This is my second visit to Modoc and I’m almost afraid to share this gem of a campground. Situated on the east bank of Lake Strom Thurmond (no, I’m not kidding, they really named a lake after a segregationist), there are 60+ sites, all except one with electric and water hookups. And if you get lucky, your site will be a gentle slope or set of steps down to the water…
…meaning you can launch a kayak right from your site. For me, this is the best feature of any campsite. This was me the first evening, after dinner, just before sunset.
The sad part of this trip was that it was 94F in the shade around these parts, so I only stayed two nights before continuing my northward journey to the mountains. Still, Modoc is a lovely place to get away from it all.
Four separate loops to walk around, which is good because there aren’t any hiking trails to speak of. If you’re at Modoc, you’re here because of the lake: fishing, powerboats, jet skis, and the occasional kayak or canoe. If you don’t have some kind of watercraft here, people will probably look at you as an oddball. Me, I set up my kayak as soon as I made camp so I had my “lake credentials” on display.
Someday, I’ll stay at Site 11 in cool weather and feel like I’m at the end of world. It is the only site with water, but no electric hookups. And it’s usually booked months in advance. It was empty this trip so I got to walk around and see the views. This site is definitely on my bucket list.
So, in summary: middle of nowhere, great lakeside sites, hot and humid in summer. Still worth the trip.
Modoc Campground (Corps of Engineers)
- Site 58. Many sites have slopes down to the water. Half pull-through sites, half back-in sites. Well-spaced except for some double-type sites. Choose wisely.
- Services: electric, water, dump station, bath houses, laundry machines
- Cell service: Verizon (tower next to campground), ATT (nada)
- Groceries: Dollar General less than a mile north. Closest gas is about 5 miles south. Augusta, GA is about 30 minutes away.
- Boat launch on site
- Discounts: Use the National Parks senior pass for 50% off site reservations.
South Carolina is too small for a republic and too large for an insane asylum.
Glad you’re starting to enjoy life again. It’s a beautiful place. Barb
Lovely photos. One day you will get somewhere that’s NOT hot and humid. By then, your blood will be so thin, you’ll probably freeze.
Ooooh, that kayak photo! Just perfect. Thanks for tolerating the heat and sharing this beautiful place with us. Happy travels!