Photo: Linuxerist, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Clarks Hill Lake, called J. Strom Thurmond Lake on the South Carolina side, is Georgia’s largest lake at about 71,000 acres. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake runs up the Savannah River north of Augusta, with long wooded shorelines, two state parks, a county park and some of the Corps’ best campgrounds. It is quieter than the lakes near Atlanta and famous for bass fishing. Mistletoe State Park is about 130 miles from downtown Atlanta. Here are the best things to do at Clarks Hill Lake.
- From AtlantaAbout 130 miles to Mistletoe State Park, 2 hours 35 minutes without traffic
- SizeAbout 71,000 acres, Georgia’s largest lake
- Managed byU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Georgia countiesColumbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, Wilkes and Elbert
Top Things to Do at Clarks Hill Lake
1. Mistletoe State Park
A 1,920-acre park near Appling with a beach, three boat ramps, waterfront cottages, log cabins and shaded trails, known for its bass fishing. $10 ParkPass; 706-541-0321.
2. Elijah Clark State Park
A 447-acre park on the western shore near Lincolnton, named for a Revolutionary War hero, with a re-created log cabin museum open weekends April to November. $10 ParkPass.
3. Bobby Brown Park
The former Bobby Brown State Park at the lake’s north end, run by Elbert County since 2015, with camping and lake access.
4. Corps campgrounds
The Corps of Engineers runs waterfront campgrounds around the lake, with stays of up to 14 days.
5. Bass and hybrid fishing
Largemouth bass, hybrids, striped bass, crappie and catfish. See our Clarks Hill Lake fishing outlook.
6. Augusta
About 30 minutes from the lake’s south end, with the canal boat tour, Riverwalk and house museums. See our things to do in Augusta guide.
7. The Augusta Canal towpath
Below the dam, the canal leaves the Savannah River at Savannah Rapids Park and runs into downtown Augusta, with a towpath for walking and biking.
Advertise on Clarks Hill Lake
Own a marina, rental, campground, restaurant or guide service on Clarks Hill Lake? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Lake levels change through the year and can affect beaches and ramps, so call the parks before a summer swim trip. Spring is the best season for bass fishing, and fall brings cool nights and quieter campgrounds. Augusta’s Masters week in April fills lodging around the lake, too.
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
For fishing seasons and hot spots, see our fishing outlook. Compare this lake with Lake Hartwell, Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair or Lake Lanier, or see them all in the best lakes in Georgia. Before you swim, read our outdoor safety tips, and for overnight stays see best Georgia state parks for camping and our lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
What is the largest lake in Georgia?
Clarks Hill Lake, at about 71,000 acres, is the largest lake in Georgia. It is shared with South Carolina, where it is called J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
Why does Clarks Hill Lake have two names?
Congress renamed the lake for Sen. Strom Thurmond in 1987, and the Corps and South Carolina use that name. Georgia kept the original name, Clarks Hill, after the nearby South Carolina town of Clarks Hill.
How far is Clarks Hill Lake from Atlanta?
Mistletoe State Park on Clarks Hill Lake is about 130 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 2 hours 35 minutes by car via I-20 without traffic.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Clarks Hill (J. Strom Thurmond) Lake facts and campgrounds
- Georgia State Parks: Mistletoe and Elijah Clark; 2026 ParkPass rate
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.