Hickory Knob State Resort Park
South Carolina State Park

Hickory Knob State Resort Park

Hickory Knob State Resort Park, SC
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Picnicking
  • Hunting
  • Golfing
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • RV
  • Biking

🌤 Weather at Hickory Knob State Resort Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
42–84 °F69–93 °F40–86 °F34–61 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at N 5NE, 10 mi away, elevation 322 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

South Carolina’s Only Resort Park — Golf, Lake & Skeet Shooting

Hickory Knob State Resort Park in McCormick, South Carolina, is the only state resort park in the Palmetto State — offering a full-service lodge, championship golf, archery, skeet shooting, and direct access to the 71,000-acre Lake Strom Thurmond. It’s an all-in-one outdoor resort where guests can fish in the morning, golf in the afternoon, and fire clay targets before dinner.

Golf

The Tom Jackson-designed 18-hole championship course winds through piney hills with lake views, strategic bunkering, and water hazards. Pro shop, cart rentals, and overnight golf packages available.

Lake Strom Thurmond

  • Fishing: Bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill in one of the Southeast’s largest lakes
  • Marina: Boat launch, docks, pontoon and kayak rentals
  • Swimming beach with bathhouse (Memorial Day–Labor Day)

Lodge, Cabins & Camping

  • 76 lodge rooms with restaurant and pool
  • Cabins: 1- and 2-bedroom lakeside or forested settings
  • 44 campsites with electric/water hookups, some lakefront

Unique Activities

  • Skeet & Trap Shooting: Ranges with equipment available by reservation
  • Archery Range: From beginner to advanced
  • 12 miles of hiking/biking trails including the scenic Lakeview Loop (7.2 mi)
  • Tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, and playground

Quick Facts

  • Location: South Carolina
  • Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
  • Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)

Things to Do

South Carolina parks stretch from Blue Ridge Mountains to Lowcountry coast. Activities include hiking waterfall trails, swimming at beaches, kayaking cypress swamps, fishing for bass and redfish, camping in Spanish moss-draped settings, and exploring plantation and Revolutionary War heritage.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are ideal. Summer brings intense heat inland — coastal and mountain parks offer relief. Winter is mild, especially along the coast.

Visitor Tips

Admission $3-$8 per adult. Annual pass $99.95. Reservations through southcarolinaparks.com. Insect repellent essential in Lowcountry parks May through September.

Explore More South Carolina State Parks

Hickory Knob State Resort Park is one of many outstanding state parks in South Carolina. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Carolina guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Pine Island State Park (a short drive away) or Sesquicentennial State Park (within about an hour’s drive).

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

⛺ Camping at Hickory Knob State Resort Park: Campgrounds & Cabins

Campsites44 sites — 44 campsites near Lake Thurmond/Strom Thurmond Reservoir. Camping page states individual water and electrical hookups, packed gravel pads, picnic tables; dump station and hot-shower restrooms. Sewer hookups not mentioned; RV length limits not stated.
Cabins & Lodging76 lodge rooms (check-in 4:00pm, check-out 10:00am); 1 historic cabin (Guillebeau House) sleeps 4; 1 group lodging barrack sleeps up to 10. Outdoor electric plugs only at 200-section rooms; limited boat parking (no electric) at 400 section; WiFi available.
PetsPets allowed only in lodge rooms 303, 304 & 305; not allowed in any other lodge rooms. Allowed in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than 6 ft.
Reservationsreserve.southcarolinaparks.com/hickory-knob; phone 864-391-2450. Camping requires minimum 2-night stay; reservations less than 1 day out must be booked directly with the park.
Special sites1 group lodging barrack (sleeps up to 10). Equestrian/primitive camping not stated.

Camping questions about Hickory Knob State Resort Park

Can you camp at Hickory Knob State Resort Park?

Yes. Hickory Knob State Resort Park has 44 campsites. 44 campsites near Lake Thurmond/Strom Thurmond Reservoir. Camping page states individual water and electrical hookups, packed gravel pads, picnic tables; dump station and hot-shower restrooms. Sewer hookups not mentioned; RV length limits not stated.

How do you reserve a campsite at Hickory Knob State Resort Park?

reserve.southcarolinaparks.com/hickory-knob; phone 864-391-2450. Camping requires minimum 2-night stay; reservations less than 1 day out must be booked directly with the park.

Are there cabins at Hickory Knob State Resort Park?

76 lodge rooms (check-in 4:00pm, check-out 10:00am); 1 historic cabin (Guillebeau House) sleeps 4; 1 group lodging barrack sleeps up to 10. Outdoor electric plugs only at 200-section rooms; limited boat parking (no electric) at 400 section; WiFi available.

Are pets allowed at the Hickory Knob State Resort Park campground?

Pets allowed only in lodge rooms 303, 304 & 305; not allowed in any other lodge rooms. Allowed in most outdoor areas on a leash no longer than 6 ft.

Source: southcarolinaparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hickory Knob State Resort Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas of South Carolina state parks provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leash no longer than six feet (or other physical restraint) required at all times
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities except in designated pet-friendly units at eight parks (Barnwell, Devils Fork, Dreher Island, Hickory Knob, Lake Hartwell, Oconee, Santee, Table Rock); up to two pets under 75 pounds each; additional charge applies
Pet fees statewide rule
Additional charge for pet-friendly cabins/villas; no fee for day use
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Park staff may require removal of noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten wildlife

Are dogs allowed at Hickory Knob State Resort Park?
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas of South Carolina state parks provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via southcarolinaparks.com. More: South Carolina state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: June 12, 2026

Park Location

Hickory Knob State Resort Park, SC

Plan your gear for Hickory Knob State Resort Park

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