• Beautiful landscape. Green hills and lake with trees on bank. image by Oleg Mitiukhin from Fotolia.com
  
  Lake Thurmond in Georgia, also known as J Storm Thurmond Reservoir or Clarks Hill Lake, is idyllically situated in the mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Originally created by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of a flood control and hydropower effort, Lake Thurmond is one of the largest lakes found in the Southeast. The area boasts many parks for outdoor recreation.
  
  

Cherokee Recreation Area

• Cherokee Park features a boat launch, several shelter and picnic spots, as well as beaches reserved for swimming. Located in Lincoln County, the park is a well-known fishing spot with bass fishermen. The park is designated as a day use area and overlooks Lake Thurmond for picturesque views.
  
  Cherokee Recreation Area
  5926 Augusta Highway
  Lincolnton, GA 30817
  800-533-3478
  
  

Mistletoe State Park

• Mistletoe State Park is scenically situated on Clarks Hill Lake, part of the Lake Thurmond region. The park is especially well known for its great bass fishing. Visitors can swim at the beach or choose from many hiking and nature trails, with a special area designated for watching wildlife. Park accommodations include cabins, cottages and backcountry campsites for a truly rustic experience. Mistletoe is located near Augusta, Georgia, for easy access.
  
  3725 Mistletoe Road
  Appling, GA 30802
  706-541-0321
  Gastateparks.org/mistletoe
  
  

Elijah Clark State Park

• The state park is located on the western shore of Lake Thurmond and offers a number of outdoor recreation activities. With a swimming beach, hiking trails, fishing and miniature golf, there is something for everyone. For the history buff, Elijah Clark State Park includes a log cabin museum displaying artifacts from the 1780s. Camping is available in a variety of locations, from backcountry campsites to RV sites to waterfront cottages.
  
  Elijah Clark State Park
  2959 McCormick Highway
  Lincolnton, GA 30817
  706-359-3458
  Gastateparks.org/Elijah
  
  

Bobby Brown Recreation Area

• The Bobby Brown Recreation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts a place to get away from it all. The park is located at the site of Petersburg, an old town that existed in the 1790s, and remnants of the town can be still be seen when the water level is low. This state park provides an ideal backdrop for any number of water activities, including boating, skiing and fishing, as well as seasonal camping.
  
  Bobby Brown State Outdoor Recreation Area
  2509 Bobby Brown State Park
  Elberton, GA 30635
  800-864-7275
  Gastateparks.org/BobbyBrown
  
  

Wildwood Park

• Wildwood Park is located directly on Lake Thurmond and offers great fishing and swimming opportunities. When you get tired of water sports, you can explore over two miles of horseback riding trails, lunch in the picnic areas and relax in the pavilions. For overnight stays, there are a number of camping accommodations.
  
  Wildwood Park
  6212 Holloway Road
  Appling, GA
  706-541-0586