Outdoors Directory
This page is the “closest-to-home” outdoor directory for the Lake Thurmond (Clarks Hill Lake) region—built to help visitors and future residents find parks, trails, camping, paddling access, and the local providers that make lake life easier. Coverage focuses on Lincolnton GA, McCormick SC, Savannah Lakes Village, plus nearby communities like Parksville, Modoc, and Plum Branch.
Closest outdoor spots (quick-start list)
Closest to Lincolnton GA
Good starting points for quick park time, trails, paddling, and camp-style weekends near Soap Creek / Elijah Clark.
- Elijah Clark State Park — day use, campground, trails, kayak & cabin rentals, lake access.
- USACE day-use areas on the GA side (use the official directory)
Closest to McCormick / SLV
Great for park-based recreation, trails, and easy access to USACE day-use areas.
- Hickory Knob State Resort Park — trails, golf, kayak rentals, supplies, restaurant, lakefront setting
- Baker Creek State Park — quieter park access, excellent paddling area, kayak rentals, trails
- Parksville Recreation Area (USACE) — day-use + campground options
Parks & day-use areas (immediate region)
These are your easiest “go outside today” options—picnic areas, beaches/shorelines, playgrounds, and day-use access points.
Elijah Clark State Park (Lincolnton, GA)
A reliable base for day-use, camping weekends, beautiful sunrises, and easy access to the lake.
Hickory Knob State Resort Park (McCormick, SC)
Great for McCormick/SLV routines—park setting with trails, resort amenities including gift shop, restaurant, hotel, and golf.
Baker Creek State Park (McCormick, SC)
A quieter park option with easy access, kayak rentals, and a picnic area and beach for a calm afternoon outdoors.
USACE Day-Use Areas Directory (Official)
Best starting point for official day-use areas around J. Strom Thurmond Dam & Lake.
Trails & trailheads
Bussy Point Wilderness Area (Lincolnton / GA side)
Wilderness area hike over moderately rolling terrain with horseback riders (out-and-back / lake glimpses).
Hickory Knob - Lakeside Trail (McCormick / SC side)
Beautiful loop trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Thurmond. Excellent wildlife viewing and an occasional dip in the lake if you like.
Savannah Valley Rails to Trails (McCormick / SC side)
Level out-and-back trail through wooded areas and passes by several historic sites. Wildlife and peaceful settings.
Paddling access & outfitters
This is your “human-powered lake life” section: kayak put-ins, calm coves, rentals, delivery, guided trips.
Eddie Fletcher Day Use Area Launch (GA side)
Best for beginners. Go north under the bridge and continue north. Little to no boat traffic, wildlife viewing, beautiful sunset paddle. Ramp is at Hwy 378 at Soap Creek.
Long Cane Creek Picnic Area (SC side)
Best for wildlife viewing. Travel north or south from this launch area. Very little boat traffic, little water flow, beautiful and natural setting.
Palmetto Pines Outfitters
Supplier of Kayak and Stand-up Paddle board rentals in the Lake Thurmond Area.
Camping & RV
For visitors and weekenders: campgrounds, RV parks, and lake-friendly bases near trails and day-use areas.
Elijah Clark State Park Campground (Lincolnton, GA)
Simple, lake-front camping option in a well-maintained state park with trails and planned activities.
Hickory Knob State Resort Park (McCormick, SC)
South Carolina State Resort Park with kayak rentals, planned activities, mountain bike trails, golf course, tent and RV sites.
Baker Creek State Park (McCormick, SC)
South Carolina State Park with beach, picnic areas, trails, Kayak rentals, and private coves for paddling. (check seasonal availability).
Parksville Recreation Area (Camping + Day Use)
USACE-managed recreation area with camping/day-use options (check seasonal availability).
Hester's Bottom Campground (Mt. Carmel, SC)
Private boat launch, boat dock, private beach and playground. Also offers golf cart, kayak & paddleboard rentals.
Fishing access & tackle
Dorn Fishing Facility (SC side)
Easy parking, short walk, bank and pier fishing, good for a quick cast.
Palmetto Angler Bait & Tackle Shop
Live bait, ice, tackle basics, local tips, guided fishing trips (confirm seasonal hours).
Outdoor services (immediate region)
Palmetto Pines Outfitters
Supplier of Kayak and Stand-up Paddle board rentals in the Lake Thurmond Area.
Palmetto Angler
Fishing guide service. Stripers, hybrid and large-mouth bass (confirm availability).
Want a “weekend outdoors” plan built around where you’re staying?
Tell us your base (Lincolnton, McCormick, inside SLV, Parksville side, etc.) and what you like (easy trails, paddling, fishing, park time). We’ll point you to the simplest options and a realistic “do this first” order.
FAQ
Does this directory go beyond Savannah Lakes Village?
Yes. This page is intentionally broader than SLV and is meant to cover the full Lake Thurmond region around Lincolnton GA and McCormick SC.
Can you add more trails and providers over time?
Yes. Send your suggestions (or your business info) through the “Add / Update a Listing” button and we’ll verify details before publishing.
Should this page link to the boating directory?
Yes. The outdoors directory complements your boating directory nicely—many visitors want a mix of trail time and lake time on the same trip.