West Dam

Star0.15
6 reviews
West Dam

Quick Facts

335 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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West Dam
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

0.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendly

"Reviewers consistently rate West Dam very highly, describing their experiences as excellent or wonderful. They especially appreciate the cleanliness, helpful staff, and suitability for group gatherings such as church picnics and shelter rentals."

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Best Time to Camp at West Dam

The seasons paint distinct portraits here 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 cool relief. When autumn transitions to winter, the climate mellows into mild, comfortable days perfect for hiking the trails and enjoying lakeside picnics without the crowds, making this a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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 West Dam

    Nestled along the pristine shores of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, West Dam Recreation Area welcomes day-trippers to a wooded paradise where swimming beaches meet shaded picnic groves. Whether you're launching a boat, casting a line, or gathering friends beneath one of the shelters, this popular lakefront haven offers the perfect escape for families and groups seeking outdoor adventure on one of the region's most impressive reservoirs.
    West Dam is a wooded day-use recreation area offering picnic shelters and day facilities; no overnight camping or lodging is indicated.
    Historical SignificanceBeyond the natural beauty, West Dam Recreation Area serves as a gateway to the region's rich cultural tapestry. Just a short drive away, nearby cities pulse with museums, art galleries, and zoos waiting to be explored. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the legendary Augusta National Golf Club, home to the prestigious Masters Tournament each April, where the world's finest golfers compete on one of the sport's most hallowed grounds.
    Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint distinct portraits here 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 cool relief. When autumn transitions to winter, the climate mellows into mild, comfortable days perfect for hiking the trails and enjoying lakeside picnics without the crowds, making this a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
    ElevationPerched at 335 feet above sea level, the recreation area sits at an elevation that creates comfortable conditions and stunning water views across the expansive lake.
    Natural Features and SceneryAncient pines mingle with stately hardwoods in a dense canopy that shelters the shoreline, creating a natural cathedral where dappled sunlight filters through to the forest floor. The woods come alive with wildlife—majestic southern bald eagles soar overhead, while migratory waterfowl pattern the lake's surface during their seasonal journeys. Patient observers often spot wild turkeys strutting through the underbrush and whitetail deer emerging at dawn and dusk to drink from the lake's edge, making every visit a potential wildlife encounter.
    Geological RegionThe recreation area claims prime real estate along the shoreline of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, where water meets woodland in a landscape shaped by the massive reservoir's creation.
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesDay-use area with several mini picnic shelters accommodating up to six people and one large shelter for up to 68 people; amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, playground, beach and access to nearby trails.

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Groups
    • One large picnic shelter accommodates up to 68 people and several mini picnic shelters accommodate up to six people each
    • these are day-use shelters for group gatherings rather than overnight group campsites.
    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 recreation area with multiple small picnic shelters, one large group shelter, a playground, beach and hiking trail access.

    Amenities available

    Potable water
    Flush toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Thurmond Lake and the West Dam area offer extensive water-based recreation, shoreline fishing, hiking on nearby trails, picnicking and wildlife viewing.
    Hiking
    Hikers have access to nearby trails including the 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, with shorter sections accessible from multiple trailheads.
    Fishing
    Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass in J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
    Swimming
    Swimming opportunities are available; a beach is provided at the recreation area.
    Boating
    The large lake provides extensive boating opportunities including water skiing, jet skiing and canoeing.
    Wildlife viewing
    Wildlife is abundant; visitors commonly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.
    Beach activities
    A beach is available for swimming and shoreline recreation.
    Water Sports
    Water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsWildlife is abundant around the lake, including birds and deer; lake-based recreation carries typical water-related risks (no specific hazards listed in source).

    Weather at West Dam

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

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake with direct access to the lake and an on-site beach.

    Campground Map

    West Dam
    Driving directionsFrom Clarks Hill, SC, west on US 221, go across Thurmond Dam; area is on the Georgia side of the dam.
    Accessible via US 221 west from Clarks Hill, SC across Thurmond (West) Dam; recreation area is located on the Georgia side of the dam.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    0.2
    6 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    West Dam has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers consistently rate West Dam very highly, describing their experiences as excellent or wonderful. They especially appreciate the cleanliness, helpful staff, and suitability for group gatherings such as church picnics and shelter rentals.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 6 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers love the very clean environment and friendly, helpful gatekeepers. The area is praised as a great spot for group events, with grills, a good swimming area for children, and convenient...
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    Based on 6 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    This park seems particularly well-suited for group activities like church picnics or gatherings at the group shelter. Families with children may want to take advantage of the designated swimming area...
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    Based on 6 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Great site for our church annual picnic. Grills available, swimming area great for our children, close to area where we could launch boats from." "Everytime I come to the Lake it is very clean! The...
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    Based on 6 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    The Group Shelter in the WDAM loop receives perfect ratings and is described as providing an excellent, wonderful experience for group events. Site 09 in the WDAM loop is noted for being in a very...
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    Based on 6 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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