Cabin options near Jackson, South Carolina range from rustic to modern with varying levels of amenities. The area sits along the South Carolina-Georgia border near Clarks Hill Lake (also called Thurmond Lake), a 71,000-acre reservoir with 1,200 miles of shoreline. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-60°F, while summer months can reach 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing at the lake: Mistletoe State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities from their fishing pier or by boat. "Went fishing in the lake. Very nice people around," notes one visitor. The park also provides free fishing poles for children.
Water activities: Boat rentals are available at several locations. "You could pull your boat up to your waterfront campsite. They also have kayak rentals," reports a camper at Mistletoe State Park. Magnolia Springs State Park lets visitors "rent paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and bikes. All the trails are family friendly."
Wildlife viewing: Magnolia Springs State Park features abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "I love going to the spring and seeing the turtles. Or looking on the banks to see the alligator sunning," shares one regular visitor. The park also offers monthly guided tours for those interested in learning about local wildlife.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many cabins offer lake access or views. At Pointes West Army Resort, "Sites L, M, and N are all on a little peninsula that sticks out into Clarks Hill Lake, and are our personal favorites!" A visitor notes the resort provides "a great site. Right on the water."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance of cabin areas. "The bathrooms were very clean and did have hot water," notes a visitor to Magnolia Springs. Another camper mentioned that Barnwell State Park has "restroom and shower facilities well stocked and clean."
Natural springs: Magnolia Springs State Park features beautiful natural springs with boardwalks. "The spring is very pretty, with turtles and fish swimming under the bridges of the walkway," comments one visitor who appreciated the unique water feature not found at many other parks.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. The exceptions are rare: "Whether camping in a tent or renting a cabin, all are $20 per night" at Military Park South Carolina Army National Guard Clarks Hill Training Center, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cabin sizes and types: Cabins range from one-room structures to multi-bedroom cottages. At Magnolia Springs State Park, "The cabin rentals are available as well as a group lodge." Some cabins at Cedar Pond Campground are described as "rustic with everything you need and nothing you don't."
Accessibility: Many parks have made efforts to improve accessibility. Magnolia Springs has "just rebuilt their fishing deck to make it wheelchair accessible. I took the trail in my powerchair and was able to go almost the whole trail," shares a visitor with mobility needs.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for parks with dedicated children's areas. Treesort - By the Bark provides modern cabin accommodations where you can "take your morning beverage on the deck and enjoy some nature." Barnwell State Park offers "a self-led park BINGO, a swimming beach, paddleboat rentals, fishing ponds stocked with catfish, and a tackle loaner program."
Playground access: Several campgrounds have play areas for children. Magnolia Springs features "a small playground. The kids didn't end on it too much, but it was a nice addition. There is also some permanent concrete cornhole setup, but you'll need your own bean bags."
Educational programs: Some parks offer structured activities for children. A visitor to Magnolia Springs participated in "a hike with the park manager where she told us about the animals in the park and even let us feel grey fox and beaver pelts. We saw vultures and an armadillo. That finished with hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose cabin sites carefully based on size requirements. Cedar Pond Campground hosts are "super friendly and even helped us park." At Magnolia Springs, "some of the sites are awkward curving instead of straight back in, but most are pretty easy to get into."
Hookup variations: Different cabins offer varying levels of utilities. At Leaning Pines Campground and Cabins, firewood is maintained on site for guests. Most cabins in the area offer electric and water hookups, while sewer connections vary by location.
