Day Use

Facilities

The site presently offers day use and boat launching facilities to include a large picnic shelter (with water and electric service), 26 picnic sites, a two lane boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 1 comfort station, 1 playground, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout.

Natural Features

Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers. The dam and lake area boasts 8 campgrounds and 11 day-use facilities that are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Hartwell Project was originally authorized for hydropower, flood control, and navigation. Later, recreation, water quality, water supply, and fish and wildlife management were added. Surrounding vegetation allows for plenty of shade, and the 962 miles of shoreline provide numerous swimming beaches, picnic areas and boat ramps.

Recreation

Boating and water sports top the list of popular activities. A two-lane boat ramp with a courtesy dock is provided for easy lake access.

Recreation Sites

  • Group Shelter Electric
  • Day

Activities

  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Day Use Area
  • Picnicking
  • Water Access
  • Swimming

Amenities

  • Accessible Boat Ramp
  • Accessible Bock Dock
  • Accessible Grills
  • Accessible Parking
  • Accessible Picnic Area
  • Accessible Picnic Shelters
  • Boat Trailer Parking
  • Flush Toilets
  • Grills
  • Lake Access
  • Parking Area
  • Paved Roads
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Shelters
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground
  • Shade

Nearby Attractions

A 2.75 mile (rountrip) paved, walking, and bicycling path is located at the entrance to Big Oaks.

Getting Here

Latitude
34° 20' 25.0001" N
Longitude
82° 49' 58.0001" W
From Hartwell, GA, take Highway 29 North towards Anderson, SC for about 5 miles. Big Oaks is located on the left next to the Hartwell Visitor Center and Manager's Office. 5823 DAM ROAD HARTWELL, GA 30643

Need to Know

  • Day-use only. No Camping allowed.
  • $5 per vehicle fee for boat launching
  • Area Open Year round.
  • Shelter is available from April 1 to September 30 for reservation's. Reservations can be made up to 365 days in advance.
  • Pet's are allowed but must be kept on a leash (6 feet or less) or otherwise physically restrained.

    • Contact Information

    5625 ANDERSON HWY
    HARTWELL, GA 30643

    For campground inquiries, please call: 888-893-0678 HARTWELL PROJECT OFFICE

    Additional Information