172 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tugaloo State Park Campground accepts pets at all camping sites including RV spots, tent areas, and cabins. Established campsites throughout the Hartwell Lake region maintain pet-friendly policies with clean, accessible grounds where leashed dogs can accompany their owners. Springfield Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious waterfront sites that provide ample room for pets to enjoy the outdoors while remaining on leash. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell and Lake Hartwell State Park both allow pets with standard leash requirements. Most campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings, with some offering direct water access where dogs can swim under supervision. The large sites at Springfield provide sufficient space for pets without bothering neighboring campers. Camping photos and user guides for Hartwell Lake, Georgia are available on The Dyrt.
Lake access points throughout Springfield Campground create natural opportunities for dogs to swim and cool off during warmer months. The paved walking paths at many Hartwell Lake campgrounds provide comfortable walking surfaces for dogs, particularly appreciated by pet owners with older animals. Campgrounds typically require pets to be leashed at all times outside camping units, with leash lengths generally restricted to six feet or less. While most campgrounds provide trash receptacles for pet waste, campers should bring their own bags. Several sites offer waterfront views and beach access where supervised pets can play. Anderson-Lake Hartwell KOA provides additional pet amenities including designated pet walking areas. Quiet hours at most campgrounds help ensure barking dogs don't disturb other campers, especially at locations like Springfield where sites can be closely situated during busy periods.
"So many aminities right on site that included, but not limited to; excellent fishing spots, showers & laundry services, recreational abundance all around, and golf cart friendly community filled friends"
"Most, but not all, sites have lake views. During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58). "
from $36 - $76 / night
Check Availability"We were lakeside on a pull through that was a bit short for us. The site was amazing we could kayak up to our site. Pet friendly, family friendly. Power, Electric, gray water dumps near each site."
"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."
from $27 - $230 / night
Check Availability"Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers."
"The paved roads made the dogs happy. They had to cut down a lot of trees so plenty of free firewood. Lots of wildlife to watch. Especially being so close to the lake. Friendly staff."
from $36 - $76 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $38 - $76 / night
Check Availability"My dogs even loved it!"
"Lots of room for walking. Beautiful and peaceful trees on the lake."
from $26 - $76 / night
Check Availability"We really loved the privacy and the access to the lake from our spot! The only thing would be sewer hook up but the restroom and showers were a short walk from our spot!"
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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"
from $47 - $97 / night
Check Availability"Lots of walking trails. Beautiful lake views. Unlike other COE campgrounds in the area, this one is open year round. The entry and exit can be kind of tight getting in or out with trailer."
"Only sites 1, 11 , 24, & 26 do not have access to the water. The rest are right at the waters edge. its quiet and well kept."
from $36 - $76 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWhatever person or group of persons designed the campground were clueless as to how to develop a campground. Sites are packed in the most preposterous configuration to have tents, trailers motorhomes all jammed together nearly touching each other with zero privacy. Come for the hikes and views of the gorge but come with the lowest expectations for the campground and you’ll be fine
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
GuideVery 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.
ScoutHospitality and attention to detail can't be beat. Rates were very reasonable for the quality of facility and grounds.
TravelerStayed 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.
ScoutThis 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!
LegendHickory 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!
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutThis 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.
Hartwell Lake stretches across 56,000 acres along the Georgia-South Carolina border with 962 miles of shoreline. The reservoir maintains a normal pool elevation of 660 feet above sea level with temperatures typically ranging from the mid-30s in winter to upper-80s during summer months. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, sometimes dropping 8-10 feet below full pool during drought conditions.
Kayaking from campsites: At Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell, the waterfront sites create natural launch points. "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. It was mostly very quiet with the exception of some boats engines or playing music during the day," reports Sydney W.
Fishing access: Many Hartwell Lake campers bring boats for fishing. At Oconee Point, "Most every site is on the water and a big discount for seniors with a Golden Eagle National Park Pass," notes Tom R. The camp has well-maintained boat ramps with nearby parking.
Beach swimming: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "The sites are big, with trees in between most sites. Most sites are a stones throw away from the lake. The view Lake Hartwell is Beautiful," writes Melissa W. about Springfield Campground. These beaches typically have gradual entries suitable for children.
