Hartwell Lake

Show on map (706) 856-0300 or 888-893-0678

P. O. Box 278, 5625 Anderson Highway (Hwy. 29)
Hartwell, GA 30643-0278

Hartwell Lake is one of the most popular Corps lakes in the nation. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963 as part of a flood control, hydropower, and navigation project, authorized purposes now include recreation, water quality, water supply, and fish and wildlife management. Hartwell Lake comprises nearly 56,000 acres of water with a shoreline of 962 miles. Over 20,000 acres of public land surrounds the lake. The Corps operates 9 campgrounds, 15 major day use areas, and numerous other lake-access areas.

Directions

The dam is located just off of U.S. Hwy 29 on the South Carolina/Georgia border. The Hartwell Operation's Managers Office and Visitor Center is located one mile past the dam on the Georgia side (or 5 miles north of Hartwell, Georgia).

Reviews

Hartwell Lake campgrounds remain a popular choice due to their clean, spacious, and peaceful waterside sites, with staff frequently noted for their friendliness and helpfulness. The park continues to draw repeat visitors who appreciate the quiet environment, scenic natural surroundings including local wildlife, and well-maintained facilities. Some concerns persist around fluctuating water levels affecting lake access and seasonal insect issues impacting comfort at certain campsites. Overall, visitors look forward to returning for another enjoyable experience.

Clean, spacious, and well-kept campsites

Friendly and helpful park staff

Peaceful and quiet environment with scenic water views

Easily navigable roads and good site accessibility

Low water levels reducing lake edge access

Seasonal insect issues such as yellow jackets around campsites

Outdated bathhouse facilities despite cleanliness

4,768 reviews

5 stars

3,484

4 stars

881

3 stars

262

2 stars

1 stars

Michelle W

Campground:Springfield

Loop:Springfield

Site:

Reviewed 7 days ago

A perfect stay except for the firewood availability. the lake was very low,,, time of the year. Sites are big and clean with great views and I had shade.

Darren J

Campground:Oconee Point

Loop:Oconee Point

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

The most of the campsites were right by the water.

JEANNE M

Campground:Oconee Point

Loop:Oconee Point

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Best campground near me!! Large spacious sites, quiet campground, clean bathhouses, very sweet camp hosts.

Heath B

Campground:Springfield

Loop:Springfield

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Awesome place. Wish it was open all year. Wish there was some water in the lake!

Kelly S

Campground:Springfield

Loop:Springfield

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

Nice shaded campsites & hot showers.

Ammie B

Campground:Oconee Point

Loop:Oconee Point

Site:

Reviewed 9 days ago

We had a wonderful experience camping here, as usual. We had such a great time before that we camped here again, and it did not disappoint. Peaceful park with a beautiful view of the sunrise over the lake. Sites were very clean and you could tell that the staff took care of the campground. Very clean.

Keep your options open

Watch for a matching campsite across monitored campgrounds in Hartwell Lake.

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 12% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 6 years of reservations.