The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Project Office will open ten recreation areas for hunting during the 2026-2027 season, with openings beginning as early as September 12, 2026. These areas include three locations in Georgia and seven in South Carolina.
In Georgia, 410 acres at the Hartwell Dam Quarry Area in Hart County will be available for archery hunting only during deer and turkey seasons. Firearms are not permitted in this area. A free permit is required for hunting in the Quarry Area and can be obtained at the Hartwell Lake Visitors Center on Highway 29/Anderson Highway in Hartwell during regular business hours. Other Georgia hunting locations include New Prospect Park in Hart County and Jenkins Ferry Park in Stephens County. Small game hunting is allowed in these three Georgia areas after deer and turkey seasons conclude, restricted to shotguns with number 4 shot or smaller. Access to Georgia areas is limited to walk-in or boat-in only, with motorized vehicles prohibited within gated areas. Hunting regulations, license requirements, bag limits, and seasons for Georgia are established by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Information is available by calling the state’s Region 2 office or visiting GDNR Hunter Resources.
For South Carolina, the Corps of Engineers leases the designated hunting areas to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. In Anderson County, these areas include South Carolina River, Glenn Ferry, Apple Island Park, and Camp Creek Park. In Oconee County, Martin Creek Park and Choestoa Park are open for hunting. Hunters in South Carolina should consult SCDNR Hunting Resources or call 864-654-1671 for details on licenses, seasons, and bag limits. Hunting is generally prohibited in all other developed recreation areas in South Carolina.
