South Carolina / McCormick County

West Dam

Closed — The day-use area reopened May 23, 2025, following Hurricane Helene damage repairs. Park hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily. A $5 entry fee is required.

About

West Dam Recreation Area is one of the most popular day-use parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, located on the Georgia side of Thurmond Dam near Clarks Hill, South Carolina. The heavily wooded site sits at 335 feet elevation in a mixed pine and hardwood forest that provides summer shade and brilliant fall color along the expansive shoreline. The recreation area features several mini picnic shelters that accommodate up to six people each, plus one large shelter for groups up to 68 people. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, and a designated swimming beach. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail are accessible from the park, offering scenic hiking along the shoreline and through wooded areas. J. Strom Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers target largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, and striped bass. The massive 70,000-acre lake offers endless opportunities for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, and swimming. Wildlife is abundant, with regular sightings of southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys, and whitetail deer. Hot, humid summers and mild winters characterize the climate.

Directions

From Clarks Hill, South Carolina, travel west on US Highway 221 and cross Thurmond Dam. West Dam Recreation Area is located on the Georgia side of the dam at 3946 West Dam Park Road, Appling, Georgia.

Nearby Campgrounds