Leroys Ferry Campground
4.0223 reviewsLeroys Ferry Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates are $10 per night for peak season, applicable from January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Share this campground
Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Escape to the untamed beauty of Leroys Ferry Campground, where rustic camping meets lakeside adventure on the shores of J. Strom Thurmond Lake. This intimate primitive campground offers 10 secluded sites, each equipped with its own picnic table and fire ring for those perfect evening gatherings under the stars. While the hand pump well is temporarily out of service, basic pit toilets are available, and the convenient boat ramp provides direct access to endless water adventures. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, exploring hidden coves by kayak, or simply watching eagles soar overhead, Leroys Ferry delivers an authentic back-to-nature experience.
Leroys Ferry Campground offers primitive camping exclusively, featuring 10 nonelectric sites suitable for tents or small campers. The campground provides a rustic experience with basic amenities and a focus on outdoor recreation.
Weather and SeasonsWhile specific seasonal data isn't available, seasoned campers note that lake breezes can pick up considerably, creating dramatic whitecaps across the water and rustling through the trees. These occasional strong winds add to the wild character of the campground, reminding visitors they're truly immersed in nature's elements.
ElevationNestled at lake level, the campground offers easy access to the water's edge and stunning views across the expansive reservoir.
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the edge of magnificent J. Strom Thurmond Lake—a sprawling 70,000-acre aquatic paradise with over 1,000 miles of intricate shoreline—Leroys Ferry is a gateway to natural wonder. The campground backs up to protected game management land, creating a wildlife corridor where deer emerge at twilight and wild turkeys strut through morning mist. This pristine setting offers front-row seats to nature's daily drama, from great blue herons fishing in the shallows to osprey diving for their catch. While the untouched landscape means sharing space with native creatures like scorpions and ants, it also ensures an authentic wilderness experience where every sunrise brings new discoveries.
Geological RegionSituated north of McCormick along the vast expanse of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, this campground occupies a unique position where rolling Piedmont hills meet one of the Southeast's largest reservoirs. The dramatic landscape, carved by the Savannah River and transformed into a 70,000-acre lake, creates a stunning backdrop of wooded peninsulas, secluded coves, and over 1,000 miles of meandering shoreline that beckons exploration.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is limited information on accessibility features at the campground. However, vault toilets are available and there are picnic tables at each site.
Sites SizeThe campsites vary in size. According to a user review, "Site 10 was the largest and flattest for anyone traveling with a large vehicle."
Sites PrivacySites are described as scenic, quiet, and private by reviewers. One noted: "The sites are scenic, quiet and private. Could not ask for better!!"
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites close to the lake for better views and privacy. Bring water as the well pump is non-functional.
Best CampsitesSite 10 is highlighted as the largest and flattest for large vehicles. Campsites near the lake praised for their views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in details not specified.
Check-out
Check-out details not specified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum 10 campers allowed per site.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutContains 10 primitive campsites split into two loops (A and B).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation not explicitly provided for walk-up, but facilities are reservable online.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee and reservation fees apply. Late cancellations incur additional fees like forfeiting the first-night fee. Modifications are possible but may cost $10 depending on type.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Leroys Ferry Campground offers a range of recreational activities primarily centered around its location on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. These include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The campground's proximity to the lake provides ample opportunities for water sports such as water skiing, jet skiing, and canoeing. Reviews frequently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sunsets, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.
Hiking
The campground provides access to hiking opportunities around J. Strom Thurmond Lake and nearby recreation areas, although no specific trails or details about difficulty levels are mentioned.Fishing
Fishing is a major draw at Thurmond Lake, with anglers targeting largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, and striped bass. Several reviewers noted the excellent fishing conditions: "Great for fishing and camping," wrote one user.Swimming
Swimming is available in the lake, though there are no designated swimming areas or safety measures mentioned. The lake's vast size and shoreline provide ample space for informal swimming.Boating
Boating is facilitated by a boat ramp at the campground, allowing access to J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The lake supports various boating activities, including water skiing and canoeing.Wildlife viewing
The campground's location near game management land and the Savannah River offers opportunities for observing local wildlife. One reviewer remarked, "You're bound to see wildlife but that's about it."Winter Activities
There is no information on winter-specific activities available.Water Sports
Water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, and other water sports are popular on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, making it an ideal location for water enthusiasts.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings available; general firewood guidelines suggest buying locally and burning on-site.
- Quiet hours are Suggested quiet hours are absent, but user reviews recommend banning generators overnight.
Hazards
General hazardsRisk of scorpions, ants in the campground, and spiders in vault toilets.
Active alertsHand pump for water is disabled as per user reviews.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 48%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Contact 1-800-533-3478 ext. 1147 for current lake conditions. Details for nearest hospital or emergency services are unavailable.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingThere is no specific mention of trash and recycling facilities. However, reviewers have noted trash buildup in some areas, particularly along the shoreline. One reviewer expressed a desire for a volunteer cleanup effort to address this issue: "Trash is starting to build up on the shoreline throughout the area - I wish we had brought litter pickup supplies."
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on J. Strom Thurmond Lake with lake access and a boat ramp.
Common complaintsReviews mention generator noise, broken water pumps, ants and spiders in restrooms, and inconsiderate campers affecting the experience.
HostNo camp host mentioned in official or user sources.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom the town of McCormick, continue on HWY 28 SW for 6.1 miles. Keep left to continue on SC-81 N. Turn right on State Rd S-33-39 until you reach the town of Willington. Large brown signs will guide you to the campground.
Accessible via paved roads; however, user reviews mention rough roads within the campground area.Nearby places
McCormick (6.1 miles), Willington (approximate distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supply locations unknown. Reviews advise campers to bring water due to the non-functional hand pump well.
Camper Reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Leroys Ferry Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Leroys Ferry Campground are generally positive, highlighting its peaceful setting, scenic views, and excellent fishing opportunities. However, complaints about noisy neighbors, broken water pumps, and the condition of restrooms are also common. "Peace and quiet!" and "The sites are scenic, quiet and private. Could not ask for better!!" capture the general sentiment, though some users noted issues with inconsiderate campers and lack of enforcement of rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently praise the campground's tranquility, scenic lakefront sites, and primitive charm. "Nice and peaceful and clean," wrote one user, while another remarked, "Beautiful sunsets and...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints often center around maintenance issues, including broken water pumps and dirty vault toilets. "The pump for the well is broken," noted one reviewer, while another commented, "The...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing sufficient water due to the broken pump and being prepared for primitive conditions. "Bring your own water. The pump for the well is broken," advised one reviewer. Another...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is quieter and more peaceful during off-peak seasons. For example, one user noted, "There was not another soul around," when visiting in January.
Based on 23 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "The sites are scenic, quiet and private. Could not ask for better!!" - Laura E.
2. "Nice waterfront sites with table, lantern post, and fire ring." - Dale S.
3. "Bathrooms were a lot cleaner than...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 10 is described as the largest and flattest, making it ideal for large vehicles. Site 1 received multiple mentions for being scenic and peaceful. Site 9 offers beautiful lake views. However,...
Based on 23 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were mentioned, though the vault toilets and picnic tables might provide some level of accommodation.
Based on 23 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There are no specific reviews about pet policies or experiences with pets at this campground.
Based on 23 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025