Big Oaks

Star2.17
11 reviews
5823 Dam Road, Hartwell, GA 30643

Quick Facts

Price

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Booking

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Sites

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

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Big Oaks
No fees available
Campsite Fees
$10 service fee applies if you change or cancel your reservation more than 14 days in advance of arrival. If you cancel a reservation within 14 days...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

2.17

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

434 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshadespacious

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Big Oaks, consistently describing it as beautiful, peaceful, clean, and well‑maintained. Visitors highlight it as a great lakeside spot for picnics, walking to the dam, launching boats, and hosting group events like company or family gatherings. The atmosphere is family‑friendly with plenty of space, shade, and lake views that many call one of the best ways to enjoy Lake Hartwell."

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About Big Oaks

Nestled along the shimmering waters of Hartwell Lake, Big Oaks Recreation Area welcomes day-trippers to 12 acres of gently rolling terrain where towering pines and native hardwoods create natural canopies over inviting picnic spots. Launch your boat from the convenient two-lane ramp, gather your family at the spacious covered shelter, or let the kids explore the playground while you stroll the paved walking trail that crowns the impressive Hartwell Dam embankment.
Big Oaks Recreation Area is described as a day-use recreation area with boat launching and picnic facilities. The provided information focuses on day-use amenities and lake access rather than overnight lodging or campsites.
Historical SignificanceThe story of Hartwell Lake begins with the ambitious Hartwell Project, conceived initially to harness hydropower, tame flooding, and improve navigation along these vital waterways. Over time, as communities recognized the treasure they'd created, the project's mission expanded to embrace what visitors cherish today: exceptional recreational opportunities, pristine water quality, reliable water supply, and thriving habitats for fish and wildlife. What started as an engineering feat has blossomed into a beloved regional destination where human ingenuity and natural beauty converge.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers once flowed separately, they now merge into the expansive beauty of Hartwell Lake, creating a watery playground that stretches across the Georgia-South Carolina border. At Big Oaks, the lake's gentle shoreline meets verdant vegetation that casts welcome shade across the grounds, offering respite on warm summer days. The broader Hartwell Lake system reveals itself as a recreational paradise, with sandy beaches, scenic picnic areas, and numerous boat launches dotting miles of meandering shoreline, each spot offering its own unique perspective on this man-made marvel that feels entirely at home in the natural landscape.
Geological RegionBig Oaks sits within the Hartwell Project region, where three historic rivers—the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca—have been transformed into the magnificent Hartwell Lake. This man-made reservoir straddles the Georgia-South Carolina state line, creating a distinctive aquatic landscape that bridges two states and countless recreational possibilities.
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Campsite details

Total Campsitesnull campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe site includes a large picnic shelter with water and electric service, 26 picnic sites, a comfort station, a playground, paved roads, and parking areas; the two-lane boat ramp and courtesy dock provide waterfront access. The paved walking/bicycling path (2.75-mile roundtrip) is located at the entrance.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation more than 14 days in advance. Canceling within 14 days of arrival results in forfeiture of the reservation fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Electricity hookups
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Primarily a day-use recreation area on Hartwell Lake focused on boating and lake-based activities, with paved walking and bicycling access nearby.
Hiking
A 2.75 mile round-trip paved walking and bicycling path is located at the entrance; the site also provides access to a paved walking trail atop the Georgia earthen embankment of Hartwell Dam.
Swimming
Hartwell Lake, which borders the area, provides numerous swimming beaches along its shoreline.
Biking
A paved 2.75 mile round-trip path for bicycling is located at the entrance to Big Oaks.
Boating
Boating and water sports are popular; the site includes a two-lane boat ramp and a courtesy dock for lake access.
Water Sports
Boating and water sports are listed as top activities at the site and on Hartwell Lake; boat ramp and courtesy dock provided.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsThe area experiences high levels of intense public use during peak recreation season and hosts numerous large special events, which can result in crowding and heavy use during peak times.

Weather at Big Oaks

47
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 62%
Wind: 9.6 mph
Clear sky

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresImmediate lake access with a two-lane boat ramp and one courtesy dock providing direct access to Hartwell Lake.
Common complaintsThe area experiences high levels of intense public use during peak recreation season and hosts numerous large special events (e.g., Hartwell Dam Run, Pre-Fourth Fireworks).

Campground Map

5823 Dam Road, Hartwell, GA 30643
Driving directionsFrom Hartwell, GA, take Highway 29 North towards Anderson, SC for about 5 miles. Big Oaks is located on the left next to the Hartwell Visitor Center and Manager's Office.
Accessible via Highway 29; site entrance is on Dam Road adjacent to the Hartwell Visitor Center and Manager's Office.
Nearby places
Hartwell, GA — about 5 miles (drive north on Highway 29). Anderson, SC — referenced as the direction of Highway 29 north toward Anderson, SC (distance not specified).

Reviews from booking and map sources

2.2
11 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Big Oaks has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers overwhelmingly love Big Oaks, consistently describing it as beautiful, peaceful, clean, and well‑maintained. Visitors highlight it as a great lakeside spot for picnics, walking to the dam, launching boats, and hosting group events like company or family gatherings. The atmosphere is family‑friendly with plenty of space, shade, and lake views that many call one of the best ways to enjoy Lake Hartwell.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the scenic lake views, sunsets, and general beauty of the area, including views of the GA/SC mountains and the nearby dam. The park is frequently described as clean and well‑kept, with...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The only recurring minor issue mentioned is bathroom-related: one review notes clean toilets but no hand soap, and another mentions porta potties, possibly indicating the main restroom was out of...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggest bringing picnic supplies and grilling food to fully enjoy the numerous tables and grills, as well as fishing gear and a valid fishing license if you plan to fish. Walking shoes are...
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Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This location was amazing!... The location is so beautiful with a nice breeze off the water, plenty of shade from all the trees and great spot to set up corn hole (we had 4 with plenty of...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 01 (Loop BOAK), which appears to be the pavilion area, is repeatedly praised as clean, comfortable, and very spacious, suitable for company picnics and family gatherings. Reviewers mention clean...
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Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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