Best Campgrounds near Plum Branch, SC
Numerous campgrounds dot the shoreline of J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Plum Branch, South Carolina, providing varied camping experiences in this recreation-rich border region between South Carolina and Georgia. Hamilton Branch State Park and Modoc campgrounds offer waterfront sites with both tent and RV accommodations, while nearby Hickory Knob State Resort Park features cabins and glamping options alongside traditional campsites. The majority of camping areas in this region provide water access for boating, fishing, and swimming, with many sites situated directly on lake peninsulas or coves.
Most campgrounds in the Plum Branch area remain open year-round, though some facilities like Baker Creek State Park operate seasonally from March through September. Electric hookups and water connections are common at developed sites, while primitive camping options typically offer more seclusion with fewer amenities. Several campgrounds managed by the Army Corps of Engineers require reservations, particularly during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Lake levels can fluctuate significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline access at some camping areas. According to one visitor, "Unless they are in use on the lake, this spot is nothing short of perfection for boating, kayaking or inter tubing!"
Waterfront camping locations consistently receive high ratings from visitors, with many campers highlighting the private pathways to the water and secluded sites. Several campgrounds feature spacious, level sites that accommodate both tents and larger RVs. The Hickory Knob area provides exceptional privacy, as noted by a camper: "There's about 60-70 individual campsites here, but you would be hard pressed to count them all on account that there is so much foliage that separates each individual campsite." Visitors frequently mention sunset views over the lake as a highlight of camping in this region. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including bathhouses, trash disposal, and picnic tables, though the quality of facilities varies between locations. Campers seeking greater seclusion should consider the less developed sites at Baker Creek or the walk-in tent sites available at Mistletoe State Park.
