A gravel road curving into a high mountain valley at first light, the peaks catching the sun.

Army Corps of Engineers campground

Bussey Point Campground

Army Corps of Engineers campground in J. Strom Thurmond Lake, South Carolina.

Managed by
Army Corps of Engineers J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Sites
14 14 standard non-electric
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov

Overview

Enjoy nature at its finest. Located at the entrance of the Bussey Point wilderness recreation area- a 2,545 acre peninsula on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, the campground provides a relaxing getaway for the nature enthusiast for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The Bussey Point horse trail was created by horseback riders for horseback riders. This trail circles the peninsula and is 12.5 miles long. Along with the horse trail, there are an additional 20 miles of roads and trails located within the area that all are welcome to use (no motor vehicles please).

Located within the area are 15 food plots, six hike/bike/ride/boat in camping/picnic sites, and several natural beaches. Ample deer and turkey inhabit the area along with other mammals and birds to provide one of the best opportunities on the lake to view wildlife in its natural setting.

Adjacent to the area is the campground with 14 primitive campsites without water or electric, however, there are picnic tables, fire rings, and grills located at each site. There is also a boat launching ramp, hand pump for non-potable water, and rustic toilets located throughout the area.

Recreation

The area has 12.5 miles of equestrian trails that cross through the adjacent wilderness recration area.

There is a boat launching ramp on site.

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Facilities

The campground has two loops of campsites, each with a vaulted pit toilet.

There is a hand pump for non-potable water.

There is no attendant on duty.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is just outside of Lincolnton, GA.

Cherokee Recreation Area is nearby.

Nearby golf course.

The description, directions and fees are the Army Corps of Engineers’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • boating
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • horse camping
  • horseback riding
  • hunting

The federal record has no coordinates for this campground, so it is listed under its county and left off the map rather than placed by guesswork. Use the directions above.

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated May 3, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.