Visit Lake HartwellInsider's Guide56,000 Acres · 962 Miles of Shoreline
Welcome to
Lake Hartwell
Discover pristine water, vibrant downtown Anderson, world-class bass fishing, and the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and Southern hospitality.
Discovery Hub
Choose your shoreline rhythm.
Watercraft Rentals
Pontoons, kayaks, SUPs, and sunset cruises from Big Water Marina and Clemson Marina.
Lake Life & Parks
Sadlers Creek, Green Pond Landing, tournament ramps, sandy coves, and shoreline hikes.
Lakeside Dining
The Galley, Sullivan’s, Earle Street, SummaJoe’s, and warm tables with water views.
Marinas & Coves
Quiet slips, launch points, fuel docks, and glassy blue-hour coves for slow travel.
Coffee & Craft
Electric City Roasters, Bridge City Coffee, Magnetic South, and Palmetto Distillery.
Mountain Day Trips
Issaqueena Falls, Sassafras Mountain, Pretty Place, and Blue Ridge overlooks.
Travel Logistics
Getting Here
Located perfectly along the I-85 corridor, Anderson and Lake Hartwell are incredibly accessible from major hubs.
Greenville-Spartanburg International — About 45 minutes away. Easy access, fast TSA, and nonstop flights to 22+ destinations.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta — ~2 hour drive down I-85 South.
Charlotte Douglas — ~2.5 hour drive up I-85 North.
Ground Transportation
- Car Rentals at GSPAlamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National all available. A car is recommended for getting around the lake.
- I-85 CorridorAnderson is positioned right off Interstate 85, making it an easy drive from Atlanta or Charlotte.
Explore the Area
Downtown Anderson
"The Electric City." Historic courthouse square, dining, breweries, public art, and boutique shopping.
Lake Hartwell
Famous for world-class bass fishing tournaments, water sports, and stunning sunsets.
Clemson & Pendleton
Just 15–20 min away. Historic Pendleton Square antique shops and vibrant collegiate energy.
Belton & Honea Path
Classic Southern small-town charm, historic sites, and the SC Tennis Hall of Fame.
Eat Like a Local
Top Restaurants
Insider tip: The Galley Restaurant offers some of the best lakeside dining views on Lake Hartwell. Perfect for sunset dinners.
Fine Dining
- Sullivan's Metropolitan GrillAnderson
- Earle Street Kitchen and BarAnderson
- Tucker's RestaurantAnderson
- Blue Heron Restaurant & Sushi BarPendleton
- Rick Erwin's ClemsonClemson
- Traditions on the LakeSeneca
- 1826 Bistro on the GreenPendleton
- Evolve Kitchen + TableClemson
- Sole Grill and Sushi BarSeneca
- Sole on the GreenClemson
Coffee Shops
- eCity JavaAnderson
- Figs Cafe & FarmacyAnderson
- Outsider CoffeeAnderson & Pendleton
- Bridge City CoffeeAnderson
- Electric City RoastersAnderson
- All In Coffee ShopClemson
- Grace Coffee CoClemson
- Summer Moon CoffeeClemson
- Coyote CoffeeEasley & Pickens
- Cryptid CoffeePelzer
- 313 CafeSeneca
- Mountain MochaWalhalla
Craft Beer & Spirits
Anderson's craft beverage scene is growing, with unique local breweries and a famous moonshine distillery.
Fishing Guide
Cast & Conquer.
Lake Hartwell has hosted multiple Bassmaster Classics and is recognized as one of the Southeast's premier fishing destinations. Here's everything you need to know to have an unforgettable day on the water.
56,000 acres
of fishable water
Year-round
open fishing
60–85°F
ideal water temps
Low wind coves
sheltered fishing arms
Largemouth Bass
Year-round · Peak: Spring & Fall
Avg 2–5 lbs · Trophy 8+ lbs
- 1
Work shallow coves and rocky points in spring when water temps hit 60°F — bass move in to spawn.
- 2
Use soft plastic worms and crankbaits near submerged timber and dock structures.
- 3
In summer heat, fish deep ledges and channel drops with a Carolina rig during early morning.
