Within J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area, this Army Corps of Engineers campground spreads across forested terrain along the lake's South Carolina shore. Sites accommodate RVs up to 48 feet with electric and water hookups, though campers note the access roads can present challenges. The gravel sites are well-spaced among the trees, with many offering direct lake access.
The campground operates seasonally from late March through September, with rates ranging from $22 to $64 per night. PattieL observes that "sites have electricity and water" and notes the paved roads throughout make for good walking and biking. Wildlife frequently moves through the wooded areas between sites, including deer and various waterfowl.
Fishing draws many visitors to the lake, with several reviews mentioning productive angling from both shore and boat. The campground provides boat ramp access, and kayaking is popular in the calmer coves. Swimming occurs in designated areas, though dogs are restricted from the main beach. Cell service varies by location, with some campers reporting strong coverage on major carriers while others experience gaps.
Bath houses serve the campground but show their age, though reviews consistently describe them as adequately maintained. Jen D. notes "water and electric at all sites" with "access to water from majority of sites." The facility includes a dump station and welcomes pets on leash.
Reservations are available and recommended for lake-facing sites, which fill quickly during peak season. For additional camping options in the area, campers can explore places to camp near Modoc or consider nearby Hamilton Branch State Park Campground. The combination of lake access and forested setting makes this a solid base for water-focused camping trips.
Description
Overview
Modoc Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, only five miles away from the Lake Thurmond Visitor Center and Dam. Camping at Modoc is ripe with many different opportunities for relaxation, skill-building, family bonding, and nature appreciation. The 70,000+ acre lake and 1,000+ miles of shoreline are prime for activities that facilitate such opportunities such as boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, bird watching, and so much more of course!
Recreation
Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers great conditions for exciting activities such as boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming. When recreating at Thurmond Lake, we hope to give our visitors opportunities to bond, appreciate nature, relive stress, improve skills, and improve physical fitness.
Facilities
Modoc Campground has many facilities that every camper can enjoy! The gatehouse has friendly camp hosts and information about the campground and local area. There are four bathhouses spread throughout the campground that have flush toilets and showers. The boat ramp and courtesy dock are conveniently placed with lots of parking. For the young campers, there is a playground on the first loop with a bathhouse conveniently next to it. For campers of all ages, there is a shaded hiking trail that winds through the campground showcasing the beautiful pine and hardwood trees. For camper convenience, there is a dump station and dumpsters located in the campground.
Natural Features
Water/ Land: Modoc Campground is on the shoreline of the J Strom Thurmond Lake that is over 70,000 acres, and surrounded with a mix of pine and hardwood trees which offer shade and visual interest. Wildlife: Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, neo-tropical birds, wild turkeys, and whitetail deer. Weather/ Climate: Average temperatures during the camping season starts out at 76 degrees Fahrenheit and peaks in July at 91 degrees Fahrenheit. May receives the least amount of rainfall on average, but increased rainfall for June, July, and August.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional settings for outdoor activities such as, boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking. There are many USACE managed day-use areas within 10 miles where registered campers may enter for free by displaying their campground hangtag pass. Within five miles, campers may visit the dam, Visitor Center, and various USACE trails. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundModoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake is located in South Carolina
Directions
296 MODOC CAMP ROAD MODOC, SC 29838 From I-20, take Exit 200 (River Watch Parkway). Turn right, drive 2 miles to Furys Ferry Road (HWY 28 West). Turn right, drive 13 miles to Clarks Hill, SC. Continue northwest on HWY 221 for approximately 4 miles to campground entrance.
Address
296 MODOC CAMP ROAD
Modoc, SC 29838
Coordinates
33.7191667 N
82.2241667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
