Tugaloo State Park occupies a scenic peninsula on Lake Hartwell, a 55,590-acre reservoir on the Georgia-South Carolina border. This lakeside paradise offers 20 waterfront cottages (some with private docks!), 6 yurts, 105+ campsites, a sand beach, a six-lane mega boat ramp for tournaments, and endless opportunities for fishing, boating, and family fun.
💰 2026 Fee Increase
- Daily Parking: $5 → $10
- Annual Pass: $50 → $70
Lake Hartwell – 55,590 Acres
| Lake Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 💧 Size | 55,590 acres |
| 🗺️ Location | GA-SC border |
| 🚤 Boat Ramps | 2 ramps + 6-lane mega ramp! |
| 🎣 Fishing | Largemouth bass year-round |
| ⛵ Activities | Boating, skiing, sailing |
Cottages & Yurts
| Lodging | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Cottages | 20 (many on lake!) |
| ⛵ Private Docks | Some cottages have docks! |
| 🔥 Amenities | Full kitchen, fireplace, cable TV |
| 🛖 Yurts | 6 (sleeps 6 each) |
| ♿ ADA Yurt | 1 available |
| 🚫 Yurt Rules | No pets, no smoking, no A/C |
Camping – 105+ Sites
| Site Type | Count |
|---|---|
| 🚐 Tent/Trailer/RV | 105 (some seasonal) |
| 🚶 Walk-In Sites | 11 |
| Camping Amenities | Details |
|---|---|
| ⚡💧 Hookups | Electric & water at all sites |
| 📺 Cable TV | Some sites |
| 🌊 Lake Views | Many sites! |
| 🐕 Pets | Allowed (leashed) |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beach | Sand beach for swimming |
| 🛶 Rentals | Canoes & kayaks (seasonal) |
| 🥾 Hiking | Sassafras & Muscadine trails |
| ⛳ Mini Golf | Available (fee) |
| 🎾 Tennis/Volleyball | Courts available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Tugaloo SP — 393 acres on Lake Hartwell (56,000 acres). The park’s peninsula setting, mixed forest, and lake support bald eagles, osprey, and great blue herons. Largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie are abundant. White-tailed deer browse the shoreline.
Nearby Attractions
Lavonia — adjacent. Hart SP — 15 miles south. Toccoa Falls — 20 miles north. Clemson, SC — 20 miles east.
What’s special about cottages with private docks?
Several of Tugaloo’s 20 lakefront cottages have private boat docks for overnight guests—perfect for anglers and boaters who want to launch right from their cabin! Cottages include full kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces, cable TV, and screened porches with lake views.
What are the yurts like?
The park has 6 furnished yurts, each sleeping up to 6 people. They include electricity, water, heating, and a private deck. One yurt is ADA-accessible. Important: Yurts do NOT have air conditioning (ceiling fans only), and no pets or smoking are allowed inside.
Why is the mega boat ramp significant?
Tugaloo’s six-lane mega ramp is designed to accommodate large fishing tournaments and heavy boat traffic on Lake Hartwell. It’s one of the most efficient launch facilities on the lake, making the park a popular staging area for bass tournaments.
How much are the new 2026 parking fees?
Georgia State Parks increased fees in 2026. Daily parking is now $10 (up from $5), and the annual pass is $70 (up from $50). The annual pass is still excellent value if you visit multiple Georgia State Parks!
Can I bring my dog camping?
Yes! Pets are allowed in the campground if kept on a leash. However, pets are NOT permitted in yurts. If you’re traveling with pets, choose a campsite or one of the pet-friendly cottage options.
🌊 Lake Hartwell Paradise
Stay in a cottage with your own boat dock, camp lakeside, or glamp in a yurt. Launch from the mega ramp and fish for trophy bass. Visit the official Tugaloo State Park website for 2026 reservations.
Explore More Georgia State Parks
Tugaloo State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Georgia. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Georgia guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Hart State Outdoor Recreation Area is a short drive away, and Victoria Bryant State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Tugaloo State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Leashed dogs are welcome in Georgia State Parks, including campgrounds and most park trails, and must be accompanied by the owner at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required at all times; dogs may not be tied to trees or fences.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted in swimming areas or on beaches.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are banned from lodges, yurts and group camps; designated dog-friendly cottages are available for a $50 fee per dog (maximum 2 dogs) covering the entire stay.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $50 per dog (max 2) per stay in dog-friendly cottages.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Dogs prohibited on certain trails at Tallulah Gorge and Panola Mountain; fenced dog park at Laura S. Walker State Park; 'Tails on Trails Club' rewards program.
Are dogs allowed at Tugaloo State Park?
Leashed dogs are welcome in Georgia State Parks, including campgrounds and most park trails, and must be accompanied by the owner at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gastateparks.org. More: Georgia state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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