Biking opportunities: Paved roads throughout most campgrounds provide safe cycling routes. "The paved roads make for fun bike riding. The heavy foliage makes everything private," explains Catherine O. about Coneross Park Campground. Bring bikes for morning rides when traffic is minimal.
Spacious waterfront sites: Visitors consistently rate the lakeside camping as a highlight. "We stayed at site 7 which is a pull through. We had camper and extra car with boat and kayak and fit with a little extra room. Able to kayak right from campsite," shares Liz H. about Tugaloo State Park Campground.
Private coves: Many campers appreciate the sheltered water access points. "We stayed at one of the small loops, waterfront right at a small cove. Site 77 - Very nice side, some shade but decent water access. No problem to Launch the canoe and the sup," notes Olaf I. about Springfield - Hartwell Lake.
Wildlife viewing: The natural shoreline attracts various wildlife. "We stayed here this past weekend and absolutely loved it. Our site was #40 and it was right on the lake. There is a skunk that comes up to your site at night but he doesnt bother anyone as long as you dont scare it," mentions Elizabeth G. at Twin Lakes.
Cool morning paddling: Several campers recommend early water activities. "More times than not I am up and going at around 6:30am, and I start my day on the lake. It is so peaceful and quite in the mornings," says Ashley W. about Oconee Point. The calm morning waters offer better paddling conditions before boat traffic increases.
Site selection matters: Not all campsites provide equal experiences. "Some sites better than others. Do your research first... Most, but not all, sites have lake views. During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58)," advises Thomas A. about Twin Lakes. Study campground maps before booking.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels vary throughout the year. "Needed to buy a ladder to reach the water from our site," notes Marcy S. about Springfield Campground, indicating significant drop-offs at some shorelines. Fall and winter typically see lower water levels.
Limited sewer hookups: Many campgrounds offer only water and electric connections. At Coneross Park Campground, "There's no sewer hookups because its an old Corp of Engineers park, but the dump stations are modern and nice," explains Catherine O. Plan accordingly for longer stays.
Pet restrictions: While dog friendly campgrounds at Hartwell Lake welcome pets, rules vary. "Campgrounds typically require pets to be leashed at all times outside camping units. Dogs need to always be on leash and there's no alcohol allowed, which is a bit of a bummer," mentions Tommy S. about Coneross Park Campground.
Playground access: Several pet-friendly Hartwell Lake campgrounds feature play areas near the water. "There are two beaches and multiple playgrounds, and the paved roads make for fun bike riding," notes Catherine O. about Coneross Park. These provide alternatives when water activities aren't possible.
Swimming safety: Beach areas offer safer swimming than random shorelines. "The beach is a five minute walk. There are two beaches and multiple playgrounds," points out Catherine O. regarding Coneross Park Campground. Morning swimming typically means calmer waters with less boat traffic.
Shaded sites: Summer heat requires planning for shade. "I believe every site is lake front. The view of the lake is amazing and perfect. Some sites have little beaches for access to the water," explains Talia R. about The Point at Lake Hartwell. Sites with afternoon shade provide welcome relief during hot months.
Fire ant awareness: Some campsites report ant issues. "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," warns Melissa R. about Lake Hartwell State Park Campground. Bring ant spray as a precaution.
Leveling requirements: Many sites need significant leveling. "The layout tends to give some sites a very good view and lots of room while others are very close, all have picnic tables and fire rings. The sites tend to be on the small side also," notes Windell S. about Watsadler. Bring extra leveling blocks.
Turn radius challenges: Some campgrounds have tight corners. "Getting to the campsites is pretty tight but once you are parked, it is just beautiful overlooking the lake," explains Benita P. about Tugaloo State Park. Larger rigs should research specific routes through campgrounds.
Lake access variations: Not all waterfront sites provide equal water entry. "Some sites have lake views and beach access where supervised pets can play," while others have "rocks if you want to make your way down those. Mine had rocks covered with wire thats been cut or broken so wasn't taking my chances there," explains Talia R. about The Point at Lake Hartwell.
Dump station timing: Plan departure times considering limited dump facilities. "The dump station has only a single drain, so last minute checkout leads to long lines," warns Windell S. about Watsadler. Early morning or mid-day dumping avoids congestion at popular pet-friendly Hartwell Lake campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hartwell Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hartwell Lake is Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell with a 4.7-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hartwell Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 172 dog-friendly camping locations near Hartwell Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
