Lake Thurmond and its surrounding areas provide several RV camping options near McCormick, South Carolina. The lake spans over 71,000 acres with 1,200 miles of shoreline at 330 feet above sea level. RV sites in this region typically open year-round with summer temperatures averaging in the high 80s to low 90s and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: Leroys Ferry offers primitive camping with easy lake access for anglers. "Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming," notes camper Cody S., who appreciated the isolation despite finding some trash left by previous visitors.
Lake activities: Big Water Marina & RV Park provides equipment rentals for water recreation. "Boat rentals are available as well as paddle boards and kayaks," reports Sarah P., who enjoyed camping right on the waterfront despite limited shade.
Family entertainment: The area offers more than just water sports. Juraj & Christine O. found plenty of activities at Big Water Marina, commenting, "There was a restaurant/bar, playground, Marina, stage with live bands. My kids had so much fun and can't wait to go camping here again."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Most campsites at Hester's Bottoms Family Campground offer direct lake views. Ross P. notes, "Almost all the sites are lake front. Great family environment and the staff working there are very friendly. The lake is a good size lake and you can see for miles across."
Site privacy: Many campers appreciate the spacious layouts. Brenda L. shared about Hester's Bottoms: "The campsites are all a good size and not right next to each other. A lot are tucked away off the road a little and most are right on the water... Very spacious and we could barely see our neighbors."
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers favor Leroys Ferry for its value. Danny B. reports, "$10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
What you should know
Reservation system: Many campgrounds require advance bookings. At Leroys Ferry, it's "First come first serve, bring exact money because it's just a drop box," according to Danny B., who advises campers to "bring your own water, no electricity. No trash dumpster either so be prepared to pack if out."
Cell service: Connectivity varies by location. At Hester's Bottoms, WiFi is reported as "great" with decent TV reception. Meanwhile, Danny B. noted at Leroys Ferry, "Cell service was spotty on Verizon but I was able to get and receive calls and a few txts although they seemed very delayed."
Amenities: Pointes West Army Resort offers more developed facilities but has experienced closures. Scott M. reported, "As of 3 August 2020, Primitive Camping and Semi-Hookup (Electric Only) Camping areas are closed at Pointes West. RV Camping is open, for local traffic only. RVs must contain a restroom. No visitors."
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Families enjoy structured recreation options. At Pointes West Army Resort, David H. mentioned a "Very clean facility, awesome cope course" that provides entertainment beyond swimming and boating.
Pet policies: Check restrictions before arriving with pets. Ruth E. had a negative experience at Hester's Bottoms: "Our week long trip was cut short when staff decided to call law enforcement instead of us when our (non aggressive) dog accidentally got loose. After being there for 3 days they then tell us our bully breed dogs are not allowed."
Space for kids: Look for campgrounds with room to play. Big Creek RV Park offers "primitive or full hook-up sites" in a "quiet setting" where "you can paddle out to the main lake from this location," according to Ashley F.
Tips from RVers
Site conditions: Many RV sites require leveling. Daniel D. notes about Leroys Ferry, "You can fit an RV on most sites, although they aren't all completely level."
Hookup variations: Plum Branch RV Park offers full hookup sites with potential issues. Kevin H. observed, "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."
WiFi availability: Internet access varies by location. At Plum Branch RV Park, Kevin H. tested various carriers: "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."
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