Georgia / Hart County

Watsadler

Open — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Gate opens at 7 a.m. and locks at 10 p.m. with no vehicle entry or exit overnight. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period.

About

Watsadler Campground is one of Hartwell Lake's most popular year-round camping destinations, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on 36 acres of densely wooded terrain featuring pine and mixed hardwoods. Located near Hartwell Dam, the campground overlooks the main body of the lake and provides excellent access to Hartwell's 962 miles of shoreline. The facility offers 51 public campsites, all equipped with water and 50-amp electric hookups, making it suitable for RVs and trailers. Three comfort stations serve the campground, with two providing shower facilities. Additional amenities include a dump station, boat ramp with courtesy dock, and two playgrounds for families. Many sites are positioned along the waterfront, offering scenic lake views. Hartwell Lake, a man-made reservoir on the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers, straddles the Georgia-South Carolina border and is renowned for bass, bream, crappie, catfish, and striped bass fishing. The lake supports diverse water activities including boating, water skiing, and swimming at designated beaches. The campground enforces a gate lock policy from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and prohibits alcohol on the premises. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov with a maximum stay of 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period.

Directions

From I-85 North in Georgia, take exit 177 onto Highway 77 toward Hartwell. In Hartwell, take Hwy 29 North toward Anderson, South Carolina. Continue approximately 4 miles, turn left onto Watsadler Road; entrance will be on the right. From I-85 South in South Carolina, take exit 14 (Hwy 187) and follow to the 4-way stop with Hwy 29. Turn right onto Hwy 29 toward Hartwell, Georgia. After crossing into Georgia, continue approximately 1.5 miles and turn right onto Watsadler Road.

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