Poplar Springs

Poplar Springs Recreation Area is a 24-acre site with moderate slopes and relatively dense stands of pines and mixed hardwoods. It offers day use and boat launching facilities, but is primarily used for boat launching and is one of the more popular launch sites in this area of Hartwell Lake. Facilities include 1 volunteer host campsite, 20 picnic sites, 1 standard picnic shelter with water and electric service, 1 two-lane boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 2 comfort stations, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout. Boating and water sports top the list of popular activities, and the boat ramp is available year-round. 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 operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Hartwell Project was originally authorized for hydro-power, flood control and navigation; recreation, water quality, water supply and fish and wildlife management were added later. Surrounding vegetation allows for plenty of shade, and the 962 miles of shoreline provide numerous swimming beaches, picnic areas and boat ramps. Nearby Tugaloo State Park offers swimming, boating and hiking, including the Crow Tree and Muscadine trails, which showcase beautiful blooms on oak, walnut, mulberry and cherry trees during the spring and summer months.