Key Takeaways
- Lake Hartwell covers nearly 56,000 acres on the South Carolina and Georgia border.
- Lake Hartwell RV camping options include U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, state parks, and private full-hookup RV parks.
- Most lakefront public campgrounds offer water and electric hookups with a dump station, not sewer.
- A full-hookup RV park near the lake is a better fit for longer stays, big rigs, and Clemson trips.
Lake Hartwell is one of the most visited lakes in the Southeast, and a big reason RVers come to the Clemson area. If you are planning a trip, the big question is whether to camp right on the water or at a full-hookup park nearby.
Both are great choices. This guide compares your options so families, weekend anglers, and long-term RVers can pick the right fit.
About Lake Hartwell
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Hartwell Dam and Lake between 1955 and 1963, where the Tugaloo and Seneca rivers meet to form the Savannah River.
The lake covers nearly 56,000 acres with about 962 miles of shoreline, surrounded by more than 20,000 acres of public land.
Lakefront Campgrounds on Lake Hartwell
Army Corps Campgrounds
The US Army Corps runs several campgrounds on the lake, all reserved through recreation.gov. Stays are limited to 14 days in any 30-day period, and gates lock at night.
Twin Lakes
In Pendleton, with electric sites, a swim beach, two dump stations, and a boat ramp.
Oconee Point
Near Seneca, with water and electric sites, a beach, and a boat ramp.
Coneross
Near Townville, with water and electric sites and two designated swimming areas.
Springfield
Near Anderson, with water and electric sites, a beach, and a dump station.
State Park Camping
Lake Hartwell State Park
In Fair Play, Lake Hartwell State Park has more than 100 paved water and electric campsites, many fitting RVs up to 40 feet. It also has camper cabins, two boat ramps, and a fishing pier.
Sadlers Creek State Park
Near Anderson, Sadlers Creek has water and electric sites on a peninsula with lake views and a dump station.
Tugaloo State Park
On the Georgia side near Lavonia, Tugaloo offers tent and RV sites on the lake’s shoreline.
South Carolina state parks often require a two-night minimum.
Lakefront Campground vs. Full-Hookup RV Park
| Lakefront campground | Full-hookup RV park | |
|---|---|---|
| Hookups | Usually water and electric | Water, sewer, and electric |
| Stay length | Often 14-day limit | Nightly, weekly, and monthly |
| Big rigs | Varies by site | Long, level sites |
| Amenities | Beaches, boat ramps | Bathhouse, laundry, pool, Wi-Fi |
If you want to walk from your camper to the beach, choose a lakefront campground. If you are staying longer, driving a big rig, or mixing lake days with Clemson, a full-hookup RV park is usually the better fit.
Clemson RV Park at The Grove
Our park is in historic Pendleton, just down the road from Lake Hartwell. Twin Lakes is about a 15 to 20 minute drive.
- 65-foot sites with full hookups and 30/50 amp power
- Bathhouse with hot showers, laundry, and pool
- Nightly and long-term stays, open year round
- Hiking trails in the Fants Grove section of the Clemson University Forest behind the park
Boats and trailers are welcome on your site if they fit. New to RVing? Read what a full hookup means.
Things to Do on Lake Hartwell
Fishing
Anglers fish for striped bass, hybrid bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. Striper fishing is a local favorite, and the state park fishing pier is a good spot for kids.
Boating and Paddling
Public boat ramps are spread around the lake, and quiet coves are great for kayaks and canoeing.
Swimming
Corps parks and state parks have designated swimming areas and picnic areas in summer, perfect for a family day on the water.
Make a day of it with lunch in historic Pendleton.
Lake Hartwell RV Camping Tips
Book lakefront sites early for summer and holidays, when campgrounds fill fast. Confirm your rig length before you reserve, since site sizes vary at public campgrounds.
Check lake levels before you go, as they can affect ramps and beaches. And if you are visiting in the fall, plan around Clemson home football weekends, when traffic near the lake picks up.
Lake Hartwell RV Camping FAQs
Do Lake Hartwell campgrounds have sewer hookups?
Most public campgrounds offer water and electric with a dump station. Full-hookup parks like ours include sewer at every site.
How long can you stay at a Corps campground?
Up to 14 days in any 30-day period.