J. Strom Thurmond Lake spans over 71,000 acres with 1,200 miles of shoreline at the Georgia-South Carolina border. The lake reaches depths of 180 feet in some areas and maintains water temperatures between 52°F in winter to 88°F in summer. Camping options around the lake include Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds with spacious waterfront sites and state parks with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling access: At Elijah Clark State Park Campground, the lake's calm coves provide excellent paddling opportunities. "Love the campground clean great people work hard to keep the people happy," notes James B. about nearby Modoc Campground, which offers numerous spots to launch watercraft directly from campsites.
Hiking trails: The Bartram Trail runs through Petersburg Campground, offering hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Todd C. mentions, "Bartram Trail, terrific mountain for biking and hiking passes through the property." Hamilton Branch State Park has trails ranging from 1-3 miles that loop through wooded areas with lake views.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers target largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and striped bass throughout the lake. A camper at Mistletoe State Park notes, "Free fishing pole for kids" is available. The lake's many coves and inlets provide protection from wind and excellent fishing spots even during busy periods.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Nearly every site at Hamilton Branch State Park Campground offers direct water access. Kim H. shares, "Every site is waterfront and most of them are well shaded." Similar options exist at other campgrounds around the lake, with many sites allowing boats to be docked directly at the campsite.
Privacy between sites: Winfield Campground receives high marks for site spacing. Josh R. reports, "Winfield has a lot of really good sites, most with reasonable privacy." Many campers note that Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds typically offer better site separation than state parks in the area.
Wildlife viewing: The forested areas around campsites harbor diverse wildlife. Tracy F. mentions, "There was lots of deer and made the hike to the bathroom worth it for us." Bird watching is particularly rewarding in morning and evening hours when water birds are most active along shorelines.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds around the lake operate only from late March through September. Ivan C. from Ridge Road Campground advises, "Bathrooms are clean, but could use another bath house or two," which can be important during busy summer weekends.
Insect preparation: Multiple reviews mention ant problems at lakeside campsites. One camper recommends, "Prepare your site for ants they will get into everything if not." Ticks and mosquitoes can also be prevalent in summer months, so bring appropriate repellent.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can vary significantly throughout the year, affecting water access from campsites. "The water was low during our trip so the immediate shoreline was a bit squishy going through the damp clay. I'd recommend water shoes," advises Sarah at Hamilton Branch State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Bussey Point Wilderness Area provides more primitive camping with excellent swimming areas. "A really nice and very pretty place, most sites have a little room between them," shares Jim R. The campground's $10 per night fee makes it budget-friendly for families.
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds around the lake have dedicated play areas for children. One camper notes, "The kiddos enjoyed playing putt putt, the playground and the beach area," when describing recreation options at a lakeside campground.
Educational opportunities: Historical exhibits at Elijah Clark State Park provide learning experiences about Revolutionary War history. "There is also plenty of history to see, experience and learn about," mentions Bill C. Consider bringing binoculars for kids to observe water birds and wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs, the campgrounds on the Georgia side tend to have more pull-through sites. "All the sites are large and well spaced. Tons of road side gray water dumps between sights and TWO dump stations," says Chad H. about Mistletoe State Park, noting the convenience for longer stays.
Utility considerations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "Sites had water, electric, concrete table, fire ring, and lantern hook," reports Rachel G., adding that "The bathrooms were quite far from some sites requiring a long walk or drive," which is important information for RVers who prefer not to disconnect to access facilities.
