8 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Cabins near Abbeville provide lakeside accommodations at several state parks, with Hickory Knob State Park Resort offering the most extensive options. Most cabins include basic furnishings, heating and air conditioning, along with kitchen facilities with refrigerators, stoves, and basic cookware. Waterfront cabins at Hickory Knob provide scenic lake views and easy water access. "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," notes one visitor about the cabins at Hickory Knob. Elijah Clark State Park also offers cabin accommodations with similar amenities.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Hickory Knob State Park features both standard and deluxe cabin options, with deluxe units offering more spacious layouts and updated interiors. Most cabins accommodate 4-6 people with bedroom configurations varying by location. Pet policies differ between parks, with Hickory Knob allowing pets in some but not all cabin units. As one camper noted, "We loved Hickory Knob state park. It was very clean and well taken care of." Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months and weekends when lakeside cabins fill quickly.
Most furnished cabins include beds with mattresses but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen equipment typically includes basic cookware, dishes, and utensils, though quality and completeness varies by location. State park cabins generally provide more complete kitchen setups than private campground options. Food Lion in McCormick, about 20 minutes from Hickory Knob, serves as the nearest full grocery store. "Because the nearest town of McCormick is a bit of a hike to get to, be sure to bring everything you need with you," advises a regular visitor. On-site camp stores at some parks offer limited provisions for forgotten items.
"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."
"Beautiful colors for the fall, waterfront campsites, water and electric hook ups and back-in AND pull-through spots available."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $265 / night
"The main feature is the lake. Fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming. Stayed at site #12. Waterfront excellent view of lake but sunny site."
"We camped in one of the tent only walk-in sites located on a peninsula jutting into the lake. We had a ton of stuff, not realizing it was an uphill and pretty long trek, but it was totally worth it."
Available next weekend
from $12 - $190 / night
"Hickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace"
"Most of the sites have a nice view if the lake. Some do have a steep drop off, so you’ll need to walk to the launch area (dirt slope) for access. We went specifically to golf, and had a great round."
"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."
Available next weekend
"It was super hot when we went, but the park is full of a lot to offer. The beach is nice and was never crowded. We hiked and biked the trails. They are well maintained."
"Bath house was clean but a decent uphill walk away from most sites as there is only one. Plenty of boat ramps, beach, golf course."
Available next weekend
from $34 - $185 / night
"This is a clean and cozy setting. Book your stay and leave them some love."
from $75 / night
"Tugaloo state Park: This Georgia State Park offers a multitude of activities from hiking, paddling, boating, fishing, swimming, putt putt, tennis/pickleball court and biking the park roads to name a few"
"We were lakeside on a pull through that was a bit short for us. The site was amazing we could kayak up to our site. Pet friendly, family friendly. Power, Electric, gray water dumps near each site."
Available next weekend
from $27 - $265 / night
"Happening upon Lake Hartwell State Park, was a find! We were traveling light, heading to the Hendersonville, NC area for bagging waterfalls and cascades and some ridge hikes."
"Lake Hartwell State Park was a welcome relief after staying at an overcrowded RV resort. There was more privacy and definitely more shade."
Available next weekend
"Whether camping in a tent or renting a cabin, all are $20 per night. 🤔 Beautiful lake, flushing toilets and hot showers. I am passing through but see others boating, fishing and hunting."
GuideSites are not level. Thousand trails is currently not investing. Any money in improving the sites. Half of the sites in the park are going back to nature. The roads are falling apart and the inclines are not big rig friendly.
LegendHickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
GuideI had avoided KOA in the past as I heard not great things about it, but I have to rethink my position after this visit. The staff really seemed to care about the facilities and take great care of them.!
TravelerStayed here a few times at different sites and always love it! I tent camp, so can't speak to the cabins or RV sites. Never too busy when I've gone in May and August. Tent sites are right on the water, so it's easy to move between swimming and your site. Other campers have been friendly. Water spigots near the campsites that usually run clear, I've drank from them with no issue. If you're keen on an air mattress, you can usually find an empty RV site to plug in your pump and then just carry the inflated mattress to your site. No drive ups, though sites like T10-13 are pretty darn close to the parking. T1-2 are a bit further from their closest parking, but still not bad. 1/2 are a bit set off from the rest with a fairly steep drop off that overlooks the beach, so be careful! Small trail leads you down to the water. 9 and 10-13 are close together, with 9 a bit set apart. Can't speak to the other sites personally. Boats don't come too close to the swimming sections by the campsites which is nice. Good mix of sun and shade. Got absolutely poured on (even inside my tent) one trip and still had a great time, easy place to have fun. Nearest grocery store is pretty far, so make one trip for supplies on the way up and enjoy camping the rest of the time.
