Lake Hartwell Insider Q&A — Answers Travelers Actually Ask

Getting there & around

Logistics

How was Lake Hartwell created?: The Army Corps of Engineers built Hartwell Dam between 1955 and 1962 on the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca rivers for flood control, hydropower, and navigation. The result is 56,000 acres of water and 962 miles of shoreline across the Georgia-South Carolina border — more shoreline than any other lake in this guide.
What's the closest airport to Lake Hartwell?: Greenville-Spartanburg International (GSP) is the nearest with regular commercial service, about 47 miles from the lake and 37 miles from Anderson. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) is the larger secondary hub for the Georgia side of the lake.

Groceries, gas, urgent care

Where's the closest grocery store to Lake Hartwell?: Publix has two locations in Anderson, SC — at the Anderson Pavilion Shopping Center on East Greenville Street and on Clemson Boulevard — both a short drive from the lake's south-end marinas.
Where's the closest emergency room to Lake Hartwell?: AnMed Medical Center's emergency room, on North Fant Street in Anderson — a 461-bed hospital and the main facility of the AnMed health system.

Where to eat

Where can I eat at Lake Hartwell?: The Galley Restaurant at Portman Marina in Anderson covers seafood and steaks with patio seating over the water. The Grill at Clemson Marina serves casual American fare on the lake's northwest end. Boathouse Grill at Hartwell Marina on the Georgia shore is boat-in, drive-in, or walk-in.

What's worth doing

Are there state parks on Lake Hartwell?: Yes — Sadlers Creek State Park on the South Carolina side has six miles of trails, a 100-foot fishing pier, and lakefront camping. Tugaloo State Park on the Georgia shore has a sand swimming beach and two boat ramps.

On the water & on the trail

Where can I rent a boat at Lake Hartwell?: Portman Marina and Big Water Marina cover the South Carolina south end near Anderson and Starr, Clemson Marina covers the northwest corner near Seneca, and Hartwell Marina rents from the Georgia shore near downtown Hartwell.
Is Lake Hartwell in Georgia or South Carolina?: Both — the lake straddles the state line, with Hartwell Dam itself on the Georgia side. Anderson and Seneca anchor the South Carolina shore; the town of Hartwell anchors the Georgia side.

Seasons & weather

When's the best time to visit Lake Hartwell?: Late spring through Labor Day for full marina hours and open water-view dining decks at every marina restaurant. Striped bass fishing picks up in fall and winter as the water cools and the lake quiets down.