- 4
Fall is prime — bass chase shad into creeks. Topwater lures at dawn produce explosive strikes.
Best Fishing Spots
Green Pond Landing Area
Anderson County
Tournament-proven area with deep channel access and well-maintained launch facility.
Seneca River Arm
Upper Lake, SC
Classic striper migration route. Rocky points and submerged timber hold big fish in winter.
Tugaloo River Arm
Georgia Side
Shallow creek arms and coves with heavy vegetation — prime bass habitat spring through fall.
Hartwell Dam Tailrace
Below the Dam
The tailrace below Hartwell Dam is legendary for trophy blue catfish and big stripers below the spillway.
Coneross Creek Arm
NW Anderson County
Quiet, protected arm with brush piles and dock structures. Excellent crappie and bass year-round.
Big Water Marina Cove
Central Lake
Sheltered cove with rocky shorelines and submerged points. Great for bass fishing all season long.
Outdoor Adventure
Lake Life & Parks
With 56,000 acres of water, Lake Hartwell is the centerpiece of outdoor recreation in Anderson. Spanning the border of South Carolina and Georgia, it's renowned for largemouth and striped bass and has hosted multiple Bassmaster Classics.
State & National Parks
Sumter National Forest
112 Andrew Pickens Cir, Mountain Rest, SC
The Andrew Pickens District offers hiking trails, campsites, rivers, waterfall trails, and fishing areas managed by the US Forest Service.
Devils Fork State Park
161 Holcombe Cir, Salem, SC
The only public access to beautiful Lake Jocassee. Kayak rentals, boat launch, and short scenic trails.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park
108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC
Gateway to the Jocassee Gorges. Kayak on Lake Keowee, hike the Raven Rock Loop, and camp primitively.
Lake Hartwell State Park
19138 SC-11, Fair Play, SC
Prime access to Lake Hartwell for anglers and boaters. Great fishing and stunning lake sunsets.
Oconee Station State Historic Site
500 Oconee Station Rd, Walhalla, SC
Nature trails, a historic home, and a kid-friendly trail leading to a scenic waterfall. Great for families.
Oconee State Park
624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC
Perfect for family camping, mountain views, and hiking. Offers both primitive camping and cozy cabins.
Sadlers Creek State Park
940 Sadlers Creek Rd, Anderson, SC
Fish from a 100 ft pier, launch a boat or kayak on Lake Hartwell, or hit the mountain biking trails.
Table Rock State Park
158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC
Iconic upstate landmark. Hike to sweeping mountain views, canoe Lake Oolenoy, and rent a lakeside cabin.
Jocassee Gorges
1344 Cleo Chapman Hwy, Sunset, SC
One of two rainforests in the continental US. Incredible biodiversity, off-roading, and hiking trails.
Long Shoals Wayside Park
Scenic Hwy 11, Pickens, SC
A DNR-managed roadside gem — dip your toes in the mountain waters of Little Eastatoe Creek.
Nine Times Preserve
Pickens County, SC
Managed by The Nature Conservancy. Wooded hiking trails with Southern Appalachian wildlife and flora.
Clemson Experimental Forest
Clemson, SC
Over 17,500 acres for mountain biking, horseback riding, hammocking, and peaceful forest exploration.
County Parks
Chau Ram County Park
1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC
Open March–November. Campsites and public access to the Chauga River with a scenic waterfall trail.
High Falls County Park
671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, SC
On the shores of Lake Keowee with campsites, volleyball and basketball courts, and a boat ramp.
South Cove County Park
1031 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC
Great Lake Keowee access with 3 boat ramps and several campsites for a relaxing lakeside stay.
Mile Creek County Park
757 Keowee Baptist Church Rd, Six Mile, SC
10 lakefront cabins, 3 paved boat ramps, kayak rentals, and full-hookup campsites on Lake Keowee.
Watercraft Rentals
Get out on the water! Rent pontoons, kayaks, or paddleboards for a day of adventure.
Kayaks & SUPs
Fishing Charters
Experience world-class bass and striper fishing with local expert guides on Lake Hartwell.
