About PARKSVILLE
Overview Parksville Recreation Area is a rural park in McCormick County, South Carolina on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. It is located along South Carolina State Highway 28/221 and features 70,000 surface-acres of water and 1,000+ miles of shoreline for boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.Recreation Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.Facilities Parksville Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with two group picnic shelters. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp, dock, playground and a grassy field. Shelter 1 (Beach Shelter) has electrical hookups and can accommodate up to 90 people; Shelter 2 (Hillside Shelter) can accommodate up to 36 people but has no electrical hookups. Natural Features Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, osprey, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer. Nearby Attractions Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.
How to Get There
Located off SC-28 in Parksville, SC.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PARKSVILLE
Heading to PARKSVILLE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PARKSVILLE?
No central reservation system listed for PARKSVILLE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232664) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PARKSVILLE?
Located off SC-28 in Parksville, SC.
How do I contact PARKSVILLE?
You can reach the park at phone: 800-533-3478.
References & Official Resources
