Boating At Lake Hartwell In Georgia

Free Public Boating & Watersport Activities

Lake Hartwell, nestled on the border between Georgia and South Carolina, is a sprawling reservoir that offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for visitors. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible for those residing in the surrounding regions, drawing in locals and tourists alike. With its vast waters and beautiful shoreline, Lake Hartwell serves as an idyllic destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a relaxing escape.

The area surrounding Lake Hartwell is abundant with nearby attractions to cater to a variety of interests. Just a short drive away is the charming town of Hartwell, where visitors can explore quaint shops, enjoy delicious local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the town's history and culture. Additionally, Hart State Outdoor Recreation Area, located nearby, offers hiking trails, picnicking spots, and beautiful views of the lake.

Boating enthusiasts are in for a treat at Lake Hartwell, with numerous marinas dotting its shores. These marinas provide essential services and amenities, ensuring a seamless boating experience for visitors. From leisurely pontoon rides to adrenaline-pumping water sports like water skiing and wakeboarding, Lake Hartwell offers an array of activities to cater to every boater's preferences.

To facilitate easy access to the lake, Lake Hartwell provides many boat launch ramps at various points around the lake. These ramps make it convenient for boat owners to launch their vessels and embark on a day of exploration or water-based fun. For those without their own boats, the lake offers rental boats, allowing visitors to rent boats by the hour or the day to enjoy the lake's delights without the need for ownership.

Lake Hartwell's prime location also allows visitors to explore nearby cities in both Georgia and South Carolina. Anderson, South Carolina, is within a short distance, offering a range of entertainment, shopping, and dining options. Moreover, the city of Athens, Georgia, known for its vibrant arts scene and the University of Georgia, is also within reasonable reach from the lake.

The boating season at Lake Hartwell typically extends from early spring to late autumn, providing ample time for boaters and water sports enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite activities. As the weather warms up, the lake becomes a hub for outdoor fun, attracting families, friends, and adventurers looking for memorable experiences on the water.

Fishing is another popular activity on Lake Hartwell, drawing anglers with its abundant fish population. Bass, crappie, catfish, and more can be found in the lake's waters, making it an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.

While camping is not directly available on the lake's shores, there are various campgrounds in the surrounding area that offer picturesque spots for camping enthusiasts. These campgrounds provide an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake's surroundings.

Lake Hartwell stands as a captivating destination on the Georgia-South Carolina border, offering a diverse range of activities for visitors seeking relaxation and outdoor adventure. Boating, water sports, fishing, nearby attractions, and camping opportunities make this scenic reservoir an ideal getaway for individuals and families looking to create cherished memories amidst nature's beauty.

Boating, camping and fishing.

Extending hundreds of tentacles over a 600 square mile area, Lake Hartwell creates a boating paradise for sightseeing, fishing and water sports. The 56,000-acre lake is located on the north-eastern border of the state, at Hartwell, GA. More than 50 boat launch ramps provide easy access for pleasure boats, pontoons, bass boats and other fishing boats. There are places all around the lake for launching canoes, kayaks and small watercraft. Marinas, stores, restaurants and boat rentals are available to improve your weekend fishing trip or a family vacation for an extended amount of time. Campgrounds and RV parks are available in the area, as well as other lodging choices. Hartwell is a well renown bass fishing lake and is a favorite of many legends of the sport. Anglers can explore 962 miles of shoreline in search of bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, bluegill, sunfish, striped bass and hybrid stripers. Humps, bumps, islands, points, creek channels, ledges and backwaters all over the lake provide cover for the bass and baitfish alike.

Lake Hartwell Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Camping

Georgia River Campground - 888 893-0678

Watsadler Campground - 888 893-0678

Payne's Creek Campground - 888 893-0678

Tugaloo State Park Campground - 706 356-4362

Lake Hartwell Map

Fishing

Fish species found in Lake Hartwell include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, redear sunfish, striped bass and hybrid striped bass.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie White crappie Walleye Bluegill Redbreast Sunfish Redear Sunfish Striped bass Hybrid Striped Bass