Mistletoe State Park lies on the 72,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake, offering waterfront camping in a pine forest setting. The park includes standard campsites, rustic cabins, and a limited number of yurt accommodations for visitors seeking alternatives to traditional camping near Grovetown, Georgia. Winter temperatures typically range from 35-55°F, with summer highs reaching 85-95°F and high humidity common from June through September.
What to do
Kayaking on the lake: Visitors at Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake enjoy direct water access from multiple sites. "Gorgeous lake with no sign of civilization across from the campground. We swam right from our site and loved it," reports one camper. The 70,000-acre lake provides excellent kayaking opportunities with minimal boat traffic on weekdays.
Fishing for multiple species: Anglers target largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. "The lake is amazing. The views are amazing," notes one visitor to Winfield Campground. Most waterfront sites include easy shoreline access for bank fishing, with dedicated fishing platforms available at some locations.
Hiking the trail system: The Rock Dam Trail at Magnolia Springs State Park Campground offers wildlife viewing opportunities. "We participated in a hike with the park manager where she told us about the animals in the park and even let us feel grey fox and beaver pelts. We saw vultures and an armadillo," shares one camper. Trails range from easy 0.5-mile loops to more challenging 3.5-mile routes.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake receives consistent praise for site layout. "The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views. The site has a fire ring with grill, a standing grill, a picnic table, and a prep table," notes a recent visitor. Many sites feature natural barriers creating separation between neighbors.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention bathroom cleanliness as a highlight. "The bathrooms were very clean, and the water hot. They had added a place to hang clothes while showering," reports a visitor to Magnolia Springs State Park. Most parks maintain regular cleaning schedules with warm showers available year-round.
Ranger-led activities: Educational programs enhance the camping experience. "We participated in a hike with the park manager... That finished with hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows! On Saturday we took the beginner archery lesson with another ranger," explains one Magnolia Springs camper. Activity schedules typically post at park offices with most programs running on weekends.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. While some areas maintain adequate coverage, others experience dead zones. Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival.
Seasonal weather considerations: Summer humidity can be intense, with thunderstorms common in late afternoon. Spring brings the most comfortable camping conditions with moderate temperatures and wildflowers. Fall camping offers cooler nights and colorful foliage.
Reservation requirements: Hamburg State Park Campground operates seasonally from mid-March to November. "Today was beautiful. We took the aqua cycle out. It can sit four people comfortably," notes one visitor. Most parks require advance reservations during peak seasons, with weekend spots filling 2-3 months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Elijah Clark State Park Campground offers designated swimming areas with gentle entry points. "We do advise if you're in a tent maybe not taking a direct lakefront spot because we literally had to tie down our tent to anything including our car because it got so windy from the winds across the lake," warns one camper. Swimming areas typically include rope boundaries and are monitored during summer months.
Educational opportunities: History exhibits and nature centers provide learning experiences. "This is the site of a lesser known confederate civil war prison. There was some archaeological work going on when we were there," explains one visitor to Magnolia Springs. Most parks offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Choose sites strategically: For families with small children, bathroom proximity matters. "Site 9 (handicapped site) was perfect for the grandparents as there was a short paved walkway straight to the bath house," notes a visitor to A. H. Stephens State Park Campground. Sites near playgrounds often book quickly during school breaks.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When selecting a yurt or camping spot at Back to Nature Garden Center, assess access routes carefully. "Small campground almost downtown but the dense woods make you feel like you're in the country. There's a family dollar next door if you forget anything," notes one camper. Most sites accommodate rigs up to 35 feet, with select pull-through options for larger vehicles.
Leveling challenges: Many lake-area campsites feature slight to moderate slopes. "Our site was fairly level, no boards needed," reports a camper at Hamburg State Park. Bring leveling blocks as terrain can vary considerably, especially after heavy rainfall.
Hookup locations: Electric and water connections sometimes require longer hoses and cords than standard. "Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways," explains one RVer. 30-amp service is standard at most parks, with 50-amp available at select locations.
