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 effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Currently, most recreation areas at Thurmond Lake remain closed due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. However, if funding becomes available and facilities reopen, the new fees will apply.
Fees were raised as a result of increased operating costs and the Fiscal Year 2024 User Fee Comparability Study. The study was completed at both projects, performing a comparison with facilities, amenities, and fee structures at local, state, county, and private campgrounds and parks.
Existing campground, shelter reservations and special event applications will be honored at the rate originally submitted.
Reservations placed or modified on or after Jan. 1, 2025, will incur the new rates. All campground and shelter reservations must be made via www.Recreation.gov or by calling the reservation hotline at 877-444-6777.
The new rates are listed in the tables below.
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Hartwell Dam and Lake
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J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake
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Site Type
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New Fee/Night
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Site Type
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New Fee/Night
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Campsite: No Power or Water
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$16 - $26
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Campsite: No Power or Water
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$14-26
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Interior Campsite: Power, Water
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$36
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Interior Campsite: Power, Water
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$32
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Waterfront Campsite: Power, Water
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$38
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Waterfront Campsite: Power, Water
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$36
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Crescent Group Camp Loop A (10 Sites)
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$240
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Covered Picnic Shelters
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$10-$250
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Crescent Group Camp Loop B (22 Sites)
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$528
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Loop, Entire Picnic Area (parking, covered tables and restrooms)
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$750
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Covered Picnic Shelters
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$75-$150
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Group Picnic Shelters
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$15-$125
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Cost per Vehicle at Boat Launches and Beaches
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$5-7
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Cost per Vehicle at Boat Launches and Beaches
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$5-7
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Special event permit applications should be submitted at least 30 days in advance of requested events, to allow sufficient time for review and processing. These fees have not changed, but they are provided below.
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Special Event Permit Fees - Hartwell & Thurmond Lakes
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Description
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Fee
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Completed Special Event Application received 30 calendar days or more prior to the event
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$75
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Completed Special Event Application received 29 calendar days to 8 days prior to the event
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$150
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Completed Special Event Application received 7 calendar days or less prior to the event
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$300
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For more information at J. Strom Thurmond Project, contact Garrett Bramlette, Chief Ranger, or the Project Office at 800-533-3478, or 864-333-1100.
For more information at Hartwell Dam and Lake, contact Tanya Grant, Chief Ranger, or the Project Office at 888-893-0678, or 706-856-0300.
To read the Questions and Answers, click on the “Plan a Visit” links on the Hartwell or Thurmond webpages under the ‘Missions’ dropdown tab of the Savannah District’s website https://www.sas.usace.army.mil/:
Hartwell Fees Q&A or Thurmond Fees Q&A
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