10 Best Things to Do on Lake Hartwell

Dalton Massey • September 25, 2026

Spanning the Georgia–South Carolina border, Lake Hartwell is a 56,000-acre lake with miles of shoreline, quiet coves, parks, campgrounds, boat ramps, and plenty of places to get out on the water. If you are planning for activities in and around Lake Hartwell, you can fill an entire day without doing the same thing twice.

You can spend the morning riding a jet ski across the lake, take a boat out in the afternoon, go fishing for bass and striped bass, or find a quiet cove to explore by kayak or paddleboard. When the weather is warm, there are also plenty of spots for swimming and relaxing by the water.

Lake Hartwell's parks and recreation areas offer hiking trails, picnic spots, camping, and opportunities to watch birds and other wildlife so you don't have to spend the whole day on the lake. You can also grab a meal by the water or simply find a good spot to watch the sunset.

Whether you're visiting for a day or spending the weekend, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the lake. Here are 10 of the best activities to do at Lake Hartwell:

1. Go Jet Skiing on Lake Hartwell

Jet skiing is one of the best ways to experience Lake Hartwell, especially if you want to see more than one part of the lake in a day. You can ride across the open water, follow the shoreline, explore coves, and take in parts of the lake that you would never reach from a beach or recreation area.

You don't need to bring your own personal watercraft, either. At Sea Jay Powersports, we offer Lake Hartwell jet ski rentals, so you can get on the water without hauling, launching, and storing your own jet ski. It's a great option whether you want to spend a few hours riding or make jet skiing the main activity of your lake day.

Before heading out, take a few minutes to get familiar with the lake and plan your route. Lake Hartwell covers roughly 56,000 acres and has a shoreline full of coves, inlets, islands, and branching sections. It's surprisingly easy to travel farther than you realize once you start exploring.

The lake conditions can also vary depending on where and when you ride. For example, the open sections of the lake may become busier and choppier as boat traffic increases, while protected areas are usually calmer.

Watch for changing weather and water conditions, keep a safe distance from other watercraft, and slow down around docks, marinas, swimming areas, and other restricted or no-wake areas.

Most importantly, when you are jet skiing in Lake Hartwell, wear the required safety gear and make sure you understand the jet ski's controls before leaving the dock. If you're new to riding, getting comfortable with starting, stopping, steering, and using the safety lanyard before heading into busier water can make your first ride much more enjoyable.

2. Take a Boat Out on the Lake

Boating is another great way to explore Lake Hartwell, especially if you're spending the day with family or friends. With such a large lake to explore, you can spend hours cruising the shoreline, stopping for a swim, relaxing on the water, or finding a quiet place to anchor for a while.

Pontoon boats are especially well suited to a laid-back day at Lake Hartwell. Bring a cooler and lunch, find a spot to swim, and make a full afternoon of being on the water.

If you're looking for something more active, boating can also be combined with watersports such as tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing where conditions and local rules allow.

If you're bringing your own boat, Lake Hartwell has numerous public boat ramps and recreation areas on both the Georgia and South Carolina sides. Lake Hartwell State Park, for example, has two boat ramps and a courtesy dock, making it one option for getting onto the water.

Lake Hartwell is much larger than it may appear on a map, and choosing a few places to visit gives you more time to enjoy the water instead of spending most of the day traveling from one end of the lake to another.

If you're unfamiliar with the lake, keep a map or navigation app handy and pay attention to channel markers, no-wake zones, changing water depths, and other boat traffic. Summer weekends and holidays can be particularly busy, so give other boats plenty of room and take your time around ramps, docks, and marinas.

3. Spend a Day Fishing

Fishing is one of Lake Hartwell's most popular activities, whether you're heading out early in a boat or simply looking for a place to cast from shore. The lake is home to several popular freshwater species, including largemouth bass, crappie, bream, catfish, striped bass, and hybrid bass.

