Brick House Campground

For those in South Carolina seeking an authentic, back-to-basics camping experience, Brick House Campground in Whitmire offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Sumter National Forest. This campground provides a truly primitive setting, allowing campers to disconnect from modern conveniences and reconnect with nature. It’s designed for individuals and groups who appreciate simplicity, tranquility, and direct access to the outdoors. While it may not feature the extensive amenities of a resort-style campground, its charm lies in its untouched beauty and the raw camping experience it provides. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves quiet nights under the stars, the sounds of the forest, and a focus on outdoor activities, Brick House Campground might be exactly what you're looking for.

Brick House Campground is a budget-friendly option that caters to a specific type of camper—one who prioritizes solitude and natural surroundings over luxurious facilities. It's a place where you can pitch a tent, park a small RV, and enjoy the peace and quiet of a forested environment. The campground offers a direct connection to various recreational opportunities within the national forest, making it a gateway for hikers, equestrians, and hunters. It's important to set expectations for a primitive experience, as this is not a full-service RV park or a campground with all the bells and whistles. Instead, it’s a tranquil refuge where the beauty of South Carolina's natural landscape takes center stage, inviting campers to embrace simplicity and enjoy the serene forest atmosphere.

Brick House Campground is conveniently located on Brick House Rd, at 49 Brick House Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178, USA. This address places it squarely within the Enoree Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest in Newberry County, South Carolina. Its accessibility is a notable advantage for local South Carolina residents looking for a quick escape into nature without extensive travel. The campground is situated approximately 3.5 miles east of I-26 via SC Route 66, making it relatively easy to reach from various parts of the state. This proximity to a major interstate ensures a straightforward drive, even for larger vehicles or RVs, though it's important to remember the primitive nature of the campground's internal roads and sites.

The location within the Sumter National Forest means campers are immediately surrounded by a mixed pine-hardwood forest, offering a sense of seclusion and immersion in the natural environment. While cell service can be unreliable in some parts of the forest, T-Mobile users have reported having service at the campground, which can be a comfort for those who need to stay minimally connected. This balance of being "away from it all" yet still relatively close to a major highway makes Brick House Campground a practical choice for a spontaneous weekend trip or a longer, unplugged retreat. The rural setting of Whitmire ensures a peaceful experience, free from urban noise and light pollution, allowing for clear starry nights and undisturbed natural sounds.

Brick House Campground offers a primitive camping experience, meaning amenities are basic and focused on facilitating a raw, outdoor adventure. It's crucial for campers to be self-sufficient and prepared for a rustic stay.

• Individual Campsites: The campground features 21 individual site areas designed for both tent and RV camping. These sites offer a degree of separation, providing a quiet and peaceful environment. Sites 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 21 are noted as being able to accommodate RVs.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each site is equipped with concrete or block picnic tables and fire rings, often with grates, for cooking and campfires. Campers should be prepared to clean out existing ashes and debris from fire pits as they may not always be fully cleared by staff.
• Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets (outhouses) are available within small block buildings. It's important to note that these are non-flush toilets and may have flies, as is common with such facilities in natural settings. There are two centrally located double vault toilet buildings.
• No Running Water or Electricity: Campers must bring their own potable water. There are no water spigots, electrical hookups, or dump stations available at the campground.
• Gravel Roads and Parking Spurs: The campground features gravel roads and parking spurs. All tents and vehicles must be located on these hardened areas of the campsites. Parking spurs are level but vary in size and grade, so not all sites can accommodate all vehicle sizes.
• Reservation Only: Campsites are available by reservation only, year-round, through Recreation.gov or their app. Same-day reservations are possible. Guests must display their confirmation letter, reservation number, or name at their campsite.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Brick House Campground, while primitive, offers several features and highlights that appeal to those seeking an immersive outdoor experience in South Carolina. Its strengths lie in its natural setting and the activities it facilitates.

• Peaceful and Quiet Environment: The campground is frequently praised for its tranquil atmosphere, offering a serene escape from daily life. Its location within the national forest ensures minimal external noise, allowing campers to truly enjoy the sounds of nature.
• Surrounded by Forest and Nature: Campers are fully enveloped by a mixed pine-hardwood forest, providing ample shade and a sense of being deep within the wilderness. This makes it ideal for nature viewing and simply relaxing in a natural setting.
• Affordable Camping: At a nightly rate of $5 (with some additional reservation fees), Brick House Campground is one of the most budget-friendly camping options in the region, making it accessible for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Access to Extensive Trail Systems: The campground provides direct access to the Buncombe Horse Trail, which is also open to hikers and mountain bikers, offering miles of trails for exploration. The Palmetto Trail also runs through the area, providing even longer hiking options.
• Hunting Opportunities: The surrounding national forest lands are popular for big game hunting (deer and turkey) as well as small game. Campers should exercise caution and wear blaze orange during hunting seasons (April and September through January).
• Horse-Friendly Sites: Some sites allow for up to two horses, which must be highlined behind white-banded trees or kept in portable corrals, catering to equestrian campers.
• Year-Round Accessibility: The campground is open year-round, allowing for camping in various seasons and offering different natural experiences.
• T-Mobile Cell Service (Reported): While not guaranteed, some campers have reported having T-Mobile cell service, which can be a convenient but not essential amenity for primitive camping.

For reservations and inquiries about Brick House Campground, please use the following contact information. Remember that reservations are required and handled exclusively through Recreation.gov.

Address: Brick House Rd, 49 Brick House Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178, USA

Phone: (803) 276-4810 (This is the Enoree Ranger District Office, which manages the campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 803-276-4810

Brick House Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for South Carolina locals who cherish an authentic, no-frills outdoor experience. For residents across the state, particularly those in the Midlands and Upstate, its easy accessibility via I-26 makes it a convenient choice for a quick weekend getaway or a more extended stay up to 14 days. If you're a local who owns an RV but prefers to "dry camp" or enjoys tent camping away from the crowds and noise of more developed sites, this campground offers the perfect escape at a very low cost. It’s ideal for those looking to practice their primitive camping skills, enjoy a quiet retreat for hunting season, or simply immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Sumter National Forest without a hefty price tag.

The campground’s appeal to locals also stems from its direct integration with various recreational activities. If you're a hiker, mountain biker, or an equestrian, the extensive trail systems directly accessible from the campground provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure right on your doorstep. For hunters, being able to camp within the national forest during big game season is a significant advantage. While it's true that amenities are basic – no running water or electricity, and vault toilets – these very limitations encourage a deeper connection with nature and require campers to be more self-reliant, which is often precisely what primitive campers seek. For a South Carolina resident craving solitude, a close-to-home wilderness experience, and a chance to truly unplug, Brick House Campground offers an invaluable and affordable opportunity to do just that. It's a testament to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available right here in our own backyard.

Brick House Campground

Brick House Rd, 49 Brick House Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178, USA