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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit South Carolina state parks?
Most South Carolina state parks charge $3-$8 per adult for admission. Children under 5 are free. An annual pass costs $99.95 and covers unlimited visits to all parks.
What are the best state parks for waterfalls in South Carolina?
Top waterfall parks include Table Rock (Carrick Creek Falls), Caesars Head (Raven Cliff Falls — tallest in SC), Jones Gap (connected waterfalls), and Wildcat Wayside. Many are in the Blue Ridge escarpment area.
Can I kayak at South Carolina state parks?
Yes, many parks offer excellent kayaking including the blackwater rivers at Congaree, coastal paddling at Hunting Island and Edisto Beach, and mountain lake kayaking at Table Rock and Devils Fork.
What is the best time to visit South Carolina state parks?
Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer the best conditions. Summer is very hot inland but great for coastal parks. Winter is mild, especially along the coast, and ideal for hiking without crowds.
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).
🐾 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
Park Location
Plan your gear for Hickory Knob State Resort Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
