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In need of a little getaway but don’t want to use your vacation days or empty your wallet? There’s a hidden river cabin resort in McCormick, South Carolina, that’s the perfect spot to sneak away for a few days of inexpensive fun. It’s actually one of South Carolina’s 47 state parks, known as Hickory Knob Resort State Park.
Nestled on the shore of the Savannah River and within the 71,000-acre Strom Thurmond Reservoir, Hickory Knob State Park is poised with many amenities perfect for crafting your ideal getaway. McCormick, S.C. is just inside the Georgia-South Carolina border.
Lake Strom Thurmond (a.k.a. Clarks Hill Lake) provides a world of adventure both in and around the shoreline. The lake is the third largest man-made lake east of the Mississippi, yet many South Carolinians as well as visitors overlook this oasis in search of perhaps more glamorous vacations at the many beaches on the coast.
Once you give Hickory Knob a chance, it'll quickly soar to your list of favorite hideaways.
These cozy, waterfront cabins in S.C. can each accommodate up to four people and are equipped with towels and sheets, cooking and eating utensils, TV, coffee maker, heating and air conditioning, and telephone plus a grill and outside picnic table. What more could you need for a weekend away? These are some of the best cabins in S.C. for a quiet and peaceful getaway.
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Of course, if you enjoy camping, Hickory Knob State Resort Park offers 44 campsites.
My family stayed at an RV site for two nights. One of the things we loved about the sites here was that there was a nice distance between them. It also was so quiet and peaceful during our stay. Check RV Share for a rental options if you don't have your own RV or are considering buying one but maybe want to see how you like RV camping first!
How about things to do and a place to eat? Hickory Knob State Park Resort has its own restaurant!
Dine on three square meals a day on this rustic getaway -- and without washing a single dish or doing the cooking. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the food is not only delicious, but also perfectly priced. It's also open on Thanksgiving Day each year. We visited for the holiday in 2023 and it was so nice to enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal without all the work!
Can you name the South Carolina State Parks that still have swimming pools? We'll give you a hint: there's only one. While both the park and swimming in Lake Strom Thurmond are open to day-use visitors, the pool is reserved only for cabin and lodge guests.
Hickory Knob also features a number of other ways to reconnect with nature on your getaway.
A skeet shooting range is open to those age 13 and over and an archery range is available as well. Both require an advance reservation to be sure the ranges can accommodate your party when you arrive.
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Additionally, three hiking and biking trails totaling 12 miles weave in and out of the forest while also offering intermittent scenic views of the lake.
Love to boat or fish? The state park has a boat launch for overnight guests as well as kayak and canoe rentals. Prefer a paddleboard? You can rent that, too!
Hickory Knob State Park Resort seems to have it all — including incredible sunset views over Strom Thurmond Lake (a.k.a. Clarks Hill Lake and the Savannah River).
Have you and your family discovered this sweet waterside retreat yet? If not, then ‘water’ you waiting for?! Visit the official Hickory Knob Resort State Park website so you can start planning your next family adventure!
Bonus news: As of January 2020, pets are allowed in the 400 section of the lodge, so everyone in the family can join in on the fun at this getaway spot.
Take a peek at this video preview of this incredible state park:
Want to venture outside the park while you’re here? Then take short ride over to check out an old gold mine in this part of the state: the Dorn Gold Mine as well as some spots the book lovers will adore.
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Hickory Knob Resort & Related Info
AnneMarie|December 01, 2023
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