Hester's Bottoms Family Campground

For South Carolina residents seeking an exceptional camping experience that blends stunning natural beauty with top-notch amenities and genuinely friendly service, look no further than Hester's Bottoms Family Campground in Mt. Carmel, SC. Nestled on the picturesque shores of the expansive J. Strom Thurmond Lake (also widely known as Clarks Hill Lake), this campground is quickly earning a reputation as a favorite among locals. It's a place where every campsite offers a view to remember, and the dedication of the staff ensures your stay is nothing short of fantastic.

Under new management since March 2021, Hester's Bottoms has undergone significant improvements, transforming it into a highly recommended destination. Visitors consistently rave about the "amazing views at each site" and the "incredible, friendly, helpful and truly guest-oriented" staff. This isn't just a place to park; it's a community where you're invited to relax, reconnect with nature, and perhaps even make "new friends." Whether you're pulling in with a large RV, setting up a tent, or just looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, Hester's Bottoms provides a clean, well-kept, and engaging environment for all ages.

Hester's Bottoms Family Campground is ideally situated at 2926 Fort Charlotte Rd, Mt Carmel, SC 29840, USA. This location places it directly on the shores of the massive J. Strom Thurmond Lake, one of the Southeast's largest and most popular lakes, straddling the South Carolina and Georgia border. The campground's address makes it easily accessible for residents across South Carolina, providing a convenient drive to a truly scenic destination.

While some internal roads within the campground might present a bit of a challenge due to being "a little steep on a hill" or showing signs of past washouts (common in lakeside environments), the staff is clearly working on maintaining and improving these areas. Campers note that once you've navigated your vehicle into place, the reward is well worth it. The layout is designed to maximize lake views, and while some pads might require careful positioning for larger RVs, the overall experience of being nestled by the water is unparalleled. The convenience of nearby towns for supplies means you're not isolated, but you'll certainly feel a world away from the daily grind once you arrive.

• Waterfront RV & Primitive Sites: Hester's Bottoms offers 39 waterfront RV sites and 5 waterfront primitive sites, ensuring stunning views and direct lake access for most campers.

• Full Hookups for RVs: All RV sites are equipped with 50-, 30-, and 20-amp electric services, as well as water hookups, providing essential conveniences for a comfortable stay.

• Excellent Wi-Fi: Campers consistently praise the "Good Wi-Fi," a significant amenity that allows for connectivity while enjoying nature.

• Private Boat Launch and Dock: The campground boasts its own private boat launch and dock, offering unparalleled convenience for boating and fishing enthusiasts.

• Clean Bathhouses with Hot Showers: Three well-maintained bathhouses, each with private hot showers, are available for guests, ensuring cleanliness and comfort.

• On-site Rentals: Guests can rent golf carts for easy navigation of the grounds, as well as kayaks and paddleboards to explore the lake, making it easy to travel light.

• Dump Service: While not all sites have sewer hookups, a convenient dump service is provided for $25, which campers consider "definitely worth it."

• Camp Store: A well-stocked camp store offers typical items you might need during your stay, adding to the convenience.

• Beach Area & Playground: A private beach area and a playground are available, providing recreational opportunities for all ages.

• Year-Round Events: The campground hosts various year-round events designed for the entire family, enhancing the community feel and entertainment options.

• Amazing Waterfront Views: A standout feature, almost every site offers incredible views of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, often described as some of the "best views camping from the front door of our RV."

• Spacious Sites with Privacy: Sites generally offer "plenty of space between your neighbor," ensuring a good degree of privacy unless it's a designated buddy site.

• Guest-Oriented Staff: The staff is consistently highlighted as "incredible, friendly, helpful and truly guest-oriented," creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

• Golf Cart Trails: Extensive and well-maintained golf cart trails provide an enjoyable way to explore the campground and its surroundings.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With amenities like a playground, beach area, and special events (like plastic eggs for Easter), the campground is clearly geared towards families and children.

• Fishing Opportunities: With direct lake access and a private boat dock, fishing from the banks or a boat is a popular and rewarding activity.

• Water Activities: Beyond fishing, guests can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding on the lake, with rentals conveniently available on-site.

• Clean and Well-Kept: The campground is noted for being "very clean and well kept," including the bathhouses, which contributes significantly to a pleasant stay.

• Pet-Friendly: While not explicitly stated in all public reviews, many modern family campgrounds welcome pets, allowing the whole family to enjoy the outdoors.

Hester's Bottoms Family Campground is known for offering a variety of valuable discounts, making it even more appealing for South Carolina locals. Current promotions include:

• Senior Citizen Discount: A 10% discount is available for senior citizens. Use promo code SENIOR at checkout and present a valid ID at check-in.

• Military / Veteran / First Responder Discount: As a thank you for their service, active duty military, veterans, and first responders receive a 10% discount. Use promo code THANKYOU at checkout and present valid ID at check-in.

• CampersCard Discount: Members of CampersCard can receive 15% off their entire stay. Use promo code CampersCard15 and provide your CampersCard ID # in the notes section at checkout, with valid ID presented at check-in.

• Good Sam Discount: Good Sam Club members can enjoy a 10% discount. Use promo code GOODSAM at checkout and present a valid Good Sam membership card at check-in.

These offers highlight Hester's Bottoms' commitment to providing value to its guests. It is always recommended to check their official website or call directly for the most current promotions and to ensure availability, especially during popular seasons or holidays.

Address: 2926 Fort Charlotte Rd, Mt Carmel, SC 29840, USA

Phone: (864) 391-2267

Mobile Phone: +1 864-391-2267

Hester's Bottoms Family Campground is an ideal destination for South Carolina locals, offering an unparalleled blend of scenic beauty, comfort, and genuine hospitality right in our own backyard. For those of us living in the Palmetto State, the opportunity to escape to a place with "amazing views at each site" on the vast J. Strom Thurmond Lake is a significant draw. This isn't just camping; it's a true lakeside retreat that feels both remote enough to be a genuine escape and convenient enough for a spontaneous weekend trip.

The campground's commitment to guest satisfaction, highlighted by its "incredible, friendly, helpful and truly guest-oriented" staff, ensures a welcoming and problem-free stay. Features like "Good Wi-Fi" and clean, modern bathhouses provide the necessary comforts without detracting from the outdoor experience. For families, the presence of golf cart trails, a private beach, a playground, and thoughtful touches like Easter egg hunts make it a particularly suitable and engaging environment for children. The option to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and golf carts on-site also means less hassle for packing and more time for enjoyment.

As one satisfied camper noted, "Recommend and would stay again!" This sentiment encapsulates the deep satisfaction many locals feel after experiencing Hester's Bottoms. Its blend of natural beauty, well-maintained facilities (including the valued $25 dump service), spacious and private sites, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere makes it a standout choice. For South Carolinians seeking a top-tier family-friendly camping destination where memories are made by the lake and under the stars, Hester's Bottoms Family Campground is an absolute must-visit.