Elijah Clark State Park

4.43

161 reviews

2959 MCCORMICK HIGHWAY, LINCOLNTON, Georgia, 30817, United States

Family FriendlySummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Georgia Swimming Camping Georgia Family-Friendly Campgrounds Georgia

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

$5 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

169 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Georgia State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

420 ft

Price

$5 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

169 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Georgia State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Elijah Clark State Park

$5.00 - $70.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ParkPass fees vary by vehicle size and type. For 1-12 passenger vehicles, the fee is $5 per day or $50 annually. For larger vehicles, the daily and...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

7063593458

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 161 reviews

1253 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakefriendly

Some mention

crowded

"Overall, the park receives high praise for its beautiful setting, wide range of amenities, and recreational activities. Some complaints about restroom maintenance and site privacy are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2959 MCCORMICK HIGHWAY, LINCOLNTON, Georgia, 30817, United States

Elijah Clark State Park

2959 MCCORMICK HIGHWAY, LINCOLNTON, Georgia, 30817, United States

Driving directionsLocated 6 miles N.E. of Lincolnton on US 378.

The campground is accessible by paved roads, suitable for most vehicle types. It is conveniently located near US 378, making it easily reachable for those traveling from Lincolnton.

Nearby places

Lincolnton: 6 miles (approximately 15 minutes drive).

Nearby supplies

The park's entrance shop sells essentials such as sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, souvenirs, and campfire starters. A nearby gas station is also available for supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Elijah Clark State Park

Experience the gentle rhythm of Georgia's seasons at Elijah Clark, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days with temperatures hovering in the comfortable 50s – perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. As spring awakens the forest, temperatures climb gradually until summer arrives with its signature Southern warmth, reaching into the balmy 90s. The region's generous rainfall keeps the landscape lush and green year-round, occasionally treating visitors to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that clear into spectacular sunsets over the lake.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in GA

Peak season for swimming, boating and beach activities; reviewers praise summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter shoulder season with comfortable weather and good hiking/viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Mild weather and fewer crowds make spring a very pleasant time to visit.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park open year-round with crisp winter days but fewer water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season likely aligns with warmer months, such as summer. Exact dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The park appears open year-round, with specific seasonal activities such as swimming in the summer and hiking in cooler months.

About Elijah Clark State Park

Nestled along the pristine shores of Clarks Hill Lake, Elijah Clark State Park unfolds across 447 scenic acres where outdoor enthusiasts find their perfect escape. Whether you're seeking a cozy cottage retreat, a traditional camping experience at one of 169 well-appointed campsites, or a secluded adventure at the walk-in tent sites, this waterfront paradise accommodates every camping style. Days here are filled with endless possibilities – launch your boat into the expansive lake, cast a line for the day's catch, explore winding forest trails, or simply bask on the sandy beach as the sun dances across the water.

Campground types include walk-in tent sites, RV sites with electric and water hookups, and premium sites with enhanced amenities. There are also 20 rental cottages for those preferring indoor accommodations.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at the meticulously preserved Elijah Clark Homestead, where the echoes of Southern heritage come alive through authentic period demonstrations and guided tours. This living history attraction offers fascinating glimpses into 18th-century frontier life, with seasonal events that transport visitors to an era when this land was the edge of civilization. The homestead serves as both an educational treasure and a reminder of the resilient pioneers who shaped this region.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Georgia's seasons at Elijah Clark, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, refreshing days with temperatures hovering in the comfortable 50s – perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. As spring awakens the forest, temperatures climb gradually until summer arrives with its signature Southern warmth, reaching into the balmy 90s. The region's generous rainfall keeps the landscape lush and green year-round, occasionally treating visitors to dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that clear into spectacular sunsets over the lake.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain creates natural vantage points throughout the park, offering varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape and lake views.

Natural Features and SceneryA tapestry of towering pines and hardwoods frames the park's crown jewel – a pristine sandy beach that melts into the crystal-clear waters of Clarks Hill Lake. Early morning mist often blankets the water, creating an ethereal atmosphere as deer emerge from the forest edge to drink. The air fills with the calls of waterfowl as geese and ducks glide across the surface, while great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows, waiting for the perfect catch. This harmonious blend of forest and water creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty that captivates visitors in every season.

