Reservoir

Clarks Hill Lake

Large Savannah River reservoir known for boating, fishing, camping, and shoreline recreation.

Clarks Hill Lake fishing destination
ReservoirLarge Savannah River reservoirCOE Largemouth bassstriped basshybrid basscrappie

About Clarks Hill Lake

Large Savannah River reservoir known for boating, fishing, camping, and shoreline recreation.

Clarks Hill Lake, also known federally as J. Strom Thurmond Lake, is one of Georgia’s largest reservoir fishing destinations. GeorgiaOutdoors treats Clarks Hill as the canonical public name and highlights Georgia-side access points for ramps, parks, shoreline fishing, camping, and day-use recreation. Use this page to compare public access options and connect to official fishing forecast and recreation resources before planning a trip.

Common Fish Species

Largemouth bassstriped basshybrid basscrappiecatfishbreamand other reservoir species

Fishing Amenities

Georgia-side public boat rampsparkscampgroundsshoreline fishing areasmarinasand Corps of Engineers recreation access

Access Points

Review ramps, fishing piers, bank access, marinas, and other lake access before choosing where to begin your trip.

Marina Private Business

Clarks Hill Marina

Private Clarks Hill Lake marina in Appling with public boat ramp, fuel dock, boat rentals, boat storage, boat sales, and marina services.

  • OperatorClarks Hill Marina
  • Location4271 Old Lincolnton Road
  • Phone706-309-0046
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Restroom Marina Fuel Boat Rentals
Official Info
Marina / Campground Private Business

Soap Creek Marina and Campground

Private Clarks Hill Lake marina and campground in Lincolnton with cabins, campsites, restaurant, private beach, boat rentals, marine services, and marina access.

  • OperatorSoap Creek Marina and Campground
  • Location3000 Soap Creek Lodge
  • Phone706-359-4100
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Restroom Picnic Area Marina Boat Rentals
Official Info
Day Use / Boat Ramp

Lake Springs Recreation Area

Corps-managed Georgia day-use area on Clarks Hill Lake with year-round launch ramp, picnic shelters, beach, fishing pier, hiking trails, and restrooms.

  • OperatorU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District
  • Location3900 Lake Springs Rd
  • Phone800-533-3478
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Fishing Pier Restroom Picnic Area

Fees: Corps day-use/launch fees may apply.

Directions: Follow Lake Springs Road to its end at the recreation area, boat ramp, fishing pier, swim beaches, and day-use facilities.

Official Info
State Park Boat Ramp

Mistletoe State Park

Georgia State Park on Clarks Hill Lake with boat ramps, camping, cabins, beach access, trails, and strong bass-fishing access.

  • OperatorGeorgia State Parks
  • Location3725 Mistletoe Rd
  • Phone706-541-0321
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Restroom Picnic Area

Fees: Georgia State Parks parking/launch/camping fees may apply.

Directions: Enter Mistletoe State Park from Mistletoe Road and follow park signs to the public boat-ramp area on Cliatt Creek.

Official Info
Campground Boat Ramp

Petersburg Campground

Corps-managed Georgia-side campground on J. Strom Thurmond Lake with swimming beaches, fishing pier, trails, picnic shelter, and camper boat ramp.

  • OperatorU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District
  • Location3998 Petersburg Rd
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Fishing Pier Restroom Picnic Area

Fees: Recreation.gov campground fees apply.

Directions: From US 221, turn onto Petersburg Road and follow campground signs to the campground and camper boat-ramp area.

Official Info
Campground Boat Ramp

Ridge Road Campground

Corps-managed Georgia-side campground on a peninsula of J. Strom Thurmond Lake with boat ramp, beach, playground, bathhouse, and fish-cleaning station.

  • OperatorU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District
  • Location5886 Ridge Road
  • Phone706-541-0282
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Restroom Picnic Area

Fees: Corps/Recreation.gov campground fees apply.

Directions: Follow Ridge Road east to its end at the campground peninsula and camper boat-ramp area.

Official Info
County Park / Boat Ramp

Wildwood Park

Columbia County park on Clarks Hill Lake with fishing, boating, beach, picnic area, campsites, and tournament-friendly lake access.

  • OperatorColumbia County
  • Location3780 Dogwood Lane
  • Phone706-541-0586
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Restroom Picnic Area

Fees: County park/camping/launch fees may apply.

Directions: Enter Wildwood Park from Dogwood Lane and follow signs to the six-lane mega ramp and trailer-parking complex.

Official Info
Campground Boat Ramp

Big Hart Campground

Corps-managed Georgia-side Clarks Hill Lake campground with campsites, beach, boat ramp, dock, playground, restrooms, and showers.

  • OperatorU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District
  • Location5258 Washington Road
  • Phone706-595-8613
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Restroom Picnic Area

Fees: Camping/launch fees may apply.

Directions: From Washington Road, turn onto Russell Landing Road and follow signs to Big Hart Campground and its on-site boat ramp.

Official Info
Public Boat Ramp

Keg Creek Boat Ramp

Georgia-side Clarks Hill Lake public boat ramp on Keg Creek with spacious launch/loading area and lake views.

  • OperatorU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District
  • Location3780 Dunn Ct
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Fishing Pier

Fees: Verify current launch/day-use rules on site.

Official Info
Campground Boat Ramp

Winfield Campground

Wooded Georgia-side Clarks Hill Lake campground with electrical hookups, restrooms/showers, dump station, playground, and boat ramp.

  • OperatorU.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District
  • Location7701 Winfield Road
  • Phone706-541-0147
Boat Ramp Bank Fishing Restroom Picnic Area

Fees: Camping/launch fees may apply.

Directions: From Mistletoe Road, turn onto Winfield Road and follow it to the campground at the end of the road.

Official Info

Regulations & License Notes

Fishing Regulations

Follow current Georgia fishing regulations, license requirements, size and creel limits, boating rules, and posted Corps of Engineers recreation-area rules.

License and Permit Notes

Georgia fishing license required for anglers 16+ when fishing Georgia waters; check current reciprocal/border-water rules before fishing across state lines.