Hickory Knob State Resort Park

Tucked along the shores of Strom Thurmond Lake in McCormick County, Hickory Knob State Resort Park stands out as one of South Carolina’s only full-service resort parks. Spanning 1,091 acres where the Piedmont meets the western edge of the state, this park offers something rare in the state park system — a lodge, restaurant, and golf course alongside the trails and waterfront you’d expect from a natural retreat.

The centerpiece is the 18-hole championship golf course, winding through hardwood forest with lake views that make it one of the most scenic public courses in the Southeast. Beyond the fairways, visitors can fish for largemouth bass and crappie on Strom Thurmond Lake, hike the moderate trails through mixed pine and hardwood forest, or try their hand at the skeet and archery ranges — a combination you won’t find at many parks in the region.

Water access drives much of the warm-season activity. A public boat ramp connects directly to the 70,000-acre reservoir, and the park rents canoes and kayaks for quieter exploration along the shoreline. The swimming pool at the lodge provides a more relaxed alternative for families.

Fall brings the best conditions — mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and the surrounding hardwoods turning copper and gold across the rolling McCormick County landscape. Spring is ideal for anglers targeting the pre-spawn bite.

Whether you’re booking a lodge room for the weekend or just passing through for a round of golf, Hickory Knob delivers a resort experience at state park prices.

Explore Nearby

• I-26 Scenic Highway — Scenic Byway in North Carolina
• Hilton Head Highway — Scenic Byway in South Carolina
• Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute Dark Sky Park — Dark Sky Site in North Carolina