Amity Recreation Area

1.59

10 reviews

Located on the McDuffie/Lincoln County line on the shoreline of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens booking site

Get Directions

Amity Recreation Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

1.59

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

96 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanbeachstaff

"Reviewers overwhelmingly rate Amity Recreation Area very highly, highlighting it as a clean, peaceful, and relaxing spot with great access to the lake. Visitors especially appreciate the fishing, swimming, boat ramps, and family-friendly atmosphere, as well as friendly staff and rangers. A few minor issues are mentioned, such as smelly outhouse-style restrooms and one reservation mix-up, but overall satisfaction is very strong."

Read all reviews

Best Time to Camp at Amity Recreation Area

The seasons paint distinct portraits at Amity Recreation Area throughout the year. Summer arrives with warmth and humidity, creating ideal conditions for swimming and water sports as temperatures climb and the lake beckons with cooling relief. As autumn approaches and winter settles in, the weather transforms into mild, comfortable days perfect for fishing from the pier, picnicking beneath the trees, or watching wildlife along the shoreline without the intensity of summer heat.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

About Amity Recreation Area

Nestled along the picturesque shores of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Amity Recreation Area invites families to spend sun-soaked days surrounded by wooded tranquility. Whether you're launching your boat from the ramp, casting a line from the fishing pier, splashing in the swimming area, or gathering under one of three reservable shelters for a lakeside picnic, this day-use park delivers the perfect blend of water recreation and forest serenity.

Day‑use lakeshore recreation area with reservable group picnic shelters; the facility is described as a wooded day‑use area rather than overnight campground.

Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint distinct portraits at Amity Recreation Area throughout the year. Summer arrives with warmth and humidity, creating ideal conditions for swimming and water sports as temperatures climb and the lake beckons with cooling relief. As autumn approaches and winter settles in, the weather transforms into mild, comfortable days perfect for fishing from the pier, picnicking beneath the trees, or watching wildlife along the shoreline without the intensity of summer heat.

Natural Features and SceneryThe recreation area sits on the edge of the magnificent J. Strom Thurmond Lake, an expansive 70,000-acre reservoir whose shoreline stretches nearly 1,000 miles through the Carolina landscape. A tapestry of mixed pine and hardwood forest blankets the grounds, creating dappled shade and natural beauty that changes with each season. The diverse habitat attracts an impressive array of wildlife—majestic bald eagles soar overhead, osprey dive for fish in the lake's clear waters, migratory waterfowl rest along the shores during their seasonal journeys, while wild turkeys and white-tailed deer move quietly through the forest understory, often appearing near dawn and dusk to delight observant visitors.

Geological RegionShoreline of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, a sprawling 70,000-acre reservoir that ranks among the Southeast's most impressive man-made waterways

Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 92 for group picnic shelters

Groups

Three reservable group picnic shelters are available, each able to accommodate up to 92 guests
these are day-use group facilities rather than described as group campsites.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutWooded day-use area on the lakeshore with three group picnic shelters, boat ramp, fishing pier, swimming area, ball field and playground.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Activities you can enjoy

Amity Recreation Area offers a wide range of lake-centered recreation including boating, water sports, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking, as well as abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Hiking

Hiking is listed among the recreational opportunities available at the site; no specific trail names or lengths are provided.

Fishing

Anglers can fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass; the site includes a fishing pier.

Swimming

The facility includes a designated swimming area on Thurmond Lake.

Boating

Thurmond Lake supports extensive boating opportunities and the site provides a boat ramp for lake access.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife is abundant around the lake; visitors might spot bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, osprey, wild turkeys and white-tailed deer.

Water Sports

Water-skiing, jet skiing, canoeing (water sports are noted generally as available on the lake).

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

Weather at Amity Recreation Area

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Mainly clear

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 66%

Wind: 7.5 mph

Mainly clear

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated on the lake shore with a boat ramp, fishing pier and designated swimming area.

Campground Map

Located on the McDuffie/Lincoln County line on the shoreline of J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Driving directionsFrom Thomson, Georgia, take U.S. Highway 78 west for 6 miles. Turn right on State Route 43 and continue for about 7.5 miles. The park is on the right (look for signs). The park is located on the McDuffie/Lincoln County line.

Accessible via U.S. Highway 78 west and State Route 43; located on the McDuffie/Lincoln County line.

Nearby places

Augusta, GA — about 20 miles

Thomson, GA — referenced as the start point for directions

Nearby supplies

Augusta, Georgia (about 20 miles) — offers museums, restaurants, shopping and other services

Reviews from booking and map sources

1.6

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Amity Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly rate Amity Recreation Area very highly, highlighting it as a clean, peaceful, and relaxing spot with great access to the lake. Visitors especially appreciate the fishing, swimming, boat ramps, and family-friendly atmosphere, as well as friendly staff and rangers. A few minor issues are mentioned, such as smelly outhouse-style restrooms and one reservation mix-up, but overall satisfaction is very strong.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users consistently praise the great fishing, nice boat ramps, and ample parking, making it a popular spot for anglers and boaters. Many mention it as a great family place with a beach/swimming area,...

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints are limited. One reviewer noted that outhouse-style bathrooms were "a bit smelly," though they also said that’s typical for that type of restroom. Another review described a reservation...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect to pay a $6 entry fee, as the area is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Anglers may appreciate that this park allows fishing after dark and offers fishing docks/piers, unlike many parks...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The most amazing, peaceful, and relaxing place to be. Will most definitely always go back." "Great little place to fish and you can even stay out there after dark most places close when the sun goes...

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 in Catfish Cove loop receives very positive feedback, described as peaceful, relaxing, and in a beautiful area, with staff called "awesome" and the area "great." Site 2 has one negative...

Based on 10 reviews