Established Camping
Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
This facility is closed until further notice due to impacts from Hurricane Helene.
Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake, near Appling, Georgia, is a solid choice for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, many of which boast lovely views of the lake, making it a nice spot for relaxation and recreation.
The campground is known for its spacious sites, with some reviewers highlighting the privacy they found, especially in the lakeside areas. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, including restrooms and a sanitary dump station, which make for a comfortable stay. As one camper noted, “The view was amazing! Such a relaxing place.”
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the nearby Bartram Trail provides excellent hiking opportunities, while the lake itself is perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Campers have also enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the chance to connect with fellow outdoor lovers.
While some sites can feel a bit close together, the overall vibe is welcoming, and many guests have expressed their eagerness to return. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake has plenty to offer for a memorable camping experience.
Description
US Army Corps of Engineers
J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Overview
Petersburg Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, only four miles away from the Lake Thurmond Visitor Center and Dam and only 25 miles from Augusta, Georgia. Camping at Petersburg is ripe with many different opportunities for relaxation, skill-building, family bonding, and nature appreciation. The 70,000 acre lake and 1,000+ miles of shoreline are prime for activities that facilitate such opportunities such as boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, and bird watching, and so much more of course! Just outside the entrance the largest trailhead for the Bartram Trail which is a designated National Recreation Trail prime for hiking and mountain biking.
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 great conditions for exciting activities such as boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming. The Bartram Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, hosts it's largest trailhead just outside the entrance to the campground. This trail winds around the campground and shares beautiful views of the lake. This trail is favored by mountain bikers and hikers as a convenient option to get out and experience nature. 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. When recreating at Thurmond Lake, we hope to give our visitors opportunities to bond, appreciate nature, relive stress, improve skills, and improve physical fitness.
Natural Features
Water/ Land: Petersburg Campground is on the shoreline of the J Strom Thurmond lake that is over 70,000 acres, and surrounded with a mix of pine and hardwood trees which offer shade and visual interest. Wildlife: Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, neo-tropical birds, wild turkeys and whitetail deer. Weather/ Climate: Average temperatures during the camping season starts out at 76 degrees Fahrenheit and peaks in July at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. May receives the least amount of rainfall on average, but increased rainfall for June, July, and August.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional settings for outdoor activities such as, boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking. There are many USACE managed day-use areas within six miles where registered campers may enter for free by displaying their campground hangtag pass. Within four miles, campers may visit the dam, Visitor Center, and various USACE trails. 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.
Fee Info
All payments and fees will occur through recreation.gov, or the Gate Attendants 28 March 2025 through 7 September 2025
Location
Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake is located in Georgia
Directions
3998 Petersburg Rd Appling, GA 30802 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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TAvailable
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly