J. Strom Thurmond Lake spans 71,000 acres with over 1,000 miles of shoreline across Georgia and South Carolina. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with summer levels typically 10-15 feet higher than winter levels. Camping options range from primitive sites at Bussey Point Wilderness Area to full-service RV sites at Petersburg Campground, with most campgrounds open April through September.
What to do
Hiking Bartram Trail: Access the trail directly from Petersburg Campground, which offers excellent mountain biking opportunities as well. "Bartram Trail, terrific mountain for biking and hiking passes through the property. Some of the sites are stellar," notes Todd C.
Horseback riding: The 12-mile trail at Bussey Point Wilderness Area caters specifically to equestrian campers. "Bussey Point is primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer," explains cody S. The campground features dedicated sites with horse hitches and open spaces for trailers.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rent equipment at Elijah Clark State Park Campground or bring your own. "Our boys kayaked all weekend," shares April B. about Ridge Road Campground. The calm waters in protected coves make this lake ideal for paddling, especially during weekday mornings when motorboat traffic is minimal.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Ridge Road Campground offers generously sized lakefront sites. "These sites are all good sized lots and not on top of each other. Beautiful views of the easily accessible lake, a boat ramp and a park all round out this nice little getaway spot," says Ivan C.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds throughout the area maintain excellent standards. At Mistletoe State Park, "Great site 49, awesome views. Comfort stations close and clean. Lots of water activities," reports Stephanie K. Petersburg Campground offers "flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a dump station, playground and boat ramp."
Fishing opportunities: The lake provides excellent bass, crappie, and catfish fishing. "Free fishing pole for kids," mentions Amy C. about Mistletoe State Park. At Hawe Creek Campground, "The campground is situated on Strom Thurmond Lake... There is a boat launch and fishing pier near by Dorn Fishing Facility. Every site is on the water," notes Debbie P.
What you should know
Water access varies by site: At Winfield Campground, "There is a retaining wall at the water so it's about a 3" step to the water. We plan to bring a step ladder next time," advises Thomas. Some sites have easy water entry while others require navigating rocks or steeper banks.
Ants can be problematic: Multiple reviewers mention ant issues during summer months. "Need to use something for ants or you will be covered up in them, including from limbs touching," warns Swain K. about Hawe Creek Campground. Bring appropriate ant control measures during warmer months.
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer equal privacy or views. "We did not end up with a great site. It was on the water but the view was not great. I feel ridiculous saying that there were too many trees but they were all along the edge and completely blocked the view of the lake," reports Jaiden W. about Petersburg Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming areas: Ridge Road Campground provides designated swimming beaches with gradual entry points. "Great beach area as well. One of our favorites!" notes April B. Raysville Campground offers shallow water access ideal for younger children with less boat traffic than main lake areas.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. "The park had a great store selling souvenirs, ice, firewood, worms for fishing. Campground staff and host were very friendly," shares Rachel G. about Mistletoe State Park. Petersburg Campground has both playground equipment and beach areas accessible to campers.
Kid-friendly amenities: Elijah Clark State Park offers family-oriented activities. "The kiddos enjoyed playing putt putt, the playground and the beach area. There is also plenty of history to see, experience and learn about," explains Bill C.
Tips for RVers
Pull-through availability: Winfield Campground features spacious pull-through sites. "Site 74 is right between the beach and the boating dock. Very large pull thru," notes Tanya S. Mistletoe State Park also offers pull-through sites in the 60-90 loop with both water views and shade.
Hookup details: Petersburg Campground provides electric hookups but no sewer connections at individual sites. "We stayed in site #19... it has 50/30 amp service and water. There's no sewer hookup... dump station only," explains Carrie G. Plan accordingly for longer stays and check which amperage is available at specific sites.
Access considerations: Raysville Campground offers easier navigation for larger rigs. "The spots were nice, large, most waterfront, with power and water," shares Kenneth P. Ridge Road Campground notes that "the roads leading here are quite comfortable for our 37' motorcoach as are the roads inside the grounds."
