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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. 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. 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. 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.
From Clarks Hill, SC, west on US 221, go across Thurmond Dam; area is on the Georgia side of the dam.
Growing up I loved fishing with my dad but after seeing all the trash, beer bottles, broken glass, uncut grass, empty food containers, ciggs, shot guns shells and miles of fishing line it disappointed me. We decided to clean it up. We cut the grass and picked up several bags of trash. I took before and after pics. Disappointed with how we treat our land. Shame on u. No trash can was provided. Two weeks later trashy again. The first 8 were before the next after a friend and I cleaned. We will have to do this again.
Great place to go fishing with a few buddies. Lake actually has a few fish. Not many but a few.
The most peaceful, uncongested, natural like to do all you boating activities from watersports, fishing, and cruising with family and friends. Huge lake, with many coves to explore, and Incredible views day and night.
