Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds across the South have earned a reputation for spacious sites and lake access, and Petersburg delivers on both fronts. The 90+ sites spread across multiple loops along J. Strom Thurmond Lake, with most offering direct water views and enough space between neighbors to feel less crowded than typical state park campgrounds.
Campers consistently note the generous site spacing and gravel surfaces that keep RVs level without much effort. "All of the sites are spacious and the lake is beautiful," reports Lisa W., who discovered the campground when nearby parks were full. Most sites provide water and electric hookups up to 50 amp, with several offering sewer connections as well. The bathhouses include flush toilets and showers, though some campers mention maintenance can be inconsistent during busy periods.
The Bartram Trail cuts directly through the property, giving hikers and mountain bikers access to miles of wooded paths without leaving camp. Lake activities center around the boat ramp and swimming beaches, with many sites offering their own shoreline access for launching kayaks or setting up fishing spots. Cell coverage reaches 2-4 bars depending on your carrier and location within the campground.
Access requires navigating some rougher roads that can become challenging after heavy rain, but the main campground loops accommodate RVs up to 45 feet. The gate locks at 10 PM with combination access provided to registered campers. Reservations through Recreation.gov help secure the better lakefront sites, especially during peak summer months.
Campers wanting more primitive options can explore camping near J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area or check nearby Ridge Road - J Strom Thurmond Lake for a different lake experience.
Description
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.
Facilities
Petersburg Campground has many facilities that every camper can enjoy! The gatehouse has friendly Gate Attendants and information about the campground and local area. There are four bathhouses spread throughout the campground that have flush toilets and showers. The boat ramp and courtesy dock are conveniently placed with circle drives. For the fishers who don't use the boat ramp, there is a large fishing pier to make land fishing easy. There is a playground on the first loop adjacent to one of the two swimming beaches, a first come first served/ reservable pavilion making it the perfect spot for birthday parties or any celebration, and to top it all off the bathhouse is only a short walk away. For campers of all ages, there is a shaded hiking and biking trail that winds through the campground showcasing the beautiful pine and hardwood trees.__For camper convenience, there are two dump stations and dumpsters located in the campground.
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
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!
ALERT: Petersburg Campground will be temporarily closed this fall for continued repairs following Hurricane Helene. This banner will be updated with specific closure dates as soon as they are confirmed.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPetersburg is located in Georgia near Modoc
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
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/9/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/20/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/9/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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






























































