About AMITY RECREATION AREA
Overview Amity Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The large, 70,000-acre lake and its 1,000 miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.Recreation Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers will find largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. Amity Recreation Area provides a boat ramp and swimming area.Facilities This facility is a wooded day-use area on the lake shore. There are three reservable group picnic shelters that can each accommodate up to 92 guests. A boat ramp, fishing pier, swimming area, ball field and playground provide additional recreation opportunities.Natural Features Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this wooded area. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors might spot bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, osprey, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer. Nearby Attractions Augusta, Georgia, about 20 miles away, offers museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants and shopping areas. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.
How to Get There
From Thomson, Georgia, take U.S. Highway 78 west for 6 miles. Turn right on State Route 43 and continue for about 7.5 miles. The park is on the right (look for signs). The park is located on the McDuffie/Lincoln County line.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to AMITY RECREATION AREA
Heading to AMITY RECREATION AREA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for AMITY RECREATION AREA?
No central reservation system listed for AMITY RECREATION AREA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232514) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to AMITY RECREATION AREA?
From Thomson, Georgia, take U.S. Highway 78 west for 6 miles. Turn right on State Route 43 and continue for about 7.5 miles. The park is on the right (look for signs). The park is located on the McDuffie/Lincoln County line.
How do I contact AMITY RECREATION AREA?
You can reach the park at phone: 800-533-3478.
References & Official Resources
