Best Campgrounds near Whitmire, SC
The Sumter National Forest provides several mixed-use campgrounds near Whitmire, South Carolina, with varying amenities and settings. Brick House Campground offers primitive camping with fire rings and toilets but no drinking water, while Woods Ferry Campground caters to equestrian campers with horse corrals at many sites. Located approximately 25 miles southeast, Dreher Island State Park Campground sits on Lake Murray and accommodates tents, RVs, and cabin camping with lakefront views. The area balances developed campgrounds with more remote forest sites suitable for different camping styles.
Reservations are recommended for most established campgrounds in the region, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when Lake Murray attracts numerous visitors. The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests manage several campgrounds with varied amenities—some feature only vault toilets and limited services while others provide water hookups. Summer heat and humidity can be intense, making spring and fall more comfortable for tent camping. Access roads to primitive sites may become muddy after heavy rains, potentially requiring higher clearance vehicles. According to one visitor at Woods Ferry Campground, "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."
Waterfront camping areas receive consistently high ratings, particularly at Dreher Island State Park where nearly every campsite has either direct lake access or views. The lake serves as the primary attraction for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating. Campers report that sites can be close together in some developed campgrounds, though shaded locations help mitigate South Carolina's summer heat. Sites at Lake Greenwood State Park feature paved driveways with electrical and water hookups, appealing primarily to RV campers. One reviewer noted, "All roads and camp spots are paved and have fire pits. Some have water and power (30 and 50 amp), some have sewer." More primitive camping areas like Sedalia Campground offer quieter experiences but fewer amenities, with access to hiking trails and natural settings being the main draws.