Lake Hartwell, Georgia

Located on the border of South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Hartwell is one of the most popular destinations for outdoor recreation in the Southeast. This large man-made reservoir was created by the construction of Hartwell Dam on the Savannah River in the 1950s, and it is now used for power generation, flood control, and recreation. Lake Hartwell has a surface area of approximately 56,000 acres and over 960 miles of shoreline, making it one of the largest lakes in the southeastern United States. The lake is surrounded by scenic forested hills and offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming.

The lake is also home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped and hybrid bass, catfish, and crappie, making it a popular destination for anglers. In addition, the lake’s clear waters make it a great spot for water sports, such as wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing.

Lake Hartwell is also a popular destination for camping and hiking. The lake has several campgrounds and parks, including Hartwell Dam and Lake Hartwell Recreation Area, which offer a range of amenities, including picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and boat ramps.

Overall, Lake Hartwell is a beautiful and popular destination in Georgia that offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. But what’s special about this lake? What makes it so unique? To answer those questions, let’s look back at Lake Hartwell’s history.

The History Of Lake Hartwell

Lake Hartwell, located in the northeastern part of Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The Savannah River, which flows along the Georgia-South Carolina border, was known for its rapids and shoals, which made it difficult for boats to navigate. As a result, there were few settlements or towns along the river.

In the 1930s, the federal government began considering the construction of a dam on the Savannah River to provide flood control and hydroelectric power for the region. However, these plans were put on hold during World War II. After the war, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers resumed its efforts to build a dam on the Savannah River. The project was named the Hartwell Dam after Nancy Hart, a Revolutionary War heroine who lived in the area. Construction began in the mid-1950s, and the dam was completed in 1963.

The Hartwell Dam created a reservoir that covered over 56,000 acres of land and had more than 960 miles of shoreline. The lake was named Lake Hartwell and quickly became a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. Over the years, Lake Hartwell has played an important role in the region’s economy and culture. It has provided hydroelectric power to homes and businesses throughout the area and has attracted tourists and visitors from across the country.

Today, Lake Hartwell remains an important part of Georgia’s history and is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is one of the most popular fishing spots in the region, with anglers coming from far and wide to cast their lines in pursuit of largemouth bass, stripers, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. The lake also offers plenty of other recreational activities such as camping, hiking, swimming, and boating.

Attractions that Can Not be Missed at Lake Hartwell

In 1977, a portion of land around the lake was set aside by South Carolina as part of its state park system. Since then, Lake Hartwell State Park has become one of the most visited parks in South Carolina—drawing thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. The park features more than 1,000 acres of woodlands that are home to an array of wildlife species including deer, foxes, and turkeys. It also includes six boat ramps for easy access to the lake itself as well as two campgrounds with over 180 campsites available for overnight stays.

Best Camping Spots at Lake Hartwell, Georgia

If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque lake and want to know where the best camping spots are, look no further! This guide will give you all the information you need to plan your perfect camping trip.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates 10 campgrounds around Lake Hartwell with more than 200 campsites available for RVers and tent campers. The most popular spots are River Forks Park, Singing Pines Recreation Area, and Twin Lakes Recreation Area.

Exploring Nature at River Forks Park in Lake Hartwell, Georgia

Let’s take a closer look at all the beauty that River Forks Park has to offer.

Hiking Trails

River Forks Park offers just over 10 miles of trails, which range from leisurely strolls on paved sidewalks to moderate hikes on wooded trails. These trails are perfect for enjoying the beauty of Lake Hartwell while getting some exercise. The park also offers several sites with picnic tables and grills located along the trail so you can enjoy a meal as you take in the views.

Bird Watching

River Forks Park is home to a variety of birds including ospreys, eagles, herons, cranes, kingfishers, wrens, woodpeckers, and more. Bird watchers can take advantage of the observation decks located throughout the park or grab their binoculars and explore the trails on foot. There is even an annual Spring Bird Count event hosted by local bird experts who will be able to help identify any unusual species that may be spotted during your visit.

Fishing & Boating

If fishing is your thing then River Fork Park has plenty to offer in that department as well. With its easy access to Lake Hartwell, there are plenty of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to wet their lines and see what they can catch. There are also boat ramps available should you want to bring your own boat or rent one nearby. You can also take advantage of kayak rentals if paddling around is more your speed!

Getaway at Singing Pines Recreation Area

Are you looking for a beautiful, family-friendly getaway? Look no further than Singing Pines Recreation Area at Lake Hartwell, Georgia. This stunning location is perfect for camping, fishing, boating, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Singing Pines so special.