If you are on a boat, you'll have more freedom to explore different parts of the lake and reach deeper water, coves, points, and other fishing areas. If you're only spending a few hours at the lake, fishing from the shoreline or a designated fishing area can be an easier option.

Lake Hartwell State Park is one place to start on the South Carolina side. The park provides fishing access, two boat ramps, and a courtesy dock, so it works for both shore anglers and visitors bringing a boat.

If fishing is a major part of your trip, consider booking a local fishing guide. Lake Hartwell is a large reservoir, and an experienced guide can help you spend less time searching for productive water and more time actually fishing. Local bait and tackle shops can also help you learn what has been biting recently and which baits are working.

Before you cast a line, make sure you have the appropriate fishing license for where you'll be fishing. Lake Hartwell sits along the Georgia–South Carolina border, so check the current license requirements and fishing regulations for your trip rather than assuming the rules are the same everywhere on the lake.

4. Kayak, Canoe, or Paddleboard

For a slower way to explore Lake Hartwell, take out a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.

The lake's coves and protected areas can be particularly enjoyable for paddling when conditions are calm. Follow the shoreline, look for birds and other wildlife, or find a quiet spot to stop and take in the view. It's also an easy activity to fit into a morning before spending the rest of the day swimming, hiking, or relaxing by the water.

If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards around the Lake Hartwell area. Depending on where you're staying, you may also find rental companies that offer delivery, which can save you from transporting a kayak yourself.

If you're new to paddling, choose a protected area, stay relatively close to shore, and don't try to cover too much distance on your first outing. Wear a properly fitted life jacket, check the weather before launching, and remember that the trip back can feel considerably longer once you're tired.

5. Go Swimming

When the weather heats up, swimming is one of the simplest ways to enjoy Lake Hartwell. You can make it part of a full day at the lake or use a swim stop to cool off between boating, fishing, and other activities.

If you want a designated swimming area, Elrod Ferry Recreation Area on the Georgia side of the lake is a good place to consider. The recreation area has three designated swimming areas as well as picnic sites, playgrounds, a boat ramp, and a courtesy dock, so there's enough there to spend several hours or even most of the day.

You can also swim at Lake Hartwell State Park in South Carolina, but the park has no designated swimming area, and lifeguards are not provided.

If you're visiting with children or simply prefer an established beach area, choose a recreation area with designated swimming access. Wherever you swim, follow posted rules and conditions, keep children closely supervised, and stay clear of boat ramps and areas with regular watercraft traffic.

For a summer visit, consider arriving earlier in the day, particularly on weekends and holidays. You'll have more time to find a good spot, set up for the day, and enjoy the water before popular recreation areas get busier.

6. Hike Through the Lake Hartwell Area

You don't have to be on the water to enjoy Lake Hartwell. Several trails around the lake take you through wooded areas and along the shoreline, giving you a chance to stretch your legs, look for wildlife, and see a quieter side of the lake.

For a short walk, Lake Hartwell State Park in South Carolina has a 3/4-mile nature trail. It's an easy addition to a day spent fishing, picnicking, or camping at the park, and the trail is also a good place to spot birds and other wildlife.

If you want a longer outing, head to the Georgia side of the lake and check out Paynes Creek. The recreation area has a multi-use trail system that winds through the wooded landscape near Lake Hartwell and gives you more room to explore than a short park nature trail.

Hiking can be especially enjoyable in the morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are generally more comfortable, and you can avoid the strongest midday sun. During warmer months, bring plenty of water and use insect repellent, especially on wooded sections of trail.

You can also combine a hike with the rest of your lake day rather than making it a separate trip. Spend the morning on the water, stop for lunch, and take a walk before heading back to your campsite or finding a spot to watch the sunset.

7. Go Camping by the Lake

If one day at Lake Hartwell isn't enough, you can also spend the night by the water. There are campgrounds and recreation areas around both the Georgia and South Carolina sides of Lake Hartwell, with options for tent campers and RV travelers.

