About This Park - Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area

Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area

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Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area is a park focused on fishing.

The lakefront park’s information center displays a wide variety of vintage fishing equipment. And, of course, 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell maintains a reputation for top-flight angling, including for striped and hybrid bass, largemouth, crappie, bream and catfish.

In addition to lake access, there is a park store, hiking, camping and unique, affordable one-room camper cabins. They feature bunk beds, a porch and electricity but no running water or bathrooms. The campground facilities are nearby.

Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area is located just off Interstate 85 at the South Carolina-Georgia border and also serves as a gateway to South Carolina’s mountain country on the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway (S.C. 11).

GENERAL

Counties: Oconee
Acreage: 680
When & How PRT Acquired: In 1976, leased 616.28 acres from the U.S. Corps of Engineers and purchased 64.3 acres from various owners
Pets: Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in the Carolina Camper Cabins.

HOURS

Admissions: $2 adults; $1.25 U.S. seniors; age 15 & younger free
Office Hours: 11 a.m. -noon and 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. (extended during Daylight Savings Time from 9a.m. - 7 p.m.)
Days and Hours of Operation: During Standard Time: Su-Th 7am-6pm; F-Sa 7am-8pm

During Daylight Saving Time: Su-Th 6am-8pm; F-Sa 6am-9pm

LOCATION

Driving Directions:
From I-85: Take exit 1 onto Hwy 11 toward Walhalla. Drive ½ mile and look for park sign on the left.
Lake Location: Yes
Miles to Nearest Hospital: 15
Miles to Nearest Town: 15
Miles to Nearest Grocery Store: 7