Best Campgrounds near Clarks Hill, SC

Are you in need of a campground near Clarks Hill, SC? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Clarks Hill. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Clarks Hill, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Clarks Hill, South Carolina (95)

    1. Mistletoe State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Appling, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 541-0321

    $12 - $175 / night

    "Tucked way back in a big pine forest and nestled right up on the banks of Clarks Hill Reservoir it is well worth the effort to find reservations at this park."

    "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."

    2. Hamilton Branch State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Modoc, SC
    7 miles
    Website

    "The downside to this design is that sites on the left side of the T shape, back in with the trailers camp side facing the road, not the lake."

    "We checked in on a Thursday evening from the drive from Florida. Campsite was chosen from a map, which seemed to have an upfront water access."

    3. Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake

    31 Reviews
    Modoc, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 541-9464

    $18 - $50 / night

    "Most have access to water and if the lake level is good, there is usually some beach area at most sites where you can swim, tie off a boat."

    "There is water and electric at each site for those who are in a RV but the dump sites are pretty close by. We will definitely be back!"

    4. Modoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake

    12 Reviews
    Modoc, SC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 333-2272

    $22 - $64 / night

    "Lots of RVs and pull behinds. Sites were well spaced. We had 15 and it was great, I would stay at the same site again. Water and electric at all sites. Access to water from majority of sites."

    "Quiet beautiful good fishing, minimal bugs, waded in the sandy edge of the lake. We will be back."

    5. Ridge Road - J Strom Thurmond Lake

    6 Reviews
    Modoc, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 541-0282

    $22 - $64 / night

    "Easy walk down to the water, lovely breeze, quiet. We were close to the ADA bathhouse that was immaculate."

    "Tons of trees and most sites are on right on the lake. The water is amazingly clear."

    6. Elijah Clark State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Lincolnton, GA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 359-3458

    $20 - $170 / night

    "From the main entrance is a winding wooded road to the main store."

    "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."

    7. Bussey Point Wilderness Area

    5 Reviews
    Modoc, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 533-3478

    "Campground rates are $10 per night and reservations must be made now through recreation.gov

    All sites are waterfront On Clark Hill Lake(Strom Thurmond Lake) 

    If you pack it on, pack it out."

    "There's no power which is perfect for camping off grid away from all the trailers.

    The campsites are right on the water and the view is beautiful."

    8. Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake

    11 Reviews
    Appling, GA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 541-0147

    $32 / night

    "Winfield is a compartively little-known USACE campground situated on a peninsula near the more heavily-traffic Mistletoe State Park."

    "It’s right on the lake. There is a retaining wall at the water so it’s about a 3” step to the water. We plan to bring a sep ladder next time. Beautiful place to spend your time camping."

    9. Pointes West Army Resort

    6 Reviews
    J. Strom Thurmond Lake, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 541-1057

    $7 - $25 / night

    "Sites L, M, and N are all on a little peninsula that sticks out into Clarks Hill Lake, and are our personal favorites!"

    "The only reason why I didn't give a 5 star was because we were very close to neighbors. They were all in a row so if you open your curtains others can see you. Full hookups."

    10. Wildwood County Park

    4 Reviews
    Modoc, SC
    7 miles
    Website

    "This park is just a few miles away from Mistletoe and we only stayed here because we could not get a site at Mistletoe."

    "Walking to other areas of the campground was a hike of several miles. Free WiFi available. Enjoyed our stay!"

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Recent Reviews near Clarks Hill, SC

430 Reviews of 95 Clarks Hill Campgrounds


  • Bobbie S.
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Carolina Hill Mobile Home and RV Park

    Peaceful

    Traveling for my husband's work. Kimberly Clark is six minutes away. Moved in one day ago and I already know that I absolutely LOVE it here! Zero road noise, large sites, shade trees and laundry room. Robbie in the office is as sweet as can be. Met the owner this morning, very nice man. If you walk around the park four times, you have walked a mile. Will try to remember to update this review when we leave. update Still love it here and would absolutely stay here again ❤️

  • Bobbie S.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Pine Acres Campground and RV Park

    Not a bad stay.

    Spent three weeks here for my husband's work. Many full time renter's. My neighbors were wonderful people. The office manager, Tammy, was absolutely amazing! There was no openings at any campground in the area and she was able to work it out for us to be able to move in. They are working on adding a lower area for more sites. Sadly, there are no trees down there. The current sites are pretty close together. I would not be able to open my awning all the way if I wanted to. This is a great spot for someone here working and needs a place. Not really a family vacation spot. It is quite busy within the park, people coming and going a lot. It's off a very busy road, noise pollution is a factor. I came to the conclusion that the owner is pretty focused on adding the new sites (makes sense, that's how you afford upgrades). That being said, fixing VERY large potholes seems like something you could easily keep up with. You are able to receive mail here. They have a bathhouse/bathrooms, laundry room and dumpsters.

  • K C.
    May. 14, 2025

    Hamburg State Park Campground

    Fantastic on the water sites

    Wonderful park and fantastic staff, there is a small general store next to the mill. There were crafts and a mill tour while we visited.

