Fair Play
00 review290 LAKESHORE DRIVE, FAIR PLAY, South Carolina, 29643, United States
Fair Play
$4.00 - $4.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The site charges a $4 user fee per vehicle for day use.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Hartwell Lake's South Carolina side, Fair Play beckons summer adventurers to explore its 56,000 acres of sparkling water playground. This beloved day-use area transforms warm summer days into memories, offering shaded picnic shelters where families gather for lakeside feasts, playgrounds where children's laughter mingles with the gentle lap of waves, and modern amenities that ensure comfort meets wilderness. With convenient flush toilets and thoughtfully placed recreational facilities, Fair Play serves as your gateway to endless aquatic adventures on one of the Southeast's most magnificent lakes.
Fair Play is a day-use facility, and overnight camping is not available at this location. However, nine nearby campgrounds provide overnight options.
Historical SignificanceHartwell Lake stands as a testament to human ingenuity and nature's adaptability, born from the ambitious damming of the mighty Savannah River. This engineering marvel has transformed the regional landscape into a recreational wonderland while serving as a crucial guardian of water resources for generations. The lake's creation reshaped not just the physical terrain but the cultural fabric of the area, evolving from a bold water management project into a cherished destination where countless families have woven their own stories into the tapestry of Southern outdoor heritage.
Weather and SeasonsSummer arrives at Fair Play with warm embraces and sun-dappled waters perfect for swimming and boating adventures. As autumn paints the surrounding forests in brilliant golds and crimsons, the crisp air and gentle breezes create an outdoor paradise for hikers and picnickers seeking respite from summer's intensity. Spring emerges with wildflowers and comfortable temperatures that invite leisurely lakeside strolls and peaceful afternoons beneath the sheltering trees, making every season a reason to discover Fair Play's natural charms.
Natural Features and SceneryBeneath a verdant canopy of native trees, Fair Play offers a natural sanctuary where shade and sunlight dance across the landscape. The majestic Hartwell Lake stretches before you, its 962 miles of intricate shoreline creating countless hidden coves and scenic vistas that change with every glance. The cooling embrace of mature forest meets the shimmering expanse of water, creating a microclimate of comfort where visitors can escape into nature's air-conditioned parlor while enjoying panoramic views of one of the region's most spectacular aquatic treasures.
Geological RegionFair Play rests within the remarkable geological tapestry where the Savannah, Tugaloo, and Seneca Rivers once carved their ancient paths through the Piedmont landscape. Today, these converging waterways form the magnificent Hartwell Lake, a testament to the marriage of natural river systems and human engineering. The surrounding terrain showcases the classic beauty of the southeastern Piedmont, where rolling hills clothed in lush vegetation slope gently toward expansive water views, creating a diverse ecosystem where forest and lake unite in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility information is provided, but the presence of parking and flush toilets suggests some accommodations.
Sites SizeNo campsites available at this campground.
Sites PrivacyNo campsites available at this campground.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No group sites available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonDay-use only; overnight camping is not permitted in the campground itself but is available at nine nearby campgrounds.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis site operates entirely on a walk-up basis as reservations cannot be made.
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, water sports, swimming, hiking, and birding. Two designated swimming beaches and a two-lane boat ramp are key highlights.
Hiking
Hiking is available with nearby trails, including a 3/4-mile nature trail at Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area. Reviews mention that the surrounding areas offer additional walking and biking opportunities.Fishing
Fishing is quite popular, with species like striped bass, hybrid bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish commonly found in Hartwell Lake.Swimming
There are two designated swimming beaches on the peninsula, providing opportunities for safe family swimming.Biking
A biking trail is located at the nearby Paynes Creek Campground, less than a mile away.Boating
Boating is a top activity, supported by a two-lane boat ramp and expansive lake access.Wildlife viewing
Birding conditions are described as ideal along the nearby 3/4-mile nature trail at Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area.Beach activities
Two beaches provide opportunities for general beach-related activities like sunbathing and swimming.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are available within 10 miles, though specific details about their content and frequency are not provided.Winter Activities
No information about winter activities is available.Water Sports
Visitors frequently engage in water sports, making use of the expansive lake facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife encounters may be possible, and water hazards like strong currents or boat traffic should be monitored.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are located in Fair Play and Seneca, approximately 18 miles away. The Ranger Station can be contacted at 8888930678.
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is on Hartwell Lake and includes beaches and boat ramps.
Common complaintsSome reviews note that facilities in the broader Hartwell Lake area could use updates.
Campground Map
290 LAKESHORE DRIVE, FAIR PLAY, South Carolina, 29643, United States
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 85 South (Georgia), take South Carolina exit 2 for Hwy. 59 (Fairplay/Seneca Exit), turn right, follow until road ends at the access area. From Interstate 85 North (Greenville/Spartanburg), take South Carolina exit 2 for Hwy. 59 (Fairplay/Seneca Exit), turn left, follow until road ends at the access area.
The roads leading to the campground are paved and accessible year-round. There are no noted navigation challenges.Nearby places
Fair Play (0 miles), Seneca (18 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Anderson (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes), Greenville (45 miles, approximately 50 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A grocery store is located within less than 1 mile from the campground. Additional supplies can be found in nearby Fair Play or Seneca.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Fair Play has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the natural beauty and wide range of activities available at Lake Hartwell, such as boating, fishing, and swimming. Fair Play itself is noted as a good spot for family outings, with picnic shelters and beach access.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
- "Serene environment and array of activities available, including boating, hiking, and camping." - "Well-maintained facilities with picnic shelters and swimming beaches." - "Ideal birding conditions...
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Common Concerns
Some reviews mention that facilities in the broader Lake Hartwell area could use updates. Privacy is occasionally noted as lacking in nearby camping areas, though this does not directly affect Fair...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Arrive early on weekends to secure picnic shelter availability. - Bring your own water sports gear to fully enjoy the lake.
Seasonal Insights
The summer season is busy and popular for water activities. Cooler months may limit water-based activities, but hiking and birding remain accessible.
Camper Quotes
- "We grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, and ate lunch with my parents, my children, and my grandchildren. We ate and we swim and we really enjoyed it." (Jlb Jlb, 2023) - "Lake Hartwell is a popular...
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Site-Specific Reviews
As Fair Play does not have campsites, there are no site-specific reviews for this location.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews discuss pet-related policies or experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025