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.

50% (2 reviews)
50% (2 reviews)

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

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

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

98%
(62)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(57)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

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.

Top cities near J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.