Baker Creek State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Are you looking for a beautiful outdoor destination in western South Carolina? Baker Creek State Park covers 1,305 acres and is located near the South Carolina border with Georgia. Established in 1967, it sits along the shore of Lake Thurmond. Baker Creek State Park is a great place to enjoy outdoor recreation year-round with its humid subtropical climate, mild winters, and long summers. Whether you want to relax and take in stunning sunsets or embark on an exciting adventure, add Baker Creek State Park to your next vacation plans.
Spring 40-76 F
Summer 67-93 F
Fall 64-86 F
Winter 36-54 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Baker Creek State Park
The Baker Creek State Park Campground is the perfect retreat if you're looking for a peaceful getaway. There are 50 campsites available, some of which are located along the beautiful shores of Lake Thurmond. The campground is conveniently located near prime fishing spots and a scenic hiking and mountain biking trail. This campground is open seasonally from March 1 to the end of September. While the campsites offer water and electrical hookups, no sewer hookups are available. Wi-Fi connectivity is described as sporadic, which is excellent for those who want to disconnect from everyday life. The pet-friendly campground offers a dump station, lake access, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing. A minimum two-night reservation is required. With that, you can fully immerse yourself in the outdoor experience.
Baker Creek State Park Campground
The Baker Creek State Park Campground offers 50 campsites, with some located right on the banks of Lake Thurmond. You have easy access to the best fishing sites and the hiking/mountain biking trail. The campground opens every year on March first and closes at the end of September.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Spotty
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Dump station, lake access, two-night minimum reservation, fishing spots, wildlife viewing
Hawe Creek Campground
Also located on the banks of Lake Thurmond, Hawe Creek Campground is small and has a peaceful environment. You can explore the more than 1,000 acres of shoreline and view bald eagles and other native wildlife. The campground welcomes hunters and boaters.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Spotty
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Boat launch, drinking water, hot showers, lake access, dump station, picnic spots
Hickory Knob State Park and Resort
Not far away from Baker Creek State Park is Hickory Knob State Park and Resort. It has an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Jackson and a pro shop with a snack bar that serves hot and cold dishes. An archery range and skeet shooting range are open to guests, too.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: In select areas
Other amenities: Gravel sites, private hookups, picnic tables, full park access, large restaurant
Lake Greenwood Motorcoach Resort
Choose from campsites close to the more than 11,00-acre Lake Greenwood when you stay at Lake Greenwood Motorcoach Resort. A boat slip and docks help you get your boat into the water and store it, but you might want to check out the amenities in the clubhouse. The campground has laundry facilities and a heated pool with a spa.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Heated swimming pool and spa, laundry facilities, outdoor kitchen, clubhouse, boat storage
What to Do at
Baker Creek State Park
If you're an avid mountain biker, you'll be impressed by the 10-mile trail with loops and hills. The route winds through large, wooded areas and is also suitable for hiking. Lake Thurmond, which spans over 71,000 acres, is located near the park's campground and offers plenty of boating and fishing opportunities. Additionally, the park has a covered pavilion that can accommodate up to 160 people and is available for daily rentals.
Inside Baker Creek State Park
Open on a seasonal basis, Baker Creek State Park offers a 10-mile trail with loops and hills that will seriously impress avid mountain bikers. The trail takes you through large wooded spaces and is suitable for traveling on foot. Lake Thurmond is near the park's campground and home to more than 71,000 acres. Even if you don't spend the night on the shore, you'll find boating and fishing spots nearby. The park also has a covered pavilion that accommodates 160 people and is available for daily rentals.
Fishing
Lake Thurmond is the best place to fish. You can catch crappie, catfish, striped bass, and bream. Anglers can try their hand at boat or shore fishing. Some people even cast their lines at the lakefront pavilion.
Flora and Fauna
Baker Creek State Park is a natural sanctuary for various plant and animal species. You might see deer, waterfowl, and wild turkeys. At the estuary where Baker Creek meets the lake, look at turtles basking in the sun, fish leaping out of the water, and ospreys diving for their prey. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including ducks, kingfishers, red-winged blackbirds, woodpeckers, and great blue herons.
Nature Watching
The aquatic habitats are perfect for seeing turtles, fish, and ducks. You might even see red-winged blackbirds, deer, wild turkeys, or barn swallows along the trail or in the woodlands.
Hiking
If you are looking for a moderate trail, check out the Mountain Bike Trail. This loop covers 10 miles and will take you over paved roads and footbridges. For those looking for something a little easier, the 0.8-mile Wild Mint Nature Trail takes you through the woods and along the shores of Lake Thurmond.
Boating
Visitors are allowed to engage in both motorized and non-motorized boating activities on the lake. If you are traveling by boat, there is a ramp located in the park. You can easily launch your craft into Lake Thurmond. Many people enjoy exploring the small islands, and others try their luck at fishing.
Swimming
You can swim in the lake, but there are no official designated spots in the park. There are also no lifeguards, so you will have to swim at your own risk.
Biking
The Mountain Bike Trail is rated as a moderate trail. However, if you are traveling by bike, be aware of others on the road. This pathway is a popular spot with hikers as well.
How to Get to
Baker Creek State Park
Baker Creek State Park is situated just off Highway 378. If you are traveling southwest from McCormick, take a right turn on Huguenot Parkway. This road will lead you straight to the park's entrance. On the other hand, if you are traveling northeast from Lincolnton, take a left turn on Huguenot Parkway. You can also access the park from Highway 28. If you are traveling northwest on Highway 28 from McCormick, take a left turn on Cedar Hill Road. However, be cautious while on this route. Cedar Hill Road has several sharp turns before it reaches the park grounds.
Entering Baker Creek State Park
Three dedicated parking areas are located near the campsites, boat launch, and trailheads. With that, you have plenty of places to park for the day. Unless you are staying overnight, the park's hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the year.
Baker Creek State Park Entry Fee (adult) : $3.0
Baker Creek State Park Entry Fee (senior) : $1.5
Baker Creek State Park Entry Fee (child 6-15) : $1.0
Baker Creek State Park (child 0-5) : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Baker Creek State Park
The park is ideal to visit most of the year due to South Carolina's humid subtropical climate. However, some summer days can be uncomfortably hot and humid. Plus, mosquitoes are common during this season. Cooler weather might be ideal if you want to enjoy hiking or nature watching.
The park's woodlands and waterfront location are home to a wide range of species. You may see deer, ospreys, and swallows. In the water, watch for sea turtles, catfish, and crappie.
Yes, there are RV-designated sites in the park. You can choose from 39 spots in Baker Creek State Park, all of which are close to the lake and hiking trails. They all have water and electric hookups.
While reservations are not required, they are recommended due to the limited number of sites. You can reserve a spot from $30 to $36 per night.
Pets are allowed at the park. However, you will need to keep them on a leash or in a crate. They cannot be left unattended or in vehicles.