Hamilton Branch State Park
Midlands
Aaron Chavous
Park Manager
Hello. I am Aaron Chavous, Manager at Hamilton Branch State Park. I’m often asked why I wanted to be a park ranger. During my on-the-job experiences at the first park I worked at, Edisto Beach State Park, I was able to see the variety of job responsibilities and experiences that park rangers get to participate in. Being able to live and work in an outdoor setting at many of South Carolina's most beautiful places also drew me to the profession.
One of my favorite places at Hamilton Branch is our brand-new buddy campsite, known as The Burrow. It is a fantastic place to take in an evening sunset along the shoreline of the lake. The view is spectacular, and you feel as though you're on your own personal paradise on the lake.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Hamilton Branch, I would highly recommend stopping by the park's General Store to enjoy an old-fashioned candy treat, ice cream or glass bottle Coke. You can kick back and relax in our outdoor seating, or rock in our rocking chairs to unwind with a game of checkers with family or friends!
**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located at our kiosk in front of the main office.
Located in Plum Branch, South Carolina, Hamilton Branch State Park occupies a peninsula on the 70,000-acre Lake Thurmond. Thanks to activities such as fishing, boating and lakefront camping, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend time on the water.
Campers can reserve one of more than 150 spacious, lakefront camping sites, an ideal spot for shoreline fishing. Anglers looking for deeper waters can access the lake via two private boat ramps and fish for bass, bream, striper, catfish or crappie.
Off the water, Hamilton Branch provides group picnic shelters and a short bike trail that serves as a connector to the 12-mile Stevens Creek Bike Trail.
More South Carolina parks are waiting to be explored! Find more fishing and boating fun at Lake Wateree State Park or explore the state’s longest system of ADA trails at Edisto Beach State Park.
BY THE NUMBERS
6
primitive group sites available for organized groups
2
boat ramps so you can fish, ski, boat and more on Lake Thurmond
150
awesome campsites- most of which are waterfront
3
picnic shelters for your group get-together by the lake
1
hiking trail and access to others nearby for hiking and biking
731
wooded, rolling acres in rural McCormick county
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