Enjoy the beauty of nature at its best. It is located at the entrance to the Bussey Point wilderness recreation area, a peninsula on J. Strom Thurmond Lake with a size of 2,545 acres - camping at Bussey Point provides a relaxing getaway for nature enthusiasts, whether they enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Summers are hot and humid and winters are mild and pleasant in this heavily wooded region on the shore of Thurmond Lake. There is a mixed pine and hardwood forest covering the site, which provides shade during the summer and color during the fall.
There is an abundance of wildlife surrounding the lake. The area is frequently visited by southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys, and whitetail deer.
Bussey Point horse trails were designed by horseback riders for horseback riders. There are 12.5 miles of trail that circle the peninsula. Aside from the horse trail, there are another 20 miles of roads and trails in the area that are open to everyone (no motor vehicles). It has 15 food plots, six hiking, biking, riding, and boating picnic sites, as well as several natural beaches. There are deer and turkey present in the area as well as other wildlife and birds providing one of the best opportunities to see wildlife on the lake. A campground adjacent to the area has 14 primitive campsites without water or electrical connections, but each site has picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Additionally, all 14 campsites can accommodate campers with horses. In the area, you can also find a boat launch ramp, a hand pump for drinking water, and rustic toilets.
From the Hwy. 47 Little River Bridge in Lincoln Co. GA, go north 1.8 miles and turn right on Ashmore-Barden Rd. Go 3 miles to the stop sign and turn right on Double Branches Rd. Go 3 miles until the pavement ends. Continue straight on a dirt road 0.5 miles to check the station and parking area. Go here for GPS coordinates to the campground.
Bussey Point has the following facilities and amenities:
- Two loops of campsites
- Vaulted Pit Toilet
- Hand Pump For Drinking Water
- Bank
- Boat Ramp
- Campfire Rings
- Grills
- Hitching Racks
- Horseback Riding Trails
- Lake Access
- Lantern Posts
- Tables
- Tent Pads
- Trailhead Parking
Activities
- Horseback Riding
- Horse Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
Notes:
- Pets are Allowed
- Campfire Is Allowed
- No hookups
There are 12.5 miles of equestrian trails in the area that cross through the adjacent wilderness recreation area. The site has also a boat launching ramp.
Thurmond Lake is a premier fishing, hunting, and water sports destination in the southeastern United States. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and striped bass is popular among anglers. There are endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, and swimming opportunities available on the large lake.
Policies:
- There is a maximum occupancy per campsite of ONE (1) wheeled unit and TEN (10) tents with four (4) vehicles and TEN (10) people per campsite.
- You must park your RV or trailer on the campsite or driveway, not on the grass or in the vegetation. You must also set up your tent on the campsite, not on the grass or in vegetation. Parking and/or driving off-road is prohibited.
- Pets must always be contained or kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
- The campground prohibits the discharge of firearms or fireworks.
- It is prohibited at all areas of J. Strom Thurmond Lake & Dam to consume alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs.
- You must only light fires within designated fire rings or grills. You may only gather dead wood for firewood. It is important to attend to fires at all times and to keep them contained within the designated grill or fire ring. Fires should never be left unattended. Be sure to completely extinguish your fire before leaving your campsite.
- Pack In/Pack Out. Dumpsters are not provided.
Cost Details:
Camping fees - $10 per night.
Primitive Site - $22.00per night
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some that you may visit:
SUMTER NATIONAL FOREST - Parsons Mountain OHV Trail
SUMTER NATIONAL FOREST - Long Cane Loop Trail
LANGLEY POND PARK - Langley Pond Loop Trail
Bussey Point does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Bussey Point for more information: