Corps of Engineers to Open Lake Hartwell Campgrounds and Day Use Areas May 1

Beginning May 1, 10 campgrounds or day-use areas at Hartwell Dam and Lake will open for the recreation season, according to Army Corps of Engineers officials.

In Georgia, the Corps will open the Georgia River Campground and the Payne’s Creek Campground in Hart County and the Elrod Ferry Day Use Area in Hart County. In Franklin County, the Poplar Springs Day Use Area will open May first.

Park Ranger Scott Lusk at Hartwell Lake tells WNEG News visitors can make reservations for campsites and picnic shelters by calling Recreation One Stop toll free at 877-444-6777 or you can go online to www.Recreation.gov.

And if you plan to be on, in, or near the water, DNR Law Enforcement Officer reminds boaters that in Georgia, state law requires children to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.

“As far as life jackets, make sure each individual has a life jacket on the boat,” he said. “If they’re under the age of 13, they have to have a lifejacket on at all times. That’s a big safety issue on Lake Hartwell. We’ll be looking for boats with children making sure they have on a life jacket and that it’s the proper size and fit.”

Lake Hartwell has already had one drowning this year.

On March 30, a Texas man drowned in Gumlog Cove when he tried to swim out to retrieve his kayak.

And if you need extra life jackets a free life jacket lending kiosk is located at the Tugaloo Mega Ramp in Tugaloo State Park.