Cabins near Modoc, South Carolina sit along the shores of Clarks Hill Lake, also known as Lake Thurmond, which spans over 71,000 acres across the Georgia-South Carolina border. The lake creates numerous coves and inlets perfect for waterfront cabin accommodations, with many properties situated within pine forests at elevations ranging from 330 to 400 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the high 80s to 90s with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing during December through February.
What to do
Kayaking access points: At Elijah Clark State Park Campground, visitors can launch kayaks directly from waterfront sites. "We launched our kayak from campsite. Nice campground & beautiful lake," noted Susan H. about her experience at the park.
Skeet shooting sessions: Hickory Knob State Park Resort offers skeet shooting among its recreational options. "Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting. Trails for hiking/biking. Nice sites close to the lake," shares Brian B. who visited the park.
Seasonal fishing opportunities: The fishing conditions on Clarks Hill Lake vary throughout the year with bass, crappie, and catfish being common catches. Garrett C. from Mistletoe State Park Campground explains, "Stayed here while working in the area. Great shower houses and beautiful place to stay. Went fishing in the lake. Very nice people around."
What campers like
Level campsites: Many visitors appreciate the flat, well-maintained sites at Mistletoe State Park Campground, especially for tents. "Great site 49, awesome views. Comfort stations close and clean. Lots of water activities," according to Stephanie K.
Clean bathhouse facilities: The restroom facilities at A. H. Stephens State Park Campground receive positive feedback for their cleanliness and accessibility. One visitor mentioned, "The shower house is new (2019) and is ADA. Also laundry is at shower house. Firewood for sale with camp host."
Secluded waterfront options: For those seeking privacy in cabin rentals and camping spots, several parks offer secluded sites. Regarding Mistletoe State Park, Andy S. noted, "The best site is definitely #2 -- feet from the water, spacious, suitable for more than one tent or hammock. There is good separation between all sites."
What you should know
Military-only facilities: Some accommodations near Modoc have access restrictions. A recent visitor to Pointes West Army Resort reported, "This is a military campground," while another reviewer clarified, "Currently Mostly Closed (Aug 2020). Nice campground. We stayed in the primitive camping area with our adventure trailer."
Ant problems: Several campgrounds in the area report issues with ants, particularly during warmer months. A camper at Bobby Brown State Park Campground advised bringing ant deterrent, while another at Hickory Knob noted, "Bring something for the ants! Clean bathrooms."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels vary significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline access. "The water level was also extremely low when I was there so some of those rocks are probably covered by water earlier in the year," observed Andy S. about Mistletoe State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Paddle boat opportunities: Families with children often enjoy the paddle boats available at some parks. At A. H. Stephens State Park, one visitor described, "The 'lakes' they claim to have are nothing more than a cess pond and a cute little paddle boat pond."
Playgrounds and swimming areas: Several parks offer dedicated spaces for children. A camper at Richard B Russell State Park shared, "The beach is nice and was never crowded. We hiked and biked the trails. They are well maintained."
Special events: Some parks host seasonal activities for families. A visitor to A. H. Stephens State Park reported, "The park had a beautiful Christmas light display with hot chocolate and a Christmas movie playing on a big screen. The park staff were so friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for slides: When booking cabin or RV sites, check if there's adequate room for slide-outs. At A. H. Stephens State Park, one camper noted, "There was a tree very close to the hook up that caused us to park forward a bit to allow for a slide and side bunk to fully function."
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer pull-through sites for easier parking. Norris K. mentioned that A. H. Stephens State Park has "Shady, level, back in and pull thru sites with fire ring and table."
Hook-up locations: Pay attention to the placement of utilities when selecting cabin or RV sites. Elizabeth M. shared about her experience at A. H. Stephens, "Site 9 (handicapped site) was perfect for the grandparents as there was a short paved walkway straight to the bath house. Both sites were nicely graveled and level."
