Lake Thurmond History & Living Here | Clarks Hill Lake Lifestyle Guide

Lake Thurmond: History, Heritage & What It’s Like to Live Here

Lake Thurmond—also known to many as Clarks Hill Lake—is more than a body of water. It’s a place shaped by history, purpose-built for progress, and now cherished for a lifestyle that blends nature, community, and breathing room. Whether you’re researching a future move, planning a visit, or simply curious about life on the lake, this guide offers a grounded look at how Lake Thurmond came to be—and why people stay.

Lake Thurmond, also known as Clarks Hill Lake, is a large, uncrowded reservoir on the Georgia–South Carolina border known for boating, outdoor recreation, and relaxed lakefront living. Created in the 1950s for flood control and hydropower, it has evolved into a year-round residential lake community popular with retirees, remote workers, and second-home owners seeking space, privacy, and a slower pace of life.

How Lake Thurmond Was Created

What is Lake Thurmond? Lake Thurmond is a man-made lake formed in the 1950s along the Savannah River. It spans Georgia and South Carolina and was originally built for flood control and electricity generation. Today, it is widely known for recreational boating, fishing, and low-density residential living.

Lake Thurmond was formed in the early 1950s as part of a major flood-control and hydroelectric project along the Savannah River. What emerged was one of the largest man-made lakes in the Southeast, spanning Georgia and South Carolina and reshaping the region’s economy, recreation, and way of life.

Entire communities were relocated, farmland became shoreline, and a new relationship with the land began. Over time, what started as infrastructure evolved into something far more personal: a lake woven into daily life.

Historic view of Clarks Hill Dam during the creation of Lake Thurmond in the 1950sAerial photo showing the Savannah River and the early footprint of Lake ThurmondEarly image of the completed Lake Thurmond dam and lake
Lake Thurmond’s origins trace back to the 1950s, when the Savannah River was reshaped for flood control and hydropower—creating one of the Southeast’s largest lakes and transforming surrounding farmland into shoreline.

From Working Lake to Lifestyle Lake

Today, Lake Thurmond balances its original purpose with a deeply lived-in lifestyle. The lake remains uncrowded compared to many southern reservoirs, offering long shorelines, quiet coves, and room to breathe—something longtime residents and newcomers alike value.

Boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and sunset cruising aren’t occasional events here—they’re part of the rhythm of life. Many residents describe the lake as a backdrop rather than a destination: always present, never rushed.

Sunrise over calm glassy water on Lake Thurmond with soft morning lightCouple enjoying a quiet pontoon boat ride on uncrowded Lake ThurmondKayaker paddling through a quiet wooded cove on Lake Thurmond
Life on Lake Thurmond moves at a gentler pace—early mornings on calm water, relaxed afternoons on a pontoon, and quiet coves that feel far removed from crowds and congestion.

The Communities Around the Lake

Life around Lake Thurmond isn’t centered on one town. Instead, it’s shaped by a collection of small communities—each offering a slightly different feel, pace, and connection to the water.

  • Savannah Lakes Village: A master-planned lake and golf community with trails, amenities, and active clubs.
  • McCormick, SC: A historic county seat with a quiet downtown and strong local roots.
  • Lincolnton, GA: A traditional Southern town with marinas, lake access, and easy boating culture.
  • Rural shoreline areas: Private docks, acreage, and long-term residents who value privacy and space.
Walking and biking trails in Savannah Lakes Village near Lake ThurmondSmall-town main street near Lake Thurmond showing local shops and relaxed paceFishing pier on Lake Thurmond with open shorelineQuiet wooded shoreline along Lake Thurmond with natural tree cover
Communities around Lake Thurmond blend planned neighborhoods, historic small towns, and natural shoreline-offering walkable trails, local gathering spots, easy marina access, and plenty of quiet space by the water.

What It’s Really Like to Live Here

What is it like to live near Lake Thurmond? Living near Lake Thurmond is quiet, outdoor-focused, and community-driven. Residents enjoy uncrowded water access, four mild seasons, informal social connections, and daily routines shaped by nature rather than traffic or tourism.

Living near Lake Thurmond tends to attract people looking for space, simplicity, and authenticity. It’s common to meet full-time residents, retirees, remote workers, and second-home owners who all share a similar motivation: slowing down without disconnecting.

Days often revolve around weather, water levels, and daylight—not traffic reports. Social life is informal, neighbors know each other, and the outdoors quietly anchors daily routines.

Evening light on the back of a boat at Lake Thurmond with calm water and sunset skyResidents riding a golf cart through a lake community neighborhood near Lake ThurmondLakefront porch view overlooking Lake Thurmond with chairs facing the water
Daily life near Lake Thurmond is shaped by simple routines—quiet evenings on the dock, casual trips through the neighborhood, and unhurried time spent watching the lake from the porch.

Why People Choose Lake Thurmond Long-Term

  • Large, uncrowded lake with long shorelines and quiet coves
  • Year-round boating, fishing, kayaking, and outdoor recreation
  • Lower cost of living than coastal or resort lake markets
  • Active retirement and second-home communities
  • Access to nearby healthcare, shopping, and regional airports

Thinking About Living Near Lake Thurmond?

Lake Thurmond combines historical purpose with modern lake living, making it a practical long-term choice—not just a vacation destination.

If you’re considering a move, visiting the area, or comparing communities around the lake, local guidance can save time and help you avoid surprises.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of Lake Thurmond?
Lake Thurmond was created in the early 1950s as a flood control and hydroelectric project on the Savannah River and later became a major recreational and residential lake spanning Georgia and South Carolina.
Is Lake Thurmond a good place to live year round?
Yes. Many residents live at Lake Thurmond full time, drawn by mild seasons, uncrowded lake access, and a relaxed pace of life.
What kind of lifestyle does Lake Thurmond offer?
Lake Thurmond living is outdoor-focused and low-density, with boating, kayaking, fishing, golf, walking trails, and informal community connections.
Do people retire to Lake Thurmond?
Yes. Lake Thurmond attracts retirees looking for a slower pace, more space, and easy access to nature without heavy crowds.