How much does camping cost at Bussey Point Campground?

Camping fees at Bussey Point Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Bussey Point Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Bussey Point Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Bussey Point Campground before I book?

Yes! Bussey Point Campground has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Bussey Point Campground?

Bussey Point Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Bussey Point Campground?

Bussey Point Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Bussey Point Campground have?

Bussey Point Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Bussey Point Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Bussey Point Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Bussey Point Campground?

Bussey Point Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Bussey Point Campground?

Popular activities at Bussey Point Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Bussey Point Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Bussey Point Campground?

Fire policies at Bussey Point Campground: Fires are only allowed within designated grills or fire rings. Only dead wood may be gathered for firewood. Fires are to be attended at all times and must be contained within the designated grill or fire ring. Never leave a fire unattended! Extinguish your fire completely prior to departing your campsite.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.18

81 reviews

510 Clarks Hill HWY, J. Strom Thurmond Project Office, Clarks Hill, SC 29821

CReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping South Carolina Swimming Camping South Carolina Primitive Camping South Carolina +6 more

Quick Facts

387 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on J. Strom Thurmond Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

387 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open January 1 throu...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on J. Strom Thurmond Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Bussey Point Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(800) 533-3478

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Bussey Point Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

510 Clarks Hill HWY, J. Strom Thurmond Project Office, Clarks Hill, SC 29821

Bussey Point Campground

510 Clarks Hill HWY, J. Strom Thurmond Project Office, Clarks Hill, SC 29821

Nearby places

Lincolnton, GA (approximately 10 miles, 15-20 minutes driving time)

Weather at Bussey Point Campground

Current alerts(8)

Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are prohibited at all J. Strom Thurmond Lake & Dam areas.
All pets must be penned or on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Owners must clean up after their pets.
All vehicles, RVs, & trailers must be parked on your campsite or driveway, not on grass or in vegetation. Tents also must be set up on the campsite, not on grass or in vegetation. Off road driving and/or parking off road is prohibited.
CFR Title 36, Rules & Regulations Governing Public Use of Corps of Engineers Water Resource Development Projects, contains additional information & requirements; copies of Title 36 are posted on bulletin boards

Best Time to Camp at Bussey Point Campground

Best season: summer. Summer delivers the most complete Bussey Point experience: warm lake temperatures (typically daytime highs 80–95°F, evenings 65–75°F) make swimming, boating, and paddling ideal, and longer daylight maximizes time on the 20+ miles of non-motorized trails. Fishing and watersports are at their peak, and primitive, wooded sites provide shaded respite from southern humidity. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends but generally secluded sites thanks to the peninsula layout; be prepared for regular Peak months: June, July, August, October

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season per notes: warm lake temps ideal for swimming, boating and paddling.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open January 1 through December 31.

About Bussey Point Campground

Bussey Point Campground sits on J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Lincolnton, Georgia, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small, wooded campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with lake access for fishing and boating. Campers use vault toilets and pack out their own trash, and the area includes trails shared with horseback riders.

Bussey Point Campground is a primitive camping area offering 14 campsites. It is ideal for tent camping but also accommodates RVs, though without hookups. The campground is particularly suited for equestrian enthusiasts due to its extensive horse trails and facilities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers the most complete Bussey Point experience: warm lake temperatures (typically daytime highs 80–95°F, evenings 65–75°F) make swimming, boating, and paddling ideal, and longer daylight maximizes time on the 20+ miles of non-motorized trails. Fishing and watersports are at their peak, and primitive, wooded sites provide shaded respite from southern humidity. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends but generally secluded sites thanks to the peninsula layout; be prepared for regular Peak months: June, July, August, October

Elevation387 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed pine and hardwood forests blanket the peninsula at 387 feet elevation, creating thick shade and natural privacy between sites. The lake wraps around much of the campground, offering water views and shoreline access for swimming and fishing. Wildlife sightings are common. Reviewers regularly spot bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. The dense canopy provides relief from summer heat, though the humidity still settles in thick during July and August.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground offers primitive camping only. There are no hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights per visit and a total of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 10 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground has some accessibility challenges. For instance, the vault toilet in Loop A "is located at the far end of the line of campsites and is up a short slope," which "might be difficult for some to navigate.

Site SizeCampsites are large and well-spaced. One user noted, "The campsites are big," and another mentioned, "Campsites are large and well spaced.

PrivacyCampsites offer a decent level of privacy due to their spacing. One reviewer stated, the sites "were well distanced from each other, to allow for some privacy.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 11-14 for waterfront views and larger spaces. Avoid weekends if seeking peace and quiet due to generator noise.

