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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

LAKE SPRINGS

Appling, Georgia · Columbia County · Campground

Overview Lake Springs Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The park is located on Georgia State Highway 221 within twenty minutes of Augusta, Georgia. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picn…

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About LAKE SPRINGS

Overview Lake Springs Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The park is located on Georgia State Highway 221 within twenty minutes of Augusta, Georgia. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking. A $5 per vehicle day use fee is required to enter the park. All Federal Passes are accepted. Payment can be made on site, credit card only, no cash accepted. The boat ramp and fishing pier are open year-round. All swim beaches, picnic tables, and group shelters close after Labor Day, September 6, and reopen April 28 EXCEPT the Deer Run beach, tables, and group shelter are open year-round. Recreation Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting and water sports in the southeastern United States. 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 immediate area. Within the Lake Springs Recreation Area is the 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop. Outside the park stretches the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.Facilities Lake Springs Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with four group picnic shelters. Water and electrical hookups are provided at each shelter. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp, dock, fish cleaning station, playground and lookout tower.Natural Features 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 345' above sea level. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 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 LAKE SPRINGS

Heading to LAKE SPRINGS? 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 LAKE SPRINGS?

No central reservation system listed for LAKE SPRINGS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232617) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to LAKE SPRINGS?

From Augusta, GA, travel 22 miles west on GA-104, then 4 miles north on US HWY 221.

How do I contact LAKE SPRINGS?

You can reach the park at phone: 800-533-3478.