How much does camping cost at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area range from $7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All campsites are first-come, first-served. There is no option for reservations.

What is the best time to visit Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area is open All year. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area have?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

4.05

48 reviews

Peace & QuietStargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping South Carolina

Quick Facts

260 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

All year

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

260 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

All year

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$3 day use fee per vehicle, $7 per campsite per night, Self-serve fee station, Campsites are first come-first serve

Standard Site Fee$7.00

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USFS

Provider

803-624-9471

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

33.7275, -82.0406

Weather at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Current alert: Recreation area is open, but there may still be hazards due to hurricane damage. There is currently no water at this site.

Best Time to Camp at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Summer brings mid-80s to low-90s°F days and humid nights in the mid-60s to 70s, making it the best time for swimming and paddling. The lake warms up nicely and stays inviting through September. With only 10 sites, crowds never overwhelm the place, but weekends fill fast during peak season. May through November offers the most reliable camping weather. Winters are accessible and dry for those who don't mind cooler mornings.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (May–Sep) is best for swimming and paddling; lake warms up and is inviting according to overview.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: All year

About Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area sits on the shores of a 12-acre lake in Sumter National Forest, about 20 minutes from Edgefield. The campground has 10 tent-only sites and charges $7 per night, cash only at the self-serve station. Cell service is essentially nonexistent here. Reviewers love the quiet and the price, but maintenance has been spotty: trails are overgrown, some bridges are broken, and there's no potable water on site.

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.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-80s to low-90s°F days and humid nights in the mid-60s to 70s, making it the best time for swimming and paddling. The lake warms up nicely and stays inviting through September. With only 10 sites, crowds never overwhelm the place, but weekends fill fast during peak season. May through November offers the most reliable camping weather. Winters are accessible and dry for those who don't mind cooler mornings.

ElevationAt a gentle elevation of 260 feet, the campground rests in South Carolina's characteristic piedmont landscape, where the coastal plains begin their gradual rise toward the mountains. This modest elevation creates the perfect balance of accessibility and scenic beauty, with just enough topography to add interest to hiking trails without challenging casual outdoor enthusiasts.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake anchors the recreation area, surrounded by mixed Southern pine and hardwood forest typical of South Carolina's piedmont. At 260 feet elevation, the terrain is gently rolling rather than dramatic. The forest supports butterflies, songbirds, and tree snails. Grassy edges ring parts of the lake, though reviewers note the beach area has declined. The 12 acres of water stay calm enough for morning canoe paddles and evening fishing.

Geological RegionThe campground graces the shores of Lick Fork Lake, nestled within a classic Southern pine forest ecosystem. This piedmont region showcases the gentle, time-worn landscape that characterizes central South Carolina, where ancient geological forces have created a terrain of subtle beauty and ecological diversity.

Scenic ViewsThe Lick Fork Lake Hiking Trail offers scenic views of the lake and surrounding hardwoods. Some campsites are within walking distance of the lake, enhancing the experience of being close to nature.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days maximum

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSome sites are terraced into the hillside. Others are more open near the lake for walk-in tent camping. The small loop means you're never far from the water or other campers, though the overall vibe stays peaceful given the low site count.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. There is no option for reservations.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not described.

AccessibilityThe site has an accessible fishing pier and wheelchair-friendly toilets.

Site SizeNo specific information provided on site sizes.

PrivacyThe privacy of sites is not specifically described, but reviews imply a peaceful and quiet environment.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites near the lake are recommended for those looking for scenic views and proximity to water.

Best CampsitesThree sites sit directly on the lake. Six more are set back nearby. Reviews don't call out specific site numbers, but the lakefront spots are presumably the first to book.

Amenities available

The Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area provides a range of basic amenities and facilities. It has restrooms available at the campground, but no running water or potable water. Users must rely on porta-toilets or facilities in the campground area. No electricity is available at the campsite, but there are grilles and picnic tables at each of the 10 sites. According to the source, there are 4 water spigots but no potable water is mentioned. A waste station is provided for campers.

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

48 reviews

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...

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...

Based on 48 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The lake-side sites are particularly appreciated for their proximity to water activities.

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...

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

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-friendly features like the fishing pier and accessible restrooms are noted.

Based on 48 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Canoe and kayak paddlers or bass and catfish anglers who bring all their own water and don't mind dry camping. With 10 sites and no reservations, weekday arrivals almost always find a spot, and the lakeside sites put you steps from the water.

Skip if

No cell service is a hard stop if you can't let people know where you are beforehand. Trails are overgrown with downed trees, the beach has gone to weeds, and hurricane damage means no water on site right now, so car-campers expecting even basic conveniences will be disappointed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Modoc sits on the South Carolina shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, flush showers, and direct lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating. Spacious sites overlook the water, and spring brings migratory waterfowl, nesting bald eagles, and wildflowers along the shoreline.

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Campground Map

Weather at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Planning Tips

About Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews