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Every year millions of people visit the parks, campgrounds, vacation rental homes and marinas surrounding the lake to enjoy Hartwell’s sparkling waters. Whether you want to fish, water-ski & wakeboard, sail, or just swim and relax on sandy beaches Lake Hartwell has something for you!
It’s easy to get to Lake Hartwell with its convenient location along Interstate 85 between Atlanta, GA and Greenville, SC. Only about an hour from the Atlanta metro area, 45 minutes from Greenville, SC and about 2 hours from Charlotte, NC, Hartwell is close enough to enjoy for a day or weekend - but we bet you’ll want to stay longer!
Established when Hartwell Lake Dam was constructed by the US Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963, Hartwell Lake is comprised of two rivers, the Tugaloo and the Seneca, which converge to form the Savannah River about 7 miles upstream from Hartwell Lake Dam. This large lake extends 49 miles up the Tugaloo River and 45 miles up the Seneca River at normal pool elevation with depths of up to 180 feet.
Hartwell Lake is the first of three Corps-managed lakes on the Savannah River – Hartwell, Richard B. Russell and J. Strom Thurmond lakes are jointly managed by to maintain water supply & quality to the Savannah River from Hartwell Lake all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
Hartwell Lake is a premiere fishing destination in the southeast. The site of the prestigious 2008 Bassmaster Classic, Lake Hartwell is frequently host to a variety of fishing tournaments. Fish for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish or a record-breaking striped bass (a 59.6 lb striper set the record here in 2002)!
Whether you come to Hartwell Lake to fish, camp, sail, picnic, waterski … or just relax – we know you will love it! Use this site for information about the lake, local recreation & the surrounding areas! We hope you’ll plan your visit today!
