WEST DAM
Federal / Recreation.gov
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Overview 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. 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
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
33.66083, -82.19972
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:17 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Clarks Hill, SC.
Today
91°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
10% rain · wind 1 mph
Tonight
75°F
Partly Cloudy
10% rain · wind 3 mph
Friday
92°F
Mostly Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
46% rain · wind 3 mph
Friday Night
75°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
44% rain · wind 3 mph
Saturday
90°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
72% rain · wind 2 mph
Saturday Night
74°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
72% rain · wind 2 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (set your own plan)
- Not estimated for this listing — map it from your home
- Access
- See details
- Hike-in
- Confirm on site / map
- Pass required
- Check site (America the Beautiful often covers day-use; camping fees separate)
- Parking
- See facility details
- Camping fee
- See Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- Check local rules
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: Typically 6 months rolling (check site)
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~drive + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
Share your adventure
Link a YouTube video from your trip so others can see what the land feels like — and so parks can see real people loving their places.
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