Equestrian campers will find designated horse facilities at this US Forest Service campground in the Sumter National Forest. Whetstone Horse Camp operates year-round with drinking water, restrooms, and a dump station, though RVs are not accommodated. The forested terrain includes open areas for resting horses, while trails connect through the surrounding woodland.
Access requires navigating rough roads to reach the campground. Recent visitors note clean facilities and well-maintained sites, particularly those located toward the back of the camping area. The campground caters specifically to horseback riders, with non-equestrian campers being uncommon. For different accommodations, Willis Knob Horse Camp sits 2.4 miles north across the Georgia border.
Description
Overview
Whetstone Horse Camp is located in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District in Oconee County in the western corner of South Carolina, about 13 miles northwest of Walhalla. The Chattooga River flows nearby. With over 30 miles of horseback riding trails, Whetstone serves as a base for those who like to ride and camp.
Recreation
The Rocky Gap Trail on the South Carolina side of the river and the Willis Knob Horse Trail on the Georgia side provide excellent horseback riding and hiking opportunities. Visitors also enjoy exploring the nearby Chattooga River.
Facilities
The campground is open year-round and has 18 sites with parking spurs for horse trailers. All of the 18 Sites are by reservation only. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Hitching racks are located throughout the facility.
Natural Features
The camp is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the Rocky Gap and Willis Knob Horse Trails. The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres in four districts throughout South Carolina, from the lowcountry Atlantic Coast to the western foothills along the Georgia border.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Walhalla is 13 miles away. The town holds an annual Oktoberfest celebration the third weekend of October. Stumphouse Tunnel, a 19-century uncompleted railroad tunnel, and Isaqueena Falls make for interesting visits. Both are located just 20 minutes from the camp.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWhetstone Horse Camp is located in South Carolina near Long Creek
Directions
From Walhalla, go north 6 miles on State Highway 28. Turn left onto Whetstone Road. Go straight for about 5 miles. Continue straight at the four-way stop, for another 1.5 miles. The pavement ends and gravel begins. A sign for Whetstone Horse Camp is about 3/4-mile down the gravel road. The camp is on the left.
Address
112 ANDREW PICKENS CIRCLE
Mountain rest, SC 29664
Coordinates
34.8647667 N
83.2251861 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