- Lake Hartwell Fishing Charters
Led by Captain Chip Hamilton, a full-time professional guide with over 20 years of experience.
- Fishski Business Guided Fishing
Expert-guided fishing adventures on Lake Hartwell.
- Southern Obsession Fishing Charters
World-class bass and striper fishing with local expert guides.
Green Pond Landing
Premier tournament launch facility
A state-of-the-art county-operated boat launch and event facility. Home to Bassmaster Classic events. 8 launch lanes, event pavilion, and ample trailer parking.
Marina Directory
Every access point on the lake.
From full-service marinas with fuel docks and pontoon rentals to quiet state park launches and tournament facilities — find the right put-in for your trip.
Big Water Marina
Full-service rentals & slips
The most popular full-service marina on Lake Hartwell. Offers pontoon rentals, kayaks, SUPs, boat slips, fuel dock, and bait/tackle shop.
Clemson Marina
North shore hub near campus
Located near Clemson University, this full-service marina offers boat rentals, slips, fuel, and easy access to the wide northern reaches of the lake.
Tri-County Boat Rentals
Affordable day rentals
A local favorite for affordable pontoon and boat rentals by the hour or day. Great for families and first-time lake visitors.
Green Pond Landing
Premier tournament launch facility
A state-of-the-art county-operated boat launch and event facility. Home to Bassmaster Classic events. 8 launch lanes, event pavilion, and ample trailer parking.
Lake Hartwell State Park Ramp
Public launch with park amenities
State park-operated boat ramp with fishing pier, camper cabins, and picnic facilities. Managed by SC State Parks, day-use fee applies.
Sadlers Creek State Park Ramp
Quiet launch with shoreline trails
A scenic, less-crowded launch point with 395 acres of parkland, camping, and access to wooded shoreline hikes.
Tugaloo State Park Marina
Best beach & swimming access
Located on the Georgia side of the lake, Tugaloo features a sandy swimming beach, yurt camping, boat ramp, and some of the widest open-water views on the entire lake.
Planning a tournament or group outing?
Green Pond Landing hosts Bassmaster Classic events and is available for private event bookings with 8 launch lanes and a full event pavilion.
Day Trips
Chase waterfalls. Find your view.
Just a short drive north into the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll find some of South Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking overlooks.
Chasing Waterfalls
Yellow Branch Falls
A local and visitor favorite. Leisurely hike along Hwy 28, great for kids and dogs. Beautiful cascade through the forest.
King Creek Falls
A majestic 70-foot waterfall near Burrells Ford campground in Sumter National Forest. A stunning short hike.
Spoonauger Falls
Just down the road from King Creek Falls on the Chattooga River trail. Easily combine both in one afternoon.
Lee Falls
An otherworldly and gorgeous waterfall. Trail winds through beautiful forests and tall grass fields from a gated gravel lot.
Issaqueena Falls
Found in Stumphouse Tunnel Park, Walhalla. An overlook platform just steps from the parking area gives lovely views.
Twin Falls
Two waterfalls for one hike — both 75 feet tall and stunning. Well worth every step of this short trail.
Station Cove Falls
Inside Oconee Station Historic Site. Family and dog-friendly. A beautiful stepped waterfall through an Appalachian cove forest.
Riley Moore Falls
A wide 100-foot waterfall on the Chauga River with a large sandy beach — perfect for wading and relaxing.
Chau Ram Falls
Located in Chau Ram County Park. 40-foot waterfall easily accessible via suspension bridges and short trails.
Scenic Overlooks
Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower
The highest point in South Carolina at 3,553 feet. 360-degree views of four states.
Jumping Off Rock
The hallmark view of Lake Jocassee. Requires a high-clearance vehicle, but the view is unmatched.
Pretty Place Chapel
Symmes Chapel at YMCA Camp Greenville — one of the most iconic peaceful sunrise views over the mountains.
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve
A massive rock outcropping with panoramic foothills views. Very accessible with a short boardwalk.
Arts & Culture
Beyond the waterline.
Anderson's cultural scene is as rich as its natural beauty. From historic museums and performing arts to local festivals and Southern food traditions.
