Hartwell Dam & Lake Visitor Center

One of the Southeast's largest lakes, Hartwell Lake covers approximately 56,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including swimming, picnicking, camping, fishing and boating along its 962 miles of shoreline.

The Hartwell Dam & Lake Visitor Center is a great stop for anyone needing more information about Hartwell Lake. Big Oaks Recreation Area is located adjacent to the visitor center. At Big Oaks, you will have a great view of Hartwell Lake from the picnic area. Take a walk on a paved (handicap accessible) walking trail that goes along the edge of Hartwell Lake and leads to the top of Hartwell Dam, where you have a scenic view of the lake, dam and the Savannah River.   

On the lower side of the dam, along the Savannah River, is one of Hartwell's newest attractions: the Hartwell Dam Fishing Pier. This pier is free and open to the public. Access it by driving to the Georgia River Recreation Area just one mile from the visitor center.