Clarks Hill Lake and Lake Thurmond span 71,000 acres along the South Carolina-Georgia border near Parksville, with over 1,000 miles of shoreline to explore. This massive reservoir maintains a stable water temperature between 70-80°F during summer months, making it ideal for glamping close to Parksville, South Carolina. The surrounding forest sits at approximately 330 feet above sea level, providing moderate temperatures during spring and fall camping seasons.
What to do
Swimming areas: Walk-in access for cooling off. Raysville Campground features water access directly from campsites. "We had lake access at our site which was nice for cooling off or swimming. Next time we come, we will make to bring a fishing pole and some tubes to float in the water," notes Jason H. from Raysville Campground.
Skeet shooting: Professional instruction available. Visitors at Hickory Knob State Park Resort can participate in this unique outdoor activity. "It does have a nice golf course and skeet shooting, kayak rentals, cabins, a restaurant and a pool," mentions reviewer c K., who also warns about the ants.
Evening star-gazing: Minimal light pollution. Clear night skies offer remarkable views from many campsites. "The first night spent underneath the stars at Baker Creek SP was highlighted by a full, new moon, which was nothing short of spectacular. Every night (even the nights it rained) we had such clear views of the constellation of stars from our tent," writes Stuart K.
What campers like
Private pathways to water: Direct shoreline access. Many sites at Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake offer immediate water entry. "Our site was #25. It was a pull through with 30 and 50 amp plugs. It's a level lot with a grill, fire ring, picnic table and another small table. It's right on the lake. There is a retaining wall at the water so it's about a 3" step to the water," shares Thomas.
Well-maintained facilities: Regularly cleaned comfort stations. Mistletoe State Park Campground earns praise for upkeep. "Great site 49, awesome views. Comfort stations close and clean. Lots of water activities," notes Stephanie K. Many campgrounds feature recently renovated bathhouses with heating and cooling.
Spacious campsites: Room for multiple setups. Elijah Clark State Park Campground offers larger sites for families and groups. "What's a great place to stay!!! Beautiful colors for the fall, waterfront campsites, water and electric hook ups and back-in AND pull-through spots available. The bathrooms with shower stalls have AC and heat no matter the time of year you go," writes Wanda C.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Prepare offline activities. Many lakeside camping locations have spotty connectivity. One visitor at Baker Creek reports: "Outside the campground, there's really beautiful foliage everywhere you look and plenty of nature creeping out to take a peek at you (several deer, raccoons and snakes were spotted)."
Seasonal crowds: Weekdays offer more solitude. Campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "During week it was relatively empty but on Friday the campground started to fill up," notes Rachel G. about her experience at Mistletoe State Park.
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate supplies. Mosquitoes and ants can be prevalent, especially during summer. "The entire park sits on a mound of ants. Ants everywhere. Ants of all varieties," warns c K. when describing Hickory Knob State Park Resort. Multiple reviewers recommend bringing spray for protection.
Tips for camping with families
Fishing gear: Bring poles for kids. Some locations provide equipment. "We had cabin 5 and walked to the water. Free fishing pole for kids," shares Amy C. about her experience at Mistletoe State Park Campground.
Cooling strategies: Tent placement matters. Lake breezes can be strong in open areas. "We do advise if your in a tent maybe not taking a direct lakefront spot because we literally had to tie down our tent to anything including our car because it got so windy from the winds across the lake," advises Kirsten W. from Elijah Clark State Park Campground.
Multiple activities within walking distance. At Hickory Knob, families can access various options. "But they have it all. Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting. Trails for hiking/biking. Nice sites close to the lake," notes Brian B.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Level pads with views. Many campgrounds offer both pull-through and back-in sites. At Plum Branch RV Park, Kevin H. notes: "Still being upgraded, so newish pad was still soft but pretty level. 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."
Utility management: Variable hookup quality. RVers should check electricity stability. "Sites had water, electric, concrete table, fire ring, and lantern hook. Not much barrier between sites but sites were good size just open," reports Rachel G.
Access road conditions: Drive slowly. Roads to glamping spots near Parksville can be rough. "There are some incredibly bad roads, complete with 3rd world pot holes. I would advise on driving slowly throughout," cautions Stuart K. This is particularly important for larger rigs with lower clearance.
Traveler
