108 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lincolnton, Georgia sits along the shorelines of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, providing access to multiple waterfront camping options. Elijah Clark State Park offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with full water and electric hookups within city limits. Surrounding the area, several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds including Winfield, Petersburg, and Modoc provide additional developed camping options along the lake's extensive shoreline. Most campgrounds feature a mix of tent and RV sites with varying levels of amenities, from primitive lakeside spots to full-service sites with electricity, water, and sewer connections.
Access to campgrounds remains available year-round at several locations, though some Army Corps sites like Winfield and Modoc operate seasonally from March through September. "Every site is on the water," notes one camper describing Hawe Creek Campground, highlighting the premium lakefront positioning that makes this region particularly attractive. Most campgrounds feature boat ramps and fishing areas, with some offering swimming beaches and designated recreation areas. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Weather conditions remain mild through most seasons, with comfortable camping possible from early spring through late fall.
Lakefront camping represents the primary attraction near Lincolnton, with most sites offering direct water access or views of J. Strom Thurmond Lake. Campers consistently mention privacy and spaciousness as standout features at many locations. According to one visitor, Winfield Campground is "quiet and peaceful, tucked up the Little River and therefore not on the main body of Clarks Hill Lake which sees a good deal of boat traffic in the summer months." The surrounding area offers numerous water recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, and paddling. Many campgrounds provide boat launches or fishing piers for easy water access. Sites at Mistletoe State Park and Hamilton Branch State Park receive particularly strong reviews for their water proximity, size, and privacy between sites. Travelers should note that bathroom facilities vary significantly between locations, with some offering modern amenities while others maintain more basic accommodations.
"Mistletoe State Park is another great Georgia State Park."
"We spent a couple of nights in Mistletoe State Park in Georgia while we investigated my husband's ancestry. This park is truly beautiful."
from $12 - $175 / night
Check Availability"From the main entrance is a winding wooded road to the main store."
"Set up well for families with children… room to ride bikes, scooters, skateboards; playground; putt putt course; trails to walk; beach areas all around the camp ground for easy access to the water."
from $20 - $250 / night
Check Availability"The downside to this design is that sites on the left side of the T shape, back in with the trailers camp side facing the road, not the lake."
"We checked in on a Thursday evening from the drive from Florida. Campsite was chosen from a map, which seemed to have an upfront water access."
"There is water and electric at each site for those who are in a RV but the dump sites are pretty close by. We will definitely be back!"
"Lakeside lot with incredible space. Dog friendly and they enjoyed being able to go for a swim right outside of the camper."
from $22 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Winfield is a compartively little-known USACE campground situated on a peninsula near the more heavily-traffic Mistletoe State Park."
"It’s right on the lake. There is a retaining wall at the water so it’s about a 3” step to the water. We plan to bring a sep ladder next time. Beautiful place to spend your time camping."
from $32 / night
Check Availability"The campground is situated on Strom Thurmond Lake. The campground is run by the Army Corp of Engineers. There is a boat launh and fishing pier near by Dorn Fishing Facility."
"Every site has an awesome view and easy access to the water - wth tons of privacy between sites!"
from $28 - $32 / night
Check Availability"If you are looking for a near perfect lakeside camping experience in the 'Low Country' here in South Carolina, than you may have just found the perfect getaway! "
"Trails for hiking/biking. Nice sites close to the lake. Shower house is just adequate, barely."
"We were able to drag water floats and things down to the waters edge outside our site."
"Easy access to the lake for fishing. We stayed at site 17 might be better if we had a small pull behind for this site but oh well we made the best of it and enjoyed our trip."
"Lots of RVs and pull behinds. Sites were well spaced. We had 15 and it was great, I would stay at the same site again. Water and electric at all sites. Access to water from majority of sites."
"Quiet beautiful good fishing, minimal bugs, waded in the sandy edge of the lake. We will be back."
from $22 - $64 / night
Check Availability"This is one of South Carolina's furthest afield campgrounds (any closer to Georgia and you'd be in that state!)"
"Our side has a walkway/steps to the lake. There was a sandy area to the lake. There is NOTHING near by so make sure you take your food for the stay."
ScoutI live in Augusta but looked over the campsite for possible guests. The close proximity to our home and grocery shopping is a plus. The combination of a garden center and petting zoo was a real plus for small great grand kids. I'm going to recommend this as an option for visiting relatives.
GuideUsed mostly as a hunter camp, the available site is right at the closed gates and has space for maybe six vehicles bunched close together. Cell service was spotty but the site is atleast far enough from the road that you experience almost zero traffic noise.
TravelerLoved the big well laid out sites right on the lake. Woods between sites so neighbors were at a distance. Beautiful view of the lake. Quiet. Bathroom uphill but not too far. We want to come back when we can stay for a few days.
GuideSpent 3 nights in loop 1 #14. Site was smaller than expected but made it work. Campground is clean and well maintained, bathrooms clean with good water pressure and hot water. Rangers did the rounds every few hours in truck, but only in office 4-5 pm daily. Site held up well (no rivers) during thunderstorms.
ScoutBeautiful camping area.
GuideI would caution those who arrive on a weekend and expect a quiet respite. It is wall to wall huge RV’s and trailers. People are here with boats, golf carts, big outside TV’s and LOUD music that went on until 9:45 at night (camp hosts finally shut down the party scene). Many groups were clearly gathering for a good time. Weekdays may be an entirely different experience. That being said, the bathrooms were outstanding. Great showers (complete with shelves and hooks), and even heated. No complaints here.
