About WHETSTONE HORSE CAMP
Overview Whetstone Horse Camp is located in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District in Oconee County in the western corner of South Carolina, about 13 miles northwest of Walhalla. The Chattooga River flows nearby. With over 30 miles of horseback riding trails, Whetstone serves as a base for those who like to ride and camp.Recreation The Rocky Gap Trail on the South Carolina side of the river and the Willis Knob Horse Trail on the Georgia side provide excellent horseback riding and hiking opportunities. Visitors also enjoy exploring the nearby Chattooga River.Facilities The campground is open year-round and has 18 sites with parking spurs for horse trailers. All of the 18 Sites are by reservation only. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Hitching racks are located throughout the facility. Natural Features The camp is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near the Rocky Gap and Willis Knob Horse Trails. The Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests encompass more than 629,000 acres in four districts throughout South Carolina, from the lowcountry Atlantic Coast to the western foothills along the Georgia border. Nearby Attractions The town of Walhalla is 13 miles away. The town holds an annual Oktoberfest celebration the third weekend of October. Stumphouse Tunnel, a 19-century uncompleted railroad tunnel, and Isaqueena Falls make for interesting visits. Both are located just 20 minutes from the camp.
How to Get There
From Walhalla, go north 6 miles on State Highway 28. Turn left onto Whetstone Road. Go straight for about 5 miles. Continue straight at the four-way stop, for another 1.5 miles. The pavement ends and gravel begins. A sign for Whetstone Horse Camp is about 3/4-mile down the gravel road. The camp is on the left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to WHETSTONE HORSE CAMP
Heading to WHETSTONE HORSE CAMP? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for WHETSTONE HORSE CAMP?
No central reservation system listed for WHETSTONE HORSE CAMP. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234479) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to WHETSTONE HORSE CAMP?
From Walhalla, go north 6 miles on State Highway 28. Turn left onto Whetstone Road. Go straight for about 5 miles. Continue straight at the four-way stop, for another 1.5 miles. The pavement ends and gravel begins. A sign for Whetstone Horse Camp is about 3/4-mile down the gravel road. The camp is on the left.
How do I contact WHETSTONE HORSE CAMP?
You can reach the park at phone: 864-638-9568.
References & Official Resources
