South Carolina / McCormick County

Clarks Hill

Closed — Closed through the 2025 season due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Reservations for the 2026 season (March 27 through September 13, 2026) are expected to open in early 2026.

About

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. The campground is situated in a heavily wooded area with mixed pine and hardwood forest that provides summer shade and fall color. 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, including the 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer. Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize the area, with an elevation of 345 feet above sea level. Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, and nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas.

Directions

Located off US Highway 221, approximately 1 mile west of Clarks Hill, SC.

Nearby Campgrounds