Campsites around Lake Thurmond offer diverse camping experiences from tent-only locations to full RV hookups. The region sits at approximately 330 feet above sea level with clay-rich shorelines that can become muddy during rain. Most campgrounds maintain access year-round, though some facilities close during winter months, and many waterfront sites require early booking during peak summer season.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: At Mistletoe State Park Campground, visitors can explore the Sassafras Loop trail which follows the lakeshore for scenic views. According to a camper, "I did the Sassafras Loop trail which follows the lake shore most of time and great views the rest. Our dogs loved all the space."
Fishing from shore: The clay and rock shorelines at Baker Creek provide multiple fishing spots directly accessible from campsites. "We had a blast on the water - which was pretty cool as they had never spent any time on a lake before," noted one visitor about their family experience at Baker Creek.
Water sports rentals: Elijah Clark State Park Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for those without their own equipment. "Canoes and kayaks for rent and close enough to a town to drive in to if you tire of campfire meals," explains one camper who visited Elijah Clark twice in one year.
Skeet shooting: For campers seeking non-water activities, Hickory Knob provides skeet shooting opportunities alongside archery ranges. A visitor noted, "Better bring a cart or a bike. It's a long way to everywhere here. But they have it all. Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting."
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, mid-week visits offer the most peaceful experience. One Tugaloo camper mentioned, "During week it was relatively empty but on Friday the campground started to fill up."
Lakefront sunsets: Richard B Russell State Park Campground offers spectacular western-facing sites for optimal sunset viewing. A visitor reported, "Beautiful sunsets! We will def be back, just not in the heat of summer."
Waterfront access: Many sites at Springfield - Hartwell Lake provide direct water entry. "We stayed at one of the small loops, waterfront right at a small cove. Very nice side, some shade but decent water access. No problem to launch the canoe and the sup," shared one visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer opportunities to spot deer and other wildlife around Baker Creek. "Several deer, raccoons and snakes were spotted," noted one camper about their experience at the park.
What you should know
Water levels fluctuate: Lake levels can vary significantly by season, affecting water access at some sites. "If the water is low like it was when I was here, the lake water was not accessible - you'd have to trudge through 50 feet of mud," warned one visitor to Tugaloo State Park Campground.
Site terrain varies: Many campgrounds feature gravel sites that may not be ideal for tent campers without proper padding. "Sites had no groomed tent pads - just gravelly ground," explained a Mistletoe State Park visitor.
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal bathroom facilities for the number of sites. A Richard B Russell visitor noted, "There is only one bathhouse for the campers and only 2 showers and 3 potty's in there for all 28 campsites."
Red clay shorelines: Beaches around the lake are often composed of clay rather than sand. "Beach is made of clay so be sure to wear shoes unless you don't mind red feet," cautioned a Hickory Knob State Park Resort visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Best yurts for families: Yurt camping near Abbeville, South Carolina offers a comfortable option for families with small children, particularly at Mistletoe State Park. "Free fishing pole for kids," mentioned one visitor who stayed in a cabin at the park.
Playground access: Sadlers Creek State Park Campground features family-friendly facilities. "The playground is very nice. The bathrooms, especially the ones by the office, are kept very clean," reported a camper.
Swimming options: For families planning water activities, check if designated swimming areas are available. "We swam almost all day every day we were here. The lake is beautiful, there are plenty of places to swim, and tons of shoreline to explore," shared a Sadlers Creek visitor.
Tent pad considerations: Some sites lack designated tent pads which can impact comfort. A Sadlers Creek camper warned, "The only complaint I have is that our campsite didn't have a tent pad (not disclosed on the website) and it was all gravel, so we were pretty uncomfortable with only sleeping bags to lay on."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Many campgrounds have tight turns and narrow roads that can be difficult for larger rigs. "Not big rig friendly. I have a 43ft 5th Wheel and it was very tight navigating through the park," cautioned a Tugaloo visitor.
Campsite selection: For RVers seeking lakefront views with adequate space, specific loops offer better options. "Sites in the 60-90 loop looked the best with water views and shade and most were pull through," noted a visitor to Tugaloo State Park.
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds provide water and electric but lack sewer connections at individual sites. "Water, electric, and cable at the sites with grey water dumps very numerous," explained a Tugaloo camper about the available facilities.
Road conditions: Access roads within some parks require careful navigation. "Rough roads, poor shower house, undeveloped sites. But man, what a view," commented a Baker Creek visitor about the tradeoffs at this location for those considering yurt camping around Abbeville, South Carolina.
