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.

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.

Wikipedia 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.

But once you give Hickory Knob a chance, it’ll quickly soar to your list of favorite hideaways.

Google Local/Brian Lacy Among the many amenities offered at this state park are single and duplex cabins as well as accommodations within the lodge.

All of the lodging options are located either lakeside or with 150 yards of the lake (Savannah River).

South Carolina Parks The cozy cabins 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? How about things to do and a place to eat?

Hickory Knob State Park Resort has its own restaurant!

Facebook/South Carolina State Parks 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.

The park features an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Jackson.

Facebook/South Carolina State Parks South Carolina State Parks even features a Stay and Play golf package that’s ideal for enjoying this quiet riverside course.

Kids (and kids at heart) love the swimming pool.

Facebook/South Carolina State Parks 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.

Facebook/South Carolina State Parks 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.

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.

Google Local/Kayce Richardson 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).

Google Local/David McNamara

Have you and your family discovered this sweet waterside retreat yet? If not, then ‘water’ you waiting for?! Here’s a link to the official website so you can start planning your next family adventure!

Wikipedia

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.

Google Local/Brian Lacy

Among the many amenities offered at this state park are single and duplex cabins as well as accommodations within the lodge.

South Carolina Parks

The cozy cabins 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? How about things to do and a place to eat?

Facebook/South Carolina State Parks

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.

South Carolina State Parks even features a Stay and Play golf package that’s ideal for enjoying this quiet riverside course.

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.

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.

Google Local/Kayce Richardson

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!

Google Local/David McNamara

Bonus news: Beginning in January 2020, pets will be allowed in the 400 section of the lodge.

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.

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Address: 1591 Resort Dr, McCormick, SC 29835, USA