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Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Overview
Hickory Knob State Resort Park is unique within the South Carolina state park system, operating as a full-service resort on the shores of Lake Thurmond. Unlike many rustic campgrounds, this destination blends traditional outdoor recreation with developed amenities. It serves as a peaceful retreat in the South Carolina Piedmont, offering a relaxed pace where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the 71,000-acre lake. Whether you are here for the water or the land-based activities, the park provides a well-rounded experience for travelers seeking a mix of comfort and nature.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near McCormick, SC, the park sits along the border of Georgia and South Carolina. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills and dense woodlands that overlook the massive Strom Thurmond Lake. Its position within the Heritage Gold Belt provides a quiet, secluded atmosphere away from major metropolitan noise. The surrounding area is dominated by the lush greenery of the Sumter National Forest, ensuring that the drive into the park is as scenic as the destination itself.
Amenities & Park Features
The RV campground offers 44 sites equipped with water and electrical hookups, accommodating various rig sizes. Beyond the campsites, the park stands out for its high-end recreational facilities that are uncommon in standard state parks:
- An 18-hole championship golf course that provides a challenging layout with lake views.
- Professional skeet shooting and archery ranges for sports enthusiasts.
- A full-service lodge featuring an on-site restaurant and meeting spaces.
For those bringing watercraft, the private boat ramp provides easy access to the lake for a day of fishing or paddling.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities, including over 12 miles of trails suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. The lake is a premier destination for striped bass and largemouth bass fishing. Just a short drive away, the town of McCormick offers a glimpse into local history with its historic downtown district. Additionally, nearby Baker Creek State Park provides further opportunities for lakefront exploration and additional trail systems for those looking to expand their itinerary.
Who This Park Is Best For
Hickory Knob is ideal for active RVers who enjoy sports like golf and clay shooting alongside traditional camping. It is a fantastic choice for families seeking a resort-style environment without leaving the state park system. Because of its diverse recreational facilities, it appeals to groups with varied interests, ranging from avid anglers to leisure travelers. If you prefer a destination where you can transition from a morning on the greens to an afternoon on the water, this park is the perfect fit.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Internet
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
DebbieLou
Hickory Knob State Park is a big, beautiful, spacious, clean and well maintained #StatePark, lodge, golf course with plenty to do and see. The park is located in McCormick, SC and sets on the shoreline of Strom Thurmond Lake. A (71,000) acre reservoir. Stayed for a few days and really enjoyed my visit. Could’ve wandered 🚶🏾♀️around the park for a week! There were several big family reunions going on at the lodge, the barn, all over the park — seems to be a place families visit quite frequently for different occasions. Great staff and friendly Rangers. Friendly people all over the park. Just a warm and fuzzy big park. I love that! Folks if you’re looking for a great park to visit/camp; Hickory Knob checks off all the boxes. There’s a restaurant in the Lodge that serves breakfast lunch, dinner and makes the best sweet tea and the staff are awesome. A basketball court, swimming pool, Skeet, Archery, golf, playground, volleyball, hiking trails, game area, fishing, boating, kayaking, swimming, etc. Will definitely circle back around to Hickory Knob— add it to my favs list. There’s a Food Lion grocery store abt (10) miles from the park. Chop, Chop! “The world ‘is’ a beautiful place — if you know where to look.”❤️ Note: Couldn’t find any hiking/biking trails that were open. #SCStateParks🌳 #SCParkPassport #GetOutAndPlay🏃🏽♀️🎣🏊🏽♂️🏌️♂️🚴🏽♂️⛺️🏓🥾 #SupportStateParks #HappyPeople #HappyPlaces❤️
George Delaney Keenan
This is a great course that is a challenge to play. The fairways can be narrow for some holes and there is plenty of water hazards. The views throughout the course are wonderful. The course is well maintained. There is a putting green, chipping green, and a driving range. The pro shop is well stocked and they serve hot dogs and chicken sandwiches too! I hesitate to sing it's praises lest more discover the course and create a crowd!!! There is a conference center and fine restaurant a little further down the road in the park also along with skeet shooting an a archery range.
T B
Overall, my stay was nice. However, a family member got a spot directly next to us and their spot was covered in the previous persons trash and so was the sand spot by the water at the end of their trail. Our spot was clean. We still had a Great time, that's why I gave a 4-star rating. Other than the trash surrounding their camping site, it was beautiful and peaceful. (I assume someone just forgot to clean it).
Kristina Stoner
We had a great weekend! We rented one of the rooms and it was clean and comfortable. Having dock access for our boat was convenient and allowed us time to enjoy all that Hickory Knob had to offer! We really enjoyed the breakfast buffet!!! Pricing was fair and there was a variety for all of us to enjoy. We'll be back for sure!
Jodie B
Nice state park resort glad I stayed in lodge so I was able to be close the restaurant and pool if I would have brought my camper I probably wouldn't have made it to this side of the park.