Lake Hartwell near Central, South Carolina sits at approximately 660 feet above sea level and covers about 56,000 acres with 962 miles of shoreline. The lake region maintains moderate temperatures year-round, with summer highs typically reaching 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 30°F. Several RV sites near Central, South Carolina feature full hook-up options with varying degrees of lake access.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Hartwell: Big Water Marina & RV Park offers direct access to the lake with boat rentals, paddleboards, and kayaks. "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," notes one visitor.
Hiking nearby trails: The area surrounding Central provides access to numerous hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. One camper at Thousand Trails Carolina Landing mentioned, "We went early in the morning to beat any sort of hiking rush. We enjoyed being on the top of the mountain by ourselves, sipping coffee and hot chocolate."
Attend local events: During summer holidays, many campgrounds host special activities. "They had all sorts of activities going on. Bingo, parade, fireworks, hotdogs and more!" reports a Fourth of July visitor at Carolina Landing.
What campers like
Lakefront access: The Point at Lake Hartwell offers campsites with direct lake access. A camper noted, "My Husband, Niece, Nephew & I just got back from spending a wonderful weekend @ The Point! Such a great carefree, quiet and peaceful place to stay!"
Clean facilities: Many RV parks in the area maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. At Crooked Creek RV Park & Marina, visitors appreciate the "Immaculate private bathrooms with sink, toilet & showers," along with "Pool and small playground."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Several campgrounds organize community activities. "During the football season on Friday nights live music can be enjoyed as well as a dinner buffet!" explains a camper at Tiger Stripes RV Campsites, adding "A free shuttle will take to you and from the game, so just enjoy the ride and skip the parking hassle!"
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the Lake Hartwell region require careful setup. One camper at Carolina Landing cautioned, "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."
Gate access restrictions: Several campgrounds lock their gates overnight. Visitors should plan accordingly when scheduling evening activities off-site.
Varied cell service quality: While cell reception is generally good around Central, coverage can become spotty in more remote areas. One Carolina Landing reviewer noted, "Cell Service: AT&T was minimal, T-Mobile was minimal."
Limited propane availability: Gatlin Ridge RV Park and other nearby campgrounds don't offer on-site propane filling. Plan to bring sufficient propane or locate filling stations in nearby towns.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Many Lake Hartwell campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational facilities. At Big Water Marina & RV Park, one family reported, "My kids had so much fun and can't wait to go camping here again" at a campground with "restaurant/bar, playground, Marina, stage with live bands."
Consider shaded sites in summer: The South Carolina heat can be intense. At Carolina Landing, a visitor observed, "The sites are very close together throughout most of the park" but noted the campground is "gorgeous, heavily wooded and lots of hills."
Pack water toys: With Lake Hartwell's extensive shoreline, water activities keep children entertained. Many lakefront campgrounds have designated swimming areas.
Check for scheduled activities: Some campgrounds organize family-friendly events. One Tiger Stripes RV Campsites visitor mentioned, "Great pool and pavilion's. Very golf cart friendly."
Tips from RVers
Navigate narrow access roads carefully: Hoppin Horse Farm RV site and other nearby campgrounds may have tight turns. RVers should scout their route before attempting to navigate with larger rigs.
Be prepared for variable site conditions: Many reviewers note significant differences between sites at the same campground. "Very tight between rigs if you're in a 30'+ rig. Water pressure and hookups have worked great," reported one Carolina Landing camper.
Reserve early for holiday weekends: Lake Hartwell campgrounds fill quickly during peak periods. "We visited over the 4th of July weekend and they had all sorts of activities going on," noted one visitor.
Consider bringing a golf cart: Several campgrounds have hilly terrain. "A golf cart is helpful to have, or bikes," suggested one Crooked Creek visitor.
