Situated on a wooded peninsula, this 393-acre park offers spectacular views of 55,590-acre Lake Hartwell in every direction.
Fishing is excellent year-round, and largemouth bass are plentiful. During summer, the lake is a popular destination for swimming, water skiing, sailing and boating. Some cottages even have private boat docks for overnight guests, and tent campers can choose between the developed campground, walk-in sites and yurts. The Sassafras and Muscadine trails wind through oak, walnut, mulberry and cherry trees. The name “Tugaloo” comes from a Native American name for the river, which once flowed freely before the construction of Hartwell Dam.
Low Water at the Swimming Area
The park reports that the designated swimming area is not accessible because of low water levels, though the beach itself remains open. Call 706-356-4362 for current lake conditions.
- Address1763 Tugaloo State Park Rd., Lavonia, GA 30553
- Park Hours7 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily
- Office Hours8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Parking Fee$10 per vehicle (ParkPass)
- Park Phone706-356-4362
- Campsite, Yurt & Cottage Reservations1-800-864-7275
- GPS CoordinatesN 34.499100, W -83.078100
Driving directions: Take I-85 to Exit 173 and follow park signs to Gerrard Road; turn right. Go 1.5 miles to GA Hwy 328 and turn left. Go 3.3 miles to the park entrance on the right.
Park Amenities
- 393 acres on Lake Hartwell
- 105 tent, RV & trailer campsites (some seasonal)
- 11 walk-in campsites
- 6 yurts
- 1 pioneer campground
- 20 cottages (some dog friendly)
- 7 picnic shelters
- Group shelter (seats 60)
- Pavilion (seats 60)
- Sand beach & bathhouse
- 6-lane megaramp & 2 smaller boat ramps
- Seasonal kayak & canoe rental
- Largemouth bass fishing
- 4 miles of hiking trails
- Tennis & volleyball courts
- Miniature golf (fee)
- Horseshoes
- GeoCaching
- Weddings (park approval required)
Camping
Standard & Premium Waterfront Sites
35-foot sites hold 1 tent, 2 tents, a pop-up trailer, or a trailer or motorhome up to 35 feet. Water, 30-amp electric, cable, picnic table, grill and fire ring. Comfort stations with washer and dryer. Premium sites sit right on the water. Maximum 6 people and 2 vehicles per site.
Pioneer Campsite
A primitive, rugged group site on the lake, 10-person minimum, with a group leader at least 18 years old. Water but no electricity; 3 Adirondack shelters, multiple tent pads and pit privies. Gear is hiked in about 50 yards; no vehicles allowed.
Walk-In Sites & Yurts
Eleven walk-in tent sites and six yurts round out the options for campers who want something between a tent pad and a cottage.
Cottages
Lakefront Cottages 1–4 & 16–19
Two bedrooms with 2 double beds each, sleeping 8. Cottages 1–4 have two half baths with a shared shower; 16–19 have 2 full baths. Linens provided. Equipped kitchen, wood stove (wood not provided), heat/AC and cable TV. No phone. Open deck, picnic table and grill.
Lakefront Cottages 5–10
Two bedrooms with two double beds each, sleeping 8, and one full bath. Linens provided. Fully equipped kitchen, fireplace (wood not provided), heat/AC and cable TV. No phone. Screened porch, picnic table and grill.
Lakefront Cottages 11A & 11–15
Two bedrooms with two double beds each, sleeping 8, and two full baths. Fully equipped kitchen, fireplace (wood not provided), heat/AC and cable TV. No phone. Open decks, picnic table and grill.
Group & Picnic Shelters
All visitors are required to have a ParkPass.
Group Shelter
Enclosed waterfront shelter seating 60, with heat, AC, attached restrooms, a full kitchen, tables, chairs, ceiling fans and two small grills. The trail to the day-use area is 1/8 mile.
Picnic Shelters
Seven open-sided covered shelters, most on the waterfront, each with a grill and restrooms 50–100 yards away. Parking is in the beach lot, with a 15-minute loading zone at each shelter. Shelter #5 sits below the park office next to the boat ramp, and #7 is handicap accessible.
Plan the rest of your trip with our guide to things to do at Lake Hartwell.