Is Hickory Knob State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Hickory Knob State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Hickory Knob State Park?

Yes, Hickory Knob State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Hickory Knob State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Hickory Knob State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Hickory Knob State Park?

Hickory Knob State Park offers: Showers, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hickory Knob State Park?

Popular activities at Hickory Knob State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hickory Knob State Park

3.94

173 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping South Carolina

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Quick Facts

433 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsUp to 45 ftShowers

Book on South Carolina State Parks — Hickory Knob State Park Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

433 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsUp to 45 ftShowers

Book on South Carolina State Parks — Hickory Knob State Park Official Website

Get Directions

Hickory Knob State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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Campground Map

Hickory Knob State Park

33.8787, -82.4309

Weather at Hickory Knob State Park

Best Time to Camp at Hickory Knob State Park

Summer is peak season at Hickory Knob. Highs climb into the upper 80s to low 90s°F, with overnight lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. The lake is warm enough for swimming and the boat ramps stay busy, especially on holiday weekends. Expect high humidity, afternoon thunderstorms that roll through quickly, and plenty of insects. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, though the lake remains fishable into fall.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak: warm lake water, busy boat ramps, and full recreational offerings.

Planning Tips

About Hickory Knob State Park

Hickory Knob State Park sits on the western shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake in South Carolina's lake country, about 7 miles south of McCormick. The park offers RV sites and cabin lodging spread across a wooded property at 433 feet elevation, with waterfront sites elevated roughly ten feet above the water. Friendly staff and clean accommodations get consistent praise, though internal campground roads are notoriously rough.

Waterfront campsites along the lake among trees; cabins and lodge rooms available on site. RV campsites are present though reviewers note road and pad conditions may be poor for trailers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is peak season at Hickory Knob. Highs climb into the upper 80s to low 90s°F, with overnight lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. The lake is warm enough for swimming and the boat ramps stay busy, especially on holiday weekends. Expect high humidity, afternoon thunderstorms that roll through quickly, and plenty of insects. Crowds thin out after Labor Day, though the lake remains fishable into fall.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a forested slope above Thurmond Lake, with hardwoods creating overhead canopy and partial shade at most sites. Waterfront sites #6–#26 sit elevated above the water, offering lake views through the trees while maintaining a tucked-away feel. The lake itself dominates the scenery here. It's a massive reservoir popular for fishing and boating. Beyond the campground loops, the park stretches into wooded trails and a golf course with rolling terrain.

Scenic ViewsWaterfront sites (notably sites #6–#26) offer elevated views of Thurmond Lake; site #21 is frequently mentioned as particularly secluded with limited immediate neighbors.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsItinio (UseDirect)

Best CampsitesWaterfront sites #6–#26 get the best lake views. Site #21 stands out as the most secluded, with no immediate neighbors and a short walk to the shower facilities. These waterfront spots sit about ten feet above the water, so you're not right at the shoreline but close enough to hear it.

Amenities available

Picnic tables and fire rings at all sites; a camp store selling basic camping needs; shower facilities located near some campsites; on-site lodge rooms and cabins available.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

RV details

Electric hookups41 of 42 sites (98%)

Water hookups41 of 42 sites (98%)

Up to 45 ft vehicles

Activities you can enjoy

Lakeside recreation on J. Strom Thurmond Lake including boating and fishing; hiking and biking trails; swimming; on-site golf, axe throwing, and archery opportunities are available.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsInternal campground roads have been reported in poor condition and may be difficult for travel trailers. Some reviewers have noted small site sizes and occasional facility maintenance issues.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

173 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hickory Knob State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Mostly positive reviews highlighting friendly staff, clean cabins/lodge rooms, and a peaceful lakeside setting; some visitors report maintenance issues such as poor internal roads and bathhouse problems.

Review Summaries

Based on 173 reviews

What Campers Love

Friendly, helpful staff and park rangers; clean cabins and lodge accommodations; great for fishing, hiking, and tranquil waterfront camping; waterfront sites provide excellent lake views.

Based on 173 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve waterfront sites (sites #6–#26 recommended, with #21 noted as particularly secluded); stock up on supplies before arriving as nearby towns are a drive away; avoid large travel trailers due to...

Based on 173 reviews

Camper Quotes

Everyone was super nice and helpful. | They have really let this camp ground go down hill. Bathhouse was nasty

Based on 173 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Anglers, boaters, and tent campers who want a quieter summer base on a big South Carolina reservoir. Site #21 stands out for seclusion; the cabins and lodge rooms get consistent praise for cleanliness.

Skip if

Travel trailers and large RVs will struggle with uneven roads and cramped pads. The bathhouse has drawn maintenance complaints, and the nearest supply run is a real drive from McCormick.

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Elijah Clark State Park

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

Elijah Clark State Park sits on 447 acres along Clarks Hill Lake's western shore, a 71,100-acre reservoir near Lincolnton. The park has 169 campsites plus cabins and walk-in tent sites, with fees ranging from $5 to $70 per night. Launch a boat, fish the lake, hike forest trails, or spend the afternoon on the sandy beach.