Glamping options near Clarks Hill, South Carolina provide direct access to J. Strom Thurmond Lake, a 71,000-acre reservoir with over 1,000 miles of shoreline. The region sits at approximately 330 feet above sea level and experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August. Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites with lake access for swimming and fishing without needing to leave your campsite.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on the lake: Multiple campgrounds offer rentals or easy water access. At Hickory Knob State Park Resort, water activities dominate the experience. "I've been coming for 4 years. Camped all over. By far my favorite," notes one visitor who appreciates the boat ramp access.
Skeet shooting and archery: Expand your outdoor activities beyond water sports. "Plenty to do here...Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting. Trails for hiking/biking," mentions a visitor at Hickory Knob State Park Resort.
Fishing from your campsite: Many waterfront sites allow fishing without leaving your site. At Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake, campers enjoy "a gorgeous lake with no sign of civilization across from the campground. We swam right from our site and loved it. The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views."
Hiking on less-traveled trails: While some trails might need maintenance, they offer solitude. "Only a few trails exposed themselves to us, but all looked as though they hadn't had a single hiker pass through for decades," reports a Baker Creek visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites with water views: Campers consistently mention the generous site sizes. At Raysville Campground, "The spots were nice, large, most waterfront, with power and water. Definitely a spot I will go back to."
Clean facilities: Despite some campgrounds undergoing renovations, facilities remain functional. "Bathhouse is clean and well stocked with toilet paper," notes a visitor at Untamed Honey Glampsites, where glamping near Clarks Hill offers more comfort than traditional camping.
Sunsets over the lake: The west-facing sites provide spectacular evening views. "We saw one of the most gorgeous sunsets we've ever seen during our stay," shares a Hickory Knob camper, highlighting one of the natural perks of glamping around Clarks Hill, South Carolina.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting attracts diverse wildlife. "Outside the campground, there's really beautiful foliage everywhere you look and plenty of nature creeping out to take a peek at you (several deer, raccoons and snakes were spotted)," mentions a Baker Creek visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels affect access: Lake levels can vary significantly. At Baker Creek, one camper noted: "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 fifty feet of mud to get to it and you'd probably get swallowed or it would really suck anyway. So save #3 for the springtime only I think."
Camping during renovations: Some parks undergo updates that affect the experience. "The whole place was still going through its renovation efforts... the bathroom and shower facilities are quite possibly the worst I have ever encountered," warns a Baker Creek visitor.
Distance from supplies: Plan ahead as stores can be far away. "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."
Road conditions within parks: Interior roads may require careful driving. "Caution here and throughout the entire park: there are some incredibly bad roads, complete with 3rd world pot holes... I would advise on driving slowly throughout."
Tips for camping with families
Beach areas for kids: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry. "The park had a great store selling souvenirs, ice, firewood, worms for fishing. Campground staff and host were very friendly...They also have kayak rentals," shares a visitor at Mistletoe State Park Campground.
Free fishing equipment: Some parks offer loaner gear for children. "We had cabin 5 and walked to the water. Free fishing pole for kids," notes a Mistletoe State Park visitor.
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play areas. "The main campground building has a pretty new kid's playground adjacent to it and the largest of the small beachheads in front of it."
Connected sites for group camping: Consider booking adjacent sites for family gatherings. "Well kept grounds clean bathrooms sites by the water some even connect to each others by stairs which is nice if more than one family is camping together!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for shade and views: At Elijah Clark State Park Campground, "waterfront campsites, water and electric hook ups and back-in AND pull-through spots available. The bathrooms with shower stalls have AC and heat no matter the time of year you go."
Site leveling challenges: Some sites require extra preparation. "Newish 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," notes a visitor at Plum Branch RV Park.
Weather considerations for RV placement: Wind can be significant near the water. "We do advise if your in a tent maybe not taking a direct lakefront spot because we literally had to tie down our tent to anything including our car because it got so windy from the winds across the lake."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies by carrier. "Cricket: 7.98dn, 0.84up, ATT: 27.69, 0.3 up, Visible: 7.2dn, 1.2up, Verizon: 44.9dn, 1.88 up, T-mobile mifi: no 4g nor 5G service."
