Lake Hartwell State Park
South Carolina

Lake Hartwell State Park

Available Activities
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Cabins
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Lake Hartwell State Park sits on the shores of a 56,000-acre reservoir—109 paved campsites, camper cabins with A/C, 140ft fishing pier, and world-class bass fishing on 962 miles of shoreline!

Camping & Cabins

AccommodationDetails
🏕️ Paved Sites109 (water + electric)
Walk-in Tent13 sites
🏠 Camper CabinsA/C, heat, bunk + double bed
🚐 RV LengthUp to 40 feet

Fishing Paradise

FishBest For
🐟 Striped Bass10/day limit (3 over 26″)
🐟 LargemouthMajor League events!
🎣 Pier140-foot fishing pier
🚤 Boat Ramps2 + courtesy dock

FAQ

Is there a beach?

No designated beach, but plenty of shallow shoreline for wading. Springfield Campground (USACE) has a swimming area.

🐟 South Carolina’s Bass Fishing Mecca

Reserve at SC State Parks.

Location & Getting There

Lake Hartwell State Park is located in South Carolina. The park’s coordinates are 34.4947, -83.0317. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.

Quick Facts

  • Location: South Carolina
  • Coordinates: 34.4947, -83.0317
  • Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
  • Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)

Things to Do

South Carolina parks stretch from Blue Ridge Mountains to Lowcountry coast. Activities include hiking waterfall trails, swimming at beaches, kayaking cypress swamps and salt marshes, fishing for bass and redfish, camping in Spanish moss-draped settings, and exploring antebellum and Revolutionary War heritage.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are ideal with comfortable temperatures. Summer brings intense heat inland — coastal and mountain parks offer relief. Winter is mild, especially along the coast.

Visitor Tips

Admission $3-$8 per adult. Annual pass $99.95. Reservations through southcarolinaparks.com. Insect repellent is essential in Lowcountry parks May through September.

Explore More South Carolina State Parks

Lake Hartwell State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in South Carolina. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Carolina guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: February 20, 2026

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