South Carolina / Oconee County

Twin Lakes Day Use Area

Closed — Boat ramp is open year-round. Day use area operates seasonally from May 1 through September 4. Picnic shelters are reservable from May 1 through September 4.

About

Twin Lakes Day Use Area is a 152-acre recreation facility on Lake Hartwell, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The area features a dense overstory of pines and mixed hardwoods providing ample shade throughout the site. Day use facilities include a gatehouse entrance, 27 picnic sites, two standard picnic shelters with water and electric service, a two-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock, two comfort stations, a playground, and two designated swim areas with sandy beaches offering panoramic lake views. The boat ramp is heavily used during spring and summer as a popular launch point for fishing tournaments. The swimming beaches provide spacious areas to enjoy the 962-mile shoreline of Lake Hartwell, a man-made reservoir on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers bordering Georgia and South Carolina. The lake was originally authorized for hydropower, flood control, and navigation, with recreation, water quality, water supply, and fish and wildlife management added later. Located just 5 miles from Clemson, South Carolina and Clemson University, Twin Lakes experiences moderate to high levels of public use during peak recreation season. The area provides easy access to nearby amenities including grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. Visitors pay $7 per vehicle for day use access.

Directions

From Interstate 85, take exit 14 to Highway 187 north. Immediately after passing Clemson Research Center, turn left on Fants Grove Road and follow directional signs to the park at 189 Shelter Drive, Pendleton, SC 29670.

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