All campground and picnic shelter reservations for the 2025 season have been cancelled due to damaged sustained by Hurricane Helene.
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West Dam Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. With 70,000 acres of surface-area and 1,000+ miles of shoreline, J. Strom Thurmond Lake provides excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.
West Dam Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with several mini picnic shelters accommodating up to six people each. One large shelter for up to 68 people is available as well. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, beach and hiking trail.
All campground and picnic shelter reservations for the 2025 season have been cancelled due to damaged sustained by Hurricane Helene.
All users must pay the $5 entry fee by the credit card machine prior to the gatehouse. Pass must be displayed with the time and date visable during your visit. Acceptable passes are the USACE Annual Pass and the America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes.
Pets permitted on leash
Glass and pets are prohibited on designated swimming beaches
Fires are prohibited
For shelter reservations:
Please bring your confirmation letter to the park; it is required for check-in
Shelter must be occupied by 2pm
Users are not exempt from entrance fee
The beach area and other park amenities are available for the reserving group as well as to the general public
Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level.
Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.
Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants and shopping areas.
The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.
Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern US. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.
Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are nearby. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.
3946 WEST DAM PARK RD APPLING GA 30802
For campground inquiries, please call: 800-533-3478
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
From Clarks Hill, SC, west on US 221, go across Thurmond Dam; area is on the Georgia side of the dam.
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