Best CampsitesSites 11-14 get recommended for waterfront access and privacy. Reviewers note that all sites are large and well-spaced, which helps with seclusion. One mentioned sites "were well distanced from each other, to allow for some privacy." Avoid weekends if you want to dodge generator noise and crowds.

Need help booking Bussey Point Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Bussey Point Campground is a primitive camping facility located on the J. Strom Thurmond Lake. It features 14 campsites spread across two loops, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The campground includes a boat launching ramp, a hand pump for non-potable drinking water, and vault toilets located in each loop. "There is no attendant on duty" at this location, so campers are advised to be self-sufficient. Trash facilities are not provided; visitors are expected to adhere to the "Pack In/Pack Out" policy. Some reviewers noted that the vault toilets were sometimes "deplorable" or "nasty," with one user stating that they were "lucky if they're cleaned every couple weeks." However, others described the latrines as "clean and well-maintained." Drinking water is available via hand pumps, although some users mentioned that the "pump in loop A didn't work" and "the one in loop B had somewhat rusty water."

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Bussey Point Campground

Bussey Point Campground offers a wide variety of recreational activities. The 2,545-acre peninsula features approximately 12.5 miles of equestrian trails designed specifically for horseback riding, as well as an additional 20 miles of multi-use roads and trails for hiking, biking, and riding. The area provides access to J. Strom Thurmond Lake for fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, and swimming. Nature and wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy abundant opportunities to observe southern bald eagles, wild turkeys, whitetail deer, and other wildlife.

Hiking4.0/5

About 20 miles of roads/trails available for hiking, including multi-use and equestrian routes.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports3.5/5

Lake access and boat ramp support paddling/kayaking, though no dedicated kayak launch noted.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, quiet peninsula with primitive sites suggests low light and good night skies.

Photography4.0/5Scenic lakefront, forests, wildlife and sunsets yield high photo potential.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFires are only allowed within designated grills or fire rings. Only dead wood may be gathered for firewood. Fires are to be attended at all times and must be contained within the designated grill or fire ring. Never leave a fire unattended! Extinguish your fire completely prior to departing your campsite.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not provided, and campers are required to pack out their trash. Several users noted this as a minor inconvenience: "No dumpsters or anywhere to toss your trash would be my only complaint."

Cell CoverageCell phone service quality is not explicitly mentioned; one reviewer advised, "Don't depend on cell service and the QR code to reserve on site."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Bussey Point Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.2

81 reviews

Satisfactory

Bussey Point Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviewers appreciate Bussey Point Campground for its serene and natural environment, suitable for primitive camping. Many highlight the spacious campsites, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to recreational trails and the lake. However, complaints include inconsistent maintenance of vault toilets, lack of trash facilities, and occasional noise from generators and other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 81 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include the quiet atmosphere, excellent lake views, spacious campsites, and recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Reviewers also...

Based on 81 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with vault toilet cleanliness ("nasty" or "deplorable"), lack of trash disposal facilities, and occasional theft (e.g., a user reported stolen firewood). Noise from...

Based on 81 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Best sites mentioned include 11 through 14 for their proximity to the water and scenic views. Site 6 was noted as accommodating a 32-foot Class A vehicle. Complaints about specific sites include...

Based on 81 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing sufficient drinking water due to issues with the hand pumps, reserving sites in advance as cell service can be unreliable, and preparing for self-sufficiency given...

Based on 81 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is quieter during weekdays and off-season, with fewer visitors. However, it becomes crowded during weekends and holidays, leading to noise from generators and reduced privacy. Summer...

Based on 81 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Primitive camping at its best. A favorite for sure." - Yvonne Reyes 2. "Love this campground because of its lack of amenities which deters most 'weekend campers.'" - Michael Barton 3....

Based on 81 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility issues include the difficulty of reaching the Loop A vault toilet for some campers due to its location and steep slope. One user noted, "The vault toilet in Loop A...might be difficult...

Based on 81 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed or penned. Reviewers appreciated the pet-friendly environment but mentioned the need to clean up after pets to maintain cleanliness.

Based on 81 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Bussey Point Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Primitive: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(800) 533-3478

Go if

You want affordable lake access and don't mind vault toilets or packing out your trash.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, on-site trash disposal, or prefer campgrounds without equestrian traffic.

Nearby Campgrounds

5886 Ridge Road, Appling, GA 30802, USA

Ridge Road sits on J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Appling, Georgia, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. Spacious sites with lake views draw visitors during the seasonal months, particularly in fall when the mixed pine and hardwood forests show color and humidity drops.

Bussey Point Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Bussey Point Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Bussey Point Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Bussey Point Campground

Planning Tips

About Bussey Point Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bussey Point Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Bussey Point Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Directions

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Bussey Point Campground

Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Bussey Point Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Bussey Point Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Bussey Point Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews