Below Dam South Carolina

Star4.63
8 reviews
Below Dam South Carolina

Quick Facts

235 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

Opens Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area site

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Below Dam South Carolina
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

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 8 reviews

227 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanrestrooms

"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."

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Best Time to Camp at Below Dam South Carolina

The seasons paint distinctly different pictures at Below Dam throughout the year. Summer brings warmth and humidity, with temperatures that make the shaded forest trails especially inviting, while winter offers mild, comfortable days perfect for outdoor exploration. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall provide ideal conditions for wildlife watching and extended time on the water, with autumn delivering a spectacular show as the hardwood canopy transforms into brilliant shades of gold and crimson.

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 Below Dam South Carolina

    Nestled in the cool shade of towering pines and hardwoods, Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area offers the perfect riverside escape just downstream from the impressive J. Strom Thurmond Lake Dam. This welcoming day-use park along the Savannah River draws anglers, boaters, and nature lovers with its fishing pier, boat ramp, and peaceful woodland trails—though visitors should note that swimming isn't available here.
    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 SeasonsThe seasons paint distinctly different pictures at Below Dam throughout the year. Summer brings warmth and humidity, with temperatures that make the shaded forest trails especially inviting, while winter offers mild, comfortable days perfect for outdoor exploration. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall provide ideal conditions for wildlife watching and extended time on the water, with autumn delivering a spectacular show as the hardwood canopy transforms into brilliant shades of gold and crimson.
    ElevationSituated at a comfortable 235 feet above sea level, the recreation area enjoys a lowland setting along the Savannah River that creates ideal habitat for both aquatic and forest wildlife.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe dense canopy of mixed pine and hardwood forest creates a cathedral-like atmosphere throughout the park, with dappled sunlight filtering through leaves overhead and the gentle sounds of the Savannah River providing a constant soundtrack. This rich woodland habitat serves as home to an impressive array of wildlife—patient observers might spot the majestic southern bald eagle soaring overhead, osprey diving for fish near the dam's tailwaters, or wild turkeys foraging through the understory. During migration seasons, the shoreline comes alive with waterfowl, while whitetail deer can often be glimpsed at dawn and dusk browsing along the forest edges.
    Geological RegionThe recreation area sits within the J. Strom Thurmond Lake basin, positioned along the historic Savannah River where the dam's release creates dynamic tailwater conditions that attract fish and the anglers who pursue them.
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsites0 campsites
    Recommended CampsitesDay-use visitors can use group picnic shelters (one shelter has electrical hookups) and access the boat ramp and fishing pier for lake activities.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Groups
    • Several group picnic shelters (day-use)
    • one shelter has electrical hookups.
    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutWooded day-use area with several group picnic shelters (one with electrical hookups), flush toilets, drinking water, boat ramp, fishing pier, hiking trail 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.

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Flush toilets
    Electricity hookups

    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
    On-site hiking trail available.
    Fishing
    Fishing on Thurmond Lake for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass; fishing pier on site.
    Boating
    Boat ramp on site provides access to Thurmond Lake for boating; lake supports boating activities including water skiing and jet skiing.
    Wildlife viewing
    Abundant wildlife including southern bald eagles, osprey, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.
    Water Sports
    Water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing (opportunities on Thurmond Lake).
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsNo swimming is allowed at this park.

    Weather at Below Dam South Carolina

    52
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Partly cloudy
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 63%
    Wind: 14 mph
    Partly cloudy

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

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    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shore of Thurmond Lake just below J. Strom Thurmond Lake Dam on the Savannah River; site includes a boat ramp and fishing pier.

    Campground Map

    Below Dam South Carolina
    Driving directionsThe day-use area is located just outside Clarks Hill, SC, west off US 221 (South Carolina State Highway 221), on Power Plant Road just below J. Strom Thurmond Lake Dam near the Visitor Center.
    Accessible from US 221 / South Carolina State Highway 221; located on Power Plant Road just off SC-221.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.6
    8 reviews
    Top-Rated
    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...
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    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,...
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    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...
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    Based on 8 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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