Dorden Creek

Dorden Creek Boat Ramp provides access to J. Strom Thurmond Lake, one of the largest U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs east of the Mississippi River. Located in McCormick County near the Dorn Sportfishing Facility, this ramp offers a gateway to over 70,000 acres of water and 1,200 miles of shoreline. The lake features an average depth of 37 feet with depths reaching up to 139 feet, making it suitable for various water activities.

**Important Note:** The ramp was temporarily closed for repairs according to recent reports. Before visiting, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Savannah District or call the nearby Hawe Creek Campground at 864-443-5441 to confirm current access status. The lake offers 26 boat ramps total throughout the system, so alternative launch points may be available if Dorden Creek remains unavailable.

To reach Dorden Creek, take US 378 south from McCormick, then turn south on Chamberlains Ferry Road for approximately 4 miles. Hawe Creek Campground, located one mile away, offers overnight accommodations and additional amenities for extended trips on this expansive reservoir.

Overview
Hawe Creek Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, one mile from the Dorn Sportfishing Facility, one of the largest in the southeast. 
Camping at Hawe Creek is ripe with many different opportunities for relaxation, skill-building, family bonding, and nature appreciation. The 70,000+ acre lake and 1,000+ miles of shoreline are prime for activities that facilitate such...

Overview
Hawe Creek Campground is located on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, one mile from the Dorn Sportfishing Facility, one of the largest in the southeast. 
Camping at Hawe Creek is ripe with many different opportunities for relaxation, skill-building, family bonding, and nature appreciation. The 70,000+ acre lake and 1,000+ miles of shoreline are prime for activities that facilitate such opportunities such as boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, bird watching, and so much more of course! 
Experience the quiet and relaxing outdoors at this quaint 34 site campground nestled in South Carolina.
Recreation
Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers great conditions for exciting activities such as boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, and swimming.
When recreating at Thurmond Lake, we hope to give our visitors opportunities to bond, appreciate nature, relieve stress, improve skills, and improve physical fitness.
Facilities
Hawe Creek campground features a gatehouse with important campground information and two bathhouses with flushing toilets and showers. There is a boat ramp and courtesy dock with a nearby pit toilet. For camper convenience, there is a dump station and dumpsters in the campground.
Natural Features
Water/ Land:
Hawe Creek campground is on the shoreline of the J Strom Thurmond lake that is over 70,000 acres, and surrounded with a mix of pine and hardwood trees which offer shade and visual interest. 
Wildlife:
Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, neo-tropical birds, wild turkeys, and whitetail deer.
Weather/ Climate:
Average temperatures during the camping season starts out at 75 degrees Fahrenheit and peaks in July at 91 degrees Fahrenheit. May receives the least amount of rainfall on average, but increased rainfall for June, July, and August.

Nearby Attractions
Savannah Lakes Village is just a few minutes away, with lodging, dining and shopping. Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby courses at Hickory Knob State Park, within five miles of Hawe Creek.

Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas.
The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.

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