Discover Hartwell Dam & Lake Visitor Center – Georgia’s Premier Recreational Hub

Northeast Georgia Mountains

Hartwell

Located in the scenic foothills of the Northeast Georgia Mountains, the Hartwell Dam & Lake Visitor Center is your go‑to resource for everything Hartwell Lake – one of the Southeast’s largest and most versatile reservoirs. Adjacent to the visitor center lies Big Oaks Recreation Area, offering panoramic lake views, picnic facilities, and a paved, handicap‑accessible trail that winds along the shoreline and climbs to the top of the dam for sweeping vistas of the lake, the dam itself, and the winding Savannah River.

Hartwell Lake spans roughly 56,000 acres, boasting 962 miles of shoreline that support a wealth of outdoor activities: swimming, picnicking, camping, fishing, and boating. Whether you’re an angler seeking trophy bass or a family looking for a scenic day out, the lake delivers on every front.

On the lower side of the dam, the Savannah River hosts the Hartwell Dam Fishing Pier—a free, public-access pier located just one mile from the visitor center. Anglers can enjoy clear waters and excellent fishing opportunities without any entrance fee.

Sylvania Georgia Visitor Center – First State‑Wide Visitor Information Hub

Georgia’s First Visitor Center The historic Georgia Visitor Center, the states oldest and first‑built facility, welcomes guests at 8463 Burtons Ferry Hwy. in Sylvania. Operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, this center, along with its Plains counterpart, provides daily information services. Operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, except on Sundays and Mondays when the Sylvania location is closed. All centers observe closures on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and
Georgia Visitor Information Center – Valdosta – Your First Stop on I‑95

Georgia’s Valdosta Visitor Information Center is one of nine statewide locations strategically positioned along our interstate highways—your first stop when entering Georgia. We’re open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for on‑site information, maps, brochures, and local travel advice. Restrooms are available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Each year we close for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. For further assistance, email us at valdosta@georgia.org.
Georgia Visitor Information Center – St. Marys & Kingsland

Georgia Visitor Information Center – St. Marys & Kingsland Coastal Georgia Georgia operates nine Visitor Information Centers strategically located along Interstate highways for easy access when entering the state. The St. Marys/Kingsland center is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing up‑to‑date travel information, maps, and local attractions. Restroom facilities are available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Note: The center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas D