Twelve Mile Recreation Area

Near Twelve Mile Recreation Area, there are several excellent dining options. Pixie & Bill's offers a rustic steakhouse experience with steaks and seafood in a cozy atmosphere. For a lively sports bar vibe, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux is a great choice, serving burgers and local beers. Calhoun Corners Restaurant provides elegant dining with classic American dishes. TD's of Clemson is a popular college bar with classic bar food and late hours. Lastly, Delish Sisters offers a casual dining experience with a variety of options.

For accommodations near Twelve Mile Recreation Area, several hotels are available. The Comfort Inn & Suites Clemson - University Area offers modern rooms and an outdoor pool. The Courtyard Clemson provides contemporary rooms and an outdoor pool. Another option is the Hampton Inn & Suites Seneca-Clemson Area, known for its comfortable rooms and amenities like a fitness center and outdoor pool. The Hotel Tillman in Clemson offers clean and comfortable rooms.

Twelve Mile Recreation Area offers a variety of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The area includes restrooms, showers, and picnic shelters with tables, providing convenience and comfort for families and groups. A playground is available for children, offering plenty of shade for hot summer days. Additionally, a boat ramp allows access to Lake Hartwell, facilitating boating and fishing activities.

The park also offers accommodations for people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the facilities. However, pets are not allowed on the beach, maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.

Visitors can rent boats at a nearby marina, further expanding the recreational options available.

Twelve Mile Recreation Area is a hub for outdoor activities. Swimming is a popular pastime, with clear waters and gentle waves making it suitable for all skill levels. Fishing and boating are also favored activities, thanks to the boat ramp and access to Lake Hartwell. Hiking trails nearby offer scenic walks and opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape.

Picnicking is another enjoyable activity, with many picnic shelters available. The playground provides entertainment for children, while the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for relaxation.

Although surfing is not typically recommended here, the area's serene environment makes it perfect for those seeking a tranquil outdoor experience.

Twelve Mile Recreation Area offers accommodations for people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the facilities. The park includes accessible restrooms and pathways, allowing visitors with mobility needs to navigate the area comfortably. However, specific details about wheelchair rentals or additional accessibility features are not readily available, so it's advisable to contact the park directly for more information.

The nearby restaurants and hotels also provide accessible facilities, such as wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms, further enhancing the overall accessibility of the area for visitors with disabilities.

Overall, the area strives to be inclusive and welcoming to all visitors.

Parking at Twelve Mile Recreation Area is available for a fee. Visitors can purchase a daily pass for $5 per car, which allows all-day access. Annual passes are also available, offering more frequent entry options. The parking lot is conveniently located near the beach, but it can fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early is advisable.

If you plan to exit and re-enter the park, you will need to pay the parking fee again. This system helps manage the flow of visitors and ensures that the facilities remain accessible to all.

The proximity of the parking area to the beach makes it easy to transport gear and enjoy a day of activities without hassle.

Twelve Mile Recreation Area is named after the Twelve Mile River, which flows into Lake Hartwell. This connection to the river highlights the area's natural beauty and its role in the local ecosystem. The park's management by the City of Clemson ensures that it remains a vibrant recreational spot, with ongoing improvements to facilities and services.

The area's history with the Army Corps of Engineers is also noteworthy, as the city stepped in to manage the park after it was slated for closure. This effort has preserved the area as a public resource, benefiting both locals and visitors.

The scenic setting on Lake Hartwell, a man-made lake created for hydro-power and flood control, adds another layer of interest to the area's history and purpose.

Twelve Mile Recreation Area is surrounded by several attractions that enhance its appeal. The nearby hiking trails offer scenic views and opportunities for nature walks. The marina on Lake Hartwell provides boat rentals, allowing visitors to explore the lake's extensive shoreline. Additionally, the area is close to Clemson, offering access to cultural attractions like the Bob Campbell Geology Museum and the SC Botanical Gardens.

The scenic drives around Lake Hartwell are another attraction, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Waterfalls and other natural wonders are also within reach, making the area a great base for exploring the region's natural beauty.

For those interested in local culture, Clemson's downtown area offers a charming blend of shops and restaurants.