Within the J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area, Lake Springs operates as an Army Corps of Engineers campground offering electric and water hookups for $75 per night. The facility provides both drive-in and boat-in access, though campers should expect rough road conditions leading to the site. Recent visitors have encountered seasonal closures, with gates locked during off-peak periods despite online availability showing otherwise.
The forested campground sits near the lake with open terrain areas and includes basic amenities like trash service and allows pets. Fishing and swimming activities are available when the facility is operational. Campers seeking reliable access should verify current operating status before arrival, as the Hamilton Branch Campground nearby may provide alternative options.
Description
Overview
Lake Springs Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. The park is located on Georgia State Highway 221 within twenty minutes of Augusta, Georgia. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.__ A $5 per vehicle day use fee is required to enter the park. All Federal Passes are accepted. Payment can be made on site, credit card only, no cash accepted.__ The boat ramp and fishing pier are open year-round. All swim beaches, picnic tables, and group shelters close after Labor Day, September 6, and reopen April 28 EXCEPT the Deer Run beach, tables, and group shelter are open year-round.____
Recreation
Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting and water sports in the southeastern United States. 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 immediate area. Within the Lake Springs Recreation Area is the 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop. Outside the park stretches the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.
Facilities
Lake Springs Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with four group picnic shelters. Water and electrical hookups are provided at each shelter. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp, dock, fish cleaning station, playground and lookout tower.
Natural Features
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. Elevation is 345' above sea level. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. 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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundLake Springs is located in Georgia
Directions
From Augusta, GA, travel 22 miles west on GA-104, then 4 miles north on US HWY 221.
Address
3900 LAKE SPRINGS RD
Appling, GA 30802
Coordinates
33.665925 N
82.2292972 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/4/26
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/4/26
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 30 min from Augusta, GA
- 1 hr 29 min from Columbia, SC
- 1 hr 30 min from Athens, GA
- 1 hr 51 min from Greenville, SC
