Best Camping in Georgia: Top 10 Places to Go

Georgia is the perfect playground for those who enjoy a range of camping excursions. Numerous additional campgrounds and attractions provide cozy settings for spending the night under the stars, and Georgia's state park system offers comfort, regularity, and hospitality throughout the entire state. Just a few steps away from your tent, you may spend the whole day hanging out by the lake if you prefer to relax. Or, if you want a more active camping stay, benefit from the lovely hike-in campsites.

The largest swamp in North America, the birthplace of Coca-Cola, and the source of the world's tastiest onions are all found in Georgia. Georgia offers a fun and distinctive camping experience. Due to the state's varied topography, all journeys will be different. In the North Georgia highlands, pitch your tent at a campground and enjoy the miles of hiking and bike trails, waterfalls, stunning vistas, and unspoiled forests. You could also camp near beaches, boating, fishing, and other water sports on the Georgian coast. From this article, you may learn about the best camping in Georgia and what to pack for your camping trip.

Top 10 Places to Camp in Georgia

Georgia is a surprising contender regarding picturesque campgrounds, with its 50 distinctive state parks offering some of the best camping in the country. In Georgia, Spring, summer, and fall are all excellent months to go camping, especially if you enjoy being outside and away from the stresses of city life. In every part of the state, there are lovely state parks and private campgrounds.

It can be challenging to decide where to go camping on your next trip because Georgia is lucky to have so many amazing state parks. State-wide parks offer outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and boating. However, if you want to make the most of your visit to the gardens, think about camping out overnight in a tent, RV, cabin, or yurt. Here are the best camping in Georgia that you must visit!

1. Cloudland Canyon State Park

Location: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Phone: 706-657-4050

Website: Cloudland Canyon State Park  

When to Visit: Spring, Summer and Fall

Best Campsites: 13 Backcountry Campsites, 4 Pioneer Campsites

Activities: Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, Disc golf, