Elrod Ferry

Star0.15
11 reviews
1387 ELROD FERRY ROAD, Hartwell GA 30643

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Electric

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

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Elrod Ferry
No fees available
Campsite Fees
A $10 service fee will apply if you change or cancel a reservation more than 14 days in advance of arrival date. If you cancel a reservation within...
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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

0.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

Most mentioned

cleanwaterlakestaff

"Reviewers consistently praise Elrod Ferry for being clean, organized and scenic, with friendly staff and smooth check-in. Most visits mention positive experiences with shelter areas and boat rentals, though one reviewer reported a serious problem with pavilion reservation enforcement."

Read all reviews


Best Time to Camp at Elrod Ferry

Summer transforms Elrod Ferry into a vibrant hub of lakeside activity, with warm weather drawing sun-seekers and boaters to its shores in droves. The peak recreation season sees the park buzzing with energy as visitors flock to escape the heat and embrace the water. While the area welcomes guests year-round, the summer months showcase this recreation area at its most alive and spirited.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: peak recreation season (dates not specified). Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Elrod Ferry

Nestled on a gently sloping peninsula where land meets water, Elrod Ferry Recreation Area spans 39 acres of prime lakefront real estate overlooking the sparkling waters of Hartwell Lake near the historic dam. This bustling day-use destination draws crowds with its perfect combination of sandy shores, boat launches, and shaded picnic grounds—a beloved summer gathering spot where families have been making memories for generations.
Elrod Ferry Recreation Area is described as a day-use and boat-launching site; the source material does not describe camping facilities or overnight lodging at this site.
Historical SignificanceElrod Ferry's story is woven into the larger tapestry of the Hartwell Project, an ambitious undertaking that began with dreams of hydroelectric power, flood protection, and improved river navigation. As one of several recreation areas managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers along Hartwell Lake's extensive shoreline, this site has evolved beyond its utilitarian roots to embrace a broader mission—one that now encompasses environmental stewardship, wildlife habitat protection, and providing quality outdoor recreation for generations of visitors who've discovered this lakeside retreat.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Elrod Ferry into a vibrant hub of lakeside activity, with warm weather drawing sun-seekers and boaters to its shores in droves. The peak recreation season sees the park buzzing with energy as visitors flock to escape the heat and embrace the water. While the area welcomes guests year-round, the summer months showcase this recreation area at its most alive and spirited.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere Georgia and South Carolina meet at the confluence of three rivers—the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca—Hartwell Lake spreads across the landscape like a liquid sapphire, its 962 miles of shoreline creating endless coves and inlets to explore. At Elrod Ferry, mature trees cast dappled shade across the sloping grounds, framing postcard-perfect views of the lake's shimmering surface. The man-made reservoir, born from the ambitious Hartwell Project, has matured into a thriving ecosystem where recreational pursuits blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the Piedmont region, offering visitors everything from quiet beaches tucked into secluded coves to easily accessible boat ramps that serve as gateways to aquatic adventure.
Geological RegionHartwell Lake (man-made reservoir formed by the damming of the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers)
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Campsite details

Sites Size37 picnic sites; 2 standard picnic shelters (with water and electric); day-use facilities including boat ramp, courtesy dock, comfort stations, playgrounds, swim beaches
Total Campsites37 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 allowed

Site layoutDay-use layout includes 37 picnic sites, 2 standard picnic shelters with water and electric service, 1 gatehouse/entrance, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 2 comfort stations, 2 playgrounds, 3 designated swim areas/beaches, 1 volleyball pit, and paved roads and parking areas throughout.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 service fee applies for changes or cancellations made more than 14 days before arrival. Cancellations within 14 days of arrival forfeit the reservation fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

Boating and water-based recreation are the primary activities at Elrod Ferry, supported by a boat ramp and courtesy dock. The site also offers three designated swimming beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds and a volleyball pit for day-use recreation.
Swimming
Three designated swimming areas/beaches are located around the facility.
Boating
A boat ramp and a courtesy dock are available; boating and water sports are listed as top activities.
Beach activities
Three designated swim areas/beaches provide space for swimming and beach activities.
Water Sports
Boating and water sports are among the most popular activities at the site.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Elrod Ferry

47
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 61%
Wind: 12.6 mph
Clear sky

Weather History
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Good to know

Peak season datespeak recreation season (dates not specified)
Proximity to water featuresSituated on a gently sloping point overlooking Hartwell Lake with direct access to a boat ramp, courtesy dock and three designated swim areas/beaches.

Campground Map

1387 ELROD FERRY ROAD, Hartwell GA 30643
Driving directionsFrom Hartwell, GA, travel approximately 2.5 miles on Highway 29 North. Turn left onto Elrod Ferry Road, and after a mile follow the brown directional signs to the facility.
Accessible from Highway 29 North via Elrod Ferry Road; follow brown directional signs to the facility.
Nearby places
Hartwell — approximately 2.5 miles

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.2
11 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Elrod Ferry has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers consistently praise Elrod Ferry for being clean, organized and scenic, with friendly staff and smooth check-in. Most visits mention positive experiences with shelter areas and boat rentals, though one reviewer reported a serious problem with pavilion reservation enforcement.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently note cleanliness and well-maintained shelters, helpful rangers/staff, and a beautiful lakeside setting. Boat rentals from Big Water Marina received positive mention, and the site...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The main issue raised is enforcement of pavilion reservations and slow on-site staff response — one party arrived to find their reserved pavilion occupied and waited over an hour. Another concern is...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

If you plan to reserve a pavilion or host a large event, confirm the reservation in advance and arrive early to set up and assert your reservation; consider contacting park staff or the ranger if you...
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Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We had a wonderful time.. everything was clean and organized. We would definitely do it again!"; "The shelter area was clean and ready for us, and our boat rental from Big Water Marina was...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Several positive reviews call out Site 2 in loop EFER (clean, organized, shelter ready); Site 1 in loop EFER received a brief positive mention. The negative review concerned a reserved pavilion being...
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Based on 11 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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