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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
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