Where South Carolina and Georgia Meet the Water
Why Rent On Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell straddles the border between South Carolina and Georgia, with 56,000 acres of water and over 950 miles of shoreline spreading across Anderson and Oconee counties in South Carolina and Hart and Franklin counties in Georgia. Created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1955 and 1963, this is one of the most visited lakes in the Southeast, and with good reason.
Lakefront Rentals at Every Scale
The options for vacation rentals on Lake Hartwell are some of the most varied in the Carolinas. Cozy two-bedroom cabins sit alongside luxury lakehouses that comfortably sleep 16 or more guests. Most waterfront rentals come with private docks, full kitchens, outdoor living areas, and beautiful views of the lake’s long, wooded coves. Pet-friendly properties are widely available, and the shoreline communities are calm and family-friendly throughout the year.
Legendary Bass Fishing and Water Sports
Lake Hartwell has hosted multiple Bassmaster Classic tournaments, which tells you everything about the quality of the largemouth bass fishing. Beyond fishing, the lake is a full water sports destination: boating, kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding are all popular, and several marinas and rental outfitters are positioned around the shoreline to make access easy. Hiking trails and camping sites at Tugaloo State Park in Georgia and Lake Hartwell State Park in South Carolina round out the outdoor options.
Clemson University and Anderson County
Clemson University’s campus is right on the lake’s edge, and the South Carolina Botanical Garden and historic sites like Hanover House and Fort Hill Plantation make for a meaningful half-day excursion. The Anderson County Museum in Anderson tells the story of this region’s textile and agricultural history in a well-organized and engaging way. For families who want their lake vacation to include some cultural depth, Lake Hartwell delivers.
Sunrises, Sunsets, and Why People Keep Coming Back
Hartwell sunrises over the lake’s long open water are extraordinary, and the sunsets over the Georgia hills on the western shore are equally memorable. We think the combination of scale, variety, and accessibility makes Lake Hartwell one of the top lake rental destinations in the entire Southeast. Groups who coordinate a family reunion here tend to make it an annual tradition, and that tells you as much as any description could.
- Surface area (mi)
- 142.92
- Max depth (ft)
- 183.73
- Elevation (ft)
- 660
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 961.88
Popular activities
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
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Marinas on Lake Hartwell
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Hartwell has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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No, it is not safe to swim in Lake Hartwell given the current conditions. A Recreational Water Watch is in effect due to a harmful algal bloom, and residents are advised to avoid direct contact with the water in affected areas and keep pets from swimming or drinking from the lake.
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Lake Hartwell is a popular destination because of its extensive water activities and scenic surroundings. It offers fishing, boating, swimming, and other water sports across its 56,000 acres. The lake is also surrounded by scenic parks, recreation areas, and has nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
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For bass species in Lake Hartwell, the size limit is 12 inches for largemouth bass, and there is no length limit for smallmouth bass. You can possess up to 10 bass per person per day, combining largemouth, smallmouth, redeye, or spotted bass.
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There are dog-friendly areas around Lake Hartwell, but they are not specifically termed as dog-friendly beaches. Pets are allowed in most outdoor areas of Lake Hartwell State Park, provided they are kept on a leash not longer than six feet. Owners must also clean up after their dogs.
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Towns near Lake Hartwell that offer the most dining and shopping options include Hartwell, GA, and Anderson, SC. Hartwell has various local restaurants like Little Japan, Southern Hart Brewing Co, and Downtown Cafe. Anderson, on the other hand, has lakeside restaurants such as The Galley Restaurant and The Grill at Clemson Marina, along with other dining and shopping venues.
