Petersburg

Petersburg Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, only four miles from the Lake Thurmond Visitor Center and Dam and 25 miles from Augusta, Georgia. The 70,000-acre lake and its 1,000-plus miles of shoreline are prime for boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking and bird watching. 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, and the large lake offers great conditions for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming. The largest trailhead for the Bartram Trail, a designated National Recreation Trail, sits just outside the campground entrance; the trail winds around the campground, shares beautiful views of the lake, and is favored by mountain bikers and hikers. Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the immediate area, including the 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, with shorter sections accessible from several intersecting trailheads. The gatehouse has friendly gate attendants and information about the campground and local area. Four bathhouses spread throughout the campground have flush toilets and showers. The boat ramp and courtesy dock are conveniently placed with circle drives, and a large fishing pier makes land fishing easy for those who don't use the ramp. There is a playground on the first loop adjacent to one of the two swimming beaches, and a pavilion, available first come first served or by reservation, that makes a perfect spot for birthday parties or any celebration. A shaded hiking and biking trail winds through the campground showcasing the pine and hardwood trees, and there are two dump stations and dumpsters for camper convenience. Petersburg sits on the shoreline of the lake surrounded by a mix of pine and hardwood trees which offer shade and visual interest. Wildlife is abundant, and visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, neo-tropical birds, wild turkeys and whitetail deer. Average temperatures during the camping season start at 76 degrees Fahrenheit and peak in July at 90; May receives the least rainfall on average, with more in June, July and August. Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional settings for boating, swimming, hunting and hiking. There are many Corps-managed day-use areas within six miles where registered campers may enter for free by displaying their campground hangtag pass, and within four miles campers may visit the dam, Visitor Center and various Corps trails. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants and shopping areas, and the Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.