Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area

Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area is now called the Lake Hartwell State Park. The park is in Oconee County, South Carolina and covers a total area of 680 acres and a 14 mile stretch of shoreline on Lake Hartwell. The park was built in 1976 when a combination of land purchased from private holders and a majority of land leased from the United States Army Corps of Engineers was put together to form the park. Lake Hartwell State Park can be found by accessing 19138-A Highway 11 S, Fair Play, or just off the I-85 at the South Carolina-Georgia border.

One of the most popular activities at the park is fishing thanks to the 140-foot fishing pier and the popular fish that inhabit the 56,000-acre lake. Some of the variety of fish found in the lake that attracts renowned anglers across the state and far beyond include largemouth, striped and hybrid bass, catfish, crappie, and bream.

Above and beyond the great fishing experience provided by the lake and park facilities, you can also get to enjoy two publicly accessible boat ramps, two camper cabins, a picnic shelter that can accommodate about 75 people, over a hundred paved campsites for tent camping or RVs, and walk-in tent sites (for those without camping equipment or for those that decide to camp spontaneously).

One of the other fun ways to enjoy your time at the park is through hiking the 0.75-mile nature trail that loops the park through a quiet forest of oak and pine trees. You can, of course, enjoy this nature trail along with other publicly accessible areas with your doggie.

You will, however, need to keep your dog on a leash that is no more than six feet long. You should also keep your dog from barking too much and from harassing other wildlife in the park because you risk your dog being ejected from the park if this happens. The bottom-line is that when at Lake Hartwell State Park, you can have lots of fun and relaxation with your dog and there is plenty for you to do.