9 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cabins near Calhoun Falls offer diverse accommodation styles at state parks like Elijah Clark and Hickory Knob. Most cabins include electricity, water hookups, and basic furniture, though amenities vary between locations. Waterfront options provide scenic views and easy lake access for outdoor activities. "Loved hickory Knobb state park. It was very clean and well taken care of," notes one visitor about the popular state resort park. Several properties feature cabins with picnic tables, fire rings, and proximity to bathroom facilities, making them suitable for family getaways.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Hickory Knob State Park Resort offers more upscale cabin accommodations with additional amenities like golf, swimming pool access, and on-site restaurant facilities. Richard B. Russell State Park provides cabins with electric hookups and water access. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer months when lakeside cabins fill quickly. Most cabin sites are pet-friendly with some restrictions. A camper mentioned, "We launched our kayak from campsite," highlighting the convenience of waterfront cabin locations for recreation.
Most cabins require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Basic cooking facilities are typically available, though configurations vary by location. On-site camp stores at larger parks like Elijah Clark provide essentials, firewood, and ice, though some visitors note the inconvenience of having to travel to the visitor center for supplies. Food Lion in McCormick, approximately 20 minutes from Hickory Knob, serves as the nearest full grocery option. Cabin guests should plan accordingly, especially for longer stays, as rural locations mean limited access to provisions without significant travel time.
"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 this weekend
from $20 - $250 / night
"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 this weekend
from $34 - $185 / 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 this weekend
from $12 - $190 / night
"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 this weekend
"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."
"Very nice quiet park with a small campground (21 sites, all with electric and water). The sites are shaded, and flat with a gravel drive and tent pad."
"There is a picnic table and a fire pit with a built in grill, but we cooked on our Coleman stove and charcoal grill mostly. The drive down is washed out a bit but a 2 wheel drive Tahoe handled it."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $85 / 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 this weekend
from $27 - $230 / night
"Lake access at every campsite. Breeze from the lake all day. Plenty of trees to choose from for the perfect hammock spot. I had a great sunrise and sunset view with shade during the day."
"This is a beautifully maintained State Park/KOA. The site we had was right next to the bank of the lake....we could have fished from inside our tent. It was nice and quiet."
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!
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.
TravelerWell maintained, clean and quiet. Sites are level and lake view is amazing. Convenient store 3 miles from the camp area.
Cabin accommodations near Calhoun Falls, South Carolina vary widely in terrain and access. Located in the Savannah River Basin at approximately 400 feet elevation, the area experiences hot, humid summers with average temperatures in the 90s and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most cabin facilities at state parks in this region require advance planning as weekend availability can be limited year-round, especially during fall color season from mid-October through early November.
Water activities at Clark's Hill Lake: Visitors can launch kayaks directly from their campsites at Elijah Clark State Park, which provides convenient water access. "We launched our kayak from campsite," notes Susan H., highlighting the ease of water recreation without needing to transport equipment to boat ramps.
Historical exploration: The region offers significant historical sites near cabin accommodations. At Richard B Russell State Park, visitors can explore the park's historical context while enjoying modern amenities. One camper observed, "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."
Golf access: Cabin stays can include golf course access at certain locations. The Hickory Knob State Park Resort facilities include an 18-hole golf course with tee times that should be reserved in advance. A visitor commented, "We went specifically to golf, and had a great round. You do need to reserve a tee time."
Lake views and swimming areas: Lakefront cabin options provide direct water views and access. At Mistletoe State Park, cabins offer excellent views of Clark's Hill Reservoir. "This is a review of the four walk-in tent sites at Mistletoe State Park. The best site is definitely #2 -- feet from the water, spacious, suitable for more than one tent or hammock," explains Andy S., describing the proximity to water at various sites.
Well-maintained facilities: Cabins and associated facilities receive regular maintenance at most parks. At Tugaloo State Park, the cabins and grounds are consistently maintained. "Bath houses were very clean and spacious. Have a couple of hiking trails. I did the Sassafras Loop trail which follows the lake shore most of time and great views the rest," shares Liz H. about the overall cleanliness and trail options.
Variety of cabin layouts: Different parks offer unique cabin configurations to suit various needs. Elijah Clark State Park provides both waterfront and wooded options. "What's a great place to stay! Beautiful colors for the fall, waterfront campsites, water and electric hook ups and back-in AND pull-through spots available," writes Wanda C., describing the various site options.
Seasonal considerations: Summer cabin rentals book months in advance, particularly at waterfront locations. Prepare for hot, humid conditions from June through September with daytime temperatures consistently above 85°F. "Nice and quite on the lake. not a big crowd in march," notes Swain K. about off-season visits to Elijah Clark.
Limited services: Most cabin areas have restricted access to supplies and services. The nearest full grocery options may require significant driving time. At Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday, a visitor cautioned: "It's a bit of a walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night with little light so make sure you have a flashlight."
Weather preparations: Lake effect weather can impact cabin stays, particularly for exposed sites. Wind and storms can develop quickly across open water. "We literally had to tie down our tent to anything including our car because it got so windy from the winds across the lake," reports Kirsten W., describing their experience at Elijah Clark State Park.
Beach access options: Several cabin locations provide child-friendly swimming areas with gradual entry points. At Watson Mill Bridge State Park, families can enjoy water activities near the historic covered bridge. "We LOVED the hike to the bridge, about 6/10 of a mile. You will pass the ruins of an old hydro power plant," shares Rebecca L.
Cabin proximity to facilities: For families with young children, consider cabin locations in relation to restrooms and showers. At Richard B Russell State Park, a visitor noted, "There isn't water access from the site but you can see the water from some sites. Bath house was clean but a decent uphill walk away from most sites as there is only one."
Wildlife education opportunities: Cabins provide opportunities to observe local wildlife safely. At Elijah Clark State Park, the nature center offers educational 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," describes Bill C.
Site leveling considerations: Many cabin areas also accommodate RVs but require leveling equipment. At Tugaloo State Park, guests should prepare for uneven terrain. "Getting to the campsites is pretty tight but once you are parked, it is just beautiful overlooking the lake," explains Benita P. about the access challenges.
Utility connections: For those bringing RVs, connection quality varies significantly between parks. Check specific site details regarding amperage and water pressure before booking. "We had a true adventure when we stayed there. The place was beautiful we camped overlooking the lake," shares Kirsten W. about their Elijah Clark experience.
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research site dimensions carefully, as many older cabin areas have limited turning radius for larger rigs. At Hickory Knob, one camper mentioned, "Our spot was woodsy and secluded. A little small for our camper but once we got it into the spot, it was great."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Calhoun Falls, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Calhoun Falls, 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 Calhoun Falls, SC?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 cabin camping locations near Calhoun Falls, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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