Best Campgrounds near McCormick, SC
The McCormick, South Carolina area surrounds J. Strom Thurmond Lake with several established campgrounds offering waterfront access, including Baker Creek State Park, Hamilton Branch State Park, and Hickory Knob State Park. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate tent and RV camping, while some parks like Elijah Clark and Hickory Knob also provide cabin rentals. Most sites are managed by South Carolina State Parks or the Army Corps of Engineers, creating a variety of camping experiences along the lake's peninsulas and coves with varying levels of development and amenities.
Seasonal patterns affect campground availability in the region, with some facilities like Baker Creek and Modoc operating from March through September while others maintain year-round operations. Most campgrounds feature electric hookups, water access, and some offer full RV connections including sewer hookups. Primitive tent sites often share the same campground areas as RV spots, though tent campers may find uneven terrain at certain locations. Hawe Creek Campground provides excellent privacy between waterfront sites, though visitors should prepare for specific conditions. As one camper noted, "Every site has an awesome view and easy access to the water with tons of privacy between sites."
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw throughout the area, with direct lake access available at most campgrounds. Many sites allow for fishing, swimming, and boat launching directly from campsites, particularly at Baker Creek and Hawe Creek. While amenities vary across locations, most include basic restroom facilities and some provide showers. Several visitors report excellent sunset views from waterfront sites on the western shores of lake peninsulas. A review from a Baker Creek camper highlights the unique experience: "The sites are all dirt, very few are level. The campground is in need of maintenance, but the lakeside sites are worth it." Cell service may be limited in some areas, particularly for T-Mobile users, and campers should expect varying levels of site maintenance depending on the specific campground.
