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Camping

Established Camping

Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake

About

US Army Corps of Engineers

J. Strom Thurmond Lake

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.

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Location

Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-20, take Exit 183 (Appling). Go north on HWY 221 approximately 6 miles. At the 4-way stop, go straight (HWY 221) another 2 miles. Campground road is on the left. Follow signs.

Address

3998 PETERSBURG ROAD
Appling, GA 30802

Coordinates

33.6619444 N
82.2608333 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Poor
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

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1 Star

76%
21%
10%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

29 Reviews

Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Nov. 22, 2023

Large Lakeside Sites with Lake Views

Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake Campground: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot.)

Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2023: $ 14 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Heavy, going into Thanksgiving weekend. Site Privacy: All sites are set back from campground loop road Site Spacing: Tremendous Site surface: Gravel. Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet. Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No reason.
Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: Yes Dump Station: Ues Potable Water Available: At site.
Bathroom: Flush toilets Showers: Yes. Single curtain separation. Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Most sites are lakeside sites.
Weather: Rain, partial sun Bugs: No bites.
Host: Yes Rig size: Large rigs okay Sites: Most and maybe all sites have water views. Site 6 has a great view. Other sites have great views as well. Site 28 has a tremendous view.

Site6
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Roger W., November 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Roger W., November 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Roger W., November 22, 2023
  • (14) View All
J
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2023

Amazing Campsite 🏕️

The view was amazing! Such a relaxing place.

Site71
Month of VisitDecember
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  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Jess , April 6, 2023
  • (4) View All
James B.
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2023

Lovely place

Great people clean bathhouses

Site58
Month of VisitAugust
Tory B.
Reviewed Mar. 25, 2023

Quiet and clean

Very nice, clean restrooms and very quiet. Clean camp area and close to the water.

Site29b
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Tory B., March 25, 2023
Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2022

Another great COE campground We love this place

This time we’re in site 7-first time in this loop. Backing in took a few minutes, not the simplest but achievable for our 30 ft fifth wheel. Campsite excellent- electric & water, plenty big site-fire ring and picnic table

Also love trail from here to dam wall - did a bit of bush trail cycling. Awesome

Site7
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kevin H., October 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kevin H., October 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kevin H., October 16, 2022
  • (6) View All
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2022

Very nice campground

I have read several favorable reviews of this campground and it doesn't disappoint. Very clean and sites are accessible to larger rigs.

Site73
Month of VisitNovember
Bobby C.
Reviewed Oct. 8, 2022

Lakeside campground

Stayed here as one of the very first campsites after buying our camper. Lakeside lot with incredible space. Dog friendly and they enjoyed being able to go for a swim right outside of the camper. Enjoyed taking our paddle boards out in the morning for a sunrise paddle, then swimming the afternoons away in the sun. Can’t wait to come back next summer!!

Month of VisitAugust
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Cris G.
Reviewed Jun. 1, 2022

Wow!!! Another COE campground doesn’t disappoint

Petersburg Campground is beautiful. The sites are large and very private and most are on the water. We had Site 60 that had western views along the J Strom Thurmond Lake. The site was very level and was a pull through with a gravel base. The site also has a picnic table and fire ring, water and 59amp electric. The comfort stations were old but that’s ok because everything else made of for that. And all for $28 per night! Highly recommend.

Site60
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Cris G., June 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Cris G., June 1, 2022
JThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2022

Great spot

My husband and I stayed here with our small teardrop. The sites were private and clean. Everything was great

Month of VisitApril
L
Reviewed Dec. 17, 2021

Best one yet

The campsites are the best we’ve ever stayed in. Extremely large and everything you could possibly need. Extremely well-kept campground on a beautiful lake.

Site10
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Leslie  B., December 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Leslie  B., December 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Leslie  B., December 17, 2021
M
Reviewed Dec. 12, 2021

Beautiful. Everything you need.

This campground is beautiful with roomy sites on the lake and nearby.  Some sites are drive-throughs.  Everything was well maintained.  Bathrooms were clean.  FREE laundry in the park although there is only one washer and one dryer.   Campground was quiet, lots of trees.  America the Beautiful national park pass gave us 1/2 off the campsite fee so it's a great value.

Site58C
Month of VisitDecember
Paul N.
Reviewed Nov. 24, 2021

Beautiful Campground

We stayed in our 36 ft 5th wheel. Most sites are pull thru and generally pretty private with the passenger side of rv facing the water. We loved it there! I imagine it would be fantastic in the warmer months. We took our fat tire ebikes 5 miles to the dam on the Bartram trail.

Site53
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Paul N., November 24, 2021
C
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2021

Perfect

Almost every site is on the water! Very spacious sites. All the amenities except sewer, but there are 2 dump stations. Free laundry!! Only one washing machine / dryer. Site 54 is almost secluded, has a tiny beach area where yo can launch your kayak. Site 51 has fishing from your site. Beautiful lawn area surrounding your site with trees. Lots of sunshine.

Site54, 51
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Caz , November 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Caz , November 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Caz , November 12, 2021
C
Reviewed Nov. 12, 2021

Clean and Spacious

We tent camped and stayed right on the water. Sites were very clean and spacious. Bath houses were pretty clean. There is water and electric at each site for those who are in a RV but the dump sites are pretty close by. We will definitely be back! We saw quite a lot of wildlife during our stay and enjoy taking the trail around the lake.

Site83
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Christine S., November 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Christine S., November 12, 2021
J
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2021

Beautiful campsites

This campground has magnificent views, spacious sites, picnic tables, firepits, power (30 and 50 amp) and water hookups, dump station, bathrooms, and groomed swimming area.