ScoutWe needed a last minute site for an overnight stay only. Used Dyrt app and found a few sites available. Not able to make reservations online at recreation.gov, so we pulled into the campground hoping one was still available. The gatehouse attendant confirmed there were a few sites available, but she said that the camp staff was not allowed to register a new camp guest or take payment. She directed us to a phone number so we pulled over and spoke to an agent by phone. We only needed one night as we were just using this as a stopover on our way home, but there is a minimum of two nights. We were tired & not willing to drive to another campground, so we paid for the 2 nights. We had site #93 which is not waterfront. More than enough room on gravel pad for our van. Be careful of poison ivy at back of site beyond the pad. A bit of a walk to the restroom. It was ok. Basically clean but needs some general upkeep. Campground gates are locked from 10pm to 7am, but campers are given a code in case they need to go in/out at other hours.
RangerWinfield Campground is open, upon arrival we were told that after 2+ years closed they are finally open again.
This COE park is beautiful, has approximately 80 site of which about 90% of them are lake front. Most sites are VERY large and provide a decent amount of privacy.
Each site has a picnic table, fire ring/grill combo, as well as a separate standing grill and food preparation table. All have electric/water hookups, no sewer, but there is a dump station.
The bathhouses are slightly dated but during our stay were cleaned well daily.
There is also a boat ramp and dock/fishing pier, playground, and unstaffed swimming beach. (All located near sites numbered in the 70's)
TravelerWonderful views of the lake, tall pines, quiet. Bathhouse is clean but a little older.
Lakefront camping dominates the landscape near Lincolnton, Georgia, with most sites offering direct water access to the 70,000-acre J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The lake features over 1,000 miles of shoreline with campsites situated on peninsulas, coves, and protected inlets. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with spring bringing higher levels while late summer and fall may reveal clay shorelines at some campgrounds.
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities: Petersburg Campground offers excellent access for paddlers with calm waters in protected coves. "During my March stay the hot water was not working in the shower. That happens, nbd. There was nothing else that didn't delight me. The USACOE sets a standard for excellence at Petersburg Campground," notes one visitor who enjoyed paddling there.
Mountain biking trails: The Bartram Trail runs directly through Petersburg Campground, offering over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. A visitor confirms, "Bartram Trail, terrific mountain for biking and hiking passes through the property. Some of the sites are stellar."
Skeet shooting and archery: Hickory Knob State Park provides specialized activities not commonly found at other area campgrounds. "It does have a nice golf course and skeet shooting, kayak rentals, cabins, a restaurant and a pool," says one camper, while another notes they "have it all. Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting."
Private lakefront access: Campers consistently praise the spaciousness between sites at Hamilton Branch State Park. One reviewer highlights, "Sooooo many beautiful campsites to choose from! Lots of trees and spaced apart," while another mentions that "sites are well spaced. We had 15 and it was great, I would stay at the same site again."
Quiet coves away from boat traffic: Winfield Campground receives high marks for its sheltered location. "Quiet and peaceful, it's tucked up the Little River and therefore not on the main body of Clarks Hill Lake which sees a good deal of boat traffic in the summer months," notes a camper who appreciated the tranquility.
Large pull-through sites: RV campers appreciate the spacious sites at Petersburg Campground. "Our pull thru site was huge! Large enough for our 35' and loads of room at both sides of the pull thru," shares one camper who valued the extra space.
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Modoc Campground runs from March 31 to September 30, while Winfield operates from March 29 to September 28. Baker Creek State Park traditionally closed for winter but is undergoing renovations. "The park is closing the end of October 2020 as usual but is not projected to open in 2021 until 1 May once renovations are complete... Once the park reopens, it will be open YEAR ROUND," reports a visitor.
Ant problems: Multiple campgrounds report ant issues. One camper at Hickory Knob notes, "The entire park sits on a mound of ants. ants everywhere. ants of all varieties." At Hawe Creek, a visitor recommends to "use something for ants or you will be covered up in them, including from limbs touching."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can impact the camping experience dramatically. A recent camper at Hickory Knob observed, "We didn't realize water level was down. Didn't affect the views but trodding the mud to get to the water made kayaking a little challenging."
Beaches and swimming areas: Mistletoe State Park offers designated swimming spots that are family-friendly. "Love the big selection of waterfront sites," writes one camper, while another mentions "lots of water activities" and "comfort stations close and clean."
Playground equipment: Several campgrounds maintain play areas for children. Calhoun Falls features "a huge well maintained beach and two playgrounds for the little ones," while Elijah Clark State Park offers "putt putt, the playground and the beach area."
Educational opportunities: Elijah Clark State Park features historical exhibits and learning opportunities. "Inside the store they also have a mini library you can borrow from and next to that a nature area with a live snake and turtles," reports one family. "There is also plenty of history to see, experience and learn about."
Campsite selection strategies: At Elijah Clark State Park, site orientation matters. One RVer notes that "many of the sites did not take advantage of the view of the lake by having the hookups on the 'wrong' side of the site," suggesting careful selection based on rig layout.
Hook-up variations: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. While most offer 50-amp service, some like Elijah Clark provide both 30-amp and 50-amp options. One RVer advises, "Sites had water, electric, concrete table, fire ring, and lantern hook. Not much barrier between sites but sites were good size just open."
Supply logistics: Limited nearby shopping requires preparation. An RVer at Hickory Knob advises, "Better bring a cart or a bike. It's a long way to everywhere here," while another camper notes "the nearest town of McCormick is a bit of a hike to get to (think at least a 20 minute drive on slow moving, winding country roads), be sure to bring everything you need with you."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lincolnton, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lincolnton, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Lincolnton, GA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Lincolnton, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lincolnton, GA is Mistletoe State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 66 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lincolnton, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Lincolnton, GA.
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