Hickory Knob State Resort Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Free entryAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions6-ft leash
- Camping
- 43 campsitesAlso cabins
- Official site
- southcarolinaparks.com(864) 391-2450
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Partial closure Park NewsHickory Knob Boat Ramp Closure Due to low lake levels, all boat ramps at Hickory Knob are currently closed until further notice. Thank you for your… (more)
Hickory Knob Boat Ramp Closure Due to low lake levels, all boat ramps at Hickory Knob are currently closed until further notice. Thank you for your understanding! ⛳The golf course is NOW OPEN! Check our new golf rates, here. 🎄 Want to be part of the 2026 Festival of Trees? Apply in person at Hickory Knob Guest Services Oct. 5 - Nov. 19. Show off your creativity and help us make the park merry and bright. ✨ Hickory Knob State Park hours: Sunrise to Sunset. Please use the cell number posted at the park office for issues outside of operation hours. Check-in is at 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is at 10 a.m. for all lodge accommodations, campground excluded. Front Desk/Gift Shop hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily. Book a tee time, online! Click here for the current Hickory Knob Restaurant hours, buffet menu, and special events! Boaters, please note that outdoor plugs are located at the 200 section lodge rooms only. There is limited boat parking near the 400 section lodge rooms with no electric.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
In McCormick County, about 7 miles northeast of Lincolnton, Hickory Knob State Resort Park covers about 986 acres.
Popular activities here are golf, historic sites, canoeing and kayaking, boating, and swimming. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. Camping is available: 43 campsites, including RV sites, tent sites, and group camping. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | sunrise – sunset | — |
| Office | Daily | 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. | — |
Official wording
Sunrise to Sunset. Please use the cell number posted at the park office for issues outside of operation hours.
7 a.m. to 11 p.m., daily.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Free admission | Free |
Official wording
Free admission
South Carolina park passes
- ALL Park Passport — $99 Details
From the South Carolina state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- SC State Parks reservation system (reserve.southcarolinaparks.com)
- Phone
- 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions · leash up to 6 feet
Not allowed in or on: any other lodge rooms.
Pets are allowed in lodge rooms 303, 304 & 305 at Hickory Knob. Pets are not allowed in any other lodge rooms. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are allowed in lodge rooms 303, 304 & 305 at Hickory Knob. Pets are not allowed in any other lodge rooms. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sites with Elec. & Water | 43 | Standard Sites with Elec. & WaterShowers | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping Information: Enjoy camping along the shores of Strom Thurmond Lake. Each site is packed gravel and has individual water and electrical hookups and picnic table.
The campground is convenient to restroom facilities with hot showers.
Standard Sites with Elec. & Water: 43 sites
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Cabins/Villas: 1 unit
Lodging Information: Wireless internet service is available now at Hickory Knob. Most of the campus including lodge rooms and meeting rooms can access the wi-fi service.
Two Bedroom Cabin/Villa: The park offers a unique overnight experience in the restored Historic French Huguenot Guillebeau House.
The Guillebeau House includes two bedrooms which accommodate up to four people, bath and bed linen, basic cooking and eating utensils, television, automatic coffee maker, air-conditioning and heat, and a fireplace.
Lodge Rooms: Seventy lodge/motel rooms sleep two to four people and include a color television, telephone, automatic coffee maker, iron/ironing board, hair dryer and two double beds.
Six lodge/motel rooms sleep up to 2 people and include a color television, telephone, automatic coffee maker, iron/ironing board, hair dryer and 1 king bed.
Read more from the park
Lodge rooms in the 200 section are located next to the lodge and restaurant. Lodge rooms in the 300 section and 400 section are located lakeside.
Group Lodging: The Barrack is ideal for groups up to 10 people.
This rustic facility includes four bedrooms with two sets of twin bunk beds and six twin beds, two baths, a kitchen with cooking and eating utensils, and a living room with television.
