J. Strom Thurmond Lake ,

South Carolina/Georgia

J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake at Clarks Hill, originally named Clarks Hill, is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site that straddles the South Carolina-Georgia border. Its current name recognizes the late Senator J. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina . The best diving in the 71,100-acre lake is near the dam. On the South Carolina side, divers can park for free at the visitors center and make a shore entry. A diving attraction on this side of the dam is a Cessna two-seat airplane submerged in 35 feet (11 m) of water. Placed here for training, the airplane is in relatively good condition. Following a northwest heading from the nose of the plane, divers will hit ledges at about 65 feet, and can drop into the old river bed about 100 feet (30 m) down.

On the Georgia side of the dam is West Dam Park , which is a day-use park. Divers should follow the access road around to the swim area by the dam. Shore entry can be made here, although the water is a long walk from the parking lot. However, you can drop gear at the area and assemble it on picnic tables nearby. The Georgia side of the dam consists of large boulders placed in front of the earthen part of the dam. These boulders are placed, in many cases, on top of one another, creating large crevices that hold game fish. A dive light for viewing inside the airplane and around the boulders is recommended.

Depths to: 110 feet (33 m) in the dive-accessible areas.

Visibility: 5-15 feet (1.5- 4.5 m) depending on the amount of recent rain.

Water temperature: During August at 35 feet (11 m), the temperature is 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit (27-30 degrees Celsius); below 35 feet, 69-79 F (20-26 C).

Aquatic life: Includes trout, bass, catfish, brim, freshwater clams.

Fees: Day use areas $4 per day; limited-use areas, such as boat ramps, $3 per day.

On-site amenities: Nine day-use recreation areas, 29 limited-use areas, six state parks, six marinas, and several city/county recreation areas, which include camping sites, picnic tables, playgrounds, boat ramps, fishing piers, courtesy docks, restrooms and swim beaches.

More info: Call the Corps of Engineers at (864) 333-1100, toll-free at (800) 533-3478, or visit www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/thurmond.

Open: Year-round

Getting there: From Georgia or South Carolina, take Interstate 20 to Exit 183 (Highway 221), and drive north about 10 miles (16 km) to the dam.