Nestled in the beautiful western Chester County, South Carolina, lies the Woods Ferry Recreation Area. The site is a nature lover's paradise, tucked within a stunningly scenic wooded floodplain and bordered by lush upland pine woods and maturing hardwood forests. But beyond its natural beauty, this recreational area offers a unique twist on outdoor camping: a special campground tailored for equestrian enthusiasts.
A Campground for Horses
Camping is not a novel concept, and many campsites cater to a wide range of outdoor adventurers. However, Woods Ferry sets itself apart by focusing on horse-friendly amenities. The Woods Ferry Campground is open year-round, providing a total of 15 single campsites, a double campsite, and a group campsite. The notable feature is that ten of these campsites are equipped with horse corrals, enabling campers to bring along their equine companions and keep them comfortably secured.
Alternatively, some sites provide a designated area where horses can be highlined or where portable corrals can be assembled. These specially marked zones can be found around the perimeter of the campground, demarcated by white-banded trees. The horse-friendly sites are a unique characteristic of Woods Ferry, offering the perfect blend of traditional camping and equestrian activities.
Engaging Activities
From picnicking and fishing to canoeing and horseback riding, Woods Ferry Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities. The area is situated on the Broad River, making fishing and boating readily accessible to its visitors. Campers have access to the 26-mile-long Woods Ferry Horse Trail which opens up possibilities for horse riding, hiking, and even mountain biking.
For bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, the Broad River's banks provide an excellent platform to observe a variety of bird species and other local wildlife. Additionally, the campground's convenient proximity to the picnic area ensures a leisurely walk for those looking to enjoy a relaxed outdoor meal.
Facilities
Despite the natural setting, Woods Ferry has taken measures to ensure campers have a comfortable experience. Each campsite features a picnic table and a rock fire ring. Some even have a lantern post for those who wish to extend their activities into the night. While there are no water or electrical hook-ups available, water spigots are centrally located throughout the campground. Centrally positioned vault toilets also cater to the campers' basic needs.
The Woods Ferry Day Use Picnic Area is another well-planned amenity. It offers picnic tables and grills, two group picnic shelters with group grills, and three fishing platforms for anglers or wildlife viewers. It is worth noting that a valid South Carolina fishing license is required to fish in the national forests.
Affordable Camping
Camping at Woods Ferry is economically feasible, ensuring nature lovers can enjoy this unique experience without breaking the bank. A standard site costs only $7 per night, while group and double sites are available at $14 per night.
Woods Ferry Campground offers the following facilities and amenities:
- Boat Ramp
- Campfire Circles
- Day Use Area
- Drinking Water
- Fishing Pier
- Horse Corrals
- Horseback Riding Trails
- Lantern Posts
- Pets Allowed
- Picnic Shelters
- Picnic Tables
- Vault Toilets
- Shade
- Grills
Notes:
17 family campsites with tables and grills. Horses are allowed at designated sites only. Sites with horse corrals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12. Sites without corrals but horses allowed:16, 17. Non-equestrian sites: 9, 11, 13, 14, 15. Two group campsites-Site 10 has horse corrals.
In conclusion, Woods Ferry Recreation Area in South Carolina offers a unique horse camping experience that combines the thrill of traditional camping with the joy of equestrian activities. Its diverse amenities and recreational offerings make it an ideal destination for all outdoor enthusiasts and particularly horse lovers looking for a camping experience with a difference.
Policies:
- No Electrical or Water Hookups are available and cell coverage is unreliable.
- Drinking water available from centrally located water spigots; Not allowed at spigots; bathing, washing dishes, or cleaning fish at spigots.
- Hoses may be used to fill water tanks and horse troughs; don’t leave unattended hoses attached to water spigots. The campground doesn’t provide a dump station.
- Single campsites, a maximum of eight people, two vehicles, and two horse trailers or two campers in your parking spur.
- Group and double campsites (8 and 10), you can have no more than 14 people and four vehicles and four horse trailers or campers.
- Horses must be highlined, and kept in stalls provided at each site; portable corrals or other devices may be used, but only if they are placed in the designated areas behind the white banded trees.
- Dispose of horse manure by scattering in the woods behind the campsites.
- Don’t tie horses where they can chew on trees
- Do not place trash in the fire rings.
- Pets must be leashed in the campground
- Don’t move firewood
Cost Details:
- $7/night for the family site
- $14/night for group sites, maximum 14-day limit
Note: All campsites at Woods Ferry are available for reservations on recreation.gov.
If you want to discover and explore other campsites and horse trails, here are some of them that you may visit:
SUMTER NATIONAL FOREST - Woods Ferry - Broad River
SUMTER NATIONAL FOREST - Woods Ferry Horse Trail
ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST - Pigeon Run Falls Trail
Woods Ferry Campground does require reservations for overnight accommodations. Please visit their page here on Top Horse Trails - Woods Ferry Campground for more information