J
Jill M.
Scout
ScoutTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Walk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
Camping at Hartwell Lake: Lakefront Sites, RV Hookups & Cabins
Lake Hartwell encompasses numerous Army Corps of Engineers and state park campgrounds where visitors can experience waterfront camping in Georgia and South Carolina. Camping at Hartwell Lake ranges from tent sites directly on the shoreline to RV sites with 50-amp electric and water hookups, with several locations offering cabin rentals. Campgrounds generally provide electric hookups and water, with many situated directly on the shoreline providing scenic views and water access.
Most campgrounds around Lake Hartwell remain open year-round, with Springfield being the exception, operating seasonally from April through October. Facilities typically include toilets and dump stations, though not all campgrounds offer showers or sewer hookups. Water and 50-amp electrical connections are standard at most sites. Many camping areas feature level, spacious sites that can accommodate larger RVs, though some visitors note that tree removal in certain areas has reduced shade coverage. As one camper noted, "We stayed at one of the small loops, waterfront right at a small cove... very nice side, some shade but decent water access. No problem to launch the canoe and the SUP."
Waterfront camping is the primary draw at Lake Hartwell, with many campers reporting excellent water access for boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Springfield Campground receives particularly strong reviews for its lakefront sites, with most offering water views. The lake supports multiple recreation activities including fishing for largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and striped bass. Several campgrounds feature swimming beaches and boat ramps with courtesy docks. Some campgrounds like The Point and Lake Hartwell Camping & Cabins cater to seasonal campers. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Springfield Campground is one of Hartwell's most popular camping destinations consisting of 60 acres of primarily Virginia pine and some mixed hardwoods" with numerous amenities including playgrounds, comfort stations, and designated swimming areas.
Best Camping Sites Near Hartwell Lake (229)
1. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell
29 ReviewsClemson, SC9 milesWebsite+1 (888) 893-0678$36 - $76 / night
"Most, but not all, sites have lake views. During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58). "
"Very close to grocery store and dining. Fantastic water views and warm lake water. Boats in the distance, and we had our own private swimming spot with steps into the water."
2. Tugaloo State Park Campground
43 ReviewsFair Play, SC15 milesWebsite+1 (706) 356-4362$27 - $265 / night
"This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path. Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.
The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."
"On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line. "
3. Springfield - Hartwell Lake
18 ReviewsHartwell, GA5 milesWebsite+1 (888) 893-0678$36 - $76 / night
"Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers."
"Many sites have a tent pad, are very level packed gravel/sand and well situated with very few having very close neighbors. "
4. Sadlers Creek State Park Campground
16 ReviewsHartwell, GA6 milesWebsite+1 (864) 226-8950"Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of out class A to get level."
"Close proximity to bathhouse. Wind was a big deal our first day. Temps dropped the weekend we camped and the wind coming off the lake made it much colder."
5. Oconee Point Campground
13 ReviewsTownville, SC7 milesWebsite+1 (888) 893-0678$38 - $76 / night
"Hartwell Lake is gorgeous!! When we come and stay here, I spend most of my day here on the lake. I love to kayak and canoe on the lake."
"We had an excellent weekend stay at site 16, lovely lake view of Hartwell, power and water hookups only."
6. Coneross Park Campground - South Carolina
14 ReviewsTownville, SC8 milesWebsite+1 (888) 893-0678$26 - $76 / night
"Lots of room for walking. Beautiful and peaceful trees on the lake."
"Site was in a hill looking down at the lake. Large tent site that easily fit two 4 person tents as well as a picnic table and fire pit."
7. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground
21 ReviewsFair Play, SC13 milesWebsite+1 (864) 972-3352"We stayed at Lake Hartwell State park in stie 98 which was a lovely lakeside site. The sites on either side (96, 99) all shared a path to a small beach with lake access. "
"We are big fans of space between neighbors and noticed right away that these sites are rather close to one another. The views helped make the closeness bearable."
8. Thousand Trails Carolina Landing
15 ReviewsFair Play, SC10 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"I didn't really sleep well because it was 1. cold and 2. it is close to the highway so we could hear cars and trucks driving by at night. Maybe we just picked the wrong campsite."
