Bussey Point Wilderness Area

Reservations through Recreation.gov are required for this $10-per-night Army Corps of Engineers campground on Clark Hill Lake. Bussey Point Wilderness Area caters primarily to equestrians, with pre-installed horse hitches at each site and ample space for horse trailers. The 12-mile horse trail extends out onto the peninsula, connecting to pack-in and canoe-in sites for extended adventures.

All campsites sit directly on the water with fire pits and picnic tables. A well provides drinking water, and vault toilets serve the campground. The facility operates without electrical hookups, creating an off-grid camping environment. Josh R. notes the area "is always quiet and offers plenty of privacy." Site #4 has a fallen tree and underwater obstacles near the shoreline, while site #5 offers clearer lake access.

Access involves rough roads that may challenge standard vehicles. The honor-system fee collection and pack-it-out waste policy reflect the primitive nature of this location. Campers consistently report clean facilities despite the basic amenities. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds outside J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area provide additional options.

Reserve well ahead during peak seasons, as waterfront sites fill quickly despite the campground's remote character.

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Location

Public Campground

Bussey Point Wilderness Area is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

33.70100012 N
82.2630004 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited this primitive campground's waterfront sites, quiet atmosphere, and $10 rates as major draws. Many appreciated the off-grid setting with clean basic facilities, though some noted underwater obstacles at certain lake access points.

Reviewed Jul. 6, 2022

Campsite #4

Over all a great campground/site. We stayed at site #4. Plenty of room to spread out! It has a fallen tree and lots of underwater sticks right when you walk out on the lake so watch your toes! When we come back we’d probs choose site #5 to avoid the tree and all the limbs. Has a nice public spot down the road though, and the restroom was surprisingly clean. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Site4
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by Claire M., July 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by Claire M., July 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by Claire M., July 6, 2022
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2021

Not Another Cookie Cutter Campground

This is my favorite spot for taking it in, and getting back to nature. Bussey Point is a no frills campground. If you are looking for luxurious amenities, and a pristine restroom facility, this is not the place for you. Bussey Point is primitive camping at it's best. Btw, watch out for the horse poop!✌

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by Big D., April 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by Big D., April 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by Big D., April 4, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2020

reservation only now. Great place for horse camping

Campground rates are $10 per night and reservations must be made now through recreation.gov

All sites are waterfront On Clark Hill Lake(Strom Thurmond Lake) 

If you pack it on, pack it out. There is no trash pickup provided

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2019

Quiet!

Clean camp sites. Abundance of wildlife. The out houses & vault toilets are in good shape.  This park is always quiet and offers plenty of privacy

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2018

Quiet spot and a simple campsite

Bussey Point is primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer. The sites have a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground has a well for water and an open pit latrine. There's no power which is perfect for camping off grid away from all the trailers.

The campsites are right on the water and the view is beautiful. Over the weekend I was the only one here and the only person I spoke to was the volunteer Camp Ranger from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

There is a 12-mile horse trail that goes out on the peninsula and some pack-in or canoe-in campsites out on the peninsula.

Fee per night is on an honor system at $10. I have no complaints about this campsite only about the other campers that leave their trash behind.

I recommend this campground if you're looking to get away from all the people especially the crowds at the more popular campsites at the state parks, and if you're fine with more primitive camping that doesn't involve daily showers.

  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by cody S., September 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by cody S., September 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Bussey Point Wilderness Area by cody S., September 15, 2018
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I reserve a site at Bussey Point Recreation Area?

Reservations for Bussey Point Recreation Area must be made through recreation.gov. The camping fee is $10 per night. It's advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred site. When making reservations, you can choose from several waterfront sites, each with its own characteristics. For the most current reservation information and availability, check the recreation.gov website or contact the managing agency directly.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Bussey Point?

Bussey Point offers various outdoor recreational activities centered around nature enjoyment. The waterfront location on Clark Hill Lake (Strom Thurmond Lake) provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and water activities. Horseback riding is a primary activity, with facilities specifically designed for equestrians. Hiking and wildlife observation are popular, as the area boasts an abundance of wildlife in a natural setting. The peaceful environment makes it ideal for nature photography, stargazing, and simply relaxing in a pristine outdoor setting away from busy developed campgrounds.

What amenities are available at Bussey Point Campground?

Bussey Point Campground offers primitive camping with basic amenities. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit, with pre-installed horse hitches designed primarily for equestrians. The campground provides a well for water access and vault toilets/open pit latrines. There are no electrical hookups, making it perfect for off-grid camping experiences. All campsites are waterfront, located on Clark Hill Lake (Strom Thurmond Lake). The campground does not provide trash pickup, so visitors must pack out all waste they bring in.