4 - 1 Camping Hickory Knob State Park SC

 A last minute decision was made to spend a couple of days in the southern part of SC for leisurely camping, April 21-23, 2023.  Hickory Knob State Resort Park used to be a thriving resort with a golf course, swimming pool and restaurant. Glamping? It is on one of the many the finger lakes of Strom Thurmond Lake.  A beautiful setting.  There used to be 77 camp sites (tent and RV), but it has been reduced to 44, now most are lake front.  The sites are drive up (no lugging of gear to the site!) and have electricity (easy recharging of devices) and water. The restaurant has limited hours and buffet only on the weekends (staffing issues). Phil reserved site 19.

Our big upgrade this trip were cots - no longer sleeping on the ground. No chance to get wet from below when it rains, no rocks to poke through bedding, and best of all easy to get up and down!  It was a grand success. They didn't come with mattress pads, so we still have some upgrades in  mind to make it softer sleeping.

Dinner was a Blue Apron meal - Glazed Chicken and Rice Bowl (with carrots and snow peas). Having everything premeasured and packaged made it easier than normal. And - it took only two cooking pans.  And oh so good. S'mores for a late dessert (both nights).

Lovely views, a heron landed in the water at our site.  Beware of the big drop offs surrounding many sites, like a moat surrounding a castle. You won't get neighboring campers!

We had two "big" excursions: first a 2 mile hike around the Lake View Trail, and second a lunch out at a local restaurant. The Park restaurant featured Italian food buffet, we wanted something lighter.

The hike was also a bike trail so there were some obstacles.  We had to turn around when the muddy section was not cross-able on foot.  We were the only ones on the trails, no other hikers or bikers.

Lunch was at the River Grille at the Country Club very near the entrance to Hickory Knob Park. We watched a mixed double golfing tournament. Food was excellent but not light!

Dinner that night was (a new recipe for) apple sausage patties (from Jean and Bernard Shaw).  Also very good - could be a great breakfast also.

Second night was colder than the first with a low of 47 degrees.  We pulled out all layers: some to sleep on, some to cover with and some to wear. Wake up call each morning was from the fishing boats departing from the ramp across the way at 6:15 - 7am.  Okay for us as that is when we get up anyway.

We had breakfast of coffee/tea, fruit and oatmeal, then leisurely packed up.  The drive home was about 1 hr, 45 minutes.  There is a Mennonite bakery  that I'd like to visit (could be on the way home) but it was closed on Sunday.  Maybe next time. 

So 48 hours after leaving home we were back again. Gear was dry therefore much easier to put away. What a nice quick get away.