About WATSADLER
Overview Watsadler Campground is a 36 acre site consisting of a relatively dense cover of pine and mixed hardwoods. The area is open year-round and is one of Hartwell’s most popular camping destinations. The site presently offers camping and boat launching facilities to include 1 gatehouse/entrance, 2 park attendant campsites, 51 public campsites with full water/electric hookups, 3 comfort stations (2 with showers), 1 dump station, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 2 playgrounds, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout. Recreation Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the lake. Sought-after species include largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass and hybrid bass. The lake appeals to boaters of all kinds, whether their specialty is canoeing, sailing or motor boating. Coves and areas of quiet water provide water skiers with excellent surfaces. Swimmers will find sand beaches and designated swim areas in many parks along the shoreline. Facilities The site presently offers camping and boat launching facilities to include 1 gatehouse/entrance, 2 park attendant campsites, 51 public campsites with full water/electric hookups, 3 comfort stations (2 with showers), 1 dump station, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 2 playgrounds, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout. Natural Features Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers. The dam and lake area boasts 8 campgrounds and 11 day-use facilities that are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Hartwell Project was originally authorized for hydro-power, flood control, and navigation. Later, recreation, water quality, water supply and fish and wildlife management were added. Surrounding vegetation allows for plenty of shade, and the 962 miles of shoreline provide numerous swimming beaches, picnic areas and boat ramps. Nearby Attractions Charges & Cancellations - Once your reservation has been created,
How to Get There
Watsadler Campground Address: 286 Watsadler Road, Hartwell, Ga 30643. From I-85 North in Georgia, take exit 177 onto Highway 77 towards Hartwell, Georgia. In Hartwell, take Hwy 29 North towards Anderson, South Carolina. Continue approximately 4 miles, take a Left onto Watsadler Road; entrance will be a short distance down on the right. From I-85 South in South Carolina, take exit 14 (Hwy 187) and follow Hwy 187 until the 4-way stop with Hwy 29. Take a right onto Hwy 29 towards Hartwell, Georgia. After crossing into Georgia, continue approximately 1.5 miles and take a right onto Watsadler Road, campground will be a short distance down on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to WATSADLER
Heading to WATSADLER? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for WATSADLER?
No central reservation system listed for WATSADLER. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232735) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to WATSADLER?
Watsadler Campground Address: 286 Watsadler Road, Hartwell, Ga 30643. From I-85 North in Georgia, take exit 177 onto Highway 77 towards Hartwell, Georgia. In Hartwell, take Hwy 29 North towards Anderson, South Carolina. Continue approximately 4 miles, take a Left onto Watsadler Road; entrance will be a short distance down on the right. From I-85 South in South Carolina, take exit 14 (Hwy 187) and …
How do I contact WATSADLER?
You can reach the park at phone: 888-893-0678 (HARTWELL LAKE OFFICE).
References & Official Resources