Hamilton Branch State Park is a state park in Plum Branch, McCormick County, in South Carolina's Upstate. Admission is $3 for adults, less for SC seniors and children 6 to 15. It is open 6 a.m.–sunset daily. Facts read from the official page on October 25, 2026.
- Hours6 a.m.–sunsetofficial hours below
- Admission$3 adultsper person
- WherePlum BranchMcCormick County, Upstate
- DogsLeashed, 6 ftrules below
About Hamilton Branch State Park
Hamilton Branch sits on a peninsula in Lake Thurmond with more than 150 lakefront campsites. Two boat ramps reach deeper water, and a short bike trail connects to the 12-mile Stevens Creek Bike Trail.
Plan It In Three Lines
Getting In
Adults pay $3; SC seniors and children 6 to 15 pay less, and children 5 and under are free. The $99 All Park Passport covers your whole vehicle for a year.
6 a.m.–sunsetBring The Dog?
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
Full rules belowMake It A Day
Baker Creek State Park is about 13 miles away (straight line).
3 places within 30 miles
Hamilton Branch State Park Hours
Hours in a day
- ParkEvery day6 a.m.–sunset
Bars that fade start at sunrise or end at sunset or dark, which move with the season. The full hours, word for word, are in the list below.
- 6 a.m. – sunset, daily
- Park office: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission And Passes
- Adults$3.00
- SC seniors$1.50
- Children age 6-15$1.00
- Age 5 & youngerFree
As listed on the official page, read October 25, 2026. SC senior rates need proof of age and residency.
Two adults, visit by visit, against the $99 All Park Passport
Two adults pay $6.00 a visit here. By visit 17 the day fees pass the $99 passport, which covers everyone in the pass holder’s vehicle at every state park for a year. Bars show the running total of day fees.
- $3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free
Passes: the All Park Passport is $99 and gives unlimited entry to every South Carolina state park for everyone in the pass holder’s vehicle for one year; a seven-day passport is $65 (sold at the parks, not online). Half-price passports exist for SC seniors 65 and older and some other residents. Source: southcarolinaparks.com Park Passports, read October 25, 2026. Compare every park on our State Parks Passport page.
Directions And Contact
- Address: 111 Campground Rd Plum Branch, SC 29845
- Phone: 864.333.2223
- Map point: 33.75138,-82.21131, from OpenStreetMap, checked against the U.S. Census geocode of the street address. Directions in Google Maps
- Official page: southcarolinaparks.com/hamilton-branch
Dogs And Strollers
- Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Not confirmed: stroller rules. The official page we read does not mention strollers; boardwalks and paved paths may suit them, but call ahead.
Near Hamilton Branch State Park
- 1Baker Creek State ParkState Parkabout 13 mi
- 2Hickory Knob State Resort ParkState Resort Parkabout 16 mi
- 3Ninety Six National Historic SiteNational Historic Siteabout 29 mi
Straight-line distances between map points, not driving miles. Dots sit in their true compass direction; distance is stretched near the middle so close neighbors stay readable.
Coming Up Near Hamilton Branch State Park
- Oct 31Aiken Fall Steeplechase (33rd running)Aiken · about 32 mi
- Nov 5–8Experimental Relief (USC Aiken ten-minute play festival)Aiken · about 32 mi
- Nov 17Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman (Cultural Series)Aiken · about 32 mi
- Nov 26Aiken Turkey Trot 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run (15th annual)Aiken · about 32 mi
- Dec 338th Annual Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting (Aiken)Aiken · about 32 mi
- Dec 4–556th Annual Christmas Craft Show (Aiken)Aiken · about 32 mi
9 more on the full events calendar.
Events within 40 miles, measured in a straight line to the centre of the event's town. Dates come from our checked events list; confirm with the organizer.
FAQ
How much does it cost to visit Hamilton Branch State Park?
Admission is $3 for adults, less for SC seniors and children 6 to 15.
Are dogs allowed at Hamilton Branch State Park?
Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Does the All Park Passport cover this park?
Yes. The $99 All Park Passport gives a year of unlimited entry to every South Carolina state park for everyone in the pass holder’s vehicle, per southcarolinaparks.com.
What are the hours at Hamilton Branch State Park?
6 a.m. – sunset, daily.
What We Could Not Verify
- Holiday and storm closures change at short notice; check the official page the day you go.
- Stroller rules are not stated on the official page.
Sources
- Hamilton Branch State Park official page (read 2026-10-25)
- South Carolina State Parks: Park Passports (read 2026-10-25)
- OpenStreetMap (map point)
Last checked October 25, 2026 by the It’s South Carolina editor. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Hamilton Branch State Park”, itssouthcarolina.com/places/hamilton-branch-state-park/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.