Corps of Engineers to reopen its Savannah River recreation areas

USACE, Savannah District
Published May 14, 2020

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Phased reopening of campgrounds and additional boat ramps at reservoirs owned and operated by the Army Corps of Engineers along the Savannah River will take place May 15 and May 18, 2020. Playgrounds, beaches, shelters and life jacket loaner stands will remain closed until further notice. Visitor centers at all three projects will remain closed to the public.

The gradual reopening will vary based on the ability to ensure visitors and Corps of Engineers staff remain safe and can continue to reduce the spread of the novel corona virus and COVID 19. Before opening facilities, workers will conduct a thorough cleaning of restrooms, showers and other common-use items.

Restrooms at boat ramps currently in use will be re-opened. Additional boat ramps not associated with closed day-use areas will reopen. Visitors must bring their own soap and hand sanitizer and paper towels when using restrooms.

► Campers must make all reservations through the Recreation.gov website. No cash collection, on-site reservations or future reservations will be taken on site.

► Visitors with camping reservations should print their registration form before arriving at the campgrounds. This will help limit transferring material between the public and the campground staff.

► Individuals camping in trailers and motorhomes with shower and restroom facilities should use the facilities in their trailer or motorhome to assist in ensuring proper social distancing and to reduce occupancy at the restroom-shower houses in the campgrounds.

► Visitors must bring their own soap and hand sanitizer and paper towels when using restrooms.

► Visitors must follow social distancing guidance established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state or local limits.

► Congregating in groups of more than 10 will not be allowed.

► Campsite occupancy is limited to 10 per campsite.

► Only registered campers will be allowed in the campgrounds.

 

Areas opening and their dates for J. Strom Thurmond Lake:

Site

Date of Opening

Restrictions

Below Dam South Carolina

15 May

Shelter and playground are closed. Restroom Occupancy limited to 2.
Water is available in the restrooms; individuals must bring their own soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels.

Scott’s Ferry Boat Ramp

15 May

Vault toilet – no water available; individuals must bring their own soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels.

Mt. Pleasant Boat Ramp

Keg Creek Boat Ramp

Petersburg Campground

18 May

Restroom/Shower House Occupancy limited to 2. Water is available in the restrooms; individuals must bring their own soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels.

Modoc Campground

Ridge Road Campground

Winfield Campground

Hawe Creek Campground

 

Areas opening and their dates for Hartwell Lake:

Site

Date of Opening

Restrictions

Watsadler Campground

18 May

 

Restroom/Shower House Occupancy limited to 2.
Water is available in the restrooms; individuals must bring their own soap, hand sanitizer and paper towels.

.

Paynes Creek Campground

Springfield Campground

Coneross Campground

Oconee Point Campground

Crescent Campground

Twin Lakes Campground

 

The Corps of Engineers leases all recreation areas at Richard B. Russell Lake to state and local agencies. Check with those agencies for availability of recreation facilities.

Day-use fees, including boat ramp fees, are waived until October 2020. Day-use areas remain closed but may reopen later.

The commander of the Savannah District reserves the right to close any or all facilities or limit their use, should doing so be in the best interest of public health and safety.

As always, the Corps of Engineers urges all visitors to wear a life jacket whenever in, on or near the water.

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Contact
Billy Birdwell
912-652-5014
912-677-6039 (cell)
Billy.E.Birdwell@usace.army.mil

Release no. 20-011