The Barracks at Hickory Knob requires a 3-night minimum stay for most dates. Longer stays may be required during certain events and peak seasons.
Cabins/Villas: 1
Things to do
FishingBoatingCanoeing and kayakingBikingWildlife viewing and birdingHikingHistoric sites and toursGolfCampingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Run Trail | 2.5 mi | — | Length: 2.5 milesHiking and Mountain Biking Trail |
| Lakeview Loop Trail | 7.2 mi | — | Length: 7.2 milesHiking and Mountain Biking Trail |
| Turkey Ridge Loop Trail | 1.7 mi | — | Length: 1.7 milesHiking and Mountain Biking Trail |
Trail descriptions from the park
Beaver Run Trail
Length: 2.5 miles
Type: Hiking and Mountain Biking Trail
Description: At the post and rail fence, begin this gently-rolling, hiking/biking, out-and-back trail that winds along the scenic lake shore. You will zig-zag and switch-back on a single-track dirt path that traverses ditches and streams. Biking challenges include roots, rocks, close trees, occasional sinkholes and other minor trail hazards. As you pass beneath the shade of pine and oak woods, watch of a variety of birds, snakes and other wildlife. The trail ends near the skeet shooting area where you can return the way you came.
Lakeview Loop Trail
Length: 7.2 miles
Type: Hiking and Mountain Biking Trail
Description: From the post and rail fence near the kiosk, begin this scenic and challengingly rugged, hiking-biking, single-track, dirt loop-trail. You won’t find any long climbs here, but other challenges include close trees, steep slopes, rough ruts, roots, and rocks. Experts may not be overly challenged, but all levels of riders will get a good workout. You will traverse an amazing variety of habitats including cedar and hardwood ridges, young oak woods, towering pine stands, and open grassy inlets. As you ascend to peaceful, high points overlooking beautiful lake vistas, or descend to quiet, sandy, back coves along the lake shore, watch for birds, deer, snakes, and other wildlife. During the warm summer months there is a cool breeze from the lake and access to the water for a swim.
Turkey Ridge Loop Trail
Length: 1.7 miles
Type: Hiking and Mountain Biking Trail
Description: At the post and rail fence, begin this twisting, rolling, hiking/biking, single track, dirt, loop trail through mixed pine and hardwood forest. Challenges include moderately steep hills, stream fords without footbridges, and sharp curves, and switch-backs. As you pass beneath mixed oak and pine forest, and wind along creeks, watch for a variety of birds, snakes, squirrels, and other wildlife.
Swimming
Swimming: Swimming is permitted in Lake Thurmond. Park visitors may swim at their own risk. Lake access for swimming is limited.
Swimming Pool: A pool is available for all overnight guests, including those staying in the lodge rooms, cabins or campground.
Boating and paddling
Boating and Boat Access: A boat ramp provides private boat access to Strom Thurmond Lake. It is free for public use. Boat docks are available for overnight guests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Canoe/Kayak Rentals: Our boat rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, on a first come, first served basis. Canoes and kayaks rent for $15 for four hours, $20 per day. Paddleboards rent for $10/hour.
Fishing
Fishing Information: Enjoy fishing in Strom Thurmond Lake for several species of bass, hybrid, crappie, perch and stripers.
A courtesy dock is provided for park guests.
Tackle Loaner Program: This park participates in the Tackle Loaner Program sponsored by the SC Dept. of Natural Resources. Rods and reels are available for loan at the park office.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Playground
- Wi-Fi
- Group facilities
Water
- Boat ramp
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
Recreation
- Golf course
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 1591 Resort DR
McCormick, SC 29835 - Nearest town
- Lincolnton — about 7 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 33.8851, -82.4138 (from Wikidata)
- Phone
- (864) 391-2450
- hickoryknob@scprt.com
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- South Carolina State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- South Carolina State Parks Park Finder (JSON embedded in #park-finder-component data-parks)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology