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Camper submitted image from Hamilton Branch State Park Campground - 3

Water

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People

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Camping

Established Camping

Hamilton Branch State Park Campground

36 Reviews

About

State Park

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

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Location

Hamilton Branch State Park Campground is located in South Carolina

Directions

From I-20: In Augusta GA. take exit 200. Turn rt. onto GA Hwy 104/River Watch Pkwy. Turn rt onto Hwy 28/Furys Ferry Road. Drive 19 miles. Park entrance will be on the left.

Address

111 Campground Rd
Plum Branch, SC 29845

Coordinates

33.75415371 N
82.20390028 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Unknown
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

christine S.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2023

October 2023

Had a great time. Beautiful views from campsite, clean bathroom, loved the General store. Will go back

Site123

Natalia T.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2023

First day using the app

The app is making my life more easy

Sitees

Month of VisitSeptember

Kenny T.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2023

Lake View

Every campsite is on the lake!

Site16

Month of VisitMay

James B.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 6, 2023

Great place

Fun place to stay

Site78

Month of VisitMarch

Patty S.

Scout

Reviewed Nov. 9, 2022

We had a wonderful weekend. There are a ton of campsites at this park however they are spaced very well. Plenty of room between sites. Almost all sites are on the lake. Bathrooms were dated but clean.

Site115

Month of VisitNovember

Kevin H.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2022

Great spacious site on the water, lots of privacy

We arrived at last light, and I am glad that we had daylight while we backed in. Lovely site, spacious. Sites 98 & 99 T off the connector road. Layout it such that your RV is parallel to the road, overlooking the water which is 80- 100 feet away. Your neighbors are a fair distance away, but your head and tail of the RV points to them- so once inside you're not even aware of them. We are 30 foot fifth wheel with F250, and i imagine the back-in would have been more challenging if 99 was occupied. Nice family oriented park. Water and electric all good, dump station on way out.

Did not use facilities, but apparently showers and toilets are a little drive away.

Wood: We drove out of the park, turned left and found an honor-system wood kiosk on parallel road - just over the railroad tracks. $5 for a small bundle, but it was worth it to us.

Leveling was not an issue.

Hosts keep site nice and clean,

Data: Visible worked great (25 mbs up & down, so no need to break out hotspots, Starlink etc

Site98

Month of VisitNovember

(5) View All

Jason H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2022

Great campsite on the lake

We had a great experience that unfortunately ended a day early due to some heavy rain. We checked in on a Thursday evening from the drive from Florida. Campsite was chosen from a map, which seemed to have an upfront water access. Apron arrival, we found out there was actually another campsite squeezed directly in front of us and a RV showed up to obstruct the breeze and view of the water. We wanted our own water entrance and the view, so we moved to campsite 103. Best decision we made was moving to campsite 103, highly recommend. It’s on its own point, more secluded from the other sites, almost no visibility from your neighbors. The best part was the view, sunsets over the water were beautiful. There is a slightly steep step down to get to a lower ridge that walks into the water, be careful in the rain, but that’s where we scattered our hammocks throughout. Campground wise, we had 2 tents set up, trucks parked about 20’ away and still had room for Cornhole boards, fire pit and tables. The lake access was awesome because we bring inflatable paddle boards and there was a small island about 1/2 mile out that we would paddle around and back

The drive in is easy and paved. I do always hope for that off-road, overland kind of drive in but not here. Campground is huge with multiple sections so pay attention to the signs. Campsite #s where spray painted yellow on the ground if I recall correctly.

Overall, great getaway, the cell service was almost gone, every now and then a bar would pop up so just throw it in airplane mode to truly escape. Make sure you get a site on the water if you are tent camping. It would suck to have your view impeded and not have a back up campsite so choose wisely.

Seclusion might be an issue at some sites but they do have a couple sets of bathrooms around that are well maintained at the campground. Nothing crazy but they are clean.

Site173 and 103

Month of VisitMay

(15) View All

Erica F.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2022

My New Favorite!

The SC State Park system is wonderful. The reservation system is very user friendly and staff is always helpful. I’ve enjoyed each experience I have at the parks, but this is my new favorite campground. Sites are HUGE and very private. Just about every site is lakefront. The majority of the campsites are in a T formation, meaning you have to back in twice. Once to back off the road then again into your site. The downside to this design is that sites on the left side of the T shape, back in with the trailers camp side facing the road, not the lake. But once you’re backed in, it’s so peaceful and private! Many people bring golf carts and bikes due to the size of the campground. If you rely on a bathhouse, I’d call to request a spot close to one. I haven’t seen the bath house yet on any of my walks so this site wouldn’t be good for someone who relies on those facilities. I also recommend watching the Clemson Camper’s review of this campground on YouTube. He bikes through the whole park and films each site. It’s very helpful, especially given the T-shaped formation of the campsites.

