West Dam sits among the stunning landscapes of J. Strom Thurmond Lake in South Carolina . With 35 campsites (RV-friendly up to 45 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Apr-May, Sep-Nov when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of J. Strom Thurmond Lake
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
West Dam located in South Carolina, offering 35 camping sites.
West Dam
A Rural campground in South Carolina
Overview
Elevation Is 335′ Above Sea Level. with 70,000 Acres of Surface-Area and 1,000+ Miles of Shoreline, J.
Wildlife Is Abundant Around the Lake. 8-Mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-Mile Bartram Trail, Which Meanders Along the Scenic Shoreline and Through Wildwood Park, Are Nearby. West Dam Recreation Area Is One of the Most Popular Parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. Strom Thurmond Lake Provides Excellent Boating, Water Skiing, Swimming, Fishing, Hiking and Picnicking Opportunities. Thurmond Lake Provides Some of the Best Fishing, Hunting, and Water Sports in the Southeastern US. Anglers Fish for Largemouth Bass, Bream, Crappie, Catfish and Striped Bass. the Large Lake Offers Endless Boating, Water Skiing, Jet Skiing, Canoeing and Swimming Opportunities.
Hikers Have Access to Many Miles of Trails in the Area. the 1. Shorter Sections Can Be Hiked From Several Intersecting Trailheads. West Dam Recreation Area Is a Wooded Day-Use Area with Several Mini Picnic Shelters Accommodating Up to Six People Each. One Large Shelter for Up to 68 People Is Available As Well. Amenities Include Flush Toilets, Drinking Water, a Playground, Beach and Hiking Trail. Hot, Humid Summers and Mild, Pleasant Winters Characterize This Heavily Wooded Area on the Shore of Thurmond Lake. a Mixed Pine and Hardwood Forest Covers the Site, Providing Summer Shade and Fall Color. Visitors Regularly See Southern Bald Eagles, Migratory Waterfowl, Wild Turkeys and Whitetail Deer.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous Parks and Recreation Areas Lie Around Thurmond Lake, Providing Additional Boating, Swimming, Hunting and Hiking Opportunities. Nearby Cities House Museums, Art Galleries, Zoos, Restaurants and Shopping Areas.the Augusta National Golf Club Hosts the Masters Golf Tournament Annually the First Week of April.Managed by: Us Army Corps of Engineers
Site Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 35
- Hookup Types:
- Max RV Length: 45 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: No
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: Available
- 🛝 Playground: Available
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address:
City: , South Carolina
Coordinates: 33.6608333, -82.1997222
Area Type: Rural
Phone: 1-877-444-6777
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Swimming|fishing|hiking|playground|picnic|water|beach|lake|trail|rv|shelter
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $24-39
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS
Signal Quality: Fair
Total Stations: 8 stations
Nearest Market: Charleston/Columbia
Notes: Signals FROM Charleston/Columbia MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 19 stations (6 AM, 13 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: Country, GOSPEL, Classic ROCK
Local News: WIS 560 Am
Market: Charleston/Columbia
Notes: 6 AM, 13 FM Stations from Charleston/Columbia
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Hamilton Branch State Park
Distance: 6.4 miles away
Address: 111 Campground Rd, Plum Branch, SC
Network: rivian_waypoints
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232739
- Managing Agency: Us Army Corps of Engineers
- Agency Email: recreation.gov
- Agency Website: https://www.recreation.gov/
- Parent Park: J. Strom Thurmond Lake
- Park Website: /parks/j-strom-thurmond-lake/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: Lakes and Reservoirs
- Parks Post Name: j-strom-thurmond-lake
- Parent Park Name: J. Strom Thurmond Lake
- Correct Park Type Mapping: j-strom-thurmond-lake
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 12.0
- States Covered: Georgia, South Carolina
- Managing Agencies: Us Army Corps of Engineers
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 130.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 453
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 130.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 453, 453.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: south-carolina
- Agency Slug: us-army-corps-of-engineers
- Park Type Slug: lakes-and-reservoirs
- Parent Park Slug: j-strom-thurmond-lake
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: us-army-corps-of-engineers
Explore More Camping Options
View all campgrounds in South Carolina | Browse our South Carolina camping guide
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