The best camping near J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park adventure.

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Discover the scenic J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

Modoc Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents In J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

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Hawe Creek Campground

34 sites · RVs, Tents In J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

Top-rated campgrounds near J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

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Big Creek RV Park of Saluda SC

12 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Saluda, SC

Big Creek RV Park of Saluda SC is a private lodging establishment offering short term sites to campers, transient guest and outdoor enthusiast who desire rest, relaxation and recreation. The fringe land is old farm land now being repurposed for outdoor activities. The RV Park is the developed part of an old Farm planted in pines bordering Big Creek/Lake Murray.

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Prices Bridge Inn & Campgrounds

7 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Leesville, SC

We have an absolutely gorgeous 12 acres of mostly wooded and/or lakefront land on the West end of Lake Murray (Saluda River). Me, my wife, and three kids live and work on a 20 acre forest nestled in the backwaters of Lake Murray. Behind Prices Bridge, we have what nature lovers refer to "OH MY GAWD"... Our land forms a peninsula, which is very private, secluded, and SAFE. If you want to refresh, recharge or spend quality time with family or friends, we'd love to host you. *Prices Bridge being a low bridge also means if you bring a large boat you may need to use the marina or any of the free boat launches within a mile of our site... kayaks, canoes, john boats all fit under. :-)

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Untamed Honey Glampsites

6 sites · Lodging10 acres · Lincolnton, GA

The newest trend of glamping, short for glamourous camping has redefined roughing it. Let the stars be your nightlight as you fall asleep listening to the sound of crickets serenading you. In the morning you wake up warm and cozy in your luxury comfort bed. At Untamed Honey Glampsites, you can have both. Embrace nature without giving up the comforts of home. Our hive consists of six unique luxury Luna Bell Tents nestled among the Georgia pines on the tranquil shores of ClarksHill Lake in historic Lincoln County. You will have all the modern conveniences and amenities mixed with the simplicity and peacefulness of the great outdoors. Globally, glamping is exploding, and we are committed to providing you with an unrivaled experience. With a variety of different sleeping accommodations, all with their own unique personalities, we know you will find the perfect fit for you! Whether you are reuniting with your best friends, reconnecting with family or having a romantic getaway, we can’t wait to help you plan a beautiful escape. We offer a boutique style glamping experience.

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Lizardsniffer

4 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · White Plains, GA

Lizardsniffer is a working horse farm with a variety of rental cabins and RV slips. We DO allow tent camping. Each RV slip has water, septic, 50 amp service and Wifi. An Amenities Cabin is provided for use by all RV site guests. The cabin includes a full-sized washer/dryer, a full bathroom with bidet, and an oversized jacuzzi tub. Guests must sign-up for a 4-hour timeslot. The cabin is available for use between the hours of 8am-8pm. Many of our RV sites feature private fenced paddocks for people bringing their horses or dogs. Horse visitors require all current paperwork (Coggins, etc.). Dog visitors must be social and friendly and thus are allowed to explore the farm with their owners off-leash if desired. The property includes miles of trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Bring your own horse or experienced riders may be able to ride one of ours (subject to weight/experience matching with a horse). There is a small private stocked lake open to all guests of Lizardsniffer for fishing and swimming. At the lake you will find an amenities cabin called Glowy Bobber that has a full bathroom and outdoor shower as well as Kayaks and floats for guest use.

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Declan Farm's Private Getaway

10 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Aiken, SC

Learn more about this land: We offer several nice quiet SECLUDED spots for you to camp , enjoy and nice bonfire with your friends and family and relax. This spot has plenty of wildlife and Is off the beaten path. All proceeds goes back to my wildlife rehabilitation rescue . While your here you are more then welcome to enjoy all the farm animals such as cattle, Rhea, donkeys, goats and super friendly Kune kune pigs ❤️ Your are more then welcome to bring your own horses and ride or ATV vehicle at no additional charge . Heck, we don't even care if you wear clothes . We have campsites available that are clothing optional friendly .

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Leach Homestead

10 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Johnston, SC

Our site offers 50 beautiful rolling acres of forrest, field, and ponds. The ponds are stocked for fishing and there is a sandy beach for swimming and building sand castles. There are many trails throughout the property. You will have your choice of primative sites and we also have a small apartment if you prefer sleeping indoors with a bathroom and shower. Friendly pets are welcome. We offer free kayak use or 4wheeler rental. Running through our property is the historical Mine Creek wich played a part in events of the Civil War. https://www.carolana.com/SC/Revolution/revolution_mine_creek.html You can find several historical markers in the area.