Site95

Month of VisitAugust

PCS S.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 16, 2022

Huge park, spread out sites right on the water!

This is a huge state park. I don't think we even saw a third of it. The sites are big and spread out. We had sites 73-76 on campground F and did not feel like we were on top of anyone.

We went in late March and the kids splashed in the water a little at our campsites, but it was still a little cold.

There is plenty of trees for shade, hammocks, drying line, and lights.

There is a short nature hike that was walking distance from our site. It is not a rigorous hike, but the kids enjoyed it.

The bathrooms were very clean, but not all sites are close to a bathouse. We would ride our bikes, but you saw people driving golf carts or cars to the bathhouses. If you need to be close to a bathhouse, be extra vigilant when choosing your site (maybe even give the rangers a call).

Site73-76

Month of VisitApril

Stone D.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2022

Paradise

Bro just go I enjoyed it so much it was so peaceful for me I had my own shoreline and all it was heaven to me

Sitei stayed in h-4 on the point it was perfect for me

Month of VisitMay

(6) View All

Jennifer H.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 18, 2022

Beautiful lake views

The park was very well kept including the campgrounds and the bathroom facilities. We stayed in the 162-165 area and the views were breathtaking. There were a few campers who didn’t follow the quiet hours, but we’d still return 100%.

Site163

Month of VisitMay

(5) View All

Steven S.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 23, 2022

Great camping

Fun place to visit. Very clean.

Site55

Month of VisitMarch

Steven S.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 23, 2022

Great Place

Awesome place to visit. Clean restrooms. Very private layout. Great water access. The staff at the gate are friendly. Cool little store with lots of souvenirs.

Site59

Month of VisitMarch

(4) View All

Claire O.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2021

Beautiful State Park!

Almost every site is Lake Front! It was so peaceful and the bathrooms I swear were cleaned every hour. Nice hiking path loop great for family, playgrounds, and the lake access is awesome! Super friendly hosts, easily my favorite SC State park!

Site173

Month of VisitNovember

(7) View All

Tommy W.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 3, 2021

Quite and relaxing

This State Park is large with camping for everyone, RV’s, tent camping. On lake Thurmond between Plum S. C. And Modoc S. C. On hey 28.

Site87

Month of VisitOctober

Tracy H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2021

Party Central on the Weekend

We camped at Hamilton Branch for a week, Monday-Sunday. The campground was quiet and lovely during the week, however Friday snd Saturday nights were loud-Several folks partied very late into the night (2:00am) with loud music, loud voices, etc. On the positive side: The lake was great, and we had a nice little beach right at our campsite in a calm cove. We spent the week floating, paddle boarding, and canoeing. Our grandsons spent every day in the water. The campground roads are very narrow in spots, and some campsites are quite sloped, so try to look at pictures before choosing a spot. There were very few bathhouses and we had a fairly long walk to get there. The restrooms were adequate.

Site169 & 170

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Alice D.

Scout

Reviewed May. 17, 2021

Watch out for the ants!

Two sites share a common drive and it’s very difficult to get into and out of your site without using the other site’s parking area! At least for a novice to trailer camping. Our site was overrun with sugar ants. They were on and in everything! Pretty lake but I won’t go there again

Month of VisitJuly

Elizabeth G.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 16, 2021

Beautiful views and large spaces

Stayed at hamilton branch this past weekend. Loved the big sites. Only downside was the site we stayed on was site 42 the water connection is too far away so you must have a very long hose pipe. And poison oak surrounds the entire site. Other than that it was nice and peaceful. Look forward to staying again on a different site of course.

Site42

Month of VisitJune

(4) View All

Kim A.

Scout

Reviewed May. 12, 2021

A new favorite!

We camped here in early May and loved it! Very private, large campsites. Bike friendly and beautiful lake. Wished we had brought our kayaks, but will be back again soon! Drove into McCormick and had dinner at Michelle’s which we would highly recommend. Their calzones and burgers were delicious!

Site50

Month of VisitJune

robins662

Guide

Reviewed May. 5, 2021

Very nice!!!

This place is awesome! We slept in the primative tent section. It was nice and peaceful. Facilities are clean. Great views ❤️

Month of VisitMay

Valerie L.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 29, 2020

Spacious sites

A lot of the sites are on the waters edge and offers beautiful views. The red clay was horrible though, especially with a white dog and after it rained. We had site 145, beautiful views but difficult to maneuver into the site and access the water, but we made it work. We would return though. Site 144 and 143 had gorgeous views of the sunset...I’ve heard 108 and 77 are prime spots. Be aware of booking a site and how you’re awning will face! Bathhouse is about 1/2 mile away, so too far to walk when you have to go. Not many bathhouses either so there was a line for the shower (only 2 shower stalls and 3 toilets for at least 75 campsites with the tent sites included). Only 2 single access dump stations for the entire park, so there was a line of 8-10 campers at both on a Sunday morning!

