How much does camping cost at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA?

Camping fees at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA range from $10-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA first-come first-served or reservation?

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA before I book?

Yes! BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA?

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA is open March 31 to September 05. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA?

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA?

Fire policies at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA: Fires are only permitted in grills. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA?

Pets are not allowed at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA?

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA?

Popular activities at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

4.63

8 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping South Carolina Fall Camping South Carolina Hiking Camping South Carolina +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

235 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

235 ft

Price

$10 - $75/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Electric

Official Website

Get Directions

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

$10.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $75.00; GROUP SHELTER NONELECTRIC: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

800-533-3478

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

33.6583, -82.2092

Weather at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

Current alerts(6)

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited allowed
Caution: strong currents in river; absolutely no swimming or wading
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
For shelter reservations: Please bring your confirmation letter to the park; it is required for check-in Shelter must be occupied by 2pm Park amenities are available for the reserving group as well as to the general public

Best Time to Camp at BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest weather and longest daylight for boating, fishing, and exploring the shaded pine-and-hardwood trails—expect daytime highs in the low-to-mid 80s F (can reach upper 80s–low 90s) with high humidity, while the dense canopy keeps trails and campsites pleasantly cooler. Tailwater flows below the dam are often active in summer, providing excellent boating and late-afternoon/evening fishing for bass and catfish; wildlife viewing is strong at dawn and dusk. Expect higher weekend Peak months: June, July, May, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer has warmest weather and longest daylight for boating, fishing, trails; shade helps in heat.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 31 to September 05. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area sits along the Savannah River tailwater just downstream from J. Strom Thurmond Dam, at 235 feet elevation. This day-use park draws families and anglers with its group picnic shelters, fishing pier, boat ramp, and shaded walking trail. Reviews consistently highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and the calm, well-maintained atmosphere.

The site is described as a wooded day-use area with several group picnic shelters; no campsites or lodging are described in the provided information.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest weather and longest daylight for boating, fishing, and exploring the shaded pine-and-hardwood trails—expect daytime highs in the low-to-mid 80s F (can reach upper 80s–low 90s) with high humidity, while the dense canopy keeps trails and campsites pleasantly cooler. Tailwater flows below the dam are often active in summer, providing excellent boating and late-afternoon/evening fishing for bass and catfish; wildlife viewing is strong at dawn and dusk. Expect higher weekend Peak months: June, July, May, September

Elevation235 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense pine and hardwood canopy covers the recreation area, filtering sunlight and keeping picnic areas and trails cooler even when daytime highs reach the upper 80s or low 90s. The Savannah River flows past the park, and the dam's tailwater releases create active currents that concentrate bass and catfish. Wildlife viewing is strong at dawn and dusk. Visitors spot bald eagles, osprey, wild turkeys, and whitetail deer. During migration, waterfowl gather along the shoreline.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Wooded day-use area with several group picnic shelters (one shelter has electrical hookups). Amenities include a boat ramp, fishing pier, hiking trail, playground, flush toilets and drinking (potable) water. Swimming is not allowed at this park.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation centers on boating and fishing on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, with on-site hiking and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Water sports occur on the lake, but swimming is explicitly prohibited at this park.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.6

8 reviews

Top-Rated

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Below Dam, describing it as a beautiful, calm, and well‑maintained place to relax with family. They highlight it as a favorite spot for picnics, fishing, walking, and general outdoor fun, with clean restrooms and a peaceful atmosphere mentioned repeatedly.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the cleanliness of the park, especially the restrooms, and describe the area as very well maintained. The setting is praised as calm, peaceful, and beautiful, with amenities like a...

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

This spot is especially suited for family activities such as picnics, cookouts, fishing, and visiting the playground and walking trail by the river. Reviewers suggest it as a go‑to place to unwind,...

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great family fun and cook out area with impressive fishing. This is my go to cook out destination." "It is very well maintained and clean. We really enjoyed our time here and can't wait to go back...

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Nearby Campgrounds

Petersburg sits on the Georgia shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Appling, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers spacious, wooded sites with electric and water hookups, flush toilets and showers, and a dump station. Campers come for lakeside views, boating, fishing, and fall foliage, with free laundry and well-maintained trails adding convenience for longer stays.

