Lake Thurmond

One of the largest inland bodies of water in the South, Lake Thurmond has a shoreline of 1,200 miles and covers 71,100 acres. Built by the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers for hydroelectric usage in 1952, it has more than 100 islands and is surrounded by pine and hardwoods. Formerly Clarks Hill Lake, the lake was renamed in honor of U.S. Senator J. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina in 1987. Lake Thurmond features white, striped and hybrid bass and holds good populations of largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Excellent hybrid and striper fishing begins in late April and early May. Lake Thurmond is the largest man-made body of water east of the Mississippi River. The Dorn Sports Fishing and Boating facility provides an added attraction for fishermen. One commercial marina in South Carolina serves Lake Thurmond boaters.

Learn More About J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake on the Corps of Engineers Website

Many boat ramps can be found on the Lake:

  • Little River Quarry, off SC 81
  • Leroy’s Ferry, SC 81
  • Long Cane Creek, off SC 276 west of SC 28
  • Landrum Creek, off US 221/SC 28
  • Scott’s Ferry, off US 221/SC 28 (Clarks Hill)
  • Below dam SC area, off US 221
  • Clarks Hill Dam Area, off US 221
  • SC 28 Access (at Long Cane Bridge)
  • Parksville Recreation Area
  • Dorn Sport Fishing and Boating Facility (S33-124 off US 378 West)
  • Hawe Creek Campground, off US 378
  • Modoc Campground, US 221/SC 28
  • Mount Carmel Campground, off SC 81
  • Baker Creek State Park
  • Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area
  • Hickory Knob State Resort Park
  • Plum Branch Yacht Club (Buoy #62-64)
  • Savannah Lakes Resort and Marina (Buoy #90)

Fishing Supplies

Palmetto Angler: On Hwy 378 Just West of Downtown McCormick (864) 852-3373