McCormick County, SC

Below Dam Site

This park has a viewing area where you can see the Lake Thurmond Dam in action, as water from the lake spills into the Savannah River. A boat ramp and fishing piers are also available. To the south, you will find a riverside picnic area with a short hiking trail in the surrounding woods.

Clarks Hill Park

This park offers two swimming areas and lakeside picnic tables with some good views of Lake Thurmond.

Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area

Located on a peninsula on Thurmond Lake between Modoc and Parksville is this recreation area with many lakeside picnic tables and over 200 campsites.

Long Cane Creek Picnic Area

This is a secluded picnic spot on Thurmond Lake in the Sumter National Forest.

Parksville Recreation Area

(Parksville)

This attractive lakeside recreation area is located along the South Carolina Heritage Corridor. It features lakeside picnic areas, a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station.

Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve

Several hiking trails with steep climbs will be found in this preserve. You can also get some nice views of the creek.

Stevens Creek Trail

A hiking trail runs along the west side of Stevens Creek, with some good views of the creek and its tributaries. Off-road bicycles are permitted, but motorcycles are not.

Thurmond Lake Visitors' Center

This is the main information center for the Thurmond Lake at Clarks Hill project. From here, you can also see some nice views of the lake and the dam.