J. Strom Thurmond Lake
RV Guide
Introduction
Ready for your next great RV adventure? Consider a trip to J. Strom Thurmond Lake. It's a great place to visit on your next RV getaway.
J. Strom Thurmond Lake is known by several names, including J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir and Clarks Hill Lake. It is located along the border separating the states of Georgia and South Carolina by a body of water known as the Savannah River Basin. J. Strom Thurmond Lake was created in 1952 and has the distinction of being the third biggest manmade lake in the region. It is situated near to the bustling metropolis of Augusta, Georgia.
This recreational area is an extremely popular spot for families who enjoy outdoor adventure. Though construction on the property began in 1946 and culminated in 1954, the lake was completed in 1952 with its primary role to function as a flood control measure as well as to provide electricity for some of the surrounding towns. Among the most popular activities at this lake and destination hotspot include water sports, fishing, and the viewing of wildlife. Near to the property are many different marinas, camping facilities, and public parks, ensuring visitors have many different places to enjoy during a trip to the area.
J. Strom Thurmond Lake was renamed Clarks Hill Lake in 1987 to reflect its close proximity to the small town known as Clarks Hill as well as Mr. Elijah Clarke, a prominent hero from the Revolutionary War. There was some opposition to this name change, but it was officially passed in 1989. Today, the lake is affectionately known by both of its given "handles."
If you're on the hunt for your next RV holiday, you won't want to miss a trip to J. Strom Thurmond Lake. You'll have an amazing time.
RV Rentals in J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Transportation
Driving
The route to J. Strom Thurmond Lake is quite direct and proceeds on highways that alternate between four lanes and two. Each road is kept in good condition with snow cleared regularly during the winter months. Traffic remains fluid regardless of the season. Road construction occurs on occasion but rarely causes delays. Be alert for the presence of wildlife that may enter the road.
Parking
Parking can be found in several lots throughout the J. Strom Thurmond Lake property.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available to J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
Campgrounds and parking in J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Campsites in J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Reservations camping
Petersburg Campground
Petersburg Campground, a property found on the J. Strom Thurmond Lake premises, offers RV and tent camping year-round by reservation. Woods surround most of the campsites. There are 94 sites in total, the vast majority of which are equipped with both water and power hookups.
The amenities found on the premises include toilets, showers, drinking water, and a waste disposal station. Pets are permitted on the grounds but must remain leashed.
Found on the same property for families to enjoy are two beaches, a playground, a boat ramp, a fishing dock, a hiking trail, a pond, and a picnic shelter.
Ridge Road Campground
Ridge Road Campground is open for RV and tent camping by reservation between March and October each year. The property offers campsites in the woods as well as those with views of the water. There are 63 sites in total; all of which contain water and power hookups. Six sites are reserved specifically for primitive camping conditions.
Among the on-site amenities at this camping facility are toilets, showers, drinking water, laundry facilities, and a waste disposal station. Pets are welcome here but must remain on a leash at all times.
The most popular attractions include a playground, a boat ramp, a dock, and a fish cleaning station.
Seasonal activities in J. Strom Thurmond Lake
In-Season
Swimming
With more than 1200 miles of shoreline to explore, it is not difficult to see why the beaches at J. Strom Thurmond Lake are such a popular attraction for RV campers. Bring your bikini, a beach towel, and some sunscreen, and get ready for a day of fun in the sun at one of the many swim beaches found at this popular recreational hotspot.
Swimming is not supervised here, so you will want to take care to only enter the lake when the waters are calm. You can practice your best doggy paddle or just float your cares away on an inner tube or raft.
After your swimming adventure is done, you can enjoy meandering along the coast in search of seaside souvenirs as a pleasant reminder of your South Carolina holiday.
Picnicking
J. Strom Thurmond Lake is an extremely serene and picturesque property, making it the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Pack a basket full of goodies and put on your most comfortable walking shoes, then head out in search of the ideal spot from which to enjoy your meal. There are several picnic areas found on the grounds that are lined with tables for the public to use. You will also find picnic shelters in case of inclement weather.
Fancy having your lunch with a view? Why not lay out a picnic blanket in the sand and enjoy feasting on your snacks with the lake at your feet?
Bring along your camera to record the sights you will see on your day of picnic fun.
Hamilton Branch State Park
Near to J. Strom Lake in Plum Branch, South Carolina, is the state park known as Hamilton Branch. A property with over 731 acres to explore, you will not want for fun things to do during your visit to this popular recreational area. Hamilton Branch State Park is home to 12 miles of hiking trails and two boat ramps, which offer access for fishing, boating, and watersports at J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
You will also find three picnic shelters complete with tables that are situated near to the water to afford you the opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch with an incredible view.
Off-Season
Bartram Trail
For those who love to hike and bike, a trip to Bartram Trail is in order. This popular path consists of 27 miles in total and covers incredibly diverse terrain. The grounds have immense tree cover from many different types of trees, including pines and hardwood species.
Many types of wildlife make this region their home, affording you the opportunity to glimpse such animals as turkey, deer, rabbits, quail, and squirrels. There are many different access points to this trail, including one from Petersburg Campground.
Fishing
Avid fishermen love to flock to J. Strom Thurmond Lake for the excellent fishing conditions. Among the most popular fish species found in these waters include large-mouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and hybrid bass.
There are fishing guides available for rent for those who want to get out into the true depths of the lake to do some serious fishing. There are several fishing piers where you can enjoy angling directly from the dock, including one found at Petersburg Campground and another at Clarks Hill Park.
A fishing license is required to enjoy angling at J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
Photography
With such lush terrain and an abundance of wildlife to enjoy, J. Strom Thurmond Lake is the ideal spot for amateur and professional photographers alike to work on building up their portfolios. Whether you train your lens on the beautiful lake waters, try to capture a deer in the woods, or simply record the beautiful autumn leaves or freshly fallen snow, you will not want for picture-perfect opportunities.
Be sure to wear appropriate footwear for challenging terrain to prevent any injuries while on the hunt for the ideal photo op.
