Best Camping Spots in Georgia

12 Best Camping Sites in Georgia to Check Out in 2023

Georgia is known for its southern hospitality and historic landmarks. Cities like Savannah provide glimpses into the nation’s past, while the vibrant downtown scene of Atlanta offers a myriad of colorful activities and attractions.

The Peach State, as it’s aptly called, is rich not only in history but in scenic beauty and natural wonder. Georgia’s geography consists of mountain ranges, forests, lakes, rocky outcrops, cascading waterfalls, and sandy beaches.

Georgia has a large number of state parks, many of which have campsites. From primitive camping in the sprawling inland wilderness to luxurious lodging on the sandy shores of the coast’s subtropical climate, there is something for everyone.

A trip to one of Georgia’s top-rated campgrounds is an excellent way to reduce stress while reconnecting with nature.

Check out: Best beaches in Georgia to visit in 2023

Mistletoe State Park

photo source: gastateparks.org

Mistletoe State Park is possibly the most favorite place to camp in Georgia. And it’s not hard to tell why. It’s located on Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta and it offers an array of activities to take part in.

Bass fishing is the most popular one, but you can also enjoy miles of natural trails or simply swim and relax at the beach. What’s more, there are boat ramps, a volleyball court, and a canoe rental on-site.

The campground itself is set on a peninsula and boasts amazing views of the lake – sunrises and sunsets are especially spectacular there. It has around 100 campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs. If you’re looking for a bit more comfort, there are 10 cozy waterfront cottages.

Coastal Georgia RV Resort

Coastal Georgia RV Resort, which is located roughly halfway between Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla., provides easy access to the beach as the Atlantic Ocean is just 15 miles away. It is also adjacent to a lake, providing those staying here with plenty of water-based activities without needing to leave the site.

Additionally, Interstate 95 is on the other side of that lake, resulting in easy access in and out of here. With that said, do take into account that its proximity to I-95 does make some areas louder than visitors had preferred while others indicated that they heard minimal noise from that highway.

Many of those who have stayed here have also generally reported that it has a well-kept appearance and clean showers, bathrooms and laundry facilities.

If you have a pet, note that this place is pet-friendly but that all pets must be leashed when outside of your RV and not in its small off-leash park.

Jekyll Island Campground

Credit: Jekyll Island Authority
camping georgia on Jekyll Island
Credit: Jekyll Island Authority
Jekyll Island Campground MAP
Credit: Jekyll Island Authority

If you are looking to explore the amazing beaches and assorted outdoor activities available on Jekyll Island, one of the best things that you can do is stay overnight on it. The Jekyll Island Campground offers that option.

This site is situated less than half a mile from Driftwood Beach, which is home to some incredibly picturesque sunrises, and amidst beautiful oak trees. A bike trail is across the road from it as well.

Due to this place’s popularity, it is important to make your reservation in advance if you have specific dates in mind, particularly if they include weekend days. Also note that the campground enforces a two-night minimum stay every weekend and a three-night minimum stay on some holiday weekends.

Those considering staying here should also consider how crowded it often is thanks to that popularity. With that said, the campground on a whole does tend to be on the quiet side.

Stephen C. Foster State Park

Credit: gastateparks.org

Known as the primary entrance to the Okefenokee Swamp, Stephen C. Foster State Park is an amazing spot for campers who enjoy paddling, nature viewing, and birding.

Take a guided tour to the swamp and you will be given the opportunity to spot alligators, turtles, raccoons, black bears, and deer, as well as ibis, herons, wood storks, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. You can also rent a kayak or a canoe and explore the area on your own. There are also some fishing opportunities around.

Note that extra care should be taken while on the boat – hands and feet should be kept inside boats and, unfortunately, dogs are not allowed.

The campground itself offers more than 60 tent and RV sites, 9 cottages, picnic shelters, a playground, bathrooms, and plenty of restrooms. The phone signal there is limited. However, the camp store has Wi-Fi.