"Access to the water at the park but didn't see a boat launch."
9. Anderson-Lake Hartwell KOA
6 ReviewsHartwell Lake, GA2 milesWebsite+1 (864) 287-3161"Great KOA to stay at near Clemson University. It's not on Lake Hartwell, but it is near it. Be sure to check out the camping cabins."
"My brother lives on the other side of Lake Hartwell (5 minute drive) and he took me out on his pontoon! What a BEAUTIFUL lake with many private islands to pull up onto."
10. The Point at Lake Hartwell
5 ReviewsTownville, SC5 milesWebsite+1 (864) 287-3223$47 - $97 / night
"Fantastic owners, great rates, lakefront property, private boat dock, next door to a boat ramp, lake vibe restaurant with live bands, (seasonal), mere minutes from nearly anything one could want, delivery"
"So as we were driving up the road leading to the campground this weekend my husband was like "this area looks familiar & I know you haven't booked us @ that raggedy campground we looked @ a year ago"
Recent Camping Photos near Hartwell Lake
453 Photos of 229 Hartwell Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Springfield - Hartwell Lake
The Point at Lake Hartwell
Sadlers Creek State Park Campground
Denver Downs Farm
Oconee Point Campground
Coneross Park Campground - South Carolina
Big Water Marina & RV Park
Twin Lakes at Lake HartwellT
Thousand Trails Carolina Landing
Paynes Creek CampgroundL
Tiger Mountain RV Park & CampgroundJ
Watsadler
Recent Reviews near Hartwell Lake
1114 Reviews of 229 Hartwell Lake Campgrounds
- A
Anna R.
GuideGrapevine Campground
Very nice spot! I imagine it gets full in the summer and on weekends, but just two groups today. Wish we could stay longer. People left a lot of trash at the day use areas sadly but sites were clean. No T-Mobile service.
Kevin S.ScoutThe Shores of Asbury
Hospitality and attention to detail can't be beat. Rates were very reasonable for the quality of facility and grounds.
- CCindy
TravelerBlue Ridge Falls RV Resort
Great base camp for adventures
Stayed 1 week in site 12. Great small campground, clean and quiet. Jojo was a great host and 5pm happy hour gathering was fun. Will DEFINITELY return. Its a great spot for launching adventures.
- PPaul G.Scout
Mountain Falls RV Resort, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Highest Quality RV Park We’ve Ever Seen!!
This park was built several years ago by Millenium Motorcoach Company, and is just an incredible place! The sites are all privately owned, and rentals are managed by the resort, for the owners and renters alike. We have travelled for many years in our motorcoach, and have enjoyed accommodations like this seldom. You just want to stay and never leave!
Stuart K.
LegendHickory Knob
Lakeside Retreat with a Touch of Southern Charm
Hickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
- Richard W.Traveler
Oconee State Park Campground
On the pond
We camped next to the fishing pier, the site was a bit uneven and I had to do some creative engineering to get my 26' rig level. It has been very quiet during the week. By the way, we have great T-Mobile service.
- SSarah C.Scout
Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort
Lovely Campground
This was a really lovely campground. We were greeted by Jojo and escorted to our spot by Daegan who helped us get our camper situated. The campground was clean and tidy, and had firewood and ice available for purchase. The happy hour at 5 is a great way to meet your fellow campers. Nearby there are restaurants and a few shops. The location is very close to several waterfall hikes.
- DDan B.Scout
South Cove County Park
Best camping site ever!
This camping park is very well maintained, clean quiet and just beautiful. Even the restrooms are air-conditioned in the summertime.
Guide to Hartwell Lake
Lake Hartwell spans the Georgia-South Carolina border with a 962-mile shoreline and water levels typically dropping 3-4 feet during winter months. The lake's campgrounds are positioned across varied elevations, with some offering direct shoreline access while others sit on terraced hills overlooking the water. Waterfront sites at many campgrounds require early booking during peak season from late May through September.
