Anglers and boaters find direct access to J. Strom Thurmond Lake at this Army Corps of Engineers campground, where a five-mile winding road leads through forested terrain to spacious lakefront sites. The campground operates seasonally from April through September, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet with electric and water hookups at each site.
Most sites sit directly on the lake with clear water views, while all benefit from heavy tree cover that provides natural shade. "Most of the sites are quite spacious with views of the lake," notes Carrie G., and campers consistently report generous spacing between sites that reduces crowding. The campground includes a boat ramp, fish cleaning station, and playground, with bathhouses that reviewers describe as well-maintained though potentially limited during peak periods.
The access road requires attention, particularly for larger RVs, though multiple reviewers confirm successful navigation with motorcoaches over 35 feet. Cell service reaches the campground, and pets are welcome throughout the facility. For additional camping options in the region, see camping near J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area.
Reservations are available and recommended for lakefront sites, which tend to fill first during the summer season.
Description
Overview
Ridge Road Campground is located on a scenic peninsula surrounded by the J. Strom Thurmond Lake, only 15 miles away from the Lake Thurmond Visitor Center and Dam and one of the area's first campgrounds. Camping at Ridge Road 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!
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. Many miles of hiking trails are available a few miles from the campground. Hikers enjoy the 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads, the closest is Keg Creek. 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
Ridge Road Campground has many facilities that every camper can enjoy with 63 sites with water and electric hook up, while providing a space for campers that prefer a more primitive experience with the convenience of modern amenities! The gatehouse has friendly camp hosts, information about the campground, and local area. There are two bathhouses that have flush toilets and showers. There are vault toilets spread throughout the campground at the boat ramp, primitive island, and playground for convenience. For the young campers, there is a playground near the designated swimming beach. For camper convenience, there are two dump stations and dumpsters located in the campground.
Natural Features
Water/ Land: Ridge Road 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 15 miles, campers may visit the dam, Visitor Center, and various USACE trails. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas. The Bartram Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, has a trailhead only 7 miles away by the Keg Creek Boat ramp. This trail is loved by hikers and mountain bikers. There are many trailheads that offer different lengths of trail and challenge levels along the 27 mile trail. 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, on site camp hosts cannot process payments.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundRidge Road - J Strom Thurmond Lake is located in Georgia
Directions
5886 Ridge Rd Appling, GA 30802 From I-20 take Exit 183 (Appling). Go north on HWY 221 approximately 6 miles. At 4-way stop, go left (GA HWY 47) and drive approximately 5 miles. Campground road is on right. Follow signs.
Address
5886 RIDGE ROAD
Appling, GA 30802
Coordinates
33.68 N
82.2586111 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- Verizon5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
