The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hartwell Lake Project Office plans to 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 Hwy 29/Anderson Highway in Hartwell during normal business hours. The other two Georgia hunting areas are New Prospect Park in Hart County and Jenkins Ferry Park in Stephens County. Small game hunting is allowed in these three Georgia locations after deer and turkey seasons conclude, restricted to shotgun only with number 4 shot or smaller. Access to Georgia areas is limited to walk-in or boat-in, 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 at 770-535-5499.
For South Carolina, the Corps of Engineers leases the designated hunting areas to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. These include South Carolina River, Glenn Ferry, Apple Island Park, and Camp Creek Park in Anderson County, as well as Martin Creek Park and Choestoa Park in Oconee County. Hunting is generally prohibited in all developed recreation areas in South Carolina except for these listed locations. Hunters in South Carolina can find information on licenses, seasons, and bag limits by visiting SCDNR Hunting Resources or calling 864-654-1671.
