Clarks Hill Lake in Georgia, also known locally as Lake Strom Thurmond, is one of those places where natural beauty and local pride come together in a big way. Spread along the Georgia–South Carolina border, it was created in the 1950s with the construction of the J. Strom Thurmond Dam on the Savannah River, bringing new opportunities for recreation, water management, and lakeside living. Over the decades, the lake has grown into a beloved destination known for its wide-open waters, rolling forests, and some of the best fishing in the region.
What makes Clarks Hill Lake truly special to the people who live around it is the lifestyle it supports. Locals connect with the lake through weekend fishing trips, afternoons on the boat, quiet coves for swimming, and gatherings along the shore that feel like part of the area’s identity. Many families have stories rooted in the lake—memories of learning to fish, summer picnics, and generations growing up along its shoreline. It’s more than a reservoir; it’s a backdrop to everyday life. The combination of natural beauty, outdoor freedom, and deep community attachment is what makes Clarks Hill Lake such a meaningful place for the people who call its shores home.
