Guide to Mistletoe State Park

Why You Need to Visit

Mistletoe State Park is located on one of the Southeast’s largest lakes, Lake Strom Thurmond (locally know as Clarks Hill Lake), just 34 miles northwest of downtown Augusta, Georgia. For those history nerds reading, the park dates back to 1952 when the U.S. Corps of Engineers leased 1,920 on the banks of the J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir to the State of Georgia. If fishing is your thing, the park is known as one of the best bass fishing spots in the nation (year-round fishing IS permitted). There are three boat ramps provided that private boats are permitted to use. Visitors are permitted to go swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and paddling. Off the lake, there are 15-miles of shaded hiking trails throughout the park offering great hiking, biking, and birding.

**What to know about the campground facilities**

The campground is opened year-round and is situated on a peninsula that offers awesome views of the sunrise and sunset over the lake each day. There are 92 RV-friendly campsites, many campsites that are lakeside, and some that are not. Regardless, you will have a view of the lake. In my opinion, the lakeside campsites give that million-dollar home vibes. If you keep reading I will recommend my favorite lakeside site campsite numbers (with an ultimate winner!) Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, grill, fire pit, water, and electrical hook-ups (NO sewage hookups available inside the park!) Firewood is available for purchase over the phone and pick-up outside the park office before 5 pm. All lakeside campsites have their own private space to dock a boat. If you are looking for luxurious “glamping”, there are 10 fully equipped cottages on the lake, five of which are log cabins. Canoe and kayak rentals are available to all overnight guests for a small fee.

Best campsite(s) to book

In my opinion, the campsite(s) that offered the best private views were sites 30-41 and 46-51. Specifically, 48-51 if you are looking for privacy with a lot of grass and beach. THE BEST CAMPSITE AWARD GOES TO… SITE 38!! BOOK NOW!!

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Canoe and kayak rentals are available to all overnight guests for a small fee. — ***Canoes and kayaks are available to rent.***

*Just ask the park staff!*

Trails Available

There are a total of eight trail options for hiking, mountain biking, and birding. Four of the trails are looped trails and four trails are out and back. The shortest hike is 1/3 of a mile and the longest is 6.25 miles. So there is a trial for all fitness levels!

Comfort Station #1

(Example of the bathroom situation if you are camping or conserving your grey/black tanks)

Includes: Three bathroom stalls and two showers in both Women’s and Men’s bathrooms. One unisex bathroom with toilet, sink and shower all in one room. Laundry room: two combined washer and dryer units with a sink and folding station.

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Mistletoe State Park: Top 3 Pros

Very clean and well-maintained park.
The location of all RV/tent lakefront campsites.
Campsites are angled privately away facing the lake and are moderately spaced out in comparison to other RV parks (keep in mind all campsites still have views of other neighbors).

Mistletoe State Park: Top 3 Cons

No WiFi (other than at the park office).
There is an ant problem at the campsites.
Need to book at least 3-months in advance.

Must Pack:

Binoculars - the birdwatching is spectacular so ask one of the park staff for their recommendation on where their favorite birdwatching spot is. Mine was the beach next to the kayak and canoe rentals. I watched a bird prey from a pine tree and dove into the water to snatch a fish!
Bring all your swimming and floating gear.
Campfire lighter fluid if you want to build a fire.
Lots of towels (if you plan to go swimming as much as I did).

Social Distancing Rating: 9/10!

(+) Reservations accepted online or over the phone and check-in is conducted inside the vehicle.
(+) Sites are cleaned and maintained between guest stays.
(+) All contact can be made over the phone (there is cell service; just not WiFi).
(-) Campground lost a point due to the closeness of campsites. I have seen it worse with space between RV’s but it can be better spaced.

If you are interested in visiting Mistletoe State Park and have any additional questions, comment below and I will answer to the best of my knowledge!

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