SAVANNAH, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Savannah District, is reopening Ridge Road Campground Wednesday, May 20, 2026, marking the final campground to be restored and reopened at J. Strom Thurmond Lake since Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024.
Ridge Road Campground offers 69 campsites equipped with electric and water hookups. To make a reservation, visit https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232687. The 2026 camping season ends September 13.
Maintenance and repairs were accomplished by the J. Strom Thurmond Lake O&M contractor team. Removal of debris was accomplished through funding from the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO).
“We’re happy to reopen our last damaged campground, Ridge Road Campground, before Memorial Day weekend,” said Chrissy Alford, USACE, park operations manager at Thurmond Lake. “We appreciate the public’s continued patience and cooperation as maintenance and repairs continue as we restore the three remaining day use areas and the Bartram Trail.”
For more lake information, contact the J. Strom Thurmond Project Office at 800-533-3478 or 864-333-1100, or visit the website at J. Strom Thurmond.
Swimming in undesignated areas is the leading activity for most drownings that occur at USACE lakes and river projects, so be prepared and please wear a life jacket when swimming, floating, and playing in open water. #LifeJacketsWornNobodyMourns
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Release no. 26-015