Lake Hartwell State Park, for example, offers both tent and RV camping, with many campsites located close to the shoreline.

You can spend the day boating, jet skiing, fishing, or swimming, return to your campsite for dinner, and head back to the water the next morning without another drive.

When choosing a campsite, don't look at availability alone. Check where the site sits within the campground and what facilities are nearby. Depending on the campground, some sites may offer easier access to the shoreline, boat ramps, restrooms, or other recreation areas, while others may provide a quieter setting away from the busiest parts of the park.

If you're planning a summer weekend or holiday trip, reserve your campsite ahead of time. Popular lakefront and waterfront sites can be especially appealing, so booking early gives you a better chance of finding a spot that fits the kind of Lake Hartwell trip you have in mind.

8. Visit Hartwell Dam

For a different view of Lake Hartwell, make some time to visit Hartwell Dam. The dam stretches across the Savannah River between Georgia and South Carolina and created the reservoir visitors enjoy today.

You don't need to make this an all-day activity. A stop around the dam area can be a nice change of pace between time on the water, especially if you want to see one of Lake Hartwell's most recognizable landmarks and take in views of the surrounding area.

The Hartwell Dam and Lake Visitor Center is also a useful stop if you're interested in learning more about the lake, including how the dam was built and how the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages the reservoir and surrounding recreation areas.

Pair it with a picnic, short walk, or another nearby recreation area to make the most of your time.

9. Grab a Meal by the Water

Lake Hartwell has several restaurants and marinas along its shoreline where you can make lunch or dinner part of the lake-day experience.

One option is The Galley Restaurant at Portman Marina on the South Carolina side of Lake Hartwell. Its marina setting makes it a convenient stop if you're spending time around that part of the lake, and you can enjoy a meal while staying close to the water.

Another option is J.R. Cash's at Big Water Marina, which gives visitors another place to combine a meal with views of Lake Hartwell.

Instead of immediately heading home after you get off the water, stop for dinner, relax for a while, and enjoy another view of the lake.

Restaurant hours can vary by day and season, so check what's open before making it part of your plans, particularly if you're visiting outside the busy summer months.

10. Explore Clemson Near Lake Hartwell

If you want to spend some time away from the water, make a trip to Clemson. The college town sits close to Lake Hartwell, making it easy to combine time on the lake with a few hours exploring the area.

Clemson University is the biggest draw, particularly during football season when the area becomes much busier on game weekends. Even when there isn't a game, you can walk around the university campus and explore the restaurants and shops around downtown Clemson.

You can also visit the South Carolina Botanical Garden, located near the Clemson University campus. It's a good change of pace if you've already spent most of your trip boating, fishing, swimming, or taking part in other activities around the lake.

If you're staying at Lake Hartwell for the weekend, consider using one day for the water and leaving a few hours to explore Clemson. Just keep game-day traffic in mind during football season, when roads, restaurants, and accommodations around Clemson can become considerably busier.

Plan Your Day at Lake Hartwell

If you're visiting Lake Hartwell for the first time, choose a few activities rather than trying to fit everything into one day. You might spend the morning jet skiing or boating, cool off with a swim in the afternoon, grab dinner by the water, and finish the day watching the sunset over the lake.

And if jet skiing is part of your plans, Sea Jay Powersports makes it easy to get on the water with Lake Hartwell jet ski rentals.

Reserve your jet ski, plan your route, and get ready to explore one of the Southeast's most popular lakes. Contact us for more information!