Geological RegionPerched on the western shore of the magnificent Clarks Hill Lake – one of the Southeast's largest reservoirs spanning an impressive 71,100 acres – the park occupies a unique position where ancient Piedmont forests meet vast freshwater expanses. This convergence creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates, from shaded forest groves to sun-drenched shorelines, making it a geological crossroads where different natural communities thrive side by side.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Overnight guests pay one ParkPass fee for the duration of their stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most campsites accommodate up to 6 guests.

Groups

Two group shelters are available for reservation, accommodating 70 and 175 people, respectively.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampgrounds consist of tent, RV, walk-in, and premium waterfront sites, with loops and sections spread throughout.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via phone (1-800-864-7275) or online at http://gastateparks.org/thingstoknow.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served options may exist, especially for walk-in tent sites, but this is not explicitly detailed.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation details are managed under Georgia State Parks' general policies, available on their website.

AccessibilityADA accessible facilities are available, but there were complaints regarding walk-in sites, such as the lack of nearby parking for disabled visitors.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size but accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs with maximum equipment lengths often reaching 50 feet.

PrivacyReviews are mixed regarding privacy. While some users appreciated the spacious campsites, one reviewer noted, "The spots are all on top of each other.

Total Campsites169 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest avoiding site 150 due to leveling difficulties with larger RVs and opting for waterfront locations for scenic views.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a wide array of recreational activities, including archery, boating, fishing, hiking, miniature golf, and swimming. Wildlife viewing, picnicking, and cultural experiences at the Elijah Clark Homestead Museum are also notable attractions. "Too much fun here for sure!" one reviewer exclaimed.

HikingThe park has both long and short hiking trails. One user highlighted, "I loved their trails, the long and short one," while another noted that a longer trail was closed for repairs after a storm.

FishingFishing is popular, with multiple fishing piers and opportunities to catch a variety of species. "Plenty of places to fish," observed one camper.

SwimmingSwimming is available at the sandy beach area, which reviewers described as clean and convenient for families.

BikingBiking is available but may be challenging due to hilly terrain. "Not much for hiking trails and a little hilly for a single-speed bike," noted one camper.

BoatingThe park features four boat ramps and ample space for boating activities. One reviewer said, "Great place for boating from your campsite."

Wildlife viewingVisitors report seeing deer and various waterfowl. "Loved listening to all the water birds in the morning," shared one reviewer.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as geese can be nuisances; user reviews mention their droppings around the park. Dead trees in the pioneer site may pose safety risks during storms.

Fire PolicyFire rings are provided at campsites, and fires are likely permitted, though specific fire policies are not detailed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Some reviews note noise issues during late-night hours at certain sites.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Lincolnton, Georgia and include hospitals, police stations, and the park's ranger station at 706-359-3458.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, with comfort stations located conveniently throughout the campgrounds.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated on Clarks Hill Lake, with many sites offering lakefront access for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available at several sites, including Campsite 079.

Weather at Elijah Clark State Park

Reviews

4.4

161 reviews

Recommended

Elijah Clark State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, the park receives high praise for its beautiful setting, wide range of amenities, and recreational activities. Some complaints about restroom maintenance and site privacy are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 161 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the park's cleanliness, range of activities, dog-friendly policies, and scenic views of Clarks Hill Lake.

Based on 161 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include issues with restroom cleanliness, limited privacy between campsites, and spotty cell service.

Based on 161 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommended sites include those near the water for scenic views, specifically in Campground #2 and sites 113-118. One user advised, "Get a premium site if you can. Totally worth it."

Based on 161 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summers are busy but well-suited for water activities. Fall and spring offer quieter stays with comfortable weather.

Based on 161 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campgrounds were nice, the area around the river was beautiful." "Bathrooms and showers were very clean!" "The park is beautiful and clean, but if you’re looking for a nice, quiet getaway, ‘this...

Based on 161 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #113-118 in Campground #2 are highly recommended for their waterfront location and pull-through options. Site #74 received criticism for being small and poorly laid out.

Based on 161 reviews