The Lake Region

J. Strom Thurmond Lake Region

J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Project at Clarks Hill is the largest U. S. Army Corps of Engineers project east of the Mississippi River. Built between 1946 and 1954 as part of a comprehensive plan of development for the Savannah River Basin, Thurmond Lake is one of the 10 most visited Corps lakes in the nation. The project has provided hydropower, water management, fish and wildlife benefits, and recreation for local communities and the Southeastern United States for more than 50 years.

Truly, this area has it all:

Recreation - The Thurmond Lake offers 13 Corps campgrounds, 25 day use areas and boat ramps, six state parks, and five county parks. No wonder it is one of the nation's most favored Corps lakes.

Nature and Wildlife - The area is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Situated on the fall line between the piedmont and the coastal plains, the lake area is a unique blend of pine forest and hardwood bottom environments. Many rare plants can be found around the lake. In the shade of the forests, you will find native flowers and plants that have been present in this region throughout the ages.

Many species of birds frequent the lake presenting excellent opportunities for bird watching.

Hiking and mountain bike trails reveal beautiful lake and woodland scenery, rare wildflowers, and a variety of wildlife.

Camping - On Thurmond Lake, camping can be a memorable experience. Choose one of the primitive campsites hugging the shoreline away from the crowds or your home-away-from-home site for your RV. The area boasts more than 500 campsites.

Fishing - Thurmond Lake has a large population of game fish including: striped bass, hybrid bass, catfish, crappie, and many other species. Yellow perch fishing below Thurmond Dam is also a popular activity. Call 800-533-3478 for the daily water release schedule and lake level.

Boating - Whether you choose houseboat, fishing boat, personal water craft, sailboat or canoe, there is plenty of room for everyone on this 71,100 acre lake. The lake boasts five marinas, the newest, and our favorite, is the Savannah Lakes Marina located in Savannah Lakes Village (view pictures of the resort and marina). Here you will find slip rental, boat and houseboat rental, a pool, tennis courts, putt-putt golf, and a full service hospitality building which can be rented for private or business functions. The seven acre resort property also offers 80 motel rooms, and 12 condominiums available for renting. For more information, call the resort at 864-391-2152 or the marina at 864-391-3477, or visit the resort website.

Hunting - Approximately 55,000 acres of public land around Thurmond Lake are suitable for hunting including over 28,400 acres of project lands leased to the Georgia and South Carolina Departments of Natural Resources for wildlife management.

Whether you plan to visit the lake region for a weekend getaway, a vacation, or perhaps you are beginning to consider making the Thurmond Lake region your new home, we hope you and your friends and family enjoy your time spent in this wonderful environment.