Big Hart (Day-Use Shelter)

Summary

Big Hart Day Use Shelter is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, a 70,000 acre lake in Georgia, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, hunting, boating, water skiing, swimming and hiking. It has a shelter that can accommodate 90 people and is surrounded by a mixed pine and hardwood forest. Nearby attractions include other recreation areas and cities with museums, art galleries, restaurants and shopping.

Overview

Big Hart Day Use Shelter is located in Big Hart Recreation Area on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The park is just off Highway 78 between the towns of Washington and Thomson, Georgia.

The 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 fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.

Facilities

Big Hart Day Use Shelter is in a wooded day-use area on the waterfront. The shelter can accommodate up to 90 people. Amenities include a 20-amp electrical hookup, flush toilets, drinking water, a playground and boat ramp.

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 235' 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.