Cabin rentals near Hartwell Lake provide a range of accommodations across the Georgia-South Carolina border. Water access varies by property, with some cabins offering direct lake frontage while others maintain a short walking distance to shores. Lake Hartwell spans approximately 56,000 acres with 962 miles of shoreline, maintaining summer water temperatures between 80-85°F and winter temperatures around 50-55°F.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Sites at Tugaloo State Park Campground offer direct lake access for water recreation. "Most campsites have views of the lake and access directly to the stoney beaches. Lots of mature trees make shade an easily accessible feature," notes Maggie G. The park provides opportunities for both motorized and non-motorized water sports.
Fishing spots: Lake Hartwell contains striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish populations. "On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line. Peaceful and calming rest from the corporate life!" reports Benita P. Early morning fishing is particularly productive during summer months.
Winter exploration: The off-season offers quieter lakeside experiences. "Have a couple of hiking trails. I did the Sassafras Loop trail which follows the lake shore most of time and great views the rest. Our dogs loved all the space, no swimming due to temperatures in the 40s. Lots of stars at night," shares Liz H. from Tugaloo State Park.
What campers like
Lakefront cabin sites: Lake Hartwell State Park Campground offers various waterfront accommodations. "The cabins are nice, but small and no plumbing. If you're used to tent camping then the cabins are one step above that. Bonus is the air conditioning. Great view in Cabins 1 and 2. Gentle slope to a nice beach as well for those two cabins," reports Kenny T.
Beach access: Shoreline quality varies across properties. "We stayed at site 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. Most other sites in the Wiggins Loop did not seem to have lake access- exceptions being tent sites and the cabins," explains Kim S. from Lake Hartwell State Park.
Evening atmosphere: After-dark experiences enhance cabin stays. "Quiet. On the lake. Diamond in the rough...though more of a piece of coal than a diamond but that is okay, not into fancy and all the amenities, we camp to get away from society," notes Kristin from The Point at Lake Hartwell.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Secure cabin bookings well in advance, especially for lakefront properties. "We booked our trip in February so we got all the spots we wanted. The only regret we had was that we didn't stay longer!" advises a camper from Mile Creek County Park.
Cabin supplies: Most facilities require guests to bring their own bedding. "Bath houses were conveniently located. Lots of hills so it was a little hard for the little kids to get around on bikes. You need water shoes for swimming in the lake as it is rocky," reports Kirsten J. about Mile Creek County Park.
Seasonal fluctuations: Lake levels can change throughout the year. "Water water everywhere. Getting to the campsites is pretty tight but once you are parked, it is just beautiful overlooking the lake. Lots of fun for families who enjoy the water," notes Benita P. at Tugaloo State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Rocky lakeshores require appropriate footwear. "It has a perfect shallow end for little ones and very deep for kayaking and stuff like that. We stayed at site 7 which is a pull through. Able to kayak right from campsite," advises Liz H.
Recreational rentals: Several lakeside properties offer equipment. "We love this spot. Most of the camp spots are not shaded, but right on the water. Boat rentals are available as well as paddle boards and kayaks," shares Sarah P. from Big Water Marina & RV Park.
Site selection for privacy: Some cabin areas offer more seclusion than others. "Devils Fork is awesome for the family! Lots of water activities. The area is clean. We had an awesome stay!" reports Marlene V. about Devils Fork State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Preparation for uneven terrain improves stays. "Our site- A5- was super unlevel. I felt unsafe with our fifth wheel's two left tires up in the air after auto-leveling. That was a first for us, and hope we never have to do that again," cautions Becky P. about Thousand Trails Carolina Landing.
Lake accessibility: Some properties advertise lake proximity but have challenging access. "The campground itself is gorgeous, heavily wooded and lots of hills. It has great access to Lake Hartwell, and lots of sites. The park also has lots of hills which can be a challenge for some RVs," notes Laura H. about Carolina Landing.
Weather considerations: Seasonal changes affect cabin comfort. "There are not any concrete pads but you can tell they have tried their best to make the sites level and better accessible by clearing up the area and removing some of the trees," reports Jackie J. about The Point at Lake Hartwell.
