Fair Play

Star0
2 reviews
290 LAKESHORE DRIVE, FAIR PLAY, South Carolina, 29643, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

709 ft

Price

$4/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Day-use only; overni...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Fair Play
$4.00 - $4.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The site charges a $4 user fee per vehicle for day use.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

178 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingbeachwell-maintained

"Reviews highlight the natural beauty and wide range of activities available at Lake Hartwell, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Fair Play itself is noted as a good spot for family outings, with picnic shelters and beach access."

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Campground Map

290 LAKESHORE DRIVE, FAIR PLAY, South Carolina, 29643, United States

Fair Play

290 LAKESHORE DRIVE, FAIR PLAY, South Carolina, 29643, United States

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 85 South (Georgia), take South Carolina exit 2 for Hwy. 59 (Fairplay/Seneca Exit), turn right, follow until road ends at the access area. From Interstate 85 North (Greenville/Spartanburg), take South Carolina exit 2 for Hwy. 59 (Fairplay/Seneca Exit), turn left, follow until road ends at the access area.
The roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible year-round. There are no noted navigation challenges.
Nearby places
Fair Play (0 miles), Seneca (18 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Anderson (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Greenville (45 miles, approximately 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A grocery store is located within less than 1 mile from the campground. Additional supplies can be found in nearby Fair Play or Seneca.

Best Time to Camp at Fair Play

Summer arrives at Fair Play with warm embraces and sun-dappled waters perfect for swimming and boating adventures. As autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons, the crisp air and gentle breezes create an outdoor paradise for hikers and picnickers seeking respite from summer's intensity. Spring emerges with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures that invite leisurely lakeside strolls and peaceful afternoons beneath the sheltering trees, making every season a reason to discover Fair Play's natural charms.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season; ideal for swimming, boating and water sports; summer is busy and popular.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn offers hiking, birding and scenic foliage; water activities diminish but remain possible.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring supports boating, fishing and birding; warming temperatures improve usability.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Cooler months limit water-based activities; day-use area remains open but less active.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Summer months. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Day-use only; overnight camping is not permitted in the campground itself but is available at nine nearby campgrounds.

About Fair Play

Nestled along the pristine shores of Hartwell Lake's South Carolina side, Fair Play beckons summer adventurers to explore its 56,000 acres of sparkling water playground. This beloved day-use area transforms warm summer days into memories, offering shaded picnic shelters where families gather for lakeside feasts, playgrounds where children's laughter mingles with the gentle lap of waves, and modern amenities that ensure comfort meets wilderness. With convenient flush toilets and thoughtfully placed recreational facilities, Fair Play serves as your gateway to endless aquatic adventures on one of the Southeast's most magnificent lakes.
Fair Play is a day-use facility, and overnight camping is not available at this location. However, nine nearby campgrounds provide overnight options.
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Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, water sports, swimming, hiking, and birding. Two designated swimming beaches and a two-lane boat ramp are key highlights.
HikingHiking is available with nearby trails, including a 3/4-mile nature trail at Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area. Reviews mention that the surrounding areas offer additional walking and biking opportunities.
FishingFishing is quite popular, with species like striped bass, hybrid bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish commonly found in Hartwell Lake.
SwimmingThere are two designated swimming beaches on the peninsula, providing opportunities for safe family swimming.
BikingA biking trail is located at the nearby Paynes Creek Campground, less than a mile away.
BoatingBoating is a top activity, supported by a two-lane boat ramp and expansive lake access.
Wildlife viewingBirding conditions are described as ideal along the nearby 3/4-mile nature trail at Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters may be possible, and water hazards like strong currents or boat traffic should be monitored.

Weather at Fair Play

Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Fair Play has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the natural beauty and wide range of activities available at Lake Hartwell, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Fair Play itself is noted as a good spot for family outings, with picnic shelters and beach access.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

- "Serene environment and array of activities available, including boating, hiking, and camping." - "Well-maintained facilities with picnic shelters and swimming beaches." - "Ideal birding conditions...
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Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews mention that facilities in the broader Lake Hartwell area could use updates. Privacy is occasionally noted as lacking in nearby camping areas, though this does not directly affect Fair...
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Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early on weekends to secure picnic shelter availability. - Bring your own water sports gear to fully enjoy the lake.
Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The summer season is busy and popular for water activities. Cooler months may limit water-based activities, but hiking and birding remain accessible.
Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and ate lunch with my parents, my children, and my grandchildren. We ate and we swim and we really enjoyed it." (Jlb Jlb, 2023) - "Lake Hartwell is a popular...
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Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

As Fair Play does not have campsites, there are no site-specific reviews for this location.
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews discuss pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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