Boating At Clarks Hill Lake In South Carolina

By AA-Boats & Boating Staff Writers

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Clarks Hill Lake, also known as J. Strom Thurmond Lake, straddles the border of South Carolina and Georgia, making it a popular destination for both states. This massive reservoir spans over 71,000 acres and offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The lake's pristine waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for boating and water sports.

Boaters can explore the vast expanse of Clarks Hill Lake, discovering secluded coves, sandy beaches, and beautiful islands. The lake boasts numerous boat launch ramps, providing easy access to the water for boating enthusiasts. Additionally, a marina on the lake offers various services, including boat rentals, boat repairs, and fuel stations.

Water sports enthusiasts flock to Clarks Hill Lake to partake in activities such as water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. The calm waters and ample space allow for thrilling and memorable water adventures.

Apart from boating and water sports, Clarks Hill Lake offers plenty of opportunities for fishing. The lake is well-stocked with various fish species, including largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. Fishing competitions and tournaments are often held on the lake, attracting anglers from all around.

Nearby cities such as Augusta in Georgia and North Augusta in South Carolina offer a host of attractions, accommodations, and dining options for visitors. Whether it's exploring historical sites, shopping, or savoring local cuisines, these cities provide a delightful complement to the lake experience.

Boating season at Clarks Hill Lake typically spans from spring through fall, allowing boaters and water sports enthusiasts to enjoy pleasant weather and longer daylight hours. This period is the prime time for visitors to make the most of their adventures on the lake.

Camping options allow visitors to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty and serenity of the lake's surroundings.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Known nationally for excellent boating and bass fishing, Clarks Hill Lake, aka Lake J. Strom Thurmond also serves up quality fishing for many other species. Pontoon boats, fishing boats and family boats rentals are available at marinas on the lake. Much of the shoreline is accessible only by boat, however, there are places with access for fishing from the bank or portage of a canoe or kayak. Some of these access points are via parks, campgrounds, the fishing pier and nearby some of the boat landings. Bait and tackle, lodging, dining, camping, RV hookups, restaurants, shopping and marinas are all located with easy access around the lake. The lake has populations of bass, stripers, hybrid striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and chain pickerel. Sprawling over 71,000 surface acres with 1,200 miles of shoreline, the reservoir is located in both Georgia and South Carolina. It sets on the eastern border of SC, at Clarks Hill, with about 800 miles of shoreline in SC. Around 20 boat launch ramps serve the public for launch of personal watercraft.

Area Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Hamilton Branch State Park Campground - 864 333-2223

Clarks Hill Campground - 800 533-3478

US Army Corps of Engineers Campground - 864 333-2272

Plum Branch Yacht Club Campground - 864 443-3000

Hawe Creek Campground - 864 443-5441

Baker Creek State Park Campground - 864 443-2457

Below Dam Recreation Area Campground - 800 533-3478

Lake J. Strom Thurmond Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Clarks Hill Lake include largemouth bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, warmouth, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass, hybrid striped bass and chain pickerel.

Click here for a SC Fishing License.

Local Contact Information

Hamilton Branch State Park
111 Campground RD
Plum Branch, SC 29845
864 333-2223

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