Lake Thurmond dominates the camping scene near Edgefield, South Carolina, covering 70,000 acres with over 1,000 miles of shoreline. Numerous glamping options sit along these shores with varying levels of seclusion and amenities. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for glamping vacations.
What to do
Fishing adventures: Lake Thurmond provides excellent fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. Many glamping locations offer direct lake access. At Mistletoe State Park Campground, fishing enthusiasts can enjoy easy water access. "Lots of water activities," notes Stephanie K., who rated the park 5 stars.
Golf getaways: Several glamping sites near Edgefield are located within minutes of golf courses. The 18-hole course at Hickory Knob State Park Resort is particularly popular among glampers seeking a more active vacation. "They have it all. Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting. Trails for hiking/biking," according to Brian B., who visited in 2023.
Water sports: Beyond swimming, many glamping locations offer kayak and canoe rentals or allow guests to bring their own watercraft. "The lake is amazing. The views are amazing," shares Lorilee S. about her experience at Winfield Campground. The calm waters create ideal conditions for paddling directly from most glamping sites.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many glamping locations offer significant separation between accommodations. "The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views," writes Greg S. about his stay at Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake, adding, "We swam right from our site and loved it."
Sunset views: The orientation of glamping sites affects sunset viewing opportunities. "We had site #45. Sunset at this site was amazing," reports Jason H. about Raysville Campground. Sites facing west generally offer the best sunset vistas across Lake Thurmond.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many glamping operations maintain excellent standards. "Elijah Clark state park was nice and quiet. Pretty views and clean bath houses," notes Ashton H., highlighting the balance between wilderness and comfort that attracts glampers to the area.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Glamping near Edgefield varies significantly by season. Summer brings higher temperatures and increased boat traffic on Lake Thurmond. "On this Monday it was so peaceful and quiet. I would imagine that on weekends the boat traffic might be slightly loud," observes Greg S. about Raysville Campground.
Water levels fluctuate: Lake Thurmond's water levels can change dramatically throughout the year, affecting shoreline access. "When I was here in September, the water level was extremely low and nothing was flowing beyond a trickle," shares Andy S. about Mistletoe State Park's backcountry sites.
Insects: Being lakeside means dealing with insects, particularly during warmer months. "The whole park sits on a mound of ants. Ants everywhere. Ants of all varieties," warns one camper about Hickory Knob. Another visitor suggests, "Bring spray for ants and mosquitos but that's everywhere in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several glamping operations offer dedicated swimming areas ideal for families with children. "Great site 49, awesome views. Comfort stations close and clean. Lots of water activities," reports Stephanie K. about her family's experience at Mistletoe State Park.
Playground availability: Some glamping locations include playground facilities for younger visitors. Baker Creek features "a main campground building that has a pretty new kid's playground adjacent to it," according to Stuart K., though he cautions about inconsistent maintenance.
Free fishing equipment: Certain state parks offer complimentary fishing gear for younger visitors. "We had cabin 5 and walked to the water. Free fishing pole for kids," notes Amy C. about her family's stay at Mistletoe State Park Campground, making it easier for families to enjoy water activities without bringing additional equipment.
Tips for RVers
Site selection: For RVers seeking glamping-adjacent sites with hookups, site selection matters greatly. "Sites in the 60-90 loop looked the best with water views and shade and most were pull through," advises Rachel G. about her experience at Mistletoe State Park, noting the importance of balancing views with accessibility.
Road conditions: Some access roads to glamping areas require careful navigation. "The only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is the fact that the campground road is in pretty rough shape," says Tracy H. about Elijah Clark State Park Campground. Similar conditions exist at other locations, making proper preparation essential.
Dump stations: While many glamping-only sites lack RV facilities, nearby campgrounds offer dump stations for those combining RV camping with glamping experiences. "Plenty of road side gray water dumps between sights and TWO dump stations," notes Chad H. about Mistletoe State Park, which can be convenient for visitors staying at adjacent glamping-only properties.