J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Thurmond Lake is the largest Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River. The lake encompasses 1,200 miles of shoreline, 70,000 acres of water and 80,000 acres of land. The Corps operates 10 Class A campgrounds, five major day use areas and many other recreational facilities. Thurmond Lake provides excellent striper and largemouth bass fishing and its large wildlife management program provides excellent hunting and wildlife observation opportunities.

dam releasing water downstream

RecAreaDirections

Located on the Georgia/South Carolina state border just north of Augusta, GA. From I-20 take Exit 199 at Washington Rd. Drive north on Washington Rd. Turn right onto Highway 28 and drive approximately 20 miles to Clarks Hill, SC. Turn left onto Highway 22

Open with Google Map

Misc

Stay Limit
Reservable	false
Keywords
Map Link
Contact Phone
Contact Email

Permits info

Direction

None

Important Information

EXIT ONLY

Long Description

None

Facilities

Bussey Point Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Enjoy nature at its finest. Located at the entrance of Bussey Point wilderness recreation area- a 2,545 acre peninsula on J. Strom Thurmond Lake- the campground provides a relaxing getaway for the nature enthusiast for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The Bussey Point horse trail was created by horseback riders for horseback riders. This trail circles the peninsula and is 12.5 miles long. Along with the horse trail, there are an additional 20 miles of roads and trails located within the area that all are welcome to use (no motor vehicles please). Located within the area are 15 food plots, six hike/bike/ride/boat in camping/picnic sites, and several natural beaches. Ample deer and turkey inhabit the area along wiht other mammals and birds to provide on of the best opportunities on teh lake to view wildlife in its natural setting. Adjacent to the area is the campground with 14 primitive campsites without water or electic, however, there are picnic tables, fire rings, and grills located at each site. There is also a boat launching ramp, hand pump for drinking water, and rustic toilets locatd throughout the area.

Recreation

The area has 12.5 miles of equestrian trails that cross through the adjacent wilderness recration area.

There is a boat launching ramp on site.

Facilities

The campground has two loops of campsites, each with a vaulted pit toilet.

There is a hand pump for drinking water.

There is no attendant on duty.

Natural Features

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

contact_info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (800) 533-3478.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is just outside of Lincolnton, GA.

Cherokee Recreation Area is nearby.

Nearby golf course.

Leroys Ferry Campground Campground

List of Campsites

Recreation

Facilities

This campground contains 10 primitive campsites. There is a hand pump well and vaulted toilets.

Natural Features

LeRoys Ferry Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, north of the town of McCormick. It is a primitive campground with 10 campsites and a boat ramp.

The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Nearby Attractions

AMITY RECREATION AREA Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Amity Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The large, 70,000-acre lake and its 1,000 miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Recreation

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting and water sports in the southeastern United States.

Anglers will find largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. Amity Recreation Area provides a boat ramp and swimming area.

Facilities

This facility is a wooded day-use area on the lake shore. There are three reservable group picnic shelters that can each accommodate up to 92 guests. A boat ramp, fishing pier, swimming area, ball field and playground provide additional recreation opportunities.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this wooded area. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors might spot bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, osprey, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer.

Nearby Attractions

Augusta, Georgia, about 20 miles away, offers museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants and shopping areas. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

CLARKS HILL Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Clarks Hill is a popular park on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, just off Georgia State Highway 221 near the dam. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Recreation

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are nearby. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.

Facilities

Clarks Hill is a wooded day-use area with several picnic shelters, some with electrical hookups. The shelters can accommodate groups as small as 6 and as large as 48. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a beach, boat ramp and dock.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 345' above sea level.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas.

The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

GILL POINT Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Gill Point Recreation Area is a rural park on the northern end of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, off Georgia State Highway 79. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Recreation

Facilities

Gill Point Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with a group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 24 people. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp and dock.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

This quiet, rural area is very historic. The now-flooded town of Petersburg and the Nancy Hart Historical Site in Elbert County are nearby. The campground is 20 miles southeast of Elberton, Georgia, known as the Granite Capital of the World.

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas.

The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

HAWE CREEK Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Hawe Creek Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, one mile from the Dorn Sportfishing Facility, the largest of its kind in the Southeast.

The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Recreation

Facilities

This campground contains 34 sites, most of which are on the waterfront. 30 or 50-amp electrical hookups are provided at each site. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

Savannah Lakes Village is just a few minutes away, with lodging, dining and shopping. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby courses at Hickory Knob State Park, within five miles of Hawe Creek.

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas.

The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

LAKE SPRINGS Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Lake Springs Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The park is located on Georgia State Highway 221 within twenty minutes of Augusta, Georgia.

