Lake-front sites define the layout at Big Hart Campground, an Army Corps of Engineers facility set within the J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area outside Thomson, Georgia. Many sites sit directly on the water, with enough spacing between them that neighbors stay at a comfortable distance. Wooded buffers between sites add to that separation. The campground runs from late March through late September, with nightly rates ranging from $26 to $182.
Water access is the main draw here. Anglers and boaters will find the setup accommodating: several sites allow boats to be anchored directly from camp, and the boat-in access option adds flexibility for those arriving by water. The shower house has drawn consistent praise for cleanliness, and the staff receives positive marks for attentiveness, including one account of rangers checking on a late-arriving group after dark. Wi-Fi is available and reportedly functional, and the campground sits less than ten minutes from the interstate without carrying road noise into camp.
RV campers should note a few practical limitations. Some sites can be difficult to navigate with longer rigs, and at least one reviewer with a 40-foot trailer found certain sections, including the dump station approach, tighter than expected. Road shoulders in spots have shown erosion. No sewer hookups are available, though 50-amp electric and water connections are on-site, and the dump station accommodates rigs up to 50 feet. Raysville Campground and Raysville Marina are nearby alternatives worth considering. Big Hart works best for anglers, boaters, and RV campers who prioritize direct water access and well-maintained facilities.
Description
Big Hart Campground is located at the confluence of Big Creek and Hart Creek on the western end of beautiful J. Strom Thurmond Lake, the largest Corps of Engineers lake project east of the Mississippi River. 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. Facilities Big Hart Campground is situated in a wooded area on the waterfront. One group campsite and 31 family campsites are available, all with 50-amp electrical hookups. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, playground, 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 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 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. ADA Access: N
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Hart Campground is located in Georgia near J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Directions
From I-20, take Exit 172 (Thomson/Hwy 78) north 8 miles on Hwy 78 to Russell Landing Road. Turn right and travel east 4 miles to campground. Follow signs
Address
5258 Washington Road
Thomson, GA 30824
Coordinates
33.6146062 N
82.51281682 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/12/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/12/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
