LAKE HARTWELL, SC (FOX Carolina) – The US Army Corps of Engineers said Tuesday that Lake Hartwell remains open for boating and fishing, along with Lake Russell and Thurmond Lake.

Campgrounds and day-use areas at Thurmond and Hartwell lakes operated by the Corps of Engineers are closed until further notice. Boat ramps inside campgrounds and other boat ramps with gates are also closed.

Boat ramps without gates remain OPEN and bank fishing also remains OPEN.

The Corps said people entering closed areas will be required to leave. There is no parking in closed areas even if fishing outside the closed area. Officials urge visitors to follow state and local government guidelines concerning the size of groups and in maintaining social distancing when bank and boat fishing.

In addition, all restrooms that can be locked have been and all picnic shelters are closed.

courtesy Dal Kalsi www.foxcarolina.com

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Officials with the Savannah District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Wednesday restrictions on camping and campsite and day-use area availability at its Savannah River reservoirs in order to limit interpersonal contact during the COVID19 pandemic.

• Effective immediately all visitor centers are closed to the public until further notice.

• Parks, campgrounds, day-use areas or other recreation areas that have not opened for the 2020 recreation season shall delay opening until further notice. Full refunds for cancelled reservations will be given whenever possible.

• Campers with reservations at Watsadler Campground and Twin Lakes Campground on Hartwell Lake who have already arrived or who arrive on March 18 will be allowed to remain through the end of their reservation. All future reservations will be canceled.

• All existing reservations at Petersburg Campground  on Thurmond Lake will be honored at this time.

• Boat ramps remain open.

Shoreline management visits, usually relating to dock permits, will be conducted by phone, email, or mail between dock owners and Corps personnel  to protect both parties.

These steps follow guidelines set for the national emergency caused by the COVID19 virus.