Campsites and Cabins

Singing Pines offers an array of lodging options to suit any budget. Choose from primitive tent sites or one of the many modern campsites that are equipped with electric and water hookups. There are also several cozy cabins available if you’re looking for a more comfortable stay. All of the campsites have easy access to the lake, making them ideal for boaters and fishermen alike.

Fishing and Boating

Lake Hartwell is home to some of the best bass fishing in Georgia, with plenty of largemouth and smallmouth bass waiting to test your angling skills. Boaters will find plenty to do as well; there are miles of shoreline to explore and several islands that can be accessed by boat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even explore some of the tributary streams that feed into the lake!

Activities Onsite

When you’re not out on the lake or exploring nearby towns, there’s plenty to do at Singing Pines itself. There’s a large swimming pool with a waterfall where visitors can cool off during hot summer days. The campground also offers volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, basketball courts, and playgrounds for kids of all ages! And don’t forget about the picnic area–a great spot for enjoying meals with friends or family during your stay.

Explore Twin Lakes Recreation Area at Lake Hartwell, Georgia

Are you looking for a perfect getaway? A great place to enjoy the outdoors and take in some breathtaking views? Then you should check out the Twin Lakes Recreation Area at Lake Hartwell, Georgia. This area was created to help visitors make the most of their time in one of the most beautiful places in all of Georgia. Here is why you should visit this amazing spot!

What’s Great About Twin Lakes Recreation Area?

The Twin Lakes Recreation Area offers visitors a great chance to explore some stunning natural beauty. From hiking trails, cycling paths, and water activities like fishing and boating, there’s something for everyone here. The lake is also surrounded by several parks that provide plenty of opportunities for family fun as well as relaxing picnics and barbecues. Whether you are looking for a picturesque camping experience or just an afternoon out on the lake, this recreation area has it all.

The Park Ranger Station is located at the entrance to the park and provides helpful information about what activities are available in the area as well as safety guidelines for those who plan on spending time on or near the lake. The Rangers can also provide maps that outline all of the park’s facilities for visitors who wish to explore further into this amazing area. Additionally, guests can purchase fishing licenses here if they plan on doing any angling while visiting!

This recreation area also features many amenities such as boat ramps, restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more! There are even several campsites available where visitors can spend a night outdoors while taking in all that nature has to offer here at Lake Hartwell. And if you want to stay longer than just one day, there are numerous cabins located around the lakeshore which make staying over much easier than setting up a tent each night!

The Best Fishing Spots at Lake Hartwell, Georgia

Boasting over 50,000 acres of lake surface to explore, there are a variety of different types of fish that can be caught here.  Let’s take a look at some of the best fishing spots that Lake Hartwell has to offer.

Boating Creek Area

Boating Creek is located on the northeast side of Lake Hartwell and is one of the most popular spots for bass fishing. With an abundance of large rocks and stumps scattered around this area, it makes a perfect habitat for largemouth bass. Experienced anglers have found success with crankbaits and spinnerbaits in this area as well as soft plastics like worms or jigs when targeting larger fish. During summer months, topwater lures can also be effective when targeting bass during low light hours just before sunrise or after sunset.

Big Water Area

The Big Water area is located near Singing Pines Campground on the northwest side of Lake Hartwell. This area offers a wide variety of fish species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Anglers have had luck using top-water lures such as buzz baits or poppers during daylight hours when targeting largemouth bass. During winter months smallmouth bass can be targeted with crankbaits or jigs close to wood coverings along shorelines.

Twin Points Area

Twin Points is located near Portman Marina on the south end of Lake Hartwell and offers ample opportunities for anglers looking to target striped bass and hybrid striped bass. Experienced anglers have found success trolling deep-diving crankbaits along rocky points during summer months while others have had luck using live shad under bobbers close to brushing piles during cooler times of the year. Anglers should also consider using top-water lures early in the morning or late evenings during warmer weather months when targeting both striped and hybrid striped bass in this area.

Conclusion:

Lake Hartwell offers something for fishermen at every skill level. From shallow water areas filled with rock structures and wood coverings to deeper points where trolling can be effective; there’s no shortage of places to explore when searching for your next great catch! So whether you’re looking to target largemouth or smallmouth bass, crappie or catfish; or if you want to try your luck with stripers – Lake Hartwell has it all! Visit soon and see what this lake has to offer!

Source:

https://www.lakehartwellguide.com/post/lake-hartwell-camping-tour-campgrounds-on-lake-hartwell

https://koa.com/campgrounds/hartwell-lakeside/

https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/discover/south-carolina/lake-hartwell

https://www.lakehartwellguide.com/post/lake-hartwell-fishing-what-you-need-to-know

https://www.n-georgia.com/lake-hartwell-fishing.html