West Dam
Campground · Georgia · 11 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area (Recreation Area) · Open Access
- 11
- Bookable sites
- up to 50
- People per site
- 188 ft
- Elevation
Overview
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.Recreation
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.
Facilities
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.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 335' 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.
The facts
- 11 bookable sites
- 11 sites for day use only
- Up to 50 people per site
- Loops: WDAM
Site types
- 10 Group Shelter Nonelectric
- 1 Group Shelter Electric
Amenities
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Shade
Not recorded upstream: sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits, picnic tables, grills, pets allowed.
11 campsites at West Dam
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 02 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 03 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 04 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 05 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 06 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 07 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 08 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 09 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| 10 | WDAM | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 6 | |
| Group Shelter | WDAM | Group Shelter Electric | — | Paved | — | 50 |
Getting there
From Clarks Hill, SC, west on US 221, go across Thurmond Dam; area is on the Georgia side of the dam.
33.66083, -82.19972 · 33°39'39.0"N 82°11'59.0"W
Typical weather
Typically 92°F in Jul, down to 55°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 59 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 89 | 92 | 91 | 86 | 76 | 66 | 58 |
| Low °F | 36 | 38 | 44 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 55 | 44 | 38 |
| Precip in | 4.0 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 3.7 | 3.0 | 3.3 | 4.2 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about West Dam
- Can you reserve a site at West Dam?
- Yes, West Dam is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does West Dam have?
- 11 sites.
- Does West Dam have hookups?
- Electric, Water.
Camping near West Dam
- Below Dam South Carolina 0.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Clarks Hill 1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lake Springs 1.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Petersburg 3.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Ridge Road 3.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Modoc 4.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Parksville 9.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Winfield 12.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Hawe Creek 14.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Amity Recreation Area 15.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lick Fork Lake 10.3 mi · Facility
- Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area Day Use 10.6 mi · Activity pass
Contact
- Phone 800-533-3478
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-04-22.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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