Camping near J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Campers can find several good spots around J. Strom Thurmond Lake, where the fishing draws many people to Mistletoe State Park Campground. Hamilton Branch State Park Campground has some nice hiking trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. If you want to get out on the water, Elijah Clark State Park Campground rents kayaks right at the park. Calhoun Falls State Park Campground tends to have bigger sites and stays pretty quiet even on busy weekends. The bathrooms and showers at these parks are generally well-maintained. Most campsites are easy to reach on paved roads, though you might need to carry your gear a short distance at some spots. Make sure to keep your food secured since wildlife is common around the lake. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars as you'll likely see herons, osprey, and other water birds. Be aware that some campgrounds around the lake close during winter, so always check if your chosen campground is open before you go. Also worth noting - some of these parks don't allow alcohol, so check the rules if that matters to you. The lake is big (over 70,000 acres) with lots of coves and inlets to explore while camping in the area.
