Clarks Hill, Georgia · McCormick County · Campground
Overview Clarks Hill is a popular park on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, just off Georgia State Highway 221 near the dam. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.Recreation Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fis…
Overview Clarks Hill is a popular park on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, just off Georgia State Highway 221 near the dam. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.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 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.Facilities Clarks Hill is a wooded day-use area with several picnic shelters, some with electrical hookups. The shelters can accommodate groups as small as 6 and as large as 48. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a beach, boat ramp and dock.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, wild turkeys and whitetail deer. Nearby Attractions 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.
Photos
Hill Top shelter may be reserved for group gatherings — USACE, M. BarlowHannah Point Group Shelter may be reserved for group gatherings — USACE, M. BarlowElijah Cove Group Shelter may be reserved for group gatherings - overview image — USACE, M. BarlowClarks Hill Park Entrance Station — USACE, M. BarlowThis is a view of the Hannah Point designated swim area from the Elijah Cove picnic area — USACE
How to Get There
Located off US 221, approximately 1 mile west of Clarks Hill, SC.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
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 CLARKS HILL
Heading to CLARKS HILL? 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 CLARKS HILL?
No central reservation system listed for CLARKS HILL. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232551) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at CLARKS HILL?
CLARKS HILL has 10 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to CLARKS HILL?
Located off US 221, approximately 1 mile west of Clarks Hill, SC.
