Brick House Campground

For those of us in South Carolina who truly cherish getting back to basics and immersing ourselves in the natural world, the Brick House Campground in Whitmire, SC, offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled within the vast Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, this isn't your typical RV park with all the bells and whistles. Instead, Brick House Campground provides a genuine primitive camping environment, allowing you to disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with the serene beauty of the South Carolina wilderness.

Visitors consistently praise Brick House Campground for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere and the generous spacing between individual campsites. This means you won't be camping elbow-to-elbow with your neighbors, providing a true sense of seclusion and tranquility. It's the kind of place where the sounds of nature, like rustling leaves and birdsong, replace the hum of traffic. If your ideal camping trip involves a crackling campfire under a canopy of stars, surrounded by towering trees, then Brick House Campground is undoubtedly a spot you'll want to add to your list.

Brick House Campground is strategically located to offer both easy access and a feeling of being far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You'll find this hidden gem at 49 Brick House Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178, USA. Its position within the Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest makes it an excellent base for exploring the rich natural landscape of Newberry County. The campground itself sits at an elevation of approximately 550 feet, surrounded by a beautiful mixed pine-hardwood forest that provides ample shade even on warmer days.

Reaching Brick House Campground is straightforward for local South Carolina residents and travelers alike. From Interstate 26, take Exit 66 towards Whitmire. Drive approximately 3.5 miles, and then turn right onto Brick House Road (also known as Forest Service Road 358). The campground entrance is just 0.3 miles down this road, past the Buncombe Trailhead, which you'll see on your left. This convenient access means you can easily transition from the highway to the tranquility of the forest without a lengthy journey on unpaved roads. While cell phone service can be unreliable in some parts of the national forest, some campers have reported having T-Mobile service at the campground, which can be helpful for emergencies or quick checks.

The surrounding national forest offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. You're within reach of vast public lands known for desirable hunting areas, miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. Its proximity to other natural attractions and small South Carolina towns makes it a perfect central point for a rustic adventure.

• Primitive Campsites: The campground offers 21 campsites designed for a true back-to-nature experience. These sites accommodate tents, vans, trailers, and even larger RVs (specific sites like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 21 are noted to accommodate RVs).
• Spacious Individual Site Areas: Sites are noted for being well-spaced, offering privacy and a sense of solitude from neighboring campers.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a sturdy cement and block picnic table for your outdoor dining needs.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Every site includes a large fire pit, often with a maneuverable grate by a handle, perfect for campfires and cooking over an open flame. Only dead and down wood may be collected for fires.
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available in the form of vaulted toilet houses. These are clean and well-maintained "glorified outhouses," as one reviewer described them, providing a necessary convenience without the frills of flush toilets or showers.
• Lantern Posts: Designated lantern posts are typically available at each site for evening illumination.
• Reservation System: Campsites are available for reservation year-round exclusively through recreation.gov. Same-day reservations are also available.
• Open Year-Round: Brick House Campground welcomes visitors throughout all four seasons, offering unique experiences in mild South Carolina winters and long, hot summers.

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Consistently praised by visitors for its tranquility, making it ideal for those seeking a serene escape from noise and crowds.
• Forest Immersion: Surrounded by a beautiful mixed pine-hardwood forest, offering abundant shade and a true sense of being in nature.
• Direct Trail Access: The campground provides direct access to the extensive Buncombe Horse Trail system, which is also open to hikers and mountain bikers. This 30-mile trail network offers various loops for short strolls or all-day adventures, winding through forested hills, valleys, and past old cemeteries and wagon roads.
• Proximity to Enoree OHV Trail: Just a short 10-minute drive north, the 24-mile Enoree OHV Trail welcomes motorized ATVs, UTVs, and dirt bikes (50 inches wide or less), providing an exhilarating option for off-road enthusiasts (user fees and trail conditions apply, "Call Before You Haul" hotline recommended).
• Hunting Opportunities: Located within one of the most desirable big game deer and turkey hunting areas in upstate South Carolina, making it a popular spot for hunters during designated seasons. Visitors are advised to wear blaze orange or bright colors during hunting seasons for safety.
• Wildlife and Plant Observation: The surrounding forest is teeming with diverse wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for viewing animals and native plant species.
• Photography: The natural beauty of the area provides ample subjects for nature photography.
• Dog-Friendly: Brick House Campground is a "doggie haven" with plenty of open space and trails for leashed pets to enjoy, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.
• Well-Maintained Sites: Campsites feature hardened gravel parking spurs and cleared-out forest spaces, ensuring a relatively level and clean area for setting up camp.

As a U.S. Forest Service campground, Brick House Campground focuses on providing an affordable and accessible outdoor experience. The nightly fee is a very budget-friendly $5 per campsite per night, making it one of the most cost-effective camping options in the region. This low fee goes directly towards the upkeep and maintenance of the campground facilities and the surrounding national forest lands, ensuring that this natural treasure remains enjoyable for everyone.

In addition to the standard nightly rate, Brick House Campground offers special extended-stay options, particularly beneficial for hunters during big game seasons. Eight specific campsites (9, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23) are designated for longer stays. The fee for these extended-stay sites is $50 per calendar month during September through December, and for the month of April. For full seasonal use from September to December, the fee is $150. This flexibility allows avid outdoorsmen to truly settle in and make the most of the hunting seasons.

While specific "promotions" in the commercial sense (like "buy one night, get one free") are not typical for primitive national forest campgrounds, the ongoing affordable pricing and extended-stay options serve as consistent value for money, allowing more South Carolinians to enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank. Always check the recreation.gov website for the most current pricing and reservation details.

Planning your primitive camping adventure at Brick House Campground is best done through the official reservation system. For general inquiries about the campground or the surrounding Enoree Ranger District, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: Brick House Rd, 49 Brick House Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178, USA
• Phone: (803) 276-4810 (Enoree Ranger District Office)

Remember that reservations for campsites are made exclusively through recreation.gov or the Recreation.gov app. It's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak seasons or hunting periods, as some campers have noted it can be a popular spot. When you make a reservation, ensure you display your confirmation letter, reservation number, or the name of the person the site is reserved for on the campsite post clip provided.

For South Carolinians, Brick House Campground represents a quintessential primitive camping experience right in our backyard. Its accessibility from major interstates, combined with its deeply forested and peaceful setting, makes it an ideal choice for a quick weekend escape or a longer, immersive outdoor adventure without needing to travel far from home. Unlike more developed campgrounds, Brick House encourages a simpler, more connected way of being in nature, perfect for those looking to genuinely unplug and unwind.

The abundance of space between sites means you can truly enjoy peace and quiet, a rare commodity in today's busy world. Whether you're an avid hiker, a dedicated mountain biker, an equestrian, or a hunter, the direct access to miles of trails and prime hunting grounds provides endless opportunities for recreation. Even if your goal is simply to relax by a campfire and observe wildlife, the natural surroundings deliver. And let's not forget the incredible value – at just $5 a night, it's one of the most affordable ways to experience the beauty of our national forests. For families, individuals, and groups who appreciate the raw beauty of the wilderness and are comfortable with basic amenities, Brick House Campground offers an authentic, memorable, and highly suitable local camping destination right here in South Carolina.