Hartwell Lake day-use fees must be paid by credit, debit card at automated fee stations

Now that warm weather is here, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, at Hartwell Lake and Dam Project Office would like to remind park visitors to bring a debit or credit card to pay for the use of a boat ramp and/or visits to day-use parks, as cash isn’t accepted at the automated fee stations.

The automated credit/debit card stations are available in Corps of Engineers’ Day Use Parks where there is a cost to visit the park or use the boat ramp. Gate attendants, where present, can assist with the process, but they cannot take cash. Once visitors have paid, the receipt must be displayed and visible on the vehicle dash, for proof of payment.

 In Georgia, the cost is $5 per vehicle for day-use or boat launching at Corps of Engineer-managed areas Poplar Springs Recreation Area (fee for boat ramp use only), located in Franklin County, and Elrod Ferry Day Use Recreation Area, and  Big Oaks Recreation Area (fee for boat ramp use only), both located in Hart County.

In South Carolina, the cost is also $5 per vehicle for day-use or boat launching at Twin Lakes Day Use and Boat Ramp Area, located in Pickens County, South Carolina, and Hattons Ford Ramp (fee for boat ramp use only),  Broyles Day Use and Boat Ramp Area and Singing Pines Day Use and Boat Ramp Area, all located in Anderson County, South Carolina.

In addition to the areas listed above, there are some less developed recreation areas that do not charge a fee. The Corps of Engineers Annual Passes and America the Beautiful Federal Passes are accepted at Corps of Engineers’ Day Use Areas and must be hung from the vehicle’s rearview mirror or visible on the dashboard while in the park. However, they are not valid at areas managed by other entities, such as a state or local government, which may charge their own fees.

For more information concerning day use and boat ramp fees and how to purchase the Corps of Engineers Annual Passes or America the Beautiful Federal Passes, contact the Hartwell Lake office at 888-893-0678.