Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Star4.18
48 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

260 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Long Cane Ranger District site

Official Website
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Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The campground charges $7 per campsite per night. Payment is made through a self-serve fee station. There is also a $3 day-use fee per vehicle.
Standard Site Fee$7.00
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

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Provider
803-624-9471
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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 48 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeaceful

"User reviews highlight the peaceful and quiet nature of the campground, which is often vacant. Key attractions include accessible outdoor activities and affordability, though maintenance issues are a common theme."

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Campground Map

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

33.7275, -82.0406

Driving directionsFrom the square in downtown Edgefield, travel south on Hwy 23 for 8.3 miles. Bear left onto Hwy 230 and travel for .4 miles. Turn left onto Lick Fork Lake Road (S 19-263), and travel 1.9 miles. Entrance is on right.
The road to the campground is accessible via paved roads. There are no specific mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Best Time to Camp at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

From May through November, Lick Fork Lake welcomes campers with South Carolina's signature warm embrace and reliably clear skies. These prime camping months bring mild to warm temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, with minimal rainfall to interrupt your plans. As autumn arrives, the surrounding hardwoods burst into color while maintaining comfortable camping conditions. Even in the cooler months, the area remains accessible and dry, offering year-round opportunities for those hardy souls who enjoy crisp mornings by the campfire and the forest's winter solitude.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–Nov; prime camping months cited with mild to warm temps and clear skies.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Nov 15; noted as less crowded and peaceful in the off-season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open beginning May 1; late spring is available but early spring is outside operating season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure: open May 1–Nov 15, so winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally from May 1 through November 15.
  • Current Alerts: The area is open but may have hazards due to hurricane damage.

About Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Sumter National Forest, Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area offers an intimate escape into South Carolina's natural beauty. This hidden gem features just 10 thoughtfully placed campsites, some carved into terraced hillsides, creating private retreats among the trees. The centerpiece is a tranquil 12-acre lake perfect for paddling a canoe at dawn or casting a line as the sun sets. While the facilities carry the authentic patina of a well-loved wilderness spot, the campground's remote location and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite among those seeking solitude. Here, the only sounds you'll hear are birdsong, rustling leaves, and the gentle lap of water against the shore.
The campground supports both tent camping and combined-use sites that can accommodate a variety of setups. Sites are first-come, first-serve and there’s no reservation system.
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Stay Limit
14 days maximum

Amenities available

Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers activities such as hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The Lick Fork Lake Hiking Trail and Horn Creek Trail are notable trails in the area. Fishing is popular at the lake, and the wheelchair-friendly fishing pier offers accessibility. Boating is limited to non-motorized boats, and the lake is well-suited for canoes and kayaks.
HikingTwo trails are available: the Lick Fork Lake Trail, a 2-mile loop, and the Horn Creek Trail, which extends 5.7 miles into the forest. However, some reviews highlight maintenance issues: 'Half of the Horn Creek trail was overgrown, and there were lots of tree falls that blocked the trail in spots.'
FishingFishing opportunities include channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bream. A wheelchair-friendly fishing pier is available.
SwimmingSwimming is available at the lake, which features a grassy beach. However, reviews suggest neglect: 'What used to be a sandy beach is now grass and weeds.'
BikingThe Horn Creek Trail supports biking activities, with occasional maintenance issues reported by users.
BoatingBoating is restricted to non-motorized boats, including canoes. Powerboat usage is limited to electric motors.
Wildlife viewingVisitors have reported seeing a variety of wildlife, including butterflies, birds, and tree snails. Some reviews also mention the possibility of encountering deer.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention the presence of 'tweakers' in the woods and limited cell service, which can be a safety concern. Trails and facilities are described as poorly maintained, with overgrown paths and broken bridges.
Active AlertsThe area is open but may have hazards due to hurricane damage.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

4.2
48 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful and quiet nature of the campground, which is often vacant. Key attractions include accessible outdoor activities and affordability, though maintenance issues are a common theme.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the serenity of the campground: 'Quiet and peaceful' and 'I love this place.' The affordable $7 fee is frequently appreciated. The area’s wildlife, such as butterflies and birds, adds to...
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Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues such as overgrown trails, the beach’s transition to grass, and neglected facilities are frequently cited. The absence of running water, electricity, and cell service are also noted...
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Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and be prepared for dry camping. Carry cash for the self-serve payment system.
Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers note that the site is less crowded in the off-season, adding to its peacefulness. However, some facilities (like trails and the beach) are in better condition during the peak season due to...
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Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'I would like to be the Campground Host one day.' 2. 'Beautiful lake and forest.' 3. 'Quiet, peaceful, and affordable.'
Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The lake-side sites are particularly appreciated for their proximity to water activities.
Based on 48 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly features like the fishing pier and accessible restrooms are noted.
Based on 48 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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