How much does camping cost at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area range from $7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All campsites are first-come, first-served. There is no option for reservations.

What is the best time to visit Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area is open The campground is open seasonally from May 1 through November 15.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area have?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

4.18

48 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping South Carolina

Quick Facts

260 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

260 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $7 per campsite per night. Payment is made through a self-serve fee station. There is also a $3 day-use fee per vehicle.

Standard Site Fee$7.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

803-624-9471

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 48 reviews

38 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeaceful

"User reviews highlight the peaceful and quiet nature of the campground, which is often vacant. Key attractions include accessible outdoor activities and affordability, though maintenance issues are a common theme."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

33.7275, -82.0406

Best Time to Camp at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Summer brings mid-80s to low-90s°F days and humid nights in the mid-60s to 70s, making it the best time for swimming and paddling. The lake warms up nicely and stays inviting through September. With only 10 sites, crowds never overwhelm the place, but weekends fill fast during peak season. May through November offers the most reliable camping weather. Winters are accessible and dry for those who don't mind cooler mornings.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

May–Nov described as prime months with warm temps and clear skies; ideal for paddling and fishing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally from May 1 through November 15.
Current Alerts: The area is open but may have hazards due to hurricane damage.

About Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area sits on the shores of a 12-acre lake in Sumter National Forest, about 20 minutes from Edgefield. The campground has 10 tent-only sites and charges $7 per night, cash only at the self-serve station. Cell service is essentially nonexistent here. Reviewers love the quiet and the price, but maintenance has been spotty: trails are overgrown, some bridges are broken, and there's no potable water on site.

The campground supports both tent camping and combined-use sites that can accommodate a variety of setups. Sites are first-come, first-serve and there’s no reservation system.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings mid-80s to low-90s°F days and humid nights in the mid-60s to 70s, making it the best time for swimming and paddling. The lake warms up nicely and stays inviting through September. With only 10 sites, crowds never overwhelm the place, but weekends fill fast during peak season. May through November offers the most reliable camping weather. Winters are accessible and dry for those who don't mind cooler mornings.

ElevationAt a gentle elevation of 260 feet, the campground rests in South Carolina's characteristic piedmont landscape, where the coastal plains begin their gradual rise toward the mountains. This modest elevation creates the perfect balance of accessibility and scenic beauty, with just enough topography to add interest to hiking trails without challenging casual outdoor enthusiasts.

Natural Features and SceneryThe lake anchors the recreation area, surrounded by mixed Southern pine and hardwood forest typical of South Carolina's piedmont. At 260 feet elevation, the terrain is gently rolling rather than dramatic. The forest supports butterflies, songbirds, and tree snails. Grassy edges ring parts of the lake, though reviewers note the beach area has declined. The 12 acres of water stay calm enough for morning canoe paddles and evening fishing.

Geological RegionThe campground graces the shores of Lick Fork Lake, nestled within a classic Southern pine forest ecosystem. This piedmont region showcases the gentle, time-worn landscape that characterizes central South Carolina, where ancient geological forces have created a terrain of subtle beauty and ecological diversity.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days maximum

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSome sites are terraced into the hillside. Others are more open near the lake for walk-in tent camping. The small loop means you're never far from the water or other campers, though the overall vibe stays peaceful given the low site count.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are first-come, first-served. There is no option for reservations.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not described.

AccessibilityThe site has an accessible fishing pier and wheelchair-friendly toilets.

Site SizeNo specific information provided on site sizes.

PrivacyThe privacy of sites is not specifically described, but reviews imply a peaceful and quiet environment.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites near the lake are recommended for those looking for scenic views and proximity to water.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers activities such as hiking, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The Lick Fork Lake Hiking Trail and Horn Creek Trail are notable trails in the area. Fishing is popular at the lake, and the wheelchair-friendly fishing pier offers accessibility. Boating is limited to non-motorized boats, and the lake is well-suited for canoes and kayaks.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention the presence of 'tweakers' in the woods and limited cell service, which can be a safety concern. Trails and facilities are described as poorly maintained, with overgrown paths and broken bridges.

Active AlertsThe area is open but may have hazards due to hurricane damage.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

48 reviews

Satisfactory

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peaceful and quiet nature of the campground, which is often vacant. Key attractions include accessible outdoor activities and affordability, though maintenance issues are a common theme.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the serenity of the campground: 'Quiet and peaceful' and 'I love this place.' The affordable $7 fee is frequently appreciated. The area’s wildlife, such as butterflies and birds, adds to...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues such as overgrown trails, the beach’s transition to grass, and neglected facilities are frequently cited. The absence of running water, electricity, and cell service are also noted...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and be prepared for dry camping. Carry cash for the self-serve payment system.

Based on 48 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Campers note that the site is less crowded in the off-season, adding to its peacefulness. However, some facilities (like trails and the beach) are in better condition during the peak season due to...

Based on 48 reviews