What to do
Paddling from campsite: At Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell, campers can launch directly from their sites. "We loved staying here for a birthday weekend. Dog friendly, right on the water, clean restrooms. We stayed at a primitive site and will definitely be back," reports Sydney W., noting how easy it was to access the water.
Mountain biking: Near Watsadler Campground, mountain biking trails provide alternatives to water activities. "Not a whole lot to do in the park (fine by me, happy to stare at a lake) but nice long walk to the dam, some reasonable mountain biking quick drive away," notes Christina, who appreciated both lake views and land-based recreation.
Equestrian activities: Campgrounds near Fants Grove offer horse-friendly trails along Lake Hartwell. "The biggest plus for me is that it is a short distance from Fants Grove and T Ed Garrison arena. During rodeos held at the Garrison arena we often take breaks to Fants Grove for the wonderful horse friendly trails on Lake Hartwell," shares Maddi P.
What campers like
Lakefront accessibility: Oconee Point receives consistent praise for its lake access. "Oconee Point is a Core of Engineers campground with HUGE sites and almost all are lake front. Super clean and peaceful. Three dump sites for RVs. Electricity and water at every site," explains Chris G., highlighting the campground's spaciousness.
Private waterfront sites: Campers appreciate the secluded sites at Sadlers Creek State Park Campground. "Our campsite was very easy to haul the kayaks to the beach from and very private also. Quiet and peaceful," shares Muffy S., emphasizing the ease of water access.
Swimming areas: The dedicated beaches appeal to families with children. "There is a nice beach area for swimming and playground for the kids. The campground doesn't offer much in way of amenities, but you'll forget about that once you set up camp and relax by the campfire, roasting a s'more while watching the sun set over the lake," notes Arleen T. about Coneross Park.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Research specific sites before booking at Lake Hartwell State Park Campground to ensure appropriate spacing. "We are big fans of space between neighbors and noticed right away that these sites are rather close to one another. The views helped make the closeness bearable," Bill C. explains.
Winter water levels: During winter, lake levels drop significantly. "Water down maybe 3 to 4' at winter level rock sand dirt shore line," notes David F. about January conditions at Watsadler campground.
Fire ant awareness: Some areas have pest issues worth preparing for. "Our only complaint was the entire campsite was one large fire ant hill! We had to travel to the local dollar general to get ant spray to help with the infestation," Melissa R. warns about her experience at Lake Hartwell State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Coneross Park Campground offers multiple recreation areas for children. "There are two beaches and multiple playgrounds, and the paved roads make for fun bike riding. The heavy foliage makes everything private," Catherine O. explains.
Lake swimming options: Families appreciate the designated swimming areas. "The lake is beautiful, there are plenty of places to swim, and tons of shoreline to explore. The playground is very nice. The bathrooms, especially the ones by the office, are kept very clean," Jen G. shares about Sadlers Creek.
Holiday activities: Some Hartwell Lake campgrounds host special events during peak holidays. "We visited over the 4th of July weekend and they had all sorts of activities going on. Bingo, parade, fireworks, hotdogs and more!" reports Katie D. about her experience at Carolina Landing.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Thousand Trails Carolina Landing presents challenges for larger RVs. "Our site- A5- was super unlevel. I felt unsafe with our fifth wheel's two left tires up in the air after auto-leveling," Becky P. warns, suggesting RVers bring substantial leveling blocks.
Dump station planning: Some campgrounds have limited dump facilities causing delays during checkout. "The dump station has only a single drain, so last minute checkout leads to long lines," notes Windell S. about Watsadler, suggesting RVers plan accordingly.
Site dimensions: Many RVers recommend researching exact site measurements. "Most sites will handle a 40' rig. There are three bathhouses with showers around the campground and one bathroom with flush toilets but no showers. Roads are wide, well kept, and easy to navigate," Windell S. mentions about Oconee Point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Hartwell Lake?
What camping is available near Hartwell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hartwell Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 229 campgrounds and RV parks near Hartwell Lake and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hartwell Lake?
Which is the most popular campground near Hartwell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hartwell Lake is Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell with a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hartwell Lake?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hartwell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Hartwell Lake.
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