
from $40 - $450 / night
Available this weekend
from $25 / night
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.
GuideLarge sites in a wooded area. Plenty of room with pull through and back in sites. Older campground but serene with great hiking trails and awesome scenery. We live very close to this park yet this was the first time camping here. This was the trial run for our latest rig so basically a shakedown cruise. The campsite was fairly level and with forest off the door side of the Camper. Only 30 A power here so we had to watch what we were running electrically. They did have 2 30A outlets but at this time we did not have the double 30 to 50 amp adapter. We will be staying here again whenever we want a quick weekend getaway. we will be staying here again for memorial day weekend 2026
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!
LegendReal friendly staff. Nicely laid out, but I guess could be challenging for really big rigs. W & E with dump station and pretty good facilities
Cell coverage a little challenging but managed to get enough download for Visible to stream Netflix. Too many trees to break out Starlink
Trails are a fun walk.
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!
Bussey Point Wilderness Area offers primitive equestrian camping in eastern Georgia, 10 miles from Plum Branch, South Carolina. This Corps of Engineers site sits on a peninsula extending into Strom Thurmond Lake, creating 12 miles of shoreline with elevations ranging from 330-350 feet. The area receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually, supporting mixed pine and hardwood forests that provide natural shade for campers and their horses.
Explore the horse trails: The 12-mile trail system at Bussey Point Wilderness Area winds through diverse terrain. "Bussey Point is primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer," notes camper Cody S.
Cool off with horses: During summer months, take advantage of lakefront access. "All sites are waterfront On Clark Hill Lake(Strom Thurmond Lake)," mentions Linda A., making it easy for horses to cool off after trail rides.
Fish from shore: Bring fishing gear for catch-and-release opportunities. "The campsites are right on the water and the view is beautiful," explains Cody S. The lake offers bass, crappie, catfish and bream fishing opportunities year-round.
Visit nearby historic sites: Take a day trip to A. H. Stephens State Park Campground for historical exploration. "We did the A. H. Stephens museum tour and that was very nicely done," shares Cathy C., who suggests combining camping with educational opportunities.
Privacy and seclusion: At Wildwood County Park, campers appreciate the quiet setting. "We stayed on site 38 and then moved to 58 after a couple of days... Site 38 was large enough and had big, flat, surface for the picnic table, fire ring, camper, and truck," reports Dan F.
Wildlife viewing: Nature enthusiasts enjoy abundant wildlife sightings. "Abundance of wildlife. The out houses & vault toilets are in good shape. This park is always quiet and offers plenty of privacy," says Josh R. about Bussey Point.
Lakefront access: Direct water access ranks highly among visitors. "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!" advises Claire M. who stayed at Bussey Point.
Clean facilities despite primitive setting: Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "The bath house is clean. Hot water was wonderful," notes Rebecca L., who stayed at one of the primitive sites.
Reservation system changes: Bussey Point camping requires advance planning. "Campground rates are $10 per night and reservations must be made now through recreation.gov," explains Linda A., noting the shift from first-come-first-served to reservation-only status.
Pack-in, pack-out requirement: No trash service exists at most equestrian sites. "If you pack it on, pack it out. There is no trash pickup provided," Linda A. reminds visitors to Bussey Point.
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging in remote areas. At Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground, "Phone service with ATT and Sprint/T-Mobile is non existent at the campsite. 200 yards uphill at bathhouse service is available," reports Nancy L.
Weather considerations: Pioneer sites at Watson Mill require careful planning. "If there is rain in the forecast do not, for the love of God, do not camp in the pioneer sites. You will get flooded," cautions Nicole R.
Look for swimming areas: Wildwood County Park offers designated swimming spots. "Awesome beach area, great playground for kids. Kayak & paddleboard rentals. Decent pricing for campsites," recommends David H.
Consider cabin options: For families wanting more comfort near horse campgrounds, alternatives exist. "The cabins on Federal Lake just reopened after getting new flooring," mentions Cathy C. about A.H. Stephens State Park.
Check for accessibility features: Some campgrounds offer accessible sites. "Site 9 (handicapped site) was perfect for the grandparents as there was a short paved walkway straight to the bath house," notes Elizabeth M. about A.H. Stephens State Park.
Pack extra water: Limited potable water sources mean preparation is key. "There is a water spigot but it's in an area with red clay near the entrance to the site so it's messy," warns Rebecca L. about Watson Mill Bridge State Park.
Watch for specific power setups: At Plum Branch RV Park (formerly Lake Thurmond RV Park), electrical connections require attention. "Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches. Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways," cautions Kevin H.
Check cellular coverage: Different carriers perform variably throughout the region. "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," details Kevin H., providing specific measurements for various carriers.
Consider site selection carefully: At equestrian campgrounds near Plum Branch, site placement affects comfort. "Campsite #4... 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," advises Claire M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Plum Branch, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Plum Branch, 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 Plum Branch, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Plum Branch, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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