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Lake Hartwell State Park South Carolina (SC) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Lake Hartwell State Park is an ideal destination for RV camping due to its rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. Established in 1963, the park spans over 56,000 acres and is named after the Corps of Engineers engineer, Richard B. Hartwell. It holds immense cultural significance as it is built on lands that were once home to the Cherokee Nation.

The creation of Lake Hartwell is a result of the damming of the Seneca and Tugaloo Rivers, which has led to the formation of a stunning reservoir with over 960 miles of shoreline. This unique feature provides ample opportunities for water-based activities and breathtaking views.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Lake Hartwell State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Lake Hartwell State Park.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

When visiting Lake Hartwell State Park private vehicle travel is the most convenient option. The park has multiple entrances and visitors can access it via Highway 11 Highway 178 or Highway 24. RV renters should be aware of the park’s restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 40 feet for RVs and trailers. Additionally there are no specific driving permits required for private vehicles making it easy for visitors to navigate the park’s scenic roads.

  • Parking area

RV parking is available at Lake Hartwell State Park with designated areas for overnight stays. However it’s not allowed to park RVs overnight outside of these designated sites. Camping with an RV is a great way to explore the park and using alternative transportation methods like biking or walking can enhance your experience.

  • Public Transportation

Public transportation options at Lake Hartwell State Park include shuttle buses and walking paths. These transportation methods offer a convenient way to get around the park and enjoy its natural beauty without having to drive.

Top Campsites in Lake Hartwell State Park

  • Reservations camping

These popular campsites near Sam Parr State Park require reservations so be sure to book your spot in advance. Whether you prefer a lake view a wooded retreat or a sunset backdrop these campgrounds offer a range of amenities and activities to make your camping experience enjoyable. Pack your RV or trailer bring your pets and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!

  • First-come first-served

1. Twin Lakes Campground

Twin Lakes Campground is the most popular camping destination near Lake Hartwell State Park offering 106 campsites with both water and electric hookups. Located just a few miles from the park this campground is perfect for families and groups looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Open from March to November Twin Lakes Campground offers a variety of activities including fishing swimming and hiking. Amenities include hot showers laundry facilities and a camp store. The campground is also pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length.

2. Coneross Campground

Coneross Campground is a smaller campground located on the shores of Lake Hartwell with 26 campsites available for reservation. This campground is perfect for those looking for a more secluded and peaceful camping experience. Open from April to October Coneross Campground offers a variety of activities including fishing boating and hiking. Amenities include hot showers restrooms and a boat ramp. The campground is also pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length.

3. Paynes Creek Campground

Paynes Creek Campground is a popular camping destination located on the shores of Lake Hartwell with 52 campsites available for reservation. This campground is perfect for those looking to enjoy the water offering a variety of activities including swimming boating and fishing. Open from April to October Paynes Creek Campground also offers hiking trails hot showers restrooms and a camp store. The campground is pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length.

4. Crescent Group Campground

Crescent Group Campground is a unique camping destination located within Lake Hartwell State Park offering 3 group campsites that can accommodate up to 100 people each. This campground is perfect for large groups and events such as family reunions or scouting trips. Open from April to October Crescent Group Campground offers a variety of activities including hiking fishing and swimming. Amenities include hot showers restrooms and a picnic shelter. The campground is also pet-friendly.

  • Alternate camping

1. Oakwoods Day Use Area

Oakwoods Day Use Area is a first-come-first-served camping destination located within Lake Hartwell State Park offering 30 campsites for tent and RV camping. Open year-round this campground is perfect for those looking to enjoy a spontaneous camping trip. Amenities include picnic tables grills and restrooms. The campground is also pet-friendly.

2. Fair Play Landing Day Use Area

Fair Play Landing Day Use Area is another first-come-first-served camping destination located within Lake Hartwell State Park offering 20 campsites for tent and RV camping. Open year-round this campground is perfect for those looking to enjoy a more secluded camping experience. Amenities include picnic tables grills and restrooms. The campground is also pet-friendly.

3. Big Oaks Campground

Big Oaks Campground is a first-come-first-served camping destination located just a few miles from Lake Hartwell State Park offering 40 campsites for tent and RV camping. Open year-round this campground is perfect for those looking to enjoy a more rustic camping experience. Amenities include picnic tables grills and restrooms. The campground is also pet-friendly and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length.

  • General activities

1. private campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds located near Lake Hartwell State Park that offer alternative camping options for RV renters. These campgrounds often offer more amenities and features than the state park campgrounds including swimming pools game rooms and playgrounds. Some popular private campgrounds in the area include Harbor Cove RV Resort Hartwell Lakeside RV Park and Victoria Bryant State Park Campground.

2. backcountry camping

For those looking for a more adventurous camping experience backcountry camping is an option near Lake Hartwell State Park. The Chattooga River offers several primitive campsites that can only be accessed by boat or hiking. These campsites offer a unique and secluded camping experience with no amenities or facilities. It is important to check with the US Forest Service for any permit requirements and regulations before embarking on a backcountry camping trip.

  • Alternative activities

Boating and Fishing

Lake Hartwell State Park is a haven for boating and fishing enthusiasts. With its 56 000 acres of water the park offers ample opportunities to cast a line or cruise around the lake. The park provides boat ramps and docks making it easy to launch your vessel. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including bass catfish and crappie. The park’s marina also rents out boats and fishing equipment for those who don’t have their own.

Hiking and Biking

For those who prefer to stay on land Lake Hartwell State Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails. The park’s two-mile nature trail winds through the woods and provides stunning views of the lake. The park’s bike trail is a 10-mile loop that takes riders through the park’s scenic landscape. Both trails are suitable for all skill levels and offer a great way to explore the park’s natural beauty.

Swimming

Lake Hartwell State Park has a designated swimming area that’s perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. The swimming area is located near the park’s picnic area and offers a sandy beach restrooms and changing facilities. The water is clean and clear making it ideal for swimming and splashing around.

Geocaching

For a modern twist on treasure hunting Lake Hartwell State Park offers geocaching. Geocaching is a GPS-based scavenger hunt that involves finding hidden containers or “caches” in the park. The park’s geocaching trail features 12 caches each containing a logbook and various trinkets. It’s a fun and challenging way to explore the park and enjoy the great outdoors.

Picnicking

Lake Hartwell State Park has several picnic areas that are perfect for a family outing or a romantic lunch by the lake. The park’s picnic areas offer tables grills and restrooms. Many of the picnic areas also have scenic views of the lake making it a great spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.

Season-specific experiences in Lake Hartwell State Park

  • Spring activities

Alternative Activities

Sightseeing

Lake Hartwell State Park offers stunning views of the lake and its surrounding landscape. The park’s observation deck is a great spot to take in the panoramic views of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. The park’s marina also offers boat tours of the lake providing a unique perspective of the park’s natural beauty.

Nature Watching

Lake Hartwell State Park is home to a variety of wildlife including deer turkey and bald eagles. The park’s nature trail is a great spot for bird watching and the park’s rangers offer guided bird watching tours throughout the year. The park’s lake is also home to a variety of fish and aquatic life making it a great spot for fish watching and photography.

Photography

Lake Hartwell State Park offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts. The park’s scenic landscape abundant wildlife and stunning views make it a great spot to capture breathtaking photos. The park’s observation deck nature trail and marina are all great spots for photography and the park’s rangers offer photography workshops throughout the year.

Picnicking

Lake Hartwell State Park offers several scenic picnic areas that are perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner by the lake. The park’s picnic areas offer tables grills and restrooms making it easy to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. Many of the picnic areas also offer stunning views of the lake making it a great spot for a romantic picnic or a family outing.

Star Gazing

Lake Hartwell State Park is a great spot for stargazing thanks to its remote location and lack of light pollution. The park’s rangers offer guided stargazing tours throughout the year providing a unique opportunity to learn about the night sky and its constellations. The park’s observation deck is also a great spot for stargazing offering unobstructed views of the night sky.

  • Summer activities

As the weather warms up Lake Hartwell State Park becomes a popular destination for RV campers. Here are some recreational activities and landmarks that attract visitors during the spring season

Fishing

Lake Hartwell is known for its abundant fish population including bass catfish and crappie. Anglers can cast their lines from the shore or rent a boat from one of the local marinas.

Hiking

The park offers several hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the lake shore. The 1.5-mile Lake Hartwell Nature Trail is a popular choice for its scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Geocaching

This modern-day treasure hunt uses GPS coordinates to lead participants to hidden caches. Lake Hartwell State Park has several geocaches hidden throughout the park.

Visiting the South Carolina Botanical Garden

Located just a short drive from the park the South Carolina Botanical Garden features beautiful gardens nature trails and a conservatory.

Historic Anderson

The nearby town of Anderson is rich in history with several landmarks dating back to the Civil War era. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district.

  • Fall activities

As summer arrives Lake Hartwell State Park offers even more opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here are some popular activities and landmarks that attract RV campers during the summer season

Swimming

The park has two designated swimming areas complete with sandy beaches and lifeguards on duty. Visitors can also rent kayaks paddleboards and other watercraft.

Boating

With over 56 000 acres of water Lake Hartwell is a popular destination for boaters. Visitors can rent pontoon boats sailboats and fishing boats from local marinas.

Birdwatching

The park is home to a variety of bird species including bald eagles ospreys and great blue herons. Visitors can take a guided birdwatching tour or explore the park on their own.

Visiting the Cateechee Golf Club

Located just a few miles from the park the Cateechee Golf Club features an 18-hole championship course with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Attending the Anderson County Fair

Held annually in July the Anderson County Fair features carnival rides live music and a variety of food vendors. Visitors can also enter their own homemade crafts and baked goods in the fair’s competitions.

  • Winter activities

Fall is a beautiful time to visit Lake Hartwell State Park especially for RV campers. Here are five must-see attractions and activities to enjoy during the fall season

Fall foliage hike

With its beautiful fall colors Lake Hartwell State Park offers some of the best hiking trails in the area. The 1.5-mile-long Lake Hartwell Dam Trail is particularly popular offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding forest.

Fishing

Lake Hartwell is known for its excellent fishing and fall is the perfect time to catch bass crappie and catfish. The park has several fishing piers and boat ramps making it easy to access the lake.

Campfire cookouts

RV campers love to gather around a campfire and cook up some delicious meals. Lake Hartwell State Park has several campgrounds with fire pits so you can enjoy a cozy night under the stars.

Historic sites

The park is home to several historic sites including the Hopewell Indian Mounds and the Andersonville National Historic Site. Both are within driving distance and offer a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich history.

Wildlife watching

Fall is a great time to see the park’s abundant wildlife including deer turkeys and a variety of birds. The park has several observation decks and viewing areas making it easy to spot the animals in their natural habitat.

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