GuideBeautiful park with lake views. Some of the roads through the campground were bumpy. Views were worth it though. Most spots in the area of my site were shady, even if a bit close. It was hot in June, so the shade was welcome. Bathhouse was newer and clean.
GuideI had a nice site overlooking the lake. Wonderful views, even if the lake levels were low. It was a little narrow to back into, but worth it. Facilities were nice and clean. Staff friendly and helpful. There was a burn ban in effect, so we used Solo stoves.
ScoutIt is a beautiful cozy campsite , where you can relax and the kids have plenty to do
ScoutLoved this campground... Extra clean facilities. The atmosphere here felt serene and calm. Thoroughly enjoyed this relaxing trip. Would recommend this place!
TravelerGreat views of the water. Site 30 was level. Even with the site not on the water we had great views. The bath house is a small hike up hill. But very clean and was getting a fresh load of paint. Very clean park. Park host were very nice and helpful.
State parks near Abbeville, South Carolina offer well-appointed cabin accommodations within a 40-mile radius of the city. These lakeside cabins provide year-round options for visitors seeking more structured lodging than tent camping. Water temperature at Lake Thurmond averages 87°F in summer months and drops to around 55°F during winter, making seasonal planning important for water activities.
Boating access points: Lake Hartwell State Park provides excellent facilities for water enthusiasts. "Great park if you are into water sports (kayaking, paddle boarding, boating or fishing) this is a perfect park," notes a visitor to Lake Hartwell State Park.
Skeet shooting opportunities: Hickory Knob offers recreational shooting among its unique activities. One visitor to Hickory Knob State Park Resort mentioned the variety of options: "They have it all. Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting. Trails for hiking/biking. Nice sites close to the lake."
Water recreation access: Many cabins have direct water access for swimming. At Elijah Clark State Park, one camper observed, "We had a true adventure when we stayed there. The place was beautiful we camped overlooking the lake. You can go swimming in the summer too, we went when it was still cold so no swimming for us."
Lakefront privacy: The layout at Richard Russell State Park provides a peaceful setting. "Great camp ground with a lot of amenities. Nice well cared for spots with lots of shade," explains a visitor to Richard B Russell State Park.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at Mistletoe State Park receive consistent praise. A camper reported, "Everything in the park was very clean and well-maintained, although when I was here in September (during the week), the whole place was basically deserted anyway," while staying at Mistletoe State Park.
Scenic water views: Many cabin sites offer direct lake views. "Site 18 had great water access. Beach is made of clay so be sure to wear shoes unless you don't mind red feet," notes a visitor to Hickory Knob State Park Resort.
Distance to supplies: The remote location requires planning ahead. "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," advises a camper from Hickory Knob.
Seasonal considerations: Lake activities vary throughout the year. A visitor to Elijah Clark State Park mentioned, "Nice and quiet on the lake. Not a big crowd in March."
Insect management: Fire ants can be problematic in summer months. One Lake Hartwell visitor warned, "Our only complaint was the entire campsite was one large fire ant hill! We had to travel to the local dollar general to get ant spray to help with the infestation."
Playground access: Some parks offer child-friendly recreation areas. A visitor to Elijah Clark noted, "The kiddos enjoyed playing putt putt, the playground and the beach area. There is also plenty of history to see, experience and learn about."
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. One Richard Russell visitor mentioned, "The beach and boating facilities were very nice. The playgrounds were still closed off due to Covid-19. We saw lots of wildlife, lots of stars at night."
Beach conditions: Lake beaches have varied terrain to consider. A Tugaloo visitor shared through Tugaloo State Park: "Most campsites have views of the lake and access directly to the stoney beaches. Lots of mature trees make shade an easily accessible feature."
Site leveling challenges: Some campsites require additional work. A Tugaloo visitor cautioned, "Some of the roads leading to the site are rough because of roots pushing through the paving."
Hookup considerations: Most cabin camping areas near Abbeville offer partial hookups. At Green Acres, which provides a smaller alternative to state parks, guests can access a more intimate setting with necessary amenities in a "clean and cozy setting."
Dump station logistics: Plan for waste management needs. A Lake Hartwell visitor noted, "No sewer hookups but each loop has a dump station. We stayed at site 42 lake view and level with a little incline to pad."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Abbeville, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Abbeville, SC is Elijah Clark State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Abbeville, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 cabin camping locations near Abbeville, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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