Clarks Hill camping spots sit on the shores of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, a 70,000-acre reservoir with over 1,000 miles of shoreline. The area features multiple Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds across both the Georgia and South Carolina sides of the lake. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with some campers noting lower levels in late summer exposing clay shorelines that can be challenging for kayak launches.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Petersburg Campground connects to the Bartram Trail, offering miles of hiking and mountain biking opportunities. "Bartram Trail, terrific mountain for biking and hiking passes through the property. Some of the sites are stellar," reports one visitor to Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple camping areas provide access for anglers seeking largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and striped bass. Sites at Ridge Road - J Strom Thurmond Lake come equipped with practical amenities for fishermen. "Picnic tables, grills and fire rings at each campsite... Fish cleaning station. Boat ramp. Dump station," notes one camper.
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe native wildlife. A camper at Hamilton Branch State Park describes: "Seems that all sites are on the water. Our site was raised up from the water and had a little drop down to access the water... There was lots of deer and made the hike to the bathroom worth it for us."
Beach swimming: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "We walked around to see what the park had on that side, and it included a nice sandy beach, picnic tables under the shade, and a really cool primitive camping area that was out on a peninsula," explains a visitor at Wildwood County Park.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Most campgrounds feature sites with direct lake access, with Hamilton Branch State Park offering consistent water proximity. "Secluded sites allow for privacy. Great, helpful staff! Park is surrounded by a lake and most sites have direct access to the water," shares one camper at Hamilton Branch State Park Campground.
Spacious sites: The Corps of Engineers campgrounds typically provide more room between sites than state parks. At Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake, campers appreciate the generous layouts: "The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views. Ours was perfect... The site has a fire ring with grill, a standing grill, a picnic table, and a prep table. Again, the site is enormous."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Bussey Point Wilderness Area offers basic sites without electrical hookups. "Bussey Point is primitive camping at its best," notes one visitor. Another explains: "The campsites have a picnic table and a fire pit. The campground has a well for water and an open pit latrine. There's no power which is perfect for camping off grid away from all the trailers."
Cleanliness: Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, with Ridge Road receiving particular praise. "This is a very well maintained USACOE facility. Our site (19) is quite large and very level (after the entry driveway): plenty of room for the coach and at least 2 other vehicles," comments a camper.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Ridge Road Campground is only open from April 1 to September 29, while Modoc Campground runs from March 31 to September 30.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can vary significantly throughout the year, affecting shoreline access. "We didn't realize water level was down. Didn't affect the views but trodding the mud to get to the water made kayaking a little challenging," reports a camper at Hamilton Branch State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and availability of showers varies by campground. One Petersburg camper noted: "What I noticed on my most recent trip is that the quality of maintenance has declined. The restrooms on our loop weren't really cleaned deeply over our 4 night stay with used band aids in the corner or the shower stall."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds now require advance booking, including previously first-come areas. At Bussey Point, "Campground rates are $10 per night and reservations must be made now through recreation.gov."
Tips for camping with families
Beach amenities: Wildwood Park offers multiple family-friendly features. "Awesome beach area, great playground for kids. Kayak & paddleboard rentals. Decent pricing for campsites," explains one visitor.
Educational opportunities: Some parks provide nature programs and wildlife viewing areas. At Mistletoe State Park Campground, a camper noted: "Inside the store they also have a mini library you can borrow from and next to that a nature area with a live snake and turtles."
Site selection: Waterfront sites may present safety considerations for families with small children. "The water access at sites #2 & #4 is nice but it is not a real beach — it is all large rocks for the most part and they were very slippery even when dry so be careful," cautions a Mistletoe State Park visitor about the walk-in tent sites.
Activities for children: Several parks offer equipment specifically for younger visitors. At Elijah Clark State Park, one visitor mentions: "The kiddos enjoyed playing putt putt, the playground and the beach area."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary by campground, with some offering more complete services. At Pointes West Army Resort, "We were able to park our 44 ft. Fifth wheel with ease with little assistance from a park host. The only reason why I didn't give a 5 star was because we were very close to neighbors. They were all in a row so if you open your curtains others can see you. Full hookups."
Site leveling: Terrain varies across campgrounds, with some requiring more setup work. "The roads leading here are quite comfortable for our 37' motorcoach as are the roads inside the grounds... Our site (19) is quite large and very level (after the entry driveway)," reports an RVer at Ridge Road Campground.
Off-season advantages: Visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons offers increased privacy. At Modoc Campground, one visitor shares: "We spent a Monday to Thursday at Modoc in late May. We literally had our section of the campground all to ourselves. Quiet beautiful good fishing, minimal bugs."
Road access: Most campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for larger rigs. A visitor to Petersburg notes: "Access to sites are easy. Almost all are pull through. They're also pretty well spaced out for privacy and plenty of space for each site."
