Parksville
J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Parksville Recreation Area is a rural park in McCormick County, South Carolina on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. It is located along South Carolina State Highway 28/221 and features 70,000 surface-acres of water and 1,000+ miles of shoreline for boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.
Parksville Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with two group picnic shelters. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp, dock, playground and a grassy field. Shelter 1 (Beach Shelter) has electrical hookups and can accommodate up to 90 people; Shelter 2 (Hillside Shelter) can accommodate up to 36 people but has no electrical hookups.
Notifications and Alerts
This facility is closed until further notice due to impacts from Hurricane Helene.
All campground and picnic shelter reservations for the 2025 season have been cancelled due to damaged sustained by Hurricane Helene.
Need to Know
- Park hours are 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
All users must pay the $5 entry fee by the credit card machine prior to the gatehouse. Pass must be displayed with the time and date visable during your visit. Acceptable passes are the USACE Annual Pass and the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
Pets permitted on leash
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited
Glass and pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches
Fires are prohibited
- Nets, volleyballs and horseshoes are not provided
For shelter reservations:
Please bring your confirmation letter to the park; it is required for check-in
Shelter must be occupied by 2pm
Users are not exempt from entrance fee
The beach area and other park amenities are available for the reserving group as well as to the general public
Natural Features
Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level.
Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, osprey, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. 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.
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 endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.
Contact Information
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183 LAKEVIEW DR PLUM BRANCH SC 29845
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 800-533-3478
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Located off SC-28 in Parksville, SC.
Available Campsites
Photo Gallery