Group Picnic Shelters Reopen at Hartwell and Thurmond Lakes

The US Army Corps of Engineers is now accepting new shelter reservations at Hartwell Lake and Thurmond Lake.

“Most of the group shelters and covered picnic areas are now available,”  spokesman Billy Birdwell said. “On Lake Hartwell, the day-use and picnic areas that are open include Big Oaks, Singing Pines, Twin Lakes, Twelve Mile, Broyles, Friendship, River Forks, and Elrod Ferry.”

In addition to the covered picnic areas, group shelters are once again available.

However, Birdwell says some COVID-19 restrictions still apply.

• Maximum group size for use of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) group picnic shelters cannot exceed 50 individuals.
• Individuals sick with COVID-19, who think they might have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, should not come to any USACE recreation area.
• Visitors must follow social distancing guidance established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Individuals should bring their own soap, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. Water is available in the restrooms.

To use a group shelter, Birdwell said you must make a reservation by going online to the www.recreation.gov website.

And even though most day-use areas have re-opened, visitor centers and the Operations Project Manager’s Office at Hartwell Lake, Russell Lake, and Thurmond Lake remain closed to the public.