$18.00 - $50.00 / night

5886 Ridge Road, Appling, GA 30802, USA

Ridge Road sits on J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Appling, Georgia, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. Spacious sites with lake views draw visitors during the seasonal months, particularly in fall when the mixed pine and hardwood forests show color and humidity drops.

$22.00 - $64.00 / night

Modoc sits on the South Carolina shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, flush showers, and direct lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating. Spacious sites overlook the water, and spring brings migratory waterfowl, nesting bald eagles, and wildflowers along the shoreline.

$22.00 - $64.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.2

(81)

Bussey Point Campground

510 Clarks Hill HWY, J. Strom Thurmond Project Office, Clarks Hill, SC 29821

Bussey Point Campground sits on J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Lincolnton, Georgia, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small, wooded campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with lake access for fishing and boating. Campers use vault toilets and pack out their own trash, and the area includes trails shared with horseback riders.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

3725 Mistletoe Road, Appling, Georgia, 30802, United States

Mistletoe State Park sits on a peninsula jutting into 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake, about 10 miles north of Appling. The campground has 84 sites for tents and RVs, plus primitive walk-in sites, group areas, and cabins. Fees range from $5 to $50 per night. Lakefront sites offer direct water access, though privacy varies widely depending on which loop you choose.

$5.00 - $50.00 / night

Less Visited

4.1

(48)

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area sits on the shores of a 12-acre lake in Sumter National Forest, about 20 minutes from Edgefield. The campground has 10 tent-only sites and charges $7 per night, cash only at the self-serve station. Cell service is essentially nonexistent here. Reviewers love the quiet and the price, but maintenance has been spotty: trails are overgrown, some bridges are broken, and there's no potable water on site.

10 campsites

Tents

17.391 km

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

7701 WINFIELD ROAD, APPLING, GA 30802, USA

Winfield sits on the shores of J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Appling, Georgia, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups alongside tent sites, with direct lake access for boating and fishing. Shaded sites provide privacy, and the facility includes showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

1505 Chamberlains Ferry Rd, McCormick, SC 29835, USA

Hawe Creek is a mid-sized Army Corps of Engineers campground on J. Strom Thurmond Lake near McCormick, South Carolina. The campground offers electric and water hookups, hot showers, and a dump station during its seasonal operation. Reviewers praise the spacious, private sites with lake views and direct water access, though steep banks and overnight gate closure are common notes.

$28.00 - $32.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.5

(253)

Elijah Clark State Park

2959 MCCORMICK HIGHWAY, LINCOLNTON, Georgia, 30817, United States

Elijah Clark State Park sits on 447 acres along Clarks Hill Lake's western shore, a 71,100-acre reservoir near Lincolnton. The park has 169 campsites plus cabins and walk-in tent sites, with fees ranging from $5 to $70 per night. Launch a boat, fish the lake, hike forest trails, or spend the afternoon on the sandy beach.

$5.00 - $70.00 / night

Less Visited

3.9

(87)

Baker Creek State Park

Baker Creek State Park sits on the western shore of Lake Strom Thurmond at 354 feet elevation, offering 32 campsites with electric and water hookups. The park opens March through October and draws visitors for its direct lake access and reliable sunset views. Sites are generally close together with uneven or sloped terrain, so large rigs and tent campers should scout their spot in advance.

Hickory Knob State Park

Hickory Knob State Park sits on the western shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake in South Carolina's lake country, about 7 miles south of McCormick. The park offers RV sites and cabin lodging spread across a wooded property at 433 feet elevation, with waterfront sites elevated roughly ten feet above the water. Friendly staff and clean accommodations get consistent praise, though internal campground roads are notoriously rough.

RVs

31.942 km

No fees available

Campgrounds

BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA

About J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding BELOW DAM SOUTH CAROLINA, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Thurmond Lake is the largest Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River. The lake encompasses 1,200 miles of shoreline, 70,000 acres of water and 80,000 acres of land. The Corps operates 10 Class A campgrounds, five major day use areas and many other recreational facilities. Thurmond Lake provides excellent striper and largemouth bass fishing and its large wildlife management program provides excellent hunting and wildlife observation opportunities.

Directions

Located on the Georgia/South Carolina state border just north of Augusta, GA. From I-20 take Exit 199 at Washington Rd. Drive north on Washington Rd. Turn right onto Highway 28 and drive approximately 20 miles to Clarks Hill, SC. Turn left onto Highway 22