Thurmond Dam

**Location & Facilities:** Thurmond Marina is located near Clarks Hill in McCormick County, SC, providing access to J. Strom Thurmond Lake, the largest Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River. The Below Dam South Carolina Recreation Area sits just downstream of the dam along Power Plant Road (off SC Highway 221) and features a boat ramp, fishing pier, group picnic shelters, flush toilets, and drinking water.

**River Character:** The Savannah River at this location is a major waterway (stream order 8) with a substantial average flow of approximately 12,815 cubic feet per second and an average gradient of 2.2 feet per mile. Boaters should be aware of the dam's presence and the significant water management associated with this 70,000-acre lake system. The area offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities, making it a popular recreation destination.

**Planning Your Trip:** This is primarily a day-use facility with no overnight reservations available. Paddlers should note that the dam creates a major navigational feature, and those planning longer trips on the Savannah River should account for the lock and dam system when plotting routes. The wooded recreation area provides a comfortable staging point for launching kayaks, canoes, and other boats into either the lake or downstream river sections.

This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake