Outdoor Adventures
Fishing | Hiking | Biking | Boating | Camping | Kayaking
Paynes Creek Campground and Hiking Trail
Paynes Creek is located on the Tugaloo River arm of Hartwell Lake in Georgia. Paynes Creek offers 44 sites with water and electric hook-ups. Thirty-seven of those sites are waterfront! Shower/restroom facilities are conveniently located throughout the campground as well as these additional amenities: dump station, playgrounds, swim beaches, boat ramp and trail. Sites are wooded with vegetation growing between most sites. The Corps of Engineers Hartwell Lake Office partnered with the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) to build a 9.6-mile multi-purpose trail at the Paynes Creek Campground area; the trail is for mountain biking and hiking only. The trail and one boat ramp are open year round. The campground, including restrooms/showers, playground, swim area and dump station is open seasonally, typically May 1 - Sep. 30.
Watsadler Campground
Watsadler Campground is located near the Hartwell Dam overlooking the "Big Water" section of the lake. This campground has a total of 51 sites, all with electric (50-amp) & water hook ups. Many sites in the campground are waterfront with a fantastic view of the lake! This campground features both single and double sites. Other amenities for campers at this campground include: shower/restroom facilities, dump station, playgrounds, park attendant, and boat ramp with courtesy dock and security lighting. This campground is open year round. From Dec. 1 through Mar. 31, sites 1-23 are open. From April 1 through November 30, all sites are open.
Hartwell Lakeside
Formally the beautiful Hart State Park in Hartwell, Georgia, it is now known as the Lake Hartwell Campground offering beautiful waterfront and waterview RV, Tenting and very soon an authentic TiPi village, RV and Cabin and Yurt rentals as well as primitive camping sites. The park will be family oriented with paddle board and kayak rentals. A new private beach with a sheltered swimming area, a jumping pillow at the play ground, a dog park, beautiful hiking and biking trails along with a planned ROP's course and a Zip Line.
Georgia River Campground
Georgia River Campground is a seasonal primitive campground open March 15 through September 15 and located within the Georgia River Recreation Area on the Savannah River just below the Hartwell Dam and Power Plant in Hart County. Restrooms and water spigots are located within the campground for your convenience. There is no resident park attendant on site however you may see park rangers, park volunteers or local law enforcement in the area. Trout fishing in the Savannah River is a popular activity at Georgia River Recreation Area.
Hart County Recreation Department
Hart County Recreation Dept. strives to provide wholesome, quality programs of leisure activities and facilities for the enjoyment of all. Park facilities are open to the public and also available for rental for certain functions, including baseball and multipurpose fields, large picnic shelters with attached playgrounds, tennis courts, outdoor basketball goals and batting cages. With 2 locations, 200 Clay St. and 1277 Elberton Hwy., Hart County Recreation Dept. is the home of sports and fun.
Big Oaks Recreation Area
Big Oaks Recreation Area is located 1 mile past the Savannah River/Lake Hartwell Dam on the GA side or 5 miles from downtown Hartwell. Enjoy playgrounds, picnic areas right on the lake, restrooms, boat ramp and facilities for handicapped. Stop by the Visitor’s Center, where you can request to watch a short informative film on the building of the dam. Ride bikes to the top of the dam, walk dogs on a leash, or view a spectacular fireworks display on the Saturday before July 4th at our Annual Pre-Fourth Fireworks Celebration.
The Hartwell Dam
The Hartwell Dam & Lake Visitor Center is a great stop for anyone needing more information about one of the Southeast's largest lakes, Hartwell Lake. Visitors from all over enjoy walking or biking from Big Oaks Recreation Area to the top of the dam for scenic views of the Savannah River and beautiful Lake Hartwell. Each year in May, hundreds of competitors cross Hartwell Dam as they run from Georgia to South Carolina in the annual Lake Hartwell Dam Run. Don't forget to grab a fishing pole and fish from the pier at the base of the dam along the Savannah River. A hub for many Hartwell events from triathlons to fireworks displays, Hartwell Dam is a landmark site you'll want to discover.
Elrod Ferry
Elrod Ferry Recreation Area located off US Hwy 29 offers a boat ramp, courtesy dock, restrooms, picnic area, playgrounds, volleyball court, swimming beaches and handicapped facilities.
Long Point Recreation Area
Long Point Recreation Area Located at the end of Old Hwy 29, this park is loaded with sandy beaches, designated swimming area, kids playgrounds, pavilions and plenty of parking.
Gum Branch Park and Mega Ramp
Gum Branch Park and Mega Ramp on Vanna Waller Road, off Old Hwy 29 is a fishing facility, perfect for fishing tournaments and special events. It has 7 launch ramps, a 20 tie up T-Dock, parking for 150 boat trailers, a 50x50 ft pavilion, bathrooms and picnic tables. Please call the Chamber of Commerce if you would like to book a fishing tournament or rent this facility for a private event.