The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Hartwell, Georgia
Camper submitted image from Hartwell Lakeside KOA HolidayView 19 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Hartwell, Georgia

Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Hart Outdoor Recreation Area, managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, is home to this KOA Holiday campground on the shores of Lake Hartwell. The campground runs seasonally from March 15 through September 15, and reviewers note it occupies what appears to be a former state park footprint, with a layout where nearly every site has direct access to the water's edge. No pets are permitted.

Water access is the defining feature here. Campers can dock kayaks, boats, and jet skis directly at their sites, though the shoreline is rocky enough that pontoons fare better than smaller hulled boats. Sites 67 through 70 sit on a large concrete pad well-suited to group gatherings and yard games. Verizon users report limited data connectivity, with calls and texts working but internet service unreliable, so plan accordingly.

The bathrooms and shower facilities draw consistently clean marks from reviewers, though the walk from some sites is long enough at night that a flashlight is worth keeping handy. Lighting in the shower area is noted as dim. The camp store, firewood availability, and dump station make it a functional stop for rigs of most sizes. Chrissa G. sums up the water situation simply: "Lake access at every campsite." Nearby, Basecamp Hartwell provides another option for those exploring places to camp near Hart Outdoor Recreation Area. The campground works best for paddlers, anglers, and groups looking to spend time on the water during the warmer months of the open season.

Check AvailabilitySuggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Atlantic Coast Road Trip

Atlantic Coast Highway Road Trip

Atlantic Coast Road Trip Segment: Wilmington, NC to Savannah

Wilmington to Savannah: 3 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsHartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday is located in Georgia near Hartwell

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

34.37687227 N
82.91118688 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/4/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/4/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Yurts

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Georgia Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

40%
60%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the scenic lakefront sites and clean facilities at this well-maintained former state park. Some feedback indicated occasional issues with water hookups and lighting, but most found it comfortable for relaxation and water activities.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Dec. 26, 2022

Beautiful Lakeside KOA Holiday

Stayed during the coldest of cold days in Dec. ‘22. That didn’t take away from this campgrounds beauty. It appears that this was a former state park but has now been bought by KOA. As far as Holiday KOAs are concerned, this one is up there. I walked the campground and there doesn’t seem to be a bad spot. The views are magnificent. Would love to visit during warmer months to take advantage of the lake.

Site16
Month of VisitDecember
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday by Jeff A., December 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday by Jeff A., December 26, 2022
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2022

Beautiful waterfront sites

Would’ve have given 5 stars if I’d had Internet service. I have Verizon. Could only call and text. Clean campground, level sites.

Site25
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday by angela S., April 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday by angela S., April 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday by angela S., April 4, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 18, 2021

Beautiful and quiet

This is a beautifully maintained State Park/KOA. The site we had was right next to the bank of the lake....we could have fished from inside our tent.

It was nice and quiet. It was great to be away from all the noise yet close enough to any shopping we may have needed.

It's a bit of a walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night with little light so make sure you have a flashlight. And there could be more light in the shower area. But the bathrooms/showers were very clean.

Definitly would stay again if we are ever in the area.

Sitetent 64
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday by Amber H., May 18, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2016

Lake side camping

Great place for beginners. Lake access at every campsite. Breeze from the lake all day. Plenty of trees to choose from for the perfect hammock spot. I had a great sunrise and sunset view with shade during the day. Able to dock kayaks, boats, and jet skis right at your campsite, maybe a little too rocky for boats but pontoons seemed to do just fine. Not the quietest place I've camped but was still able to relax just fine. I think this would be a great place to gather a bunch of friends for a long weekend, tent sites 67-70 were right at a large cement pad, perfect for provided picnic tables or yard games. Our water hookup didn't work, but everyone around us did.

Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday?

Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday offers beautiful lake access at every campsite, allowing campers to dock kayaks, boats, and jet skis directly at their site. The campground features level sites and is well-maintained with plenty of trees providing good shade and perfect hammock spots. While internet service can be limited (particularly for Verizon users), the campground offers basic amenities in a scenic setting. The property appears to be a former state park now operated by KOA, maintaining high standards as a Holiday-tier KOA location. Bathroom facilities are available, though they may require a bit of a walk from some campsites.

Where is Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday located and how do I get there?

Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday is located on the shores of Lake Hartwell near Anderson, South Carolina. The campground provides a perfect balance of natural seclusion while remaining conveniently close to shopping and other amenities. It's situated in a quiet area away from city noise but is accessible enough that campers won't feel isolated. For specific directions, it's recommended to contact the campground directly or check their official website for the most current navigation information.

How do reviews rate the Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday campground?

Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday receives consistently high ratings from campers, with most giving it 4 or 5 stars out of 5. Campers particularly praise the beautiful lakeside setting, well-maintained grounds, and level campsites. The property earns top marks for its scenic views, with campers highlighting the stunning sunrises and sunsets visible from the lake. The peaceful, quiet atmosphere is frequently mentioned as a major plus. The only notable drawbacks mentioned include spotty internet service and the distance to bathroom facilities from some sites.

What RV and camping options are available near Lake Hartwell?

At Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday, RV campers will find level sites suitable for their rigs. The campground appears to accommodate various sizes of RVs, though it's always best to check with the campground about specific length restrictions before booking. Beyond this specific KOA, Lake Hartwell offers numerous other camping options, including state parks and Corps of Engineers campgrounds around its extensive shoreline. Many of these alternatives also provide lakefront access, though the KOA's direct lake access at each site is a distinguishing feature. For tent campers, the KOA offers lakeside sites with opportunities to pitch tents near the water's edge.

Keep Exploring