I knew I was in for treat when a doe and her fawn greeted me upon my arrival to Calhoun Falls State Park. There’s a long drive through piney woods to reach the park, filled with wildlife and the sounds of birds, so by the time I reached the pristine waters of Lake Russell, I was already in the right state of mind.
Calhoun Falls State Park hugs Lake Russell on the South Carolina side — the lake borders Georgia — and lies at the lake’s top reach of the state’s Old 96 District. We began our lake journey here and made our way south, enjoying what the reservoir had to offer before hitting the interstates and heading back to civilization.
Calhoun Falls State Park
There’s plenty to do at Calhoun Falls so pack a picnic lunch and bring your swimsuit. Recreation includes swimming off a sand beach, taking advantage of the volleyball, tennis and basketball courts and hiking through a 1.75-mile nature trail. Picnic tables abound, many with beautiful views of the lake.
For those who want to get out on the water, there’s a boat launch and marina next to the park office and general store, which sells everything from bug spray to bait and tackle.
Calhoun Falls State Park offers rustic tent camping sites along the lakeshore, some that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Pets are allowed most everywhere as long as they are on a lease.
Park hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with extended hours to 9 p.m. during Daylight Savings Time. The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Richard B. Russell Lake Dam Overlook
We had to take a detour off our southbound trek along Highway 81 to stop at the dam overlook. The Richard B. Russell Dam was completed on the Savannah River in 1983 and the 26,650-acre lake pooled in late 1984. In addition to the spectacular view, there are picnic tables and historical markers to explain the feat.
Lake Russell formed a body of water south of Lake Hartwell with its own dam built in 1962, and Lake Thurmond, built in 1954. Together, they form a 120-mile stretch of near contiguous reservoir habitat along the Savannah River.
Heading south from the overlook, we were now coming in to Lake Thurmond.
Hester’s Bottoms Family Campground
Families will feel right at home at this campground that prides itself on offering all kinds of fun. Naturally, there’s a playground and beach and swimming area on Lake Thurmond but the campground’s activity park includes corn hole, fire pits, outdoor ping pong, Yard Yahtzee, Jenga, checkers and a stage for movie nights and special events. Kids may want to try their hand at the interactive scavenger hunts and 3D games on the campground’s app, then collect their prize in the general store.
Camp sites include 44 RV sites and four buddy sites, all with fiberoptic Wifi, water and electricity. The property features a private boat launch and dock (they offer kayak and paddleboard rentals!), three bathhouses, golf cart trails and a fully stocked general store.
And everyone I encountered was oh so nice.
Hickory Knob State Park & Resort
This park and resort on Thurmond Lake is the largest of the three sites we visited, so for those who prefer indoor camping—the kind with air conditioning and a full bath—Hickory Knob features a variety of accommodations. Choose from lodge rooms, lodge suites, a variety of “barracks” and, of course, camping sites. For those who long for something truly unique, overnight in the Guillebeau House, a restored French Huguenot home restored and relocated to the park. The home from New Bordeaux in the Old Abbeville District dates to the 1770s!
The park contains a variety of nature trails, paddling rentals, bike trails, and ranges for skeet, axe throwing and archery. In its center lies an 18-hole championship golf course with pro shop, putting range and clubhouse. Other facilities include a restaurant, gift shop, playground and meeting space.
By Cheré Coen
Cheré Coen is a travel and food writer living in Marietta, Ga., and the author of the Weird, Wacky & Wild South blog (weirdsouth.com). She also writes the Viola Valentine paranormal mystery series under the pen name of Cherie Claire.
