Bussey Point Wilderness Area accommodates equestrian campers with dedicated hitching posts and ample space for horse trailers at each campsite. Located along the shores of Clark Hill Lake (also known as Strom Thurmond Lake), the campground features waterfront sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The campground operates primarily for equestrians, with all sites situated along the water providing direct lake access. Campsites are primitive with pit toilets and a well for water but no electricity, creating an ideal setting for off-grid camping. The $10 per night fee operates on an honor system through recreation.gov reservations. Visitors note the campground maintains clean campsites with an abundance of wildlife, offering plenty of privacy and consistently quiet surroundings.
A 12-mile horse trail winds through the peninsula, connecting riders to pack-in and canoe-in campsites deeper in the wilderness area. The trail network provides ample riding opportunities with natural terrain suitable for various skill levels. Horse owners must pack out all waste as there is no trash pickup provided at the campground. The primitive nature of Bussey Point appeals to those seeking genuine natural experiences rather than luxury amenities. Campsite #4 offers plenty of room to spread out, though riders should be cautious of underwater obstacles near the shoreline. The volunteer Camp Ranger from the US Army Corps of Engineers occasionally patrols the area, but campers generally enjoy significant privacy in this less crowded alternative to nearby state parks.
from $25 - $525 / night
from $40 - $450 / night
from $40 - $50 / night
"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
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.
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.
GuideI've stayed at this camp ground 3 times they have lots of sites right on the water many with your very own mini beach an you can bring your boat up to as well. Bathrooms always cleaned by host an super friendly people. The only issue the last time I stayed was there was a main pipe that burst an the water was cut off to the entire area for a whole day that was awful could not wash dishes take shower nothing. Had to leave two days early. But that was one experience every other time we have a blast. Wish the sites were a little more private as they are pretty close. But this place is well kept an love that the boat rental kegs creek is in this camp ground
LegendStill being upgraded, so newish pad was still soft but pretty level. 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. All nice and new. Will try again in future as it keeps improving
We just overnighted so did not use facilities nor do much in the surrounding areas.
I was right under a WiFi antennae, and managed a 4.5meg download and 4.48 upload. Following are phones ( mostly for hotspot) I have and how they feature 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
If I we’re staying in the area for more than a week, I would probably try a nearby COE as they are on the water. This park is near the water and has a restaurant an few hundred yards down the road.
Really pleasant staff. Friendly and were helpful and obliging.
GuideThis campground is very quiet and right near the water. I enjoyed it and would stay again.
TravelerThis is my favorite spot for taking it in, and getting back to nature. Bussey Point is a no frills campground. If you are looking for luxurious amenities, and a pristine restroom facility, this is not the place for you. Bussey Point is primitive camping at it's best. Btw, watch out for the horse poop!✌
Bussey Point Wilderness Area provides equestrian camping opportunities on the Georgia side of the Savannah River, approximately 30 miles north of Aiken, South Carolina. The peninsula extends into Clark Hill Lake at an elevation of around 330 feet, with sandy shorelines accessible via unpaved roads. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters that rarely drop below freezing, making it suitable for year-round camping.
Trail riding along the 12-mile loop: Experience the mixed pine and hardwood forest terrain while on horseback. At Bussey Point Wilderness Area, one camper notes it's "primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer."
Water activities from shoreline campsites: Swim, fish, or launch small watercraft directly from your campsite. "All sites are waterfront On Clark Hill Lake(Strom Thurmond Lake)," mentions a regular visitor to Bussey Point.
Wildlife observation after dark: Bring binoculars for evening wildlife viewing around the lake's edge. At Wildwood County Park, campers report, "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."
Direct lake access with private beach areas: Many campsites offer personal shoreline access for swimming and boat launching. At Wildwood County Park, visitors appreciate that some sites are "right on the water" with "your very own mini beach an you can bring your boat up to as well."
Primitive camping experience with basic necessities: For those seeking a genuine outdoor experience without excessive development. One camper describes Plum Branch RV Park as "very quiet and right near the water," perfect for those wanting a peaceful retreat.
Spacious campsites with good separation: Many equestrian-focused sites provide ample room for trailers and equipment. A camper at Bussey Point mentions, "We stayed at site #4. Plenty of room to spread out!" offering adequate space for horses and camping gear.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds near Aiken now require advance booking. "Campground rates are $10 per night and reservations must be made now through recreation.gov," notes a camper at Bussey Point.
Pack-in, pack-out responsibility: Limited trash facilities require proper waste management planning. "If you pack it on, pack it out. There is no trash pickup provided," reminds a regular visitor to Bussey Point.
Seasonal deer feeding: Some campgrounds allow or encourage wildlife feeding during certain seasons. At Wildwood County Park, campers observed organized deer feeding with spotlights, noting "The deer had no fear (not sure that is good), but I am sure they appreciated the food."
Beach access for children: Select sites with gradual water entry points for safer swimming. At Wildwood County Park, families appreciate the "Awesome beach area, great playground for kids. Kayak & paddleboard rentals."
Watch for underwater hazards: Inspect swimming areas before allowing children in the water. One family at Bussey Point cautions that their site "has a fallen tree and lots of underwater sticks right when you walk out on the lake so watch your toes!"
Primitive toilet considerations: Prepare children for rustic bathroom facilities. A camper notes that at Bussey Point, "The out houses & vault toilets are in good shape," but still require adjustment for those used to modern facilities.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose locations with adequate turning radius and level pads. At Plum Branch RV Park, RVers note that the "newish pad was still soft but pretty level" though "Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies significantly between providers around Strom Thurmond Lake. One RVer detailed signal strength: "Verizon: 44.9dn, 1.88 up" while "T-mobile mifi: no 4G nor 5G service," allowing others to plan accordingly.
Price comparison for lakefront access: Horse campgrounds near Aiken, South Carolina offer varying price points for similar amenities. One RVer compared Wildwood County Park to nearby state parks: "this park is about 35% less expensive than Mistletoe and provides the same great lake views."
Frequently Asked Questions
What equestrian trails are available at Aiken horse camping areas?
Wildwood County Park offers access to scenic riding trails along the shoreline of the lake, providing beautiful water views and varied terrain for riders of different skill levels. The park's trail system connects to nearby wooded areas perfect for longer excursions. The Aiken area is also home to the extensive trail network at Hitchcock Woods, one of the largest urban forests in the country with over 70 miles of sandy trails ideal for horseback riding. Most trails in the region are well-maintained and clearly marked, making navigation straightforward for visitors.
Where are the best horse camping facilities in Aiken, SC?
Bussey Point Wilderness Area is a premier destination for horse camping near Aiken, featuring campsites specifically designed for equestrians with pre-installed horse hitches and ample space for horse trailers. At $10 per night, these waterfront sites offer an affordable option for riders seeking a natural setting. Another excellent option is Stable View, which provides dedicated facilities for horses and riders in a convenient location. Both campgrounds offer the perfect base for exploring the region's extensive trail systems.
What amenities are provided at Aiken horse camping facilities?
Plum Branch RV Park offers newer facilities with electric hookups and sewer connections, though some sites are still being upgraded. The park provides convenient waterfront access in a quiet setting. For a more rustic experience, In The Pines RV Park features water access and reservable sites. Horse-specific amenities at area campgrounds typically include hitching posts, ample parking for horse trailers, water access for horses, and in some locations, designated areas for riding. Most equestrian campgrounds offer basic facilities like fire pits, picnic tables, and access to water, while bathroom facilities range from vault toilets to more modern options.
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