J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' J. Strom Thurmond Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Broad, and Little Rivers. The lake is created by the Thurmond Dam, located on the Savannah River 22 miles above Augusta, Ga., and 239.5 miles above the mouth of the Savannah River. The lake extends 39.4 miles up the Savannah River, 29 miles up the Little River, and 6.5 miles up the Broad River in Georgia, and 17 miles up the Little River in South Carolina. At full pool elevation, Thurmond Lake comprises nearly 71,100 acres of water and 1,200 miles of shoreline. The Thurmond Project was designed for flood control, hydropower, fish and wildlife, water quality, water supply, downstream navigation and recreation. It's one of the top 10 most-visited Corps lakes in the nation!

At the J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake, due to impacts by Hurricane Helene all day-use parks, campgrounds, boat ramps, and trails, unless noted below, will be closed until further notice. We are working diligently to ensure quick but safe access for the public. Please refrain from entering all areas as we are completing hazard inspections. During this time, the Visitor Center will remain open for operation during the week, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but closed on weekends and Federal Holidays.

Update 1/16/2025:

Areas now open- Please use discretion and be vigilant while visiting open areas as hazards may still be present.

  • Amity- boat ramp only
  • Clarks Hill Park
  • Calhoun Falls
  • Dordon Creek Boat Ramp
  • Gill Point- Boat ramp only
  • Keg Creek Boat Ramp
  • Leathersville Boat Ramp
  • Modoc 7 Boat Ramp
  • Morrahs Boat Ramp
  • Murry Creek Boat Ramp
  • Parksville- Boat ramp only
  • Scotts Ferry Boat Ramp
  • Visitor Center

For current Boat Ramp status click here:


 

 

J. Strom Thurmond Dam

                 
                  Hydropower                           Shoreline Management                            Recreation

Thurmond News

Recreation Facility Fees Increase at Hartwell, Thurmond Lakes
1/17/2025
SAVANNAH, Ga– The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, announces fee increases for camping, shelter reservations, and day use areas at the Hartwell and J. Strom Thurmond Lake Projects...
Thurmond Lake recreation areas remain closed until further notice
1/6/2025
SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, will keep most recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake closed through the 2025 season, and possibly longer, due to...
Boundary Line Maintenance at J. Strom Thurmond Project
11/7/2024
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Workers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, at J. Strom Thurmond Project have begun work inspecting and re-painting approximately 60 miles of the existing boundary...
Safety concerns caused by Hurricane Helene close Thurmond Lake trails
10/24/2024
CLARKS HILL, S.C. – Due to Hurricane Helene impacts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, J. Strom Thurmond Project Office has closed all trails until further notice...
Bussey Point 2024 Deer Hunts canceled due to storm damage at Thurmond Lake
10/16/2024
SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, J. Strom Thurmond, Forest, Fish, and Wildlife Section is cancelling the Bussey Point Corps Management Unit 2024 deer hunts due to...

Contact Information

J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake
510 Clarks Hill Highway
Clarks Hill, SC 29821

Phone Numbers
864-333-1100
or toll free at
1-800-533-3478

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