Lake Hartwell
A 56,000-acre reservoir on the Georgia and South Carolina line, with Tugaloo State Park as the gateway
The short answer
A giant lake, a long drive
Lake Hartwell is one of the biggest recreation lakes in the Southeast: 56,000 acres of water and 962 miles of shoreline on the Georgia and South Carolina line, fed by the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca rivers. The dam was finished in 1959 and the whole project in 1963. From Helen it's about an hour and 15 minutes (46 miles) to Tugaloo State Park, so treat it as a full-day trip, ideally with Toccoa on the way.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Address | 1763 Tugaloo State Park Road, Lavonia, GA 30553 (Franklin County) |
| Phone | (706) 356-4362; reservations (800) 864-7275 |
| Hours | Park 7 AM-10 PM; office 8 AM-5 PM |
| Parking | Georgia ParkPass, $10 per vehicle per day; overnight guests pay once per vehicle |
| Where to stay | 20 cottages (some with private boat docks), 6 yurts, 105 tent, trailer and RV sites, 11 walk-in sites and a pioneer campground |
| On the water | A 6-lane ramp built for fishing tournaments, 2 more boat ramps, a sand beach, and seasonal kayak and canoe use |
| On land | 4 miles of trails (Sassafras and Muscadine), miniature golf (fee), tennis and volleyball courts, picnic shelters |
| Heads up | As of October 2026 the designated swimming area is closed because of low water, though the beach is open |
Make a day of it
Tugaloo State Park sits on 393 acres of peninsula, with the lake on three sides. Go for a hike, launch a boat or just sit on the beach. On the way, stop in Toccoa for 186-foot Toccoa Falls; our Lake Hartwell and Stephens County guide covers the Toccoa side, and the Toccoa and Stephens County page has more on the area. Check the park page for current conditions before you drive out.
What you can do at the lake
Water, trails and a place to sleep
Fish
State Parks says fishing is possible year-round and largemouth bass are abundant. The six-lane ramp exists because the lake hosts fishing tournaments, so expect trailers on tournament mornings. A Georgia fishing license applies.
Paddle
Kayak and canoe rentals at Tugaloo are seasonal, so call the park at 706-356-4362 before you count on one.
Walk
The Sassafras and Muscadine trails total about 4 miles, which makes a relaxed morning walk rather than a mountain hike.
Stay
Book cottages, yurts and campsites at 800-864-7275. Some cottages have private boat docks. Overnight guests pay the $10 daily parking fee once per vehicle.
If one park isn't enough, Georgia State Parks lists Richard B. Russell State Park and Victoria Bryant State Park among Tugaloo's neighbors, along with Toccoa Falls and Tallulah Gorge. Tallulah Gorge is the one to pair with a mountain-side route home; our Tallulah Gorge guide has current closures.
Common questions
How far is Lake Hartwell from Helen?
About 73 minutes and 46 miles to Tugaloo State Park. Toccoa is about 45 minutes away.
How much does Tugaloo State Park cost?
Parking is $10 per vehicle per day with the Georgia ParkPass. Overnight guests pay it once per vehicle.
Is fishing good at Lake Hartwell?
Georgia State Parks says Tugaloo offers year-round fishing with abundant largemouth bass, and the park has a six-lane ramp for tournaments. You need a Georgia fishing license.
Can I swim at Tugaloo State Park?
The beach is open, but as of October 2026 the designated swimming area is closed because of low water. Check the park page before you go.
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