SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, is opening its second campground since Hurricane Helene caused damage to all parks at J. Strom Thurmond Lake in September 2024.
Petersburg Campground, sites 1-27, will be open for the fall and winter seasons beginning Nov. 16, 2025, and will remain open year-round. To make a reservation, visit: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232668
The Hawe Creek Campground was the first campground to re-open. It opened for the 2025 Labor Day weekend. Additionally, campers can make reservations at Hawe Creek and Modoc Campgrounds for the 2026 season, which is March 27 through Sept. 13, 2026.
Maintenance and repairs were accomplished by the J. Strom Thurmond Lake Team, volunteers, and skilled contractors, who made the reopening of Petersburg Campground, sites 1-27, possible. Removal of debris was accomplished through funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO).
The Corps of Engineers appreciates the public’s continued patience and cooperation as work continues to complete maintenance and repairs to restore more recreation areas at Thurmond Lake.
For additional information about Hurricane Helene recovery efforts at J. Strom Thurmond Lake, visit Thurmond Hurricane Helene Recovery. For more lake information, contact the J. Strom Thurmond Project Office at 800-533-3478 or 864-333-1100, or visit the webpage at J. Strom Thurmond.
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Release no. 25-046