About GILL POINT
Overview Gill Point Recreation Area is a rural park on the northern end of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, off Georgia State Highway 79. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.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 endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. Facilities Gill Point Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with a group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 24 people. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp and dock.Natural Features Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer. Nearby Attractions This quiet, rural area is very historic. The now-flooded town of Petersburg and the Nancy Hart Historical Site in Elbert County are nearby. The campground is 20 miles southeast of Elberton, Georgia, known as the Granite Capital of the World. 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.
How to Get There
From Lincolnton, GA, travel approximately 12 miles north on SR-79.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to GILL POINT
Heading to GILL POINT? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for GILL POINT?
No central reservation system listed for GILL POINT. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232592) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to GILL POINT?
From Lincolnton, GA, travel approximately 12 miles north on SR-79.
How do I contact GILL POINT?
You can reach the park at phone: 800-5333478.
References & Official Resources
