Lake Thurmond, called Clarks Hill Lake in Georgia, is a 71,000-acre Corps of Engineers lake on the Savannah River and one of the most popular recreation lakes in the Southeast.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Thurmond, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Its South Carolina side reaches McCormick, Plum Branch and Modoc, with Hickory Knob, Baker Creek and Hamilton Branch state parks along the shore.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Thurmond
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Lake Thurmond with no towing required.
- MasterCraft boat rentals – roomy premium boats with surf boards, wakeboards and tubes, so the whole group can ride at Lake Thurmond.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Lake Thurmond or pulling a tube.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Lake Thurmond while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Thurmond at a glance
| Location | McCormick, Plum Branch and Modoc |
|---|---|
| Size | About 71,000 acres |
| Shoreline | About 1,200 miles |
| River | Savannah River |
| Dam | J. Strom Thurmond Dam |
| Parks | Hickory Knob, Baker Creek, Hamilton Branch |
Best things to do on Lake Thurmond
- Water skiing and tubing – huge open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – sheltered coves on calm mornings.
- Jet skiing – long creek arms.
- Island stops – islands to anchor near for lunch.
Where to launch at Lake Thurmond
- State parks – ramps at Hickory Knob, Baker Creek and Hamilton Branch.
- Corps parks – ramps around McCormick and Modoc.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Thurmond
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- South Carolina requires an observer or a wide-angle mirror when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in South Carolina.
South Carolina boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 12 must wear one on boats shorter than 16 feet, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver or a wide-angle mirror, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed between sunset and sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at idle speed within 50 feet of anchored boats, docks and people in the water, and within 100 feet of docks and piers on many of the big reservoirs. Wakesurfing must stay at idle speed within 200 feet of docks, moored boats and swimmers.
Map of Lake Thurmond
Lake Thurmond rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Thurmond?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Lake Thurmond myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Lake Thurmond, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is the South Carolina side of Lake Thurmond?
Along the east shore in McCormick County, around McCormick, Plum Branch and Modoc.
Can you jet ski on Lake Thurmond?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Thurmond.
How big is Lake Thurmond?
About 71,000 acres, with roughly 1,200 miles of shoreline.
Is Lake Thurmond the same as Clarks Hill Lake?
Yes. South Carolina calls it Lake Thurmond or Strom Thurmond Lake, and Georgia calls it Clarks Hill Lake.
Do you rent on the Georgia side too?
Yes. We also have rentals ready on the Georgia side of Clarks Hill Lake near Lincolnton.