Lake Hartwell State Park
- Status
- Status not posted
- Entrance fee
- $3 per adultAnnual pass available
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed6-ft leash
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- southcarolinaparks.com(864) 972-3352
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 283 acres, Lake Hartwell State Park lies in Oconee County, about 13 miles south of Seneca.
The park supports historic sites, boating, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching. Water access includes a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites and tent sites). Roofed lodging includes cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office | Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Apr 1 – Oct 31 |
| Daily | 11 a.m. – noon | Nov 1 – Mar 31 |
Official wording
9 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily April-Oct. and 11 a.m. - noon & 4 - 5 p.m., daily Nov.-March
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Fees and passes
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| $3 adults; | $3 · adult |
| $1.50 SC seniors; | $1.50 · senior |
| $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free | $1 · child |
Official wording
$3 adults; $1.50 SC seniors; $1 children age 6-15; age 5 & younger free
South Carolina park passes
- ALL Park Passport — $99 Details
From the South Carolina state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- SC State Parks reservation system (reserve.southcarolinaparks.com)
- Phone
- 1-866-345-PARK (7275)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed · leash up to 6 feet
Pets are allowed in Carolina Camper Cabins 1, 2 and 5. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife. Pets are allowed in Carolina Camper Cabins 1, 2 and 5. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners will be asked to remove noisy or dangerous pets or pets that threaten or harass wildlife.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
Camping Information: The camping area provides easy access to the shoreline of Lake Hartwell. All sites are convenient to hot showers and restrooms.
Standard Sites with Elec. & Water: 109 paved sites with individual water and electrical hook-ups. Many sites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet.
Designated Tent Sites: 13 walk-in tent sites include tent pads
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Cabins/Villas: 8 units
Lodging Information: Lake Hartwell State Park has eight camper cabins available for rent on a year-round basis. These cabins provide the camping experience for those who prefer a roof over their head.
The cabins are 12 x 12 feet and include: one set of bunk beds, one double bed, a six-foot front porch facing the lake, heating and air conditioning, indoor lights, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi access. Each cabin is also equipped with a mini fridge, lamp, microwave, and coffee pot.
There is no running water inside the camper cabin, and linens are not provided. All cooking must also be done outside. A water spigot, fire ring and grill are located onsite, and camper cabin guests have access to the camping comfort stations.
Cabins 1, 2 and 5 are pet friendly and Cabin 7 is ADA accessible.
Cabins/Villas: 8
Things to do
FishingBoatingPicnickingWildlife viewing and birdingHikingHistoric sites and toursCampingSwimming
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature Trail | 1 mi | Easy to moderate | Length: 1 Mile loop |
| Kingfisher Trail | 0.25 mi | Easy | Length: .25 miles out-and-back |
Trail descriptions from the park
Nature Trail
Length: 1 Mile loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: On this short, but hilly, out-and-back dirt path through a quiet forest of pine and oak, you will wind along a ravine, creek and pass scenic views of Lake Hartwell. As you climb steep terraces constructed by farmers who harvested crops on this land generations ago, watch for snakes, green lizards, squirrels, fox, a variety of birds, and other wildlife amid fern and brightly colored wild flowers. When the trail ends at the park road, you have the option of returning the way you came, or turning right on the paved park road to loop back to the parking area. Trail parking and the trailhead itself begins across the road from the Visitors Center Parking Area, adjacent to the Park Shelter.
Kingfisher Trail
Length: .25 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Located alongside a beautiful cove, this short trail offers visitors a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy a short walk through the woods. The trail begins in the corner of the Day-Use parking area (look for the sign that reads KINGFISHER TRAIL) and ends up at the scenic 140 foot fishing pier. Along the trail you will find a picnic table and various spots to fish. A restroom facility is also located nearby.
Swimming
Swimming: Swimming is permitted in Lake Hartwell at your own risk. There is no designated swimming area and no lifeguards on duty.
Boating and paddling
Boating and Boat Access: Two boat ramps provide private boat access to Lake Hartwell. There is also a newly-installed courtesy dock in the boat launch area, now available for use.
Fishing
Fishing Information: Enjoy fishing in Lake Hartwell for largemouth bass, crappie, bream, stripers, hybrid bass, catfish.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Wi-Fi
- Group facilities
Water
- Boat ramp
Camping
- RV dump station
- Tent camping
- RV camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Getting there
- Address
- 19138-A HWY 11 S
Fair Play, SC 29643 - Nearest town
- Seneca — about 13 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 34.4947, -83.0316 (from Wikidata)
- Phone
- (864) 972-3352
- lakehartwell@scprt.com
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- South Carolina State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026
- South Carolina State Parks Park Finder (JSON embedded in #park-finder-component data-parks)
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Lake Hartwell State Park seen from the highway.jpg — CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication), Mx. Granger
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology