Wander Woman

There’s a difference between quiet and isolated — and I felt it the moment I pulled into Brick House Campground. No hum of electricity. No porch lights glowing in the distance. No running water, just a stretch of empty campsites swallowed by thick Carolina woods and miles of nothing in every direction. During the day, it felt peaceful — almost forgotten — but when the sun slipped behind the trees, and the last bit of light disappeared, the darkness wasn’t just dark… it was absolute.

If you’re looking for a campground with hot showers, and neighbors close enough to borrow sugar from — Brick House Campground isn’t it. Tucked away in Whitmire, South Carolina, near both the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests, this place is as primitive and remote as it gets. With no electricity, no running water, and no one else around… it turns into something else entirely.

Brick House Campground is a budget-friendly retreat for anyone looking to disconnect and spend time in nature. The campground is a single-loop layout with 21 primitive sites, each designed to keep things simple and peaceful. Access is via a gravel road, with designated parking spurs at every campsite. While most spurs are level, they vary in size and slope, so not every site can accommodate all vehicles. Every campsite comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post, giving you the essentials for a classic outdoor stay.

Two centrally located double-vault toilet buildings sit at opposite ends of the campground for convenience. There is no dump station on site, so plan accordingly.

Cell service can be spotty, though I was able to get reliable coverage with Boost Mobile. Pets are welcome, but they must always remain leashed within the campground. While some sites sit close together — especially on busy weekends — the quiet setting helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere. During my stay, I practically had the entire campground to myself, which made it feel like a serene escape.

Scattered throughout the campground are bear-proof trash cans, a reminder that wildlife is never far away. While I didn’t see any bears during my stay, these secure containers help keep both campers and animals safe, making it easy to enjoy your time without worrying about unwanted visitors at your campsite.

If you love to hike, you’ll have plenty to explore, including nearby loop trails and access to the scenic nine-mile stretch of the Palmetto Trail, which leads you straight from your campsite into the heart of the woods. The area is also popular with horseback riders, so expect the occasional horse — and yes, a few horseflies to go with them. Whether you’re passing through for a single night or settling in a little longer, Brick House Campground offers a quiet, no-frills escape that feels both simple and refreshingly removed from the noise of everyday life.

The Brick House Campground sits along SC Route 66, just 3.5 miles east of I-26, in the heart of the Enoree Ranger District in Newberry County. Campsites are available year-round by reservation only through Recreation.gov and are limited to a 14-day stay within any 30-day rolling period. Nightly rates are just $5, and campers with an America the Beautiful pass receive an additional discount, making this already affordable getaway even more budget-friendly.

This is primitive camping at its core — simple fire pits, pit toilets, and no running water — so arriving prepared is part of the experience. There are no hookups, no bright lights, and no modern conveniences to distract you. What Brick House lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in solitude, star-filled skies, and the kind of deep, uninterrupted quiet that’s hard to find anymore. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, listen to the wind move through the trees, and remember what camping felt like before everything became plugged in.

49 Brick House Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178