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 10/021/2024:

Areas now open

  • Clarks Hill Park
  • Calhoun Falls
  • Dordon Creek Boat Ramp
  • Modoc 7 Boat Ramp
  • Morrahs Boat Ramp
  • Scotts Ferry Boat Ramp

For current Boat Ramp status click here:


 

 

J. Strom Thurmond Dam

                 
                  Hydropower                           Shoreline Management                            Recreation

Thurmond News

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...
Thurmond Lake Update Following Hurricane Helene Impacts to Area
10/2/2024
Clarks Hill, SC. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, J. Strom Thurmond Lake has experienced significant impacts, damage, and property loss in the area due to Hurricane Helene. The...
Upper Savannah River Reservoirs Enter Drought Level 2
9/10/2024
SAVANNAH, Ga. – The three reservoirs on the upper Savannah River Basin operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, declared the second flow reduction in two months in response to...
Thurmond Lake Seeks Volunteers for Annual National Public Lands Cleanup
8/20/2024
AUGUSTA, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake, is seeking individual and group volunteers for the annual cleanup campaign for National Public Lands...

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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