Lake Hartwell covers nearly 56,000 acres on the Georgia–South Carolina line, and its South Carolina side reaches Anderson, Clemson, Seneca and Fair Play.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Lake Hartwell, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The Seneca River arm runs right past Clemson University, and Sadlers Creek and Lake Hartwell state parks both sit on the South Carolina shore.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Lake Hartwell
Everything you rent is ready for you at Lake Hartwell — no truck, no trailer and no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Lake Hartwell, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Lake Hartwell or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours & private charters – relax while an experienced driver-instructor handles the boat, with wakesurf, wakeboard and ski lessons for every level.
- Tubes, paddle boards and floats – extras that turn a boat day at Lake Hartwell into a full beach party.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Lake Hartwell at a glance
| Location | Anderson, Clemson, Seneca and Fair Play |
|---|---|
| Size | Nearly 56,000 acres |
| Shoreline | About 960 miles |
| Rivers | Seneca, Tugaloo and Savannah |
| Built | 1962 |
| Parks | Sadlers Creek, Lake Hartwell State Park |
Best things to do on Lake Hartwell
- Wakesurfing – sheltered coves off the Seneca arm.
- Water skiing and tubing – wide water on the main lake.
- Jet skiing – coves and creek arms.
- Clemson game days – the Seneca arm fills with boats on fall football weekends.
Where to launch at Lake Hartwell
- Sadlers Creek State Park – ramps near Anderson.
- Lake Hartwell State Park – ramps near Fair Play off I-85.
- Corps parks – ramps around Clemson and Seneca.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Lake Hartwell
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- South Carolina requires an observer or a wide-angle mirror when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and sunrise in South Carolina.
South Carolina boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 12 must wear one on boats shorter than 16 feet, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver or a wide-angle mirror, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed between sunset and sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and sunrise, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at idle speed within 50 feet of anchored boats, docks and people in the water, and within 100 feet of docks and piers on many of the big reservoirs. Wakesurfing must stay at idle speed within 200 feet of docks, moored boats and swimmers.
Map of Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Lake Hartwell?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Lake Hartwell, so there's no towing.
Where is the South Carolina side of Lake Hartwell?
Along the east shore, around Anderson, Clemson, Seneca and Fair Play.
Can you jet ski on Lake Hartwell?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Lake Hartwell.
How big is Lake Hartwell?
Nearly 56,000 acres, with more than 960 miles of shoreline across both states.
Do you rent on the Georgia side of Lake Hartwell too?
Yes. We also have rentals ready on the Georgia side near Hartwell and Lavonia.