Visitor Center

Hartwell Lake Visitor Center

 

Address & Phone Numbers:

Hartwell Dam & Lake Office & Visitor Center
5625 Anderson Highway (U.S. Highway 29)
Hartwell, Georgia 30643-5259

Phone: 1-888-893-0678 or 706-856-0300
Fax: 706-856-0358

Hours

Weekday Hours:  8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Late Spring and Summer, Weekends, and Holidays: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
During other times of the year, weekend hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.   Note:  The lake office and visitor center will be closed on weekends in December, January and February as well as on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington's Birthday and sometimes the day before or after these holidays.

Directions

From South Carolina – Follow U.S. Hwy. 29 towards the Georgia/South Carolina state line.  As you enter into Georgia, you will cross over the scenic Savannah River and will see the Hartwell Dam on your right. Follow U.S. Hwy. 29 for approximately one more mile and you will see the visitor center on the right.

From Georgia – From the city of Hartwell, Georgia, follow U.S. Hwy 29 North (towards Anderson, SC).  The visitor center is located approximately 5 miles from the town of Hartwell and is on the left side of the road, just past the turn for Watsadler Campground.

Facilities

Brochures, maps, displays, and information about Hartwell Lake, including wildlife, water safety, and shoreline management. Videos are available upon request (topics: water safety, history)
   Information Desk
   Restrooms
   Pay Phone
   Drinking Fountain
   Programs and Tours

Services

Have a Question? The visitor center has a manned information desk to answer your questions and to assist you in having an enjoyable experience at Hartwell Lake.

You may also want to obtain or purchase:

Annual Passes for Corps Recreation Areas 
Corps Hunting Permits

Nearby

Big Oaks Recreation Area is located right next to the visitor center. Big Oaks has a variety of facilities such as: picnic tables, reservable picnic shelter, restrooms, drinking water, playground, courtesy dock, boat ramp, and is accessible to persons with disabilities.  There is a $5 boat launching fee charged at this area.

Hartwell Dam Walking Trail.  Also located next to the office (at the entrance to Big Oaks Recreation Area) is the start of the Georgia side of the Hartwell Dam Walking Trail. This 1.37-mile (one-way) trail follows the shoreline up to the concrete portion of Hartwell Dam.  The trail is paved and is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Hartwell Dam and Powerplant.  Located approximately one mile north of the visitor center on U.S. Hwy. 29 is the Hartwell Dam and Powerplant. The dam and powerplant was constructed between 1955 and 1962 for the purposes of hydropower production, flood control, and downstream navigation. Additional authorized purposes now include recreation, water supply, water quality, and fishery and wildlife management. Learn more about Hartwell Dam and Powerplant. The dam and powerplant is closed to the public except for tours (link to programs and tours page).

Georgia River Recreation Area is located on the Savannah River just below the Hartwell Dam. Follow directions (above) to the Hartwell Dam and Powerplant. As you are approaching the dam and powerplant, take a right turn into the Georgia River Recreation Area. This recreation area includes a primitive campground (open May 1- Sept. 30), picnic area, and several fishing piers. Other amenities include restrooms and drinking water.