Rivers End Campground and RV Park

  • Phone: (912)786-5518
  • Address: 5 Fort Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328
  • Available activities:
    • Primitive camping
    • Cabins
    • Swimming pool
    • Picnic area
    • Dog park
    • Fitness center
    • Potluck dinners
    • Movie nights

Rivers End Campground and RV Park offer a unique family camping experience with community potluck dinners and outdoor movie nights.

Located along the coast of Georgia on Tybee Island (famous surfing spot), only a few blocks from the beach as well as a short drive to historic downtown Savannah. With an ideal central location, the park offers multiple opportunities for exploration as well as enjoying the maritime scenery.

There are over 100 sites for primitive camping, as well as affordable cabins for up to six people. There is also the option to rent linens. However, this must be arranged in advance and availability is not guaranteed.

Kids will enjoy Tybee Island’s largest swimming pool. There is also a dog park and picnic area for campers to spread out and have a good time.

Stone Mountain Park Campground

  • Phone: (770)498-5710
  • Address: 4003 Stonewall Jackson Dr, Stone Mountain, GA 3008
  • Available activities:
    • Primitive camping
    • RV rental
    • Yurts
    • Biking and hiking trails
    • Picnic area
    • Pool
    • Fishing
    • Golf courses

Stone Mountain Park Campground is a popular destination for both families or solo travelers. Its rugged wilderness adventures are sure to create meaningful memories.

Located on Stone Mountain Lake, the park is a short drive from Atlanta. Its 3,200 acres include over 170 sites for all kinds of camping including RV sites, safari tents, and yurts. Camp alongside the lake or within the woodlands.

The campground features biking and hiking trails, a pool, golf courses, and a picnic area. There are also seasonal activities such as an Easter Egg Hunt, hayrides, and pumpkin painting.

The park hosts numerous events to celebrate the unique history of the area. Alongside Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations, there is a Native American Festival and Pow-Wow in the park’s Historic Square.

Skidaway Island State Park

  • Phone: (912)598-2300
  • Address: 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411
  • Available activities:
    • Primitive camping
    • Cabins
    • Playgrounds
    • Picnic shelters
    • Outdoor fitness equipment
    • Volleyball
    • Biking and hiking trails
    • Birdwatching

Skidaway Island State Park is a top-rated destination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. With a plethora of outdoor activities amidst a gorgeous backdrop, this park has something for everyone.

Located on the coast of Georgia near the historic city of Savannah, the park sits beside Skidaway narrows, part of the state’s Intracoastal Waterway. Spanish moss trees and abundant wildlife lie around every corner. Tybee Island beaches are just a short drive away.

The park has 87 campsites including those for primitive camping, trailers, and RVs, and three cabins. Numerous biking and hiking trails spread throughout the park’s 588 acres. There is even a designated trail for birdwatching.

Experienced campers will savor the challenge of living in the wilderness, while those looking for a more low-key vacation will enjoy the many amenities this park has to offer.

Forsyth KOA Journey

  • Phone: (478)994-2019
  • Address: 414 S Frontage Rd, Forsyth, GA 31029
  • Available activities:
    • Primitive camping
    • Cabins
    • Pool
    • Fishing
    • Biking
    • Miniature golf

Forsyth KOA Journey lies in the heart of inland Georgia near Atlanta. The campground is just a short drive from Lake Juliette as well as other historic cities such as Jonesboro and Macon.

The campground offers a variety of unique attractions such as gemstone mining, RV clubs and rallies, and an express train that provides free informational tours of the Forsyth.

Forsyth KOA Journey has RV sites, tent sites, and cabins with room for up to five people. There are paddle boat and bike rentals as well as playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and volleyball and basketball courts for the kids.

Enjoy a quiet, peaceful getaway at a quaint campground out in the country. Take in the scenery by sitting on the swings overlooking the lake, or head to the Kamp Store and grab supplies for a crackling fire.

Payne Campground

Image by thedyrt.com
  • Phone: (678)721-6700
  • Address: 2495 Kellogg Creek Rd, Acworth, GA 30102
  • Available activities:
    • Campsites
    • RV campsites
    • Swimming
    • Fishing
    • Wildlife viewing
    • Beach
    • Boating

Seated on the shores of Allatoona Lake just north of Atlanta, Payne Campground offers a peaceful, relaxing get-away for those wanting to escape city life.

