Veterans Day visitors get free access to Strom Thurmond Lake

McCORMICK, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Veterans and their families can enjoy a free day on the water this Veterans Day at J. Strom Thurmond Lake.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District says it will waive day use fees at Thurmond Lake on Nov. 11, along with more than 2,850 other Corps-operated recreation areas nationwide.At Strom Thurmond, the waiver applies to fees normally charged at Corps-operated boat ramps and any open day-use areas. That means boaters can launch at no cost for the day. However, the fee break does not include camping, camping-related services or rentals for group picnic shelters and other special facilities or events.Because of ongoing drought conditions, all Corps-managed swimming beaches at Thurmond and Hartwell Lakes are currently closed, so the fee waiver does not affect beach access this year.Visitors are urged to check conditions and facility status before they go by visiting the Thurmond Lake day-use information site or calling the project office.The Corps