HARTWELL, Ga. – Effective immediately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hartwell Dam and Lake Project Office has temporarily closed Elrod Ferry Recreation Area due to recent storm damage.
The recreation area is located in Hart County, Georgia. A severe storm, producing significant winds, traveled across the project area June 1, 2026, resulting in significant tree damage in several areas, to include Elrod Ferry Recreation Area.
Corps of Engineers personnel have been working to assess park facilities and infrastructure safety, and the repairs needed have been identified across the project. After assessing Elrod Ferry, it was determined it should be closed due to safety concerns. This decision ensures public safety while work takes place to cut and remove fallen and dangerous trees.
All reservations for the Picnic Shelter #1 have been canceled for the remainder of the season, due to the severity of the damage caused to that facility. Reservations for Picnic Shelter #2 have been canceled through June 19, and other reservations will be canceled until the park is safely reopened.
A notification will be distributed and posted to the District’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/savannahcorps) when repairs are near completion and a date has been set to reopen the recreation area. Until it is re-opened, closure signs have been posted, and for safety concerns, and the Corps of Engineers asks that visitors please refrain from going around the signs.
For more lake information, contact the Hartwell Project Office toll-free at 888-893-0678 or 706-856-0323, or visit the webpage at www.sas.usace.army.mil/lakes/hartwell.
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Release no. 26-020