(6) View All

Juliana D.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2020

Sites have great size

This is a beautiful place, with great sites, that have a good space between each other, this way you can have some privacy!

Briggs B.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2020

Great place!

Great place for kids and dogs. Most camp spots have a great distance between them for dogs to have space. Also a great place for boaters. We pull out boat right up to the camp spot. We have a truck camper a 3500 ram and our boat trailer on the site with room for two more cars if needed. The bathrooms were nice and clean as well.

Steven B.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 14, 2020

Enjoyable spot.

We loved the mountain like setting right on the lake. Large camping areas that are spaced apart nicely. Plenty of lake access for kayaking and boat fishing with boat landing. Not aware of a swimming area. We will revisit.

Marissa H.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2020

BEST camping experience yet!

Hamilton Branch is amazing! The sites are all lakefront and generously sized. Plenty of paved roads for biking, and kayaking on the lake was absolute perfection! My only regret is not staying longer. Can’t wait for the next trip!

(7) View All

Ramona K.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2020

My new favorite state park

We were at site 158 and had not only the lakefront view but easy lake access at our site. Bathrooms were kept pretty clean. Some of the sites are a bit of a hike to get to the bathrooms which is why it doesn’t have 5 stars. If I could have done 4 1/2 I would have. Only thing that would make it the perfect site would have been sewer hook ups, but those are rare in the SC State park system. Only one neighbor was close enough to be sort of visible but they were rarely there. It was nice and quiet and dark at the site in the evening, which is exactly how we like it. We went swimming, floating and fishing in the lake and never had to leave the site. Just wish we had booked a longer weekend as I was not ready to leave that view!

Heather D.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 17, 2019

We LOVED Our Stay!!

We went camping at Hamilton Branch State Park in October 2019 for a week. There are so many wonderful things to say about this campground.

Almost ALL sites are lakefront- There are very few sites that are not right on the water. There are some sites that have a steep drop off to the water(mostly the tent sites around the sites 123-128 range). We found several sites that we thought were the best. Sites 77, 168, 98, 97, 103, 105, and a couple of others I can’t remember. Nice views and access to the water.
Sites are very spaced out- We were there during a quieter time, so we had several sites around us that were empty, but even if they had been full, we thought there was a lot of space between them, and most faced the water, so they all kind of faced away from each other. So, it seems to be very private.
Park is LARGE- This is a huge park, and even though there are 200 sites, those are all distributed over 9 different areas, each area consisting of at least 1 loop each. So, again, very spaced out and private.
Clean Bath Houses- Obviously we stuck to the bath house closest to our site, but it was extremely clean and appointed. Toilets cleaned every morning. Shower clean with good shower curtains! If you have camped before, you have likely encountered shower curtains that were hanging on by their last 2 or 3 loops. We even brought our own, in case that was the case here. Nope, it was very nice to have the bathroom so well taken care of.
Friendly Staff- We had originally booked a specific site, and when we got there, we wanted to change it(due to the steep drop to the water, that would be hard to do every day with kayaks). We looked around the park to see what else would be available and Amanda at the front office was very helpful in checking for availability and helping us change our site. In addition to the very helpful Amanda, we encountered several camp hosts. Since the park is so big, there are multiple camp hosts. Everyone we encountered was friendly, helpful and seemed to enjoy being there.
Beautiful Lake/Nature- Obviously the big attraction here is the lake. Thurmond Lake is ENORMOUS. And the park is on one small part of it. We kayaked a few days and saw a lot of fish, bald eagles, geese, blue herons, white egrets, etc. At our campsite we saw a couple of deer and a few raccoons. For a 6-night stay, we only saw the raccoons one night. We must not have had very good tidbits ad they gave up on us.

We stated several times that we will be coming back to this campground, and that it might be one of the best we have ever been to. I hope this gave you some info and insight into this park.

Site168

Month of VisitNovember

Stephanie D.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Favorite State Park

Sooooo many beautiful campsites to choose from! Lots of trees and spaced apart. We camp here almost every other weekend during the warm months and once a weekend during the cooler months.

Robert B.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 21, 2018

Great place to take scouts and RV camp

I have been here two times. First time with scout troop and then RV camping. The group camping area is Huge and has its own picnic shelters and bath rooms . The Rv sites were clean and well Maintain. The park is beautiful and very large. You feel like you are in A secluded area not like some parks right up on top of each other. Staff is Amazing and very helpful. I definitely will be back.

Swain K.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2018

Great time

camp sites are nice with lots of room between other sites. can be reserved 11 months out. good fishing and swiming. prepare your site for ants they will get into everything if not.

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