Singing Pines Recreation Area
Starr, South Carolina · on Hartwell Lake · Hartwell Recreation Area
Verified · 4 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- $7 per vehicle
- SEASON
- September
About Singing Pines Recreation Area
Singing Pines Recreation Area is a 42-acre day-use facility managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Hartwell Lake, a large reservoir on the Savannah River system near Starr, South Carolina. The site has two designated swim areas with sand beaches alongside picnicking, fishing, and boat launch facilities, a straightforward swimming hole setup for anyone looking for a lake to swim in near Starr.
The area sits directly on the shoreline of Hartwell Lake, a man-made USACE reservoir spanning the Georgia-South Carolina border, reached via US Highway 29 south of Anderson County near the small community of Starr, SC.
Swimming at Singing Pines Recreation Area
Swimming is at two official designated swim areas with sand beaches on the lake shoreline, suited to families and casual swimmers rather than long-distance or river swimmers; the lake water here is described in secondary sources as calm and reservoir-like rather than flowing.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located at 6001 US Hwy 29 South, Starr, SC 29684, directly off US Highway 29 on the shore of Hartwell Lake.
Parking: Paved parking throughout the day-use area, per the official facility listing.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up USACE day-use area: paved parking sits directly within the 42-acre site and the two designated swim beaches are a short walk (well under 5 minutes) from the lot - no trail or hike is required.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
OK with supervision
Two designated sand-beach swim areas and two playgrounds make this a family-oriented facility, but official sources do not mention lifeguards, posted depth markers, or roped-off shallow zones, so young children should be supervised closely, especially since a boat ramp and courtesy dock (with motorboat/water-ski traffic) are on the same 42-acre site.
Parking
Paid, $7 per vehicle (day-use fee)
Paved parking throughout the 42-acre day-use area; fee covers vehicle entry to the whole facility, not per-beach.
Restrooms
Yes
Two comfort stations (vault/flush-style restroom buildings) on-site, per the official USACE facility listing; exact locations relative to the two swim beaches not specified.
Hours
Day-use area and picnic shelters open April 1 - September 30; boat ramp generally accessible year-round. No specific daily open/close time published - call the Hartwell Lake Project Office at (888) 893-0678 to confirm current-season access.
On the water
Secondary sources describe Singing Pines as appealing to 'boaters of all kinds' with quiet coves favored by water-skiers, and the site has its own boat ramp and courtesy dock; no specific no-wake-zone or swim-buoy rules for this location were found in available sources, though the two designated swim beaches are physically separate from the boat ramp area.
Rentals nearby
Single and tandem kayaks, paddleboards, hydrobikes, and 24' Bentley Encore 240 pontoon boats (up to 13 passengers, 115hp); no canoes or jet skis offered.
Prices: Pontoon: $210 for 2-hr sunset cruise, $350 half-day (4 hr), $470 full-day (8 hr), $2,700/week (in-season Apr-Oct; off-season Nov-Mar runs $210/$265/$370/$2,350). Kayak/paddleboard/hydrobike rates not published online - available via online booking or by phone.
320 Big Water Road, Starr, SC 29684 - about 1.6 miles from Singing Pines Recreation Area on Hartwell Lake. · Spring/Summer: Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri-Sun 9am-7pm. Fall/Winter: daily 9am-5pm. Hours may vary seasonally - call (864) 226-3339 to confirm.
Singing Pines Recreation Area: FAQ
Does Singing Pines Recreation Area charge a fee?
$7 per vehicle day-use fee.
Is Singing Pines Recreation Area kid friendly?
Two designated sand-beach swim areas and two playgrounds make this a family-oriented facility, but official sources do not mention lifeguards, posted depth markers, or roped-off shallow zones, so young children should be supervised closely, especially since a boat ramp and courtesy dock (with motorboat/water-ski traffic) are on the same 42-acre site.
Do I need to hike to reach Singing Pines Recreation Area?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Singing Pines Recreation Area?
Paved parking throughout the 42-acre day-use area; fee covers vehicle entry to the whole facility, not per-beach.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Singing Pines Recreation Area?
Secondary sources describe Singing Pines as appealing to 'boaters of all kinds' with quiet coves favored by water-skiers, and the site has its own boat ramp and courtesy dock; no specific no-wake-zone or swim-buoy rules for this location were found in available sources, though the two designated swim beaches are physically separate from the boat ramp area.
When is the best time to visit Singing Pines Recreation Area?
Day-use area and shelters open April 1 through September 30; boat ramp generally available year-round.
What are the rules at Singing Pines Recreation Area?
Day-use only, no camping; pets must be leashed (6 ft max) or otherwise restrained; no amplified sound systems permitted.
What water body is Singing Pines Recreation Area on?
Singing Pines Recreation Area is on Hartwell Lake, a natural lake verified in USGS hydrography data.
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