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Utopia Farm Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents55 acres · Leesville, SC

My husband Ray and I purchased this property in 1982 when we made this our home. We raised two wonderful children who have moved on to pursue their own careers. Now we are retired and enjoy farming and ranching. We are a couple of miles away from Lake Murray, built in 1920's, and displaced thousands of families, farms, towns, churches, and schools. There are still homes, graveyards, Wise Ferry Bridge still underwater. A B-25 Mitchell plane crashed into the Lake during WWII. Our traffic circle was accidentally bombed one Oct. night in 1944. Learn more about this land: We are a working farm of grass-fed beef, free-range laying hens and ducks, seasonal vegetables; fruits, honey hives, goats, donkeys and horses. We are surrounded by families who have lived on their land for many generations. No subdivisions. Great place to star gaze without street lights. We have 2 sites with water and electricity for camping. Our large barn has a full kitchen, full bath and den area for campers to share. Yet, we are just a few miles from 2 boat ramps on Lake Murray which offers fishing and boating. Also, we are just 30 miles from metropolitan Columbia, historic Newberry, and 15 miles from the town of Lexington, SC. The Capital City of Columbia, just 30 miles east, offers Riverbanks Zoo, Richland County’s Congaree National Park, Saluda Shoals Park, EdVenture Children’s Museum. The Newberry Opera House is 36 miles away and The Big Mo Drive-in Theatre is in Monetta, 13 miles. Indian Trail Public Golf Course is 15 miles in Leesville. Or just hang out at the farm, view the animals, or fish in our pond. We have stalls available for equestrian travelers and a trail around the property to walk or ride your horse. Pets must be on lease or voice control and poop scooping is not an option. No WiFi yet.

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Deerfield Farms

7 sites · RVs, Tents48 acres · Mitchell, GA

Learn more about this land:Deerfield farms is a quiet property west of Historic Augusta Ga. Home of the Masters very secluded and private. Less than two hours east of Atlanta and less than 2 and half hours from Savannah.

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Pheonix meadows

3 sites · RVs, Tents110 acres · Greenwood, SC

Learn more about this land: Come join us on our little slice of heaven on earth! Activities include stargazing, wildlife viewing, hiking, or just chill and grill by the creek! Rv’s and campers may set up in the field. Tent and car campers are welcome to set up alongside the creek! The field sites offer wonderful sunset views and starlit night skies! The creek side site offers a picnic table, grill, and the peaceful serenity and sounds of an old growth forest.

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Hesed Homestead

1 site · Lodging10 acres · North Augusta, SC

REST and REFUEL with some outdoor therapy at our primitive glampsite. The peace and even healing that can occur from spending time in nature has hugely impacted our lives-- so much so that we wanted to create a space for others to enjoy as well. This cozy retreat is nestled into the woods overlooking our spring-fed pond on our 9.5 acre homestead. While the location is only minutes away from bike trails, walking paths by the river, and our local downtown restaurants/ shops, our unique space on our property makes you feel as though you have escaped into the mountains. We are thrilled for you to enjoy the beauty of our land. Enjoy kicking back around a cozy campfire in our fire pit on the deck, or follow the trail to the spring-fed pond for fishing, canoeing or swimming. We also have provided an eno hammock for your use!

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Ted & Tracy's RV Campground

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Washington, GA

Ted & Tracy’s RV Campground offers 23 RV sites and 12 tent sites pleasantly located among trees with the soothing sounds of Upton Creek flowing nearby. This newly designed campground will become your favorite get-a-way destination! Conveniently located only 1 hour away from UGA's Sanford Stadium, 45 minutes from Augusta, GA and less than 2 hours from Atlanta.

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Hickory Hollow

2 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Aiken, SC

There are many animals you can enjoy petting and feeding such as 20 chicken's, a goose, 3 horses, 2 rabbits, 12 goats, and 2 baby goats which are called kids. You can even bring your your horses along and keep them in one of our 1 acre fenced in fields with lots of trees and a water trough to keep them cool in the heat. You can trail ride and hike in about 120 acres of woods with streams, bridges, and some 12-18in natural made jumps. We also have a pond that you can swim, kayak, and go swimming in with your horse.

The best camping near J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park guide

Overview

About

Lake Strom Thurmond, J. Strom Thurmond Dam, Clarks Hill Lake—whatever you call this place, it’s a spot you need to see. Besides being one of the southeast’s largest lakes, at 71,000 acres, this dam hooks up the three major rivers that make Georgia and South Carolina BFFs. If the summer heat is beatin’ you up, take a peaceful walk along the Lake Springs Loop, feel the cool spray from your wake on the lake, or just dive right into those perfect blue waters. Ah, the Savannah River sounds nice right about now! This is one of the most visited lakes in the nation, and for good reason, so you’ll be in mighty fine company when you make it here.

Notable campgrounds

Bussey Point: A tranquil retreat for those seeking a primitive camping experience amid lush greenery.
LeRoy's Ferry: Offers a rustic and peaceful camping atmosphere, perfect for reconnecting with nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early through Recreation.gov to secure your spot at this popular destination.
Consider visiting during the weekdays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute openings.
Explore nearby camping options for alternative accommodations when the park is full.

When to go

The best time to visit J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm temperatures ideal for water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are less crowded but cooler, with some facilities possibly closed.

Know before you go

Check the current boat ramp status online before planning your water activities.
Be aware of wildlife and practice safety precautions while exploring the park.
Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; plan accordingly.
Stay informed about any road or area closures due to maintenance or weather conditions.
Remember to bring cash for the camping fee, as it remains $10 per night.