Lake Hartwell was named after the prominent 18th-century statesman and Revolutionary War hero Nancy Hart.
The reservoir encompasses nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline at its full pool elevation.
The park provides one of the few direct, state-managed access points to the lake from South Carolina Highway 11.
The lake serves as a major hydro-power source and a flood control mechanism for the Savannah River basin.
The Opossum Hollow Trail contains specific markers identifying various native Piedmont tree species.
Lake Hartwell State Park sits on the border of South Carolina and Georgia, providing direct access to the 56,000-acre man-made reservoir created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The park features 114 campsites, including both tent and RV sites with full utility hookups, positioned along the shoreline. Visitors utilize the park's two public boat ramps for motorized and non-motorized watercraft access to the lake. The area offers several miles of wooded hiking trails, including the two-mile Opossum Hollow Trail. Fishing remains a primary activity, with the lake known for populations of striped bass, largemouth bass, and crappie. The park facility also houses a community building available for group events and an expansive playground for children. Shoreline swimming is permitted, though no lifeguards are on duty at the park's designated water access points.
The elevated overlook point near the main entrance provides a panoramic view of the Tugaloo River arm.
Check for current lake water levels on the Army Corps of Engineers website before planning boating activities.
Bring bug spray if visiting between late spring and early autumn, as the lakeside environment attracts mosquitoes.
Reserve campsites well in advance, especially for weekends during the summer months.
Do not attempt to swim near boat ramps or in high-traffic navigation channels.
Pack out all trash to keep the shoreline clean; follow all state-mandated boating and fishing regulations.