Anderson Arts Center
Located in a historic Carnegie Library building, featuring rotating exhibits of local and regional artists, plus community art classes.
Anderson County Museum
Explore the rich history of the "Electric City" and Anderson County through engaging, award-winning exhibits. Admission is free!
Performing Arts
Catch a local production at the Anderson Arts Center or a show at the Anderson Civic Center. The area has a vibrant performing arts community.
Shopping & Boutiques
Historic Pendleton Square offers antique shops and boutiques. Downtown Anderson has a growing scene of local retailers, art galleries, and unique shops.
Annual Events & Festivals
Waterfest
Annual waterski competition and festival on Lake Hartwell drawing competitors from across the Southeast.
Spinx Run Fest
Major running event with marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash through Anderson County.
Anderson Restaurant Week
A beloved annual celebration of local culinary talent with special menus across the city.
Pendleton Farmers' Society Fair
One of the oldest fairs in the South, dating back to 1839. Held in historic Pendleton each fall.
Carolina Day Celebration
Community celebration with live music, vendors, and family activities in downtown Anderson.
Anderson County Fair
Traditional county fair with rides, livestock shows, carnival games, and local food vendors.
Upcoming Events
Last refreshed: Oct 1, 2026
Radio 80's
Head Games - Foreigner Tribute
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac Tribute
LHA Annual Meeting
Fire Lake - Bob Seger Tribute
Departure - Journey Tribute
Halloween Party featuring The Wayward Sons
Run Through The Jungle - CCR Tribute
On The Border - Eagles Tribute
Christmas Market
Christmas Market
Vintage Vixens
The Return - Beatles Tribute
More events at Visit Anderson · Anderson Concerts · KOA Anderson · Clemson Events
Life on the Lake
Captured moments.
Golden hour on the water
Open water, open skies
Lakeside dining at sunset
Summer skies over Lake Hartwell
Marina nights
Green Pond Landing — Bassmaster Classic host
Downtown Anderson — the Electric City
Brasstown Falls — autumn in the upstate
Issaqueena Falls — Oconee County
Sailing on Lake Hartwell
Pretty Place — Scenic Overlook
Spring morning on Lake Hartwell
Kayaking the open water
Stand-up paddleboarding at sunrise
Golden hour reflections on the lake
Paddling into the sunset with your best friend
Adventure Deep Dive
From dreaming to drifting in one beautiful plan.
Start downtown in Anderson with coffee and a walk through the historic square, then move outward toward the marina coves where Lake Hartwell opens into wide, silver water.
Launch from Green Pond Landing for serious boating access, choose Sadlers Creek for quiet camping and shoreline trails, or reserve a pontoon for a slow sunset loop between the lake’s wooded fingers.
When the day softens, book a table at a lakeside restaurant, then let the evening settle over the water in amber reflections and pine-dark horizons.
Floating Booking Anchor
Reserve a perfect lake day
Suggested window: sunrise paddle, afternoon pontoon, sunset dinner.
Morning Paddle
Big Water Marina
Tournament Launch
Green Pond Landing
Sunset Table
The Galley Restaurant
Featured StayS
Where to Stay on the Lake
Portman Cove
Lake Hartwell Cottage · 18 min from Clemson
A lakeside cottage where the week quietly unravels. Paddleboards at the door, walkable to Portman Marina and The Galley, with direct access to 56,000 acres of calm Carolina water. Both Georgia and South Carolina state park passes included.
Villa Zagara
Lakefront Wellness Retreat · Protected by Nature
Villa Zagara is where the only sound is the one you choose to make. Surrounded by protected reserves on every shore, Villa Zagara pairs deep-water access with restorative amenities — a wood-barrel sauna, hot tub, and garage gym. Step off the deck into clear water, paddle into silence, and let the quiet reset you.
Guest Love
What our Guests are Saying...
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The Electric City hub
Downtown Anderson
Historic courthouse square, walkable dining, craft breweries, live music, and the launch point for all lake adventures.
FAQ
Common questions, answered.
Everything you need to know about accessing the lake, renting a boat, and fishing on Lake Hartwell.
Lake Access
Boat Rentals
Fishing Permits
Lake Conditions