The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

A $5 per vehicle day use fee is required to enter the park. All Federal Passes are accepted. Payment can be made on site, credit card only, no cash accepted.

The boat ramp and fishing pier are open year-round. All swim beaches, picnic tables, and group shelters close after Labor Day, September 6, and reopen April 28 EXCEPT the Deer Run beach, tables, and group shelter are open year-round.

Recreation

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the immediate area. Within the Lake Springs Recreation Area is the 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop. Outside the park stretches the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.

Facilities

Lake Springs Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with four group picnic shelters. Water and electrical hookups are provided at each shelter. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp, dock, fish cleaning station, playground and lookout tower.

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas.

The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

MODOC Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Modoc Campground is a popular park on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, just 5 miles from the Thurmond Visitor Center and Dam. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Recreation

Facilities

This campground, made up of two peninsulas, contains 68 sites with electrical hookups and 1 primitive site.

Each peninsula has a boat ramp, playground, hiking trail and beautiful views of the lake. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, showers, laundry facilities and a dump station.

A picnic shelter is available on a first come, first served basis.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

PARKSVILLE Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Parksville Recreation Area is a rural park in McCormick County, South Carolina on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. It is located along South Carolina State Highway 28/221 and features 70,000 surface-acres of water and 1,000+ miles of shoreline for boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Recreation

Facilities

Parksville Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with two group picnic shelters. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp, dock, playground and a grassy field. Shelter 1 (Beach Shelter) has electrical hookups and can accommodate up to 90 people; Shelter 2 (Hillside Shelter) can accommodate up to 36 people but has no electrical hookups.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, osprey, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

PETERSBURG Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Petersburg Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, just four miles from the Thurmond Dam and Visitor Center and 25 miles from Augusta, Georgia. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Recreation

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the immediate area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are both nearby. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.

Facilities

This wooded, waterfront campground is open year-round. It contains 94 sites, most with water and 50-amp electrical hookups. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station.

Two swimming beaches, a playground, boat ramp, fishing dock, hiking trail, pond and a first come-first served picnic shelter are also located on-site.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants and shopping areas.

The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

RIDGE ROAD Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Ridge Road Campground is located on a scenic peninsula on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, and is one of the area's first campgrounds.

The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Recreation

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Many miles of hiking trails are available a few miles from the campground. Hikers enjoy the 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.

Facilities

This wooded, waterfront campground has beautiful views of the lake. It contains 63 sites with water and 50-amp electrical service. Six sites are for primitive tent camping.

Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities and a dump station.

A playground, boat ramp, dock, and fish cleaning station are located on-site.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl and wild turkeys. The Ridge Road area is home to many families of whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

WEST DAM Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

West Dam Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. With 70,000 acres of surface-area and 1,000+ miles of shoreline, J. Strom Thurmond Lake provides excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.

Recreation

Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern US. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are nearby. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.

Facilities

West Dam Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with several mini picnic shelters accommodating up to six people each. One large shelter for up to 68 people is available as well. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, beach and hiking trail.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants and shopping areas.

The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

WINFIELD Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Winfield Campground is located on the Little River near Mistletoe State Park on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Recreation

Facilities

This wooded, waterfront campground contains 80 sites with electrical hookups. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, playground and boat ramp.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

BIG HART (DAY-USE SHELTER) Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Big Hart Day Use Shelter is located in Big Hart Recreation Area on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The park is just off Highway 78 between the towns of Washington and Thomson, Georgia.

The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.

Recreation

Facilities

Big Hart Day Use Shelter is in a wooded day-use area on the waterfront. The shelter can accommodate up to 90 people. Amenities include a 20-amp electrical hookup, flush toilets, drinking water, a playground and boat ramp.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 235' above sea level.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA Campground

List of Campsites

Overview

Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area is a popular park just below J. Strom Thurmond Lake Dam along the Savannah River. The park is located on Power Plant Road just off South Carolina State Highway 221 near the Visitor Center. The Savannah River offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.

Recreation

The 70,000 acre Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Facilities

Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with several group picnic shelters. One shelter has electrical hookups.

Other amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp, fishing pier, hiking trail and playground. There is no swimming at this park.

Natural Features

Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 235' above sea level.

Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, osprey, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.

Nearby Attractions

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants and shopping areas.

The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

Baker Creek State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Clay Hill Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Bobby Brown State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Elijah Clark State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Hickory Knob State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Raysville Marina Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Plum Branch Yacht Club Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Hamilton Branch State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Mistletoe State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Thurmond Marina Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Wildwood Park Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Tradewinds Marina Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

South Carolina National Guard Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Fort Gordon Recreation Area Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Soap Creek Marina Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Broad River Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Hesters Ferry Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Lake Springs Trail Head Facility

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake