Lake Hartwell was formed when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Hartwell Dam on the Savannah River in 1963. With 962 miles of shore girdling 56,000 acres of water, Lake Hartwell offers a variety of recreation facilities, lodging and permanent residences. The lake lies along the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers. It is two hours away from Atlanta, Ga., and Charlotte, N.C., and an hour from Greenville, S.C.
Many privately owned lakeside cabins are available for rent throughout the year, especially in the summer months.
Mountain Lakes Vacation Rentals in Fair Play, S.C., offers a variety of rentals, including luxurious A-frames and rustic cottages. Call toll-free 800-610-0020.
Vacation Rentals' online-only reservation service lists several private homes and daily rates.
Tugaloo State Park on the Georgia side of the lake has 20 cottages for rent, costing $125 to $135 per night. Each cottage sleeps eight and has two half-baths. Occupants share one shower. Linens are provided and the kitchen features a coffee maker and microwave oven.
Two of the cottages have full baths and pets are allowed in only two of the cottages. Cooking may be done on a wood stove, and there is a grill outside along with a picnic table. Some cottage have a boat dock. Call toll-free 800-864-7275 for reservations or reserve online.
Lake Hartwell Camping and Cabins in Townville, S.C., has several rustic cabins with air conditioning, beds, a refrigerator and a dining table. Cooking is done outdoors. Two larger cabins come fully equipped. Rental for the smaller cabins is about $54 per night. Reserve online or call toll free 888-427-8935.
On the South Carolina side of Lake Hartwell, you can rent a cabin at the South Carolina State Park office. These "camper cabins" have air conditioning but no running water or linens, and you may not cook or smoke indoors. The 11x13-foot cabins come with an outdoor fire ring and a grill, and the community restrooms are nearby. Rent is $24 to $42 per day, depending on the season. Reserve online or call 864-972-3352.
KOA offers lodge and cabin accommodations on Lake Hartwell's South Carolina shore. The "Kamping Kabins" are primitive and lack cooking facilities indoors, but KOA also offers a "Deluxe Kottage" with all amenities, including cable TV. Kamping Kabins are about $50 per night. Pets are welcome at some cabin sites but not all. Reserve online or call 800-562-5804.