The campground includes 57 sites for RV hookup, electric, and primitive camping. Campsites include drinking water, showers, flushable toilets, and picnic areas for increased comfort.

Visitors can enjoy abundant water activities from the nearby boating dock and beach. Take a swim, fish, or simply sit back and enjoy the surroundings. Payne Campground is a popular destination for anglers due to the variety of different kinds of fish available. Hunting and wildlife viewing are also popular with visitors.

Fort Mountain State Park

Image by Exploregeorgia.com
  • Phone: (706)422-1932
  • Address: 181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 3070
  • Available activities:
    • Cottages
    • Picnic shelters
    • Sand beach
    • Playground
    • Biking and hiking trails
    • Horseback riding
    • Swimming and paddling
    • Fishing

Fort Mountain State Park offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in Georgia. From majestic mountains and forests to glittering lakes and streams, nature lovers are sure to find their calling among the trails of this 3,172-acre park.

Located in northern Georgia close to Chattahoochee National Forest, the park sits at 2,850 ft above sea level and offers beautiful panoramic views of the region.

The park features 70 campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs, as well as 15 cottages for luxurious camping. There are also four backcountry campsites for the more adventurous travelers.

Fort Mountain State Park is known for its rich history and offers educational programs to the public. The Fire Tower is a popular historic attraction. There is also a gift shop for those interested in taking a piece of history home with them.

Sweetwater Creek State Park Camping Area

Image by Eric Champlin
  • Phone: (770)732-5871
  • Address: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
  • Available activities:
    • Campsites
    • Yurts
    • Picnic shelters
    • Fishing
    • Boating and paddling
    • Playgrounds
    • Outdoor fitness equipment
    • Hiking
    • Birdwatching

Sweetwater Creek State Park Camping Area offers fantastic scenery such as rugged hillsides, outcrops, and freshwater rapids. A short drive from downtown Atlanta, it is a peaceful getaway for those wanting to retreat to the beauty of inland Georgia.

Located on the George Sparks Reservoir, the camping area has plenty of activities including fishing and boating. There are also numerous hiking trails showcasing different forms of wildlife.

Like most of Georgia, the region is rich with history. Park rangers often lead informational hikes, and there is a museum and gift shop for visitors.

Sweetwater Creek State Park Camping Area comprises 2,549 acres and includes campsites, fishing docks, a boat ramp, and picnic shelters. There is also a group shelter and an event room available for reservation.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

  • Phone: (706)657-4050
  • Address: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 3073
  • Available activities:
    • Primitive camping
    • Cottages
    • Yurts
    • Picnic shelters
    • Biking and hiking
    • Climbing and caving
    • Horseback riding
    • Fishing

Cloudland Canyon is one of Georgia’s largest parks. Boasting over 3,500 acres of pristine wilderness, it is a top destination for nature-lovers and adventure-seekers. Enjoy scenic views of canyons, sandstone cliffs, caves, waterfalls, forests, and diverse wildlife.

The park offers many different camping options including over 70 tent, trailer, and RV campsites, 16 cottages, ten yurts, and 13 backcountry sites. There is also a playground, picnic shelters, a group lodge, and a camping store.

There are plenty of things to do at the park. Canyon climbing and caving are some of the more unique activities. Only experienced cavers are permitted to go spelunking, but cave tours are open to the public. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and over 60 miles of hiking trails are available for those craving a challenge.

With countless options for camping and outdoor activities, Georgia’s state parks and campgrounds are sure to satisfy even the most experienced adventurers. Georgia’s parks rival those of Washington state, offering endless panoramic views of mountain ranges, dense forests, and sparkling lakes. With the amount of varied geography, there’s no need to retreat to the Pacific coast for a high-quality camping adventure. Head to the southeast coast and discover all that Georgia has to offer.

Best Camping Spots in Georgia to Visit this Summer