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Cabins at Lake Hartwell State Park feature electricity, beds, and picnic tables on waterfront lots with air conditioning for hot summer months. Tugaloo State Park and Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday provide lakeside cabin options with varying levels of amenities, from rustic to modern conveniences. At Lake Hartwell, cabins are positioned with "gentle slope to a nice beach" for cabins 1 and 2, offering direct water access. Thousand Trails Carolina Landing features cabin rentals alongside their RV sites, though spaces between accommodations tend to be limited. "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."
Most KOA-style cabins near Hartwell require reservations, especially during summer months when lake activities are popular. Depending on the location, pet policies vary, with some properties like Carolina Landing allowing pets while others enforce restrictions. One visitor noted that Camp Unhitched, a newer addition to cabin options in the area, is now available for booking through The Dyrt. The Point at Lake Hartwell and Big Water Marina & RV Park offer additional cabin rental options with varying amenities. Cabins at Richard B. Russell State Park include both standard and deluxe options with electricity, water hookups, and lake views.
Linens, towels, and toiletries are typically not provided in rustic cabins, so visitors should pack their own bedding and personal items. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between properties, with some offering basic cooking equipment while others provide only outdoor fire rings for meal preparation. Camp stores at locations like Hartwell Lakeside KOA Holiday and Big Water Marina sell essential supplies, though selection is limited. A camper mentioned that Carolina Landing lacks a camp store, which is "strange for such a large RV park" with cabin rentals. Basic groceries and camping supplies are available in Hartwell and Lavonia for more extensive needs.
"Tugaloo state Park: This Georgia State Park offers a multitude of activities from hiking, paddling, boating, fishing, swimming, putt putt, tennis/pickleball court and biking the park roads to name a few"
"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."
from $27 - $230 / night
Check Availability"Happening upon Lake Hartwell State Park, was a find! We were traveling light, heading to the Hendersonville, NC area for bagging waterfalls and cascades and some ridge hikes."
"Lake Hartwell State Park was a welcome relief after staying at an overcrowded RV resort. There was more privacy and definitely more shade."
"There was trash in our fire ring and the picnic table at our site should probably be put out of its misery."
"The only thing that sucked is that we had a very tight spot and did not have much is any room for a porch. The ground is not very level at all although some sites have a wood deck, ours didn't."
"The park offers bicycle rentals, a swimming pool, plenty of picnic areas, multiple spots to play in the creek and some great hiking trails!"
"28 for platform tent location. Close to showers and everything you need. Water pump, electric, overhead light, picnic bench, and fire ring. Great value!"
from $30 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"Boat rentals are available as well as paddle boards and kayaks."
"My family and I enjoyed camping on the beach here by the lake. The campground had a lot to offer. There was a restaurant/bar , playground, Marina, stage with live bands."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $90 / night
"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."
"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"
"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"
from $47 - $97 / night
Check Availability"It was super hot when we went, but the park is full of a lot to offer. The beach is nice and was never crowded. We hiked and biked the trails. They are well maintained."
"Bath house was clean but a decent uphill walk away from most sites as there is only one. Plenty of boat ramps, beach, golf course."
from $34 - $185 / night
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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.
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.
RangerWe stayed on site #25 in early August but due to the elevation the weather was mild.
There were plenty of activities to keep us busy at the park and the staff was friendly and helpful.
One thing that surprised us and worth mentioning is that even though the park is massive, the campground appears to have been an afterthought as it, and the sites are generally very small. It would be nice to see them expand it and make the changes to increase the size of sites.
Also, as we have seen at other parks kids on e-bikes is becoming a real problem and safety concern. Young children, many not wearing helmets, continually racing around the campground with no regard for speed limits or traffic signs. It is a recipe for an injury or an unfortunate fatality.
Hopefully parks will begin addressing this issue.
GuideWe have been to this location several times and never had a bad experience. The staff are wonderful. The grounds are well maintained. The environment is beautiful. Kids are safe and there is a lot for everyone to do.
RangerEnjoyed a week long stay in late July, being at a higher elevation the weather was great. Sunny and comfortable during the day and cool crisp evenings in the 60's.
The access road is a bit steep but wasn't too bad for our RAM 4x4 pulling a 21 ft. trailer.
There are some larger sites but many of them are on the short side so be sure to confirm it will be deep enough for your needs before reserving.
I have to give a big kudos for the volunteer camp hosts on site, one night at dark there was a storm/tornada watch issues and the hosts and park ranger went to every site and advised everyone to seek shelter in the bathhouses.
The storm passed in about an hour and everyone was safe, but it is GREAT to know that the staff responded in a professional manner to assure everyone's safety.
Loved our stay, everyone was friendly and pleasant, hope we can get back again soon.
TravelerOriginally intended to do some car camping after a day of hiking but I ended up reserving a camp site and grabbing a tent from a near by Walmart and I enjoyed every minute of it. This may not matter to most but it may matter to some...I am a black male and although I didn't see many people that looked like me, everyone was extremely friendly. Definitely got a lot more attention than I would have liked but at least I knew pple were looking out for me lol. Beautiful scenery, fun trails, fishing, a full outdoor experience.
TravelerStayed here a few times at different sites and always love it! I tent camp, so can't speak to the cabins or RV sites. Never too busy when I've gone in May and August. Tent sites are right on the water, so it's easy to move between swimming and your site. Other campers have been friendly. Water spigots near the campsites that usually run clear, I've drank from them with no issue. If you're keen on an air mattress, you can usually find an empty RV site to plug in your pump and then just carry the inflated mattress to your site. No drive ups, though sites like T10-13 are pretty darn close to the parking. T1-2 are a bit further from their closest parking, but still not bad. 1/2 are a bit set off from the rest with a fairly steep drop off that overlooks the beach, so be careful! Small trail leads you down to the water. 9 and 10-13 are close together, with 9 a bit set apart. Can't speak to the other sites personally. Boats don't come too close to the swimming sections by the campsites which is nice. Good mix of sun and shade. Got absolutely poured on (even inside my tent) one trip and still had a great time, easy place to have fun. Nearest grocery store is pretty far, so make one trip for supplies on the way up and enjoy camping the rest of the time.
Lake Hartwell spans 56,000 acres along the Georgia-South Carolina border with 962 miles of shoreline. Winter temperatures at cabin rentals near Hartwell average 40-55°F while summer months often exceed 90°F with high humidity. Cabin accommodations range from rustic shelters to fully furnished lakefront units with varying access to water activities.
Boat access from campsites: At Lake Hartwell State Park, water activities dominate recreation options. "If you are into water sports (kayaking, Paddle boarding, boating or fishing) this is a perfect park. No sewer hookups but each loop has a dump station. We stayed at site 42 lake view and level with a little incline to pad," notes Richard F.
Swimming at rock slides: Natural water features provide alternatives to standard beaches. Victoria Bryant State Park offers unique swimming spots beyond the standard pool. "We spent most of the day there, and the weather (late August) was perfect! The kids MOST enjoyed the 'rock slide' in the creek," reports Sonyia W.
Fishing from your campsite: Many lakefront sites allow fishing directly from your temporary property. At Tugaloo State Park, "most campsites have views of the lake and access directly to the stoney beaches. Lots of mature trees make shade an easily accessible feature. Water, power and cable at the sites with grey water dumps very numerous," according to Maggie G.
Lakeside views: Campers consistently praise the waterfront locations. "Lots of boats on the lake in summer but there is awesome beach access from the campsites. Great spot for summer!" shares Jessica D. about Tugaloo State Park.
Sheltered tent sites: Victoria Bryant State Park offers unique covered platforms for tent camping. "All of the tent sites are sheltered platforms, with electricity, potable water and an overhead light. Rain or shine, you can have a good time (and stay dry) at Victoria Bryant," explains Everette G.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards at regional parks receive positive mentions. "The shower facilities are very clean!! The lots are pretty good size and they have a lot of options," reports Chanda P. about Victoria Bryant State Park.
Site spacing varies: Some campgrounds pack sites closely together. At Carolina Landing, "the sites are very close together throughout most of the park. The park also has lots of hills which can be a challenge for some RVs. There are also some very tight turns on these hills," cautions Laura H.
Reservation strategies: Many lakefront sites book quickly during peak season. "This is a beautiful park. All of Georgia's state parks are nice, this is one of the nicest. Most sites are right on the lake. It's very popular in summer and reservations are necessary," advises Joel R. about Tugaloo State Park.
Fire ant presence: Be prepared for insects, particularly at certain times of year. "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.
Playground alternatives: Richard B Russell State Park offers beach access for kids. "The beach is nice and was never crowded. We hiked and biked the trails. They are well maintained," shares Jennifer K.
Activity planning: Schedule around crowds for the best experience. "It gets busy on weekends," notes Jennifer W. about Lake Hartwell State Park, adding that the campground has "one of the 'free little libraries' so I could grab a new book when I finished mine."
Cabin selection for families: Consider water access when booking cabins with children. "Great view in Cabins 1 and 2. Gentle slope to a nice beach as well for those two cabins," recommends Kenny T. when describing Lake Hartwell State Park's cabin options.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require adjustments for comfortable parking. At The Point at Lake Hartwell, "there are not any concrete pads but you can tell they have tried their best to make the sites level & better accessible by clearing up the area & removing some of the trees," explains Jackie J.
Interior roads: Some parks have difficult navigation for larger units. At Carolina Landing, "when you enter the park make sure you stay to the left of the sign. We made the mistake of going straight our first time at this park and almost lost our 5th wheel at the turn around by the lake," warns Laura H.
Site selection: For RVers, certain spots offer significantly better experiences. Kevin A. recommends Tugaloo State Park: "My wife and I decided to make a last minute trip to Tugaloo State Park this past weekend. The sites were large and spacious. We were in site #8 right on the lake. Water, electric and cable tv connections."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Hartwell, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Hartwell, GA is Tugaloo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 43 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 46 cabin camping locations near Hartwell, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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