Mistletoe State Park and Magnolia Springs State Park campgrounds offer traditional camping alongside upscale glamping options near Beech Island, South Carolina. Both parks sit on the Clarks Hill Lake system with water temperatures typically ranging between 75-85°F during summer months. Winter camping remains popular as temperatures rarely drop below freezing, creating year-round accessibility for campers seeking waterfront or wooded sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Mistletoe State Park Campground, anglers can catch largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass in the 70,000-acre Clarks Hill Lake. "Lots of water activities," notes camper Stephanie K., who enjoyed the lake access directly from her campsite.
Hiking trails: The Rock Dam Trail at Mistletoe State Park provides backcountry hiking with varying difficulty levels. "If you hike the trail from the Mistletoe parking lot counter-clockwise, site #1 is about 2.8 miles in, site #2 about 4.1 miles in, and site #3 about 4.8 miles in," explains Andy S., who checked out the backcountry sites along the trail.
Water recreation: Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake offers swimming, kayaking, and boating on calmer waters. "Great for water activities (kayaking, SUP, etc) with awesome evening views," says Scott M., noting its location on a peninsula that shields it from heavy boat traffic.
Skeet shooting and archery: Hickory Knob State Park Resort provides activities beyond typical glamping amenities. "Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting. Trails for hiking/biking," lists Brian B., mentioning the diverse recreation options available to campers.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Campsites with direct lake access rank as favorites among visitors to Clarks Hill Lake. "We had site #12. Waterfront excellent view of lake but sunny site. Sites had water, electric, concrete table, fire ring, and lantern hook," shares Rachel G. about her stay at Mistletoe State Park Campground.
Spacious sites: The campgrounds near Beech Island offer larger-than-average camping pads. At Winfield Campground, "the sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views. The site has a fire ring with grill, a standing grill, a picnic table, and a prep table," reports Greg S., highlighting the generous camping space.
Farm experience: For a unique glamping option in Beech Island, South Carolina, Crunchy Acres combines camping with farm life. "Come meet their chickens, goats, pigs, turkey, and rabbits! Rent go-carts or sit around the campfire with some s'mores," explains Ashley F., describing the 19-acre family farm.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses at most parks. "Everything in the park was very clean and well-maintained," notes Andy S. about his experience at Mistletoe State Park, while others appreciate the regular cleaning schedules at most campgrounds.
What you should know
Site selection tips: Choose sites based on your specific needs for shade, water access, and privacy. "Sites #1 & #2 are best for tents. There is good separation between all sites," advises Andy S. about Mistletoe's walk-in tent sites, adding, "Site #2 is definitely best — feet from the water, spacious, suitable for more than one tent or hammock."
Water level variations: Lake levels can change dramatically throughout the year. "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 to get to it," warns Andy S. about certain backcountry sites, suggesting springtime visits when water levels are higher.
Ants and insects: Be prepared for the local wildlife, especially insects. "The entire park sits on a mound of ants. ants everywhere. ants of all varieties," warns c K. about Hickory Knob State Park Resort, a sentiment echoed at several area campgrounds.
Distance from supplies: Most campgrounds are relatively isolated. "Because 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 Stuart K. about camping at Hickory Knob.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Family-oriented recreation options keep children engaged. "The park had several great activities for kids... The camp store has most of your camping needs and other items," shares Bill C. about Magnolia Springs State Park Campground, which features nature programs and ranger-led activities.
Playgrounds and swimming: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "This is a great family campground on a beautiful lake with most sites directly on the water. Our boys kayaked all weekend. Great beach area as well," says April B. about her experience at Winfield Campground, highlighting recreational options for children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe alligators and turtles safely from designated areas. "I love going to the spring and seeing the turtles. Or looking on the banks to see the alligator sunning," explains Joy D., describing the wildlife viewing at Magnolia Springs.
Equipment loans: Some parks offer free equipment for younger visitors. "Free fishing pole for kids," notes Amy C. from her stay at Mistletoe State Park, mentioning an amenity particularly appreciated by families with children interested in fishing.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads or site configurations. "Some sites are challenging to back into but worth the effort," explains Rob W. about Hickory Knob, advising RVers to carefully select sites based on their vehicle size and backing skills.
Hookup options: Electrical and water services vary by campground and site. "Sites had water, electric, concrete table, fire ring, and lantern hook. Not much barrier between sites but sites were good size just open," describes Rachel G., noting the amenities available at Mistletoe State Park.
Road conditions: Be prepared for variable road quality within parks. "The only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is the fact that the campground road is in pretty rough shape," warns Tracy H. about Hickory Knob, cautioning RV drivers about potential access challenges.
Site leveling: Many sites require minimal leveling. "New-ish pad was still soft but pretty level. Sewer pipes stick out a good 6 or 8 inches. Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways," details Kevin H. about Plum Branch RV Park, providing specific information about hookup locations and site conditions.
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