
Leroy's Ferry Campground
McCormick, South Carolina(View other McCormick area campgrounds)
Campground contact:
Ownership: US Army Corps of EngineerOfficial website: sas.usace.army.mil
Posted by: SCguide1 on August 17, 2009
Description
The shores of Thurmond Lake, or J. Strom Thurmond Lake, as it is formally known, abound with campgrounds along its shores. While scouring them for this book, most were just too big and overly developed. But on arriving at Leroy’s Ferry, I knew it was a winner. It was so small, primitive, and quiet compared to other campgrounds. The ones that didn’t make the cut resembled campground cities, strung out along the shore with signs pointing me here, there, and everywhere while I searched for good campsites. I even got lost in the campground of one unmentioned state park along Thurmond Lake. After that experience, small Leroy’s Ferry seemed like home, and was a relief in its simplicity. [Johnny Molloy; The best in Tent Camping: The Carolinas]Directions
From the junction of U.S. Highway 221 and U.S. Highway 378 in McCormick, SC, go North on SC 28 and turn left onto SC 81, Follow for approximately 12 miles to the town of Willington (don’t blink) follow the signs to the campground.GPS coordinates:
N 33 55' 19.6"
W 82 2' 27.1"
Activities
Boating, swimming, fishing, hiking.Guidebooks
- The U.S.A. Comprehensive Public Camping Guide (Lower 48), Vol. 8: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
- The Best in Tent Camping: The Carolinas
Services
Water pump, vault toilet. Picnic tables, lantern posts, fire grates.Reservation info
NoneFees
$6/nightPhotos from Leroy's Ferry Campground
Reviews of Leroy's Ferry Campground
Reviewed by SCguide1 on September 26, 2009
(0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)The fact that the shoreline of J. Strom Thurmond lake is undeveloped instantly makes Leroy’s Ferry campground a fascinating place to visit.
I was there after Labor Day for a mid-week stay and I enjoyed more solitude than I have experienced anywhere in South Carolina this year. The solitude perhaps went a bit further than simply being alone. At night, I had a distinct feeling of isolation, that I could compare to the most remote wilderness areas I have had the privilege to visit in my lifetime. This was a total surprise considering how many visitors Lake Thurmond gets per year, but, I can tell you that is was a very welcome surprise.
The campground is well maintained and there is two vault toilets, not one. Both loops have a privy .
The only water source is a hand pump at the pay station. The pump works very well but the water had a slight tint of orange. For that reason alone I decided to boil all my water, and I had no problems.
All 10 sites at LF are good sites. The Plantation Loop sites (1-4), are slightly closer to the water than the Ferry Drive Loop sites (5-10). Plantation Loop sites are also further away from the boat ramp.
Low water levels (2009) in Thurmond Lake makes it possible to do some nice shoreline walking. Expect to encounter many birds on such a walk.
In the campground, expect to see many grey squirrels and a few fox squirrels. At dusk, expect to hear whippoorwills and perhaps a distant yapping of coyotes. Later in the evening you may hear the haunting calls of the Barred Owl.
LATE 2009 UPDATE: Water levels in all the Savannah River impoundments are increasing. This will squeeze down the shoreline walking opportunities but may increase shoreline fishing possibilities.
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