Bussey Point Campground

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; it circles the peninsula and is 12.5 miles long. Along with the horse trail there are an additional 20 miles of roads and trails that all are welcome to use (no motor vehicles please). Within the area are 15 food plots, six hike/bike/ride/boat-in camping and picnic sites, and several natural beaches. Ample deer and turkey inhabit the area, along with other mammals and birds, providing one of the best opportunities on the lake to view wildlife in its natural setting. 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, and the large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. The campground has 14 primitive campsites without water or electric, laid out in two loops, each with a vaulted pit toilet. Every site has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There is a boat launching ramp on site, a hand pump for non-potable water, and rustic toilets located throughout the area. There is no attendant on duty. 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, and visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer. The campground is just outside of Lincolnton, Georgia. Cherokee Recreation Area is nearby, as is a golf course.