  • Eric Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2025

    Pine Hill Camp

    Nice quiet place

    Not a lot of level spots around but we found a spot that worked for our 37' fifth wheel with some leveling. Were also able to position for decent solar exposure. T-mobile was pretty much useless, AT&T provided a little bit of usable signal. Had it to ourselves for 3 days and the road going past was very quiet. Speaking of the road, it's a sandy dirt road with some soft spots so pay attention. Lovely quiet place to relax or work! We would come again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2025

    Wildwood Park Columbia County Park

    Gorgeous !!

    This camp is absolutely gorgeous and the atmosphere is so serene and peaceful. My family and friends LOVE this place!

  • Kevan  R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2025

    Calhoun Falls State Park Campground

    Great sites with lake views

    This is a SC State Park located in Calhoun Falls, SC. A fishing campground - the vast majority of campers had boats. Sites are great / not on top of each other. Quiet. SC needs to up the maintenance on the park. Playground equipment and trails need immediate work. Bathhouses need upgrading.

  • Kennon H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Aiken State Park Campground

    Storm damage is apparent

    Rv spots are nice. Primitive camping site show almost no use. RV bathrooms were older and clean. Hurricane damage is every where. Only one hiking trail is open. Keep an eye out for broken limbs on windy days. Many family’s were camping here with young kids.


Guide to Clarks Hill

Camping near Clarks Hill, South Carolina, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful lakes and well-maintained campgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the area. One visitor at Mistletoe State Park Campground said, "The fishing is AMAZING! 20 palm-sized shell cracker on the first day!" This park is known for its waterfront sites, making it a great choice for anglers.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: If you love being on the water, Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake has several spots for launching kayaks. A reviewer mentioned, "There were several fishing spots and places to launch kayaks and three boat ramps."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Hamilton Branch State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The shade provided by the trees was a welcome respite from the summer heat."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Elijah Clark State Park Campground said, "Facilities by our campsite were very clean and the views of the Savannah River are spectacular."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, private sites. A reviewer at Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake mentioned, "The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. One visitor at Big Hart Campground shared, "Staff was superb with a last-minute booking. They checked that we were good."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol at Some Campgrounds: If you plan to enjoy a drink, check the rules. For example, Modoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake does not allow alcohol.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A camper at Hawe Creek - J Strom Thurmond Lake noted, "Water access wasn’t very good but the site was big and private!"
  • Seasonal Availability: Be aware that some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For instance, Ridge Road - J Strom Thurmond Lake is open from April to September.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and fun activities. A reviewer at Hickory Knob State Park Resort mentioned, "There are trails for hiking/biking and nice sites close to the lake."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets, making it easier to bring the whole family. One visitor at Hamilton Branch State Park Campground said, "The area across the road from the site is undeveloped and recently cleared for forest maintenance but still looks nice."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake noted, "We could hear everyone's conversations."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake mentioned, "It’s a level lot with a grill, fire ring, picnic table, and another small table."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Elijah Clark State Park Campground appreciated the availability of 30 and 50 amp plugs.
  • Dump Stations: Ensure the campground has a dump station if you need it. A visitor at Ridge Road - J Strom Thurmond Lake mentioned, "There’s no sewer hookup... dump station only."

Camping near Clarks Hill, South Carolina, has something for everyone, whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds located on Clarks Hill Lake?

The best campgrounds on Clarks Hill Lake are scattered around its shoreline, each offering unique advantages. Mistletoe State Park Campground is tucked into a pine forest along the reservoir with over 70 sites offering water and electric hookups, plus secluded tent-only walk-in sites on a peninsula with stunning sunset views. For quieter experiences, Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake sits on a peninsula away from the main lake traffic, while Raysville Campground offers seclusion with decent bathhouses but lacks a designated swimming area.

What amenities are available at Clarks Hill Recreation Area?

Clarks Hill Recreation Area offers a variety of amenities to enhance your camping experience. At Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake, you'll find over 90 sites with water hookups, 30/50 amp electrical connections, and a dozen primitive sites. Most campsites provide lake access with beach areas for swimming when water levels are good. Facilities typically include bathhouses with showers, water access, and dump stations. Many campgrounds feature boat ramps and docks for easy lake access. Several recreation areas also offer hiking trails, fishing platforms, and designated swimming areas, though lifeguards are generally not provided.

What types of camping are permitted at Clarks Hill?

Clarks Hill accommodates diverse camping styles across its recreation areas. For those seeking waterfront wilderness experiences, Bussey Point Wilderness Area offers primitive camping with pack-in, pack-out policies for $10 per night. RV campers have numerous options with Pointes West Army Resort offering lakefront sites perfect for larger rigs. Baker Creek State Park Campground provides both RV and tent camping in a quieter section of the lake. Many areas around the lake also accommodate boat-in camping, walk-in tent sites, and standard drive-up camping with various hookup levels from primitive to full-service.