Photo: Mx. Granger, public domain (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons
Lake Hartwell is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake of about 56,000 acres on the Savannah River, shared by Georgia and South Carolina. On the Georgia side, around the towns of Hartwell and Lavonia, it is a lake of wooded peninsulas, Corps campgrounds and two lakeside parks, with fewer crowds than the lakes closer to Atlanta. The town of Hartwell is about 106 miles from downtown Atlanta. Here are the best things to do at Lake Hartwell.
- From AtlantaAbout 106 miles to the town of Hartwell, 2 hours 7 minutes without traffic
- SizeAbout 56,000 acres
- Managed byU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Georgia countiesHart, Franklin and Stephens
Top Things to Do at Lake Hartwell
1. Tugaloo State Park
A 393-acre wooded peninsula near Lavonia with lake views in every direction, cottages with boat docks, yurts, a campground and trails. Low water can close the swimming area, so call ahead. $10 ParkPass.
2. Hartwell Lakeside Park
The former Hart State Park, now run by the City of Hartwell, with a day-use boat ramp, picnic shelters and a privately operated lakeside campground. Call ahead to confirm fees.
3. Corps campgrounds and parks
The Corps runs campgrounds and day-use parks on both sides of the lake. Campsites book through Recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777.
4. Fishing for hybrids and stripers
Hartwell is a top lake for hybrid and striped bass, with largemouth and spotted bass and crappie. See our Lake Hartwell fishing outlook.
5. Hart County WMA
Public land near the lake for hunting in season and wildlife watching.
6. Victoria Bryant State Park
A 502-acre park near Royston with a stream through the middle, trails, camping and a golf course. $10 ParkPass.
7. Toccoa Falls
About 30 minutes north, the 186-foot Toccoa Falls is an easy walk on a college campus. See our things to do in Toccoa guide.
8. Downtown Hartwell
A small courthouse town with shops and restaurants a few minutes from the lake, and a handy base for boat rentals and supplies.
Advertise on Lake Hartwell
Own a marina, rental, campground, restaurant or guide service on Lake Hartwell? Put it in front of visitors planning their trip. See our advertising options or download the 2026 media kit (PDF).
Events and Seasons
Summer is boating and swimming season, but check water levels in dry years, when low water can close beaches and ramps. Spring and fall are best for fishing, and the cooler months bring migrating waterfowl to the coves.
Nearby Towns and Trip Planning
Hartwell is close to Clarkesville and Clayton in the mountains. For fishing seasons and hot spots, see our fishing outlook. Compare this lake with Lake Lanier, Clarks Hill Lake or Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair, or see them all in the best lakes in Georgia. Before you swim, read our outdoor safety tips, and for overnight stays see best Georgia state parks for camping and our lodging and accommodations listings.
Common Questions
How far is Lake Hartwell from Atlanta?
The town of Hartwell is about 106 miles from downtown Atlanta, roughly 2 hours 7 minutes by car without traffic. Lavonia and Tugaloo State Park are a little closer via I-85.
Is Hart State Park still open?
Yes, but it is no longer a state park. The City of Hartwell now runs it as Hartwell Lakeside Park, and the campground is privately operated.
Is Lake Hartwell in Georgia or South Carolina?
Both. The Savannah River is the state line, so the lake is shared. A Georgia or South Carolina fishing license is honored on the main lake under a reciprocal agreement; check current rules for tributaries.
Sources we checked
Facts on this page were checked against official sources and our own detailed pages. Drive times are from downtown Atlanta (Five Points) using OpenStreetMap routing and do not include traffic. Hours, fees and event dates change, so confirm before you go:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Hartwell Lake parks, campgrounds and lake facts
- Georgia State Parks: Tugaloo and Victoria Bryant; 2026 ParkPass rate
- City of Hartwell: Hartwell Lakeside Park
Spot something out of date? Email Contact@n-georgia.com and we’ll check it against the official source. Read how we research our guides.