Hartwell, Georgia camping destinations surround the 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell with over 962 miles of shoreline spanning the Georgia-South Carolina border. The area maintains a moderate climate with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below freezing, creating year-round camping opportunities. Most campgrounds sit between 650-700 feet elevation, providing relatively flat terrain for camping while still offering wooded surroundings.
What to do
Boating access points: Springfield Campground offers direct lake access with a quality boat ramp. "We stayed on site 7 for 4 nights and then site 68 for 2 nights. Water access wasn't the best on 7, but we enjoyed it. The park and hosts were nice. This campground has a nice boat ramp, most sites are good size, bathrooms and bathhouse generously spread out and is mostly quiet," notes a camper at Springfield - Hartwell Lake.
Kayaking from campsites: Many sites allow launching directly from your campsite without needing to transport equipment. "This is a great campground. Lots of spacious campsites. Lots of choices. 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," reports a visitor at Tugaloo State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: The area offers multiple trails ranging from shoreline paths to woodland routes. "We hiked the Sassafras Loop trail which follows the lake shore most of time and great views the rest. Our dogs loved all the space," shares a camper. Some trails connect directly to campgrounds, allowing easy access without driving.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Nearly all Hartwell area campgrounds feature waterfront sites with direct lake views. "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. Others have rocks if you want to make your way down those," explains a visitor at Springfield - Hartwell Lake.
Yurt options: For those seeking yurt camping near Hartwell, Georgia, several parks offer these unique accommodations. "Tugaloo State Park provides yurts as well. Great views from them," notes a camper. These yurt facilities at Lake Hartwell provide solid structures with real beds while maintaining a connection to nature.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight well-maintained bathhouses and grounds. "The bathrooms were always clean and seem to have been recently redone. Sites were small but not overly so," shares a reviewer from Oconee State Park Campground. Park staff typically service facilities daily.
What you should know
Site variations: Many campgrounds feature dramatically different site conditions even within the same loop. "The sites are big, with trees in between most sites. Most sites are a stones throw away from the lake. There are no hook ups for sewer. But there is a dump station," explains a camper.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons (May-September), lakefront sites fill quickly. "It's very popular in summer and reservations are necessary. When we were there there was a heated dispute between two families over who had reserved a site!" warns a visitor at Sadlers Creek State Park Campground.
Water level fluctuations: Lake Hartwell's water levels can vary significantly based on season and drought conditions. "We needed to buy a ladder to reach the water from our site," notes one camper. These fluctuations may affect how easily you can access the water from your site.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: The shallow, gentle shoreline at many campgrounds makes for safe swimming areas. "The lake is beautiful, there are plenty of places to swim, and tons of shoreline to explore. We swam almost all day every day we were here," shares a visitor at Sadlers Creek State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer children's play areas. "We were impressed with the large number of pull through sites and the cleanliness of the campground. There are several large play areas in walking distance," notes a family staying at South Cove County Park.
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for deer, rabbits, and various bird species. "There were warning signs for bears, but we saw no trace of them," mentions a camper at Oconee State Park. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many lakeside sites require careful leveling. "Campsites are often uneven with a lot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV," advises a visitor at Oconee State Park Campground.
Limited big rig access: Some campgrounds have tight turns and narrow roads. "Not big rig friendly. I have a 43ft 5th Wheel and it was very tight navigating through the park," warns a reviewer at Tugaloo State Park Campground.
Full hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer water and electric only. "No sites with sewer, but dump station has two receptacles so there was no wait to dump tanks on way out," reports an RVer. Plan accordingly for longer stays with limited sewer connections.
