Brick House Campground in Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests offers primitive camping for equestrians at $5 per night. Located in South Carolina's Piedmont region, which averages 47 inches of rainfall annually, this campground provides direct access to an extensive network of horse trails. The campground area sits at approximately 500 feet elevation and experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and August.
What to do
Trail riding year-round: The 9-mile loop trail connected to Brick House Campground provides a popular riding route through diverse forest terrain. According to one camper, "Site 16 is right next to a 9 mile loop hiking trail" with good access even during winter months.
Explore the Palmetto Trail: This long-distance trail passes directly through Brick House Campground and can be accessed for day rides. Recent trail conditions vary seasonally, with one visitor noting, "Hikes in the forest noted several downed trees, most likely due to the hurricane that occurred last year. Some of the trails were impassable."
Visit nearby lakes: Sesquicentennial State Park offers paddling opportunities about an hour's drive from Prosperity. A visitor shared, "Very nice area to kayak in, I love all the Lilly pads." The park also features "paddle boats" for rent according to another camper.
What campers like
Budget-friendly accommodations: The $5 nightly fee makes Brick House Campground affordable for extended stays. One camper mentioned, "5.00 to me is great for the peace and quiet" while another noted it's "only a short drive from where we live in Spartanburg."
Clean facilities despite primitiveness: Despite limited amenities, the facilities are well-maintained. A camper reported, "Vault toilet was clean. There are a couple pull-through spots" while another mentioned, "This is a federal campsite. Rangers check the campsite every day and night."
Spacious sites with privacy: Chester State Park Campground offers an alternative with more amenities while maintaining a natural setting. A visitor described it as a "Small clean campground" with "walk-in campsites and restrooms are clean and updated. Very nice trail along the lake perimeter."
What you should know
Water access limitations: No running water is available at Brick House Campground. One camper advised, "There is no running water. The closest water is 5 or 6 miles in either direction, so pack plenty."
Reservation changes during hunting season: Availability patterns shift seasonally. A camper explained, "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."
Road conditions: Access roads can present challenges for trailers and RVs. One visitor warned about "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."
Alternative equestrian camping: Woods Ferry Campground provides another option for horse owners with different facilities. A camper noted, "Woods Ferry is a campground mainly for campers who have horses. There are corrals at many of the campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Consider weather timing: Summer heat can be challenging for family camping. When visiting Chester State Park, a camper observed, "When I first turned it on, I wondered if there was any hot water. Eventually it came, and it was HOT, so I had to adjust it quickly."
Pack extra supplies: Beyond standard gear, families should bring hand soap and cleaning supplies. A visitor advised, "Also, take your own hand soap with you. There are paper towels but no soap" at certain facilities.
Early morning wildlife viewing: Morning hours offer the best wildlife observation opportunities. One visitor at Chester described, "My favorite part of this camping experience was waking up early in the morning and sitting by the lake...watching the ducks taking off and flying in a perfect v-formation."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for level parking: Carefully choose sites that accommodate your rig size. At Plum Branch RV Park near Lake Thurmond, a visitor noted, "Newish pad was still soft but pretty level. Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly throughout horse campgrounds near Prosperity, South Carolina. One RVer detailed their experience: "I was right under a WiFi antennae, and managed a 4.5meg download and 4.48 upload... Verizon: 44.9dn, 1.88 up... T-mobile mifi: no 4g nor 5G service."
Consider distance to facilities: At Brick House Campground, amenities are minimal and dispersed. A camper noted, "It has a pit toilet... Rangers check the campsite every day and night" making it suitable for self-contained RVs with their own facilities.
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