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Whetstone Horse Camp
Area Status: Open
Offering 28 miles of nearby horse trails, Whetstone Horse Camp is a great getaway for horseback riders who like to ride and camp. It serves as a base camp for riders on both the Rocky Gap (South Carolina) and the Willis Knob (Georgia) horse trails.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Check with Recreation.gov for potential cancellations. No first come first serve sites available. |
|---|---|
| Reservations: | Reserve sites up to six months in advance at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. |
| Fees: | $15 per site per day
2019 Recreation Fee Increases |
| Permit Info: | Organized or advertised rides require a special-use permit and route approval by the district ranger. |
| Open Season: | Year round. |
| Busiest Season: | Summer and fall |
| Restrictions: | Horses must be kept away from camp sites. Stay is limited to 14 days. Blocking, restricting or otherwise interfering with the use of a road, gate or trail is prohibited. Not only is it dangerous, but also it may hinder administrative functions or emergency access. All pets must be on a leash in the camping area. Do not tie horses to trees. Do not ride, tether or hobble a horse, saddle or pack animal in violation of posted notices. Camping is prohibited in the day-use parking area. Build fires only in designated fire rings using downed wood. Use lantern poles provided. Within the Chattooga River Corridor in South Carolina, horseback riding is restricted to Rocky Gap Trail. Check out time is 5 p.m. One camper or two tents are permitted per camping unit. Up to two vehicles will be permitted at each site. Other vehicles must be parked in the parking area. |
| Water: | Drinking |
| Restroom: | Wheelchair accessible toilets. |
General Information
Directions: From Walhalla, go north six miles on State Highway 28. Turn left onto Whetstone Road for about five miles. Go straight at the four-way stop, and drive about 1.5 miles. The pavement will end, and a gravel road will begin. A sign for Whetstone Horse Camp is about 0.75 miles down the gravel road.Activities
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 18 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations may be made for Whetstone Horse Camp online at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Nine sites may be reserved. |
RV Camping
Horse Camping
| No. of Sites | 18 |
| Reservation Info | Reservations may be made for Whetstone Horse Camp online at www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Nine sites may be reserved. |
| Water Availability | Available |
Horse Riding
| Water Availability | Available |
Alerts & Warnings
- Sumter National Forest Burn Alert: Wed., March 22
- Boat Ramp Reopened March 21: Buck Hall Recreation Area
- Francis Marion NF Burn Alerts: Tues., March 21
- Sumter NF Burn Alerts: Tues., March 21
- Palmetto Trail Reopens: Halfway Creek, Francis Marion NF
- Prescribed Burns Francis Marion NF, March 14
- Enoree OHV Trail Opening Delayed Until April 15, 2023
- $5.7 Million Planned to Restore South Carolina Piedmont Streams, Water Quality
- Forest Service to Conduct Prescribed Burns to Improve Habitat, Reduce Wildfires
- America the Beautiful Passes not available at Enoree Ranger District Office
- Bucks Grave Road Reopens on Enoree Ranger District
- Enoree rifle ranges undergoing maintenance; please call before visiting
- Limited America the Beautiful pass availability at Columbia office
- Sedalia Campground temporarily closed beginning January 3, 2023
- Halfway Creek Trailhead closure
- Damaged bridges along the Enoree Passage of Palmetto Trail; exercise caution
- Please be aware of open well hazards on Sumter National Forest
- New digital payment options and online reservations at Enoree recreation sites