Elrod Ferry
Hartwell Lake
Elrod Ferry Recreation Area is a 39 acre site situated on a gently sloping point that overlooks the lake near Hartwell Dam. The site presently offers day use and boat launching facilities consisting of 1 gatehouse/entrance, 37 picnic sites, 2 standard picnic shelters with water and electric service, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 2 comfort stations, 2 playgrounds, 3 designated swim areas/beaches, 1 volleyball pit, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout. The area experiences intense public use during the peak recreation season.
The site presently offers day use and boat launching facilities consisting of 1 gatehouse/entrance, 37 picnic sites, 2 standard picnic shelters with water and electric service, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 2 comfort stations, 2 playgrounds, 3 designated swim areas/beaches, 1 volleyball pit, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout.
Notifications and Alerts
Recreational Water Watch for Lake Hartwell
May 8, 2025 Update: Recreational Water Watch for Lake Hartwell Remains in Effect.
On May 6, teams from the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Aquatic Science Division collected new water samples from 16 locations around Lake Hartwell and observed the harmful algal bloom (HAB) in several locations.
Based on the latest round of lake observations and water sampling, SCDES recommends (1) avoiding direct contact with lake water in areas where the HAB is observed and (2) keeping pets and animals from swimming in or drinking lake water where the HAB is observed
Visit the SCDES Algal Bloom Monitoring Map for the most up-to-date information.
Need to Know
- Day-use only. Camping not allowed.
- There is a $5 user fee per vehicle.
- Shelter is reservable from 1 May - 9 September. Shelter reservations can be made 365 days in advance.
- Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash (6 ft or less) or otherwise physically restrained.
- Boat Ramp is available year round. Day Use area open from 1 May - 9 September.
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 hydro-power, 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.
Nearby Attractions
Recreation
Boating and water sports top the list of popular activities. A boat ramp is available for visitors' convenience, and three designated swimming beaches are located around the facility.
Changes & Cancellations
A $10 service fee will apply if you change or cancel a reservation more than 14 days in advance of arrival date. If you cancel a reservation within 14 days of your scheduled arrival date, you will forfeit the reservation fee.
Contact Information
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5625 ANDERSON HWY HARTWELL GA 30643
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 888-893-0678 HARTWELL PROJECT OFFICE
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Hartwell, GA, travel approximately 2.5 miles on Highway 29 North. Turn left onto Elrod Ferry Road, and after a mile follow the brown directional signs to the facility. 1387 ELROD FERRY ROAD, Hartwell GA 30643
Available Campsites
Photo Gallery