The site (21) was very easy to pull through and had a wonderful view of the lake. I had to try to see my neighbors at the next site because the foliage separated the sites well. I saw a grounds person actively maintaining the empty sites which explains how well kept this campground is. The access roads are well kept.

Site21
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Jack B., November 2, 2021
a
Reviewed Aug. 2, 2021

A hidden gem

We fell in love with this campground after our first stay. Our spot was shaded and a few steps from the water. Such a peaceful place! There is lots to do at this campground (hiking trails, swim beaches, fishing docks). We wish we could have stayed longer. The only problem we had was ants. Our camper was covered in them after being there a day, even though we tried to prevent them. It won’t stop us from returning though.

Site40B
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by ashley , August 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by ashley , August 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by ashley , August 2, 2021
  • (4) View All
Kaitlin B.
Reviewed May. 25, 2021

Nice weekend getaway

We camped for a night here and explored some of the hiking trails that surrounded the lake. Some of the sites are pretty secluded from each other, especially the one we were at (39).

Site39
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kaitlin B., May 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kaitlin B., May 25, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kaitlin B., May 25, 2021
Kevin H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 1, 2021

Great COE campground Definitely a repeatable

Better data coverage here than at Hawe Creek ATT 4 bars versus 2 or 3 in Verizon, but definitely usable. I do not think there is a bad site here, but have not walked the furthest loop. Lovely waterfront sites. We don’t use facilities so cannot comment on them. Even a ‘swimming beach’ if you have little ones.

Some sites take a bit of work to get your equipment level, but not seen anything serious. Also marked down rating for noise as boats are constantly running around - but if that’s the only problem , I can live with it.

Site43
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kevin H., May 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kevin H., May 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Kevin H., May 1, 2021
Christina
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2021

Could have stayed a month

Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Spent 7 nights. Our second ACE campground and liked it even more than the first. Large spread out campground so could bike and hike right in and from the park. Mountain bike trails in either direction just at the park entrance. Our site like most was right on the lake, and because we were out on more of a peninsula had great sunsets.

SiteB49
Month of VisitDecember
C
Reviewed Mar. 11, 2021

Just. Perfect.

This Army Corps of Engineers campground has everything, magnificent views nearly all of them lakeside, spacious sites, picnic tables, firepits, dark starry night skies, power and water hookups, dump station, clean bathrooms, swimming beach and 20+ miles of nature trails.

During my March stay the hot water was not working in the shower. That happens, nbd. There was nothing else that didn't delight me. The USACOE sets a standard for excellence at Petersburg Campground.

  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Christine , March 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Christine , March 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Christine , March 11, 2021
  • (4) View All
T
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2020

Gorgeous location, lacking in upkeep

I’ve camped at Petersburg multiple times of the past 5 years and generally love it. Bartram Trail, terrific mountain for biking and hiking passes through the property. Some of the sites are stellar.

What I noticed on my most recent trip is that the quality of maintenance has declined. The restrooms on our loop weren’t really cleaned deeply over our 4 night stay with used band aids in the corner or the shower stall. I alerted two staff members about the leaking spigot in our site and that was never addressed.

I’m returning in early November with a few friends for some mountain biking and hope things improve.

  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Todd C., September 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Todd C., September 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Todd C., September 26, 2020
  • (4) View All
A
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2020

Excellent location with sites near or on the water

Access to sites are easy. Almost all are pull through. They’re also pretty well spaced out for privacy and plenty of space for each site. Hook ups are well maintained as are the roads and trailer parking areas.

  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Alex C., September 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Alex C., September 15, 2020
A
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

Great sites with lake access

The grounds were clean. Well kept for the most part and not too hard to get too. Most sites were pull through, so that’s always nice.

  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Alex C., September 7, 2020
Ferd B.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2020

Escape to the Lake

However you want to camp you can. Tent, RV, you name it. With lake access on virtually every spot you’ll wake up to amazing views and great days in the sun. Almost every spot has a walkable path to the water. It’s pet friendly and has amenities for even the least experienced (and least willing) campers.

  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
J
Reviewed May. 27, 2020

Great place to stay

Stayed here twice after upgrading to the new camper. Sites and grounds are well kept. Bathhouses are well maintained.

  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Jerry F., May 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Jerry F., May 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Jerry F., May 27, 2020
  • (18) View All
S
Reviewed Nov. 20, 2019

Great!

So many great campsites and so many of them waterfront! Well maintained. Excellent gatehouse staff. Good hiking and boat launch.
Highly recommend. Lots to do in the area. River walk, canal boat tour, great art museum.
Good food and shopping nearby.

V
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2019

Nice

Nice campground. More private than state parks.

Clark B.
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

This is a great USACOE campground on Clark Hill Lake

90+ sites with water, 50/30 amp electric, a dozen or so primitive sites. Most have access to water and if the lake level is good, there is usually some beach area at most sites where you can swim, tie off a boat. We love it here and have been coming for Memorial Day and Labor Day for 25 years. Reservations are easy through Reserveusa.gov. Sites are all hard compact dirt/gravel but most are very level. Gate is locked each evening at 10:00 with a combination lock code provided to you for access. Very safe and secure. Just a couple of miles from Clark Hill Dam which has a nice visitor’s center. About 20 minutes north of Augusta suburbs of Martinez and Evans.

Site73-77
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Clark B., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Clark B., August 31, 2018
  • Review photo of Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake by Clark B., August 31, 2018