Many U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes throughout the Southeast are facing significant projected budget shortfalls for 2008.  As part of the effort to meet the reduced funding levels, the Hartwell Project has evaluated overall park operations and identified certain parks and campgrounds for closure or shorter operating seasons. Our intent is to serve as many of our customers as possible by focusing our operational efforts on the parks and campgrounds that receive the highest visitation and only opening these areas during the busiest portions of the recreation season, which historically is Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

The Corps continues to monitor this budget situation and will adjust park operations accordingly. The availability of additional funding would allow an increase in park operations in some areas.  Unlike fees collected by other national recreation providers, user fees collected by the Army Corps of Engineers are not returned to the project where generated, but by law enter the U. S. Treasury. 

The most significant difference in operation from years past will be the months the parks will remain open and the closure of lesser-used boat ramp only areas. This will only affect campgrounds and day use areas operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. The National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) has been notified of these changes. Any changes to this schedule will be posted on this website.

The following areas are scheduled to be closed throughout 2008: 

• Georgia River Campground
• Hart Group Day Use Area
• Mullins Ford Access Area
• Honea Path Access Area
• Denver Access Area
• Powderbag Creek Access Area
• Durham Access Area
• Mary Ann Branch Access Area
• Jarrett Access Area
• Spring Branch Access Area
• Townville Access Area
• Apple Island Access Area

The above areas may be reopened with volunteers under the Adopt-A-Park program. If you are interested, please contact the Hartwell Project Office at 1-888-893-0678.

The following areas will operate under the schedule below during 2008: 

• Paynes Creek Campground - Open May 1 through July 9
• Milltown Campground - Open May 15 through Sept. 9 (Volunteer Operated)
• Coneross Campground - Open May 1 through Sept. 9
• Crescent Group Campground - Open May 1 through Sept. 9
• Oconee Point Campground - Open May 1 through Sept. 9
• Springfield Campground - Open May 1 through Sept. 9
• Twin Lakes Campground - Open May 1 through Sept. 9
• Watsadler Campground - Open May 1 through Sept. 9
• Long Point Day Use Area - Open May 1 through July 9
• Twin Lakes Day Use Area - Open May 1 through Oct. 1
• Elrod Ferry Day Use Area - Open May 1 through Oct. 1
• River Forks Day Use Area - Open May 1 through Oct. 1
• Singing Pines Day Use Area - Open May 1 through Oct. 1
• 12 Mile Day Use Area - Open May 1 through Oct. 1
• Friendship Day Use Area - Open May 1 through Oct. 1
• Weldon Island Day Use Area - Open May 1 through Oct. 1