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10 Best Things to Do on Lake Keowee

By Dalton Massey • September 30, 2026

Lake Keowee is an 18,500-acre lake in northwestern South Carolina, tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With roughly 300 miles of shoreline, the lake has everything from wide stretches of open water to quiet, tree-lined coves where you can swim, paddle, fish, or simply relax. It is also close to Seneca and Clemson, which makes Lake Keowee an easy place to spend a day on the water or settle in for a longer outdoor getaway. You can explore the lake by jet ski, visit local favorites like Jumping Rock, paddle through peaceful coves, hike at Keowee-Toxaway State Park, or spend an afternoon fishing and swimming. Here are some of the best activities and things to do at Lake Keowee. 1. Explore Lake Keowee on a Jet Ski One of the best ways to experience Lake Keowee is from the water, and a jet ski lets you explore much more of the lake in a few hours. You can ride across the open water, follow the shoreline into quieter coves, or simply find a scenic stretch and enjoy the Blue Ridge foothills in the distance. A jet ski also makes the ride itself part of the experience. You can spend some time cruising the lake, then slow things down and stop for a swim or take a break in a calmer cove. If you have more time, you can use your ride to explore some of Lake Keowee’s well-known spots, including Jumping Rock and Party Cove Falls. If you don’t have your own watercraft, Sea Jay Powersports offers Lake Keowee jet ski rentals with delivery to a nearby boat ramp. That means you don’t need to haul a trailer or worry about transporting the jet ski yourself. We’ll bring the watercraft to the launch point so you can spend more time on the lake. Before heading out, check the weather, bring sunscreen and water, and keep your phone and other small items in a waterproof or dry bag. Take extra care around swimmers, docks, other boats, and marked no-wake areas, especially on busy summer weekends. 2. Visit Jumping Rock Jumping Rock is one of Lake Keowee’s best-known gathering spots and a fun addition to a day on the water. The large rock outcrop rises above the lake and has become a popular place for boaters to meet up, hang out, and enjoy the scenery. Even if you don't plan to jump, it’s worth visiting to see one of the lake’s local landmarks. You can cruise by on a boat or jet ski, enjoy the views, and spend some time on the surrounding water before continuing your trip around Lake Keowee. The area can get busy during summer weekends and holidays, so pay attention to other watercraft as you approach. If you do plan to get in the water, use extra caution around rocks, changing water levels, and boat traffic rather than assuming a jumping spot is safe based on what other visitors are doing. 3. See Party Cove Falls For another stop that feels like Lake Keowee, head to Party Cove Falls. This small waterfall flows down the wooded shoreline and into the lake, giving boaters and jet ski riders a scenic destination to work into a day of exploring. Instead of simply cruising the main stretches of the lake, you can head into the cove, slow down, and enjoy a quieter side of Keowee. It’s also a good place to take photos and appreciate the contrast between the lake and the surrounding forest. Conditions around the falls can change with rainfall and the season, so the amount of water you see may vary from one visit to another. Approach slowly, watch for other watercraft and swimmers, and enjoy the falls from a safe distance rather than climbing on wet or slippery rocks. 4. Kayak or Paddleboard Through the Coves Kayaking and paddleboarding offer a quieter way to explore Lake Keowee. Instead of covering long distances across open water, you can follow the shoreline, paddle into tree-lined coves, and take your time enjoying the scenery. The lake’s many coves and inlets are particularly well suited to paddling. Calmer water makes them easier to explore, especially for beginners, while experienced paddlers can turn the outing into a longer trip along the shoreline. Keep an eye out for birds and other wildlife as you move through the quieter areas of the lake. Early morning is a great time to head out, when the lake is generally quieter and there is less boat traffic. Bring water, sunscreen, and a dry bag for your phone and other essentials. If you’re exploring unfamiliar coves, keep a map or GPS handy so you can easily find your way back to your launch point. 5. Go Swimming in Lake Keowee With its clear water and long, warm summers, Lake Keowee is an inviting place to cool off. You can use one of the lake’s designated swimming areas or, if you’re spending the day on a boat, find a calm place away from heavy boat traffic to stop and get in the water. For families, parks around Lake Keowee provide some of the easiest places to swim. South Cove County Park has a designated swimming area, while other public recreation areas around the lake offer convenient water access and facilities for spending more of the day outdoors. Swimming can also be an easy addition to a day of boating, paddling, or jet skiing. Stop in a quieter cove, take a break from exploring, and enjoy the water before moving on to your next destination. Wherever you swim, watch for boats and personal watercraft, keep children closely supervised, and wear a life jacket when appropriate. If swimming from a boat, choose your stopping point carefully and avoid channels or other areas with regular boat traffic. 6. Go Fishing on Lake Keowee Fishing is another popular way to spend time on Lake Keowee, whether you want to dedicate a morning to it or simply cast a line between other activities. The lake supports several fish species, including largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. You can fish from a boat or try your luck from accessible areas along the shoreline. Having a boat gives you more freedom to explore different parts of the lake, from shallow coves and points to deeper water. Early morning and evening are good times to head out, particularly during the warmer months when the temperatures are more comfortable, and the lake may be quieter. If you plan to fish, check South Carolina’s current fishing license requirements and regulations before your trip. Then pack your gear, some water and snacks, and enjoy a slower-paced few hours on Lake Keowee. 7. Explore Keowee-Toxaway State Park When you’re ready to spend some time off the water, head to Keowee-Toxaway State Park on the northern end of Lake Keowee. The park combines lake and mountain scenery with hiking, picnicking, camping, and access to the water, which makes it an easy addition to a Lake Keowee trip. One of the highlights is the Natural Bridge Trail, which winds through the forest and crosses Poe Creek. For a longer hike, the Raven Rock Trail continues through the foothills and rewards hikers with views overlooking Lake Keowee and the surrounding mountains. The park is also a good place to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area. Stop by the visitor center before your hike, pack a picnic to enjoy afterward, or simply spend some time taking in the views. If you’re visiting during warmer weather, consider hiking earlier in the day before temperatures rise. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and insect repellent, particularly if you plan to explore the longer trails. 8. Take a Trip to a Nearby Waterfall Lake Keowee puts you within easy reach of some of Upstate South Carolina’s beautiful waterfalls, so it’s worth setting aside a few hours to explore beyond the shoreline. One option is Twin Falls, also known as Eastatoe Falls, near Sunset. A relatively short trail leads to views of two streams of water dropping down a large rock face. It’s an easy side trip to combine with a morning or afternoon at Lake Keowee. The surrounding area has plenty of other waterfalls and hiking trails, making this a good option when you want a break from boating and swimming or simply want to see more of the Blue Ridge foothills. . Rocks around waterfalls and streams can be surprisingly slippery, so make sure to wear shoes with good traction, especially after rain, and stay on established trails and viewing areas. 10. Enjoy a Meal by the Water After a day of swimming, paddling, hiking, or exploring Lake Keowee, slow things down with a meal by the water. The lake and nearby communities offer several places to grab lunch or dinner without traveling far from your day’s activities. If you’re spending the day on a boat, look for restaurants with dock access so you can arrive from the water. Otherwise, Seneca and the surrounding Lake Keowee area offer plenty of casual options for grabbing a meal before or after your time on the lake. A late lunch or early dinner can be especially nice after a full day outdoors. Find a spot with a view, order something cold to drink, and enjoy a more relaxed side of Lake Keowee before wrapping up your visit. If you’re visiting on a busy summer weekend, check restaurant hours and availability ahead of time, especially if you have a larger group. Plan Your Day at Lake Keowee Whether you want to spend the day on the water or explore the surrounding foothills, Lake Keowee gives you plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. You can ride across the lake, swim in a quiet cove, cast a line, hit the trails, or simply slow down and enjoy the scenery. If jet skiing is on your Lake Keowee itinerary, Sea Jay Powersports makes it easy to get on the water. Book a Lake Keowee jet ski rental, and we’ll deliver your watercraft to a nearby boat ramp—no trailer or hauling required. Reserve your jet ski and explore Lake Keowee from the water. Contact us for more information!