West Dam

West Dam Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. With 70,000 acres of surface area and 1,000+ miles of shoreline, the lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting and water sports in the southeastern US — boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are nearby, and shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads. West Dam is a wooded day-use area with several mini picnic shelters accommodating up to six people each, plus one large shelter for up to 68 people. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, beach and hiking trail. 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, and elevation is 335' above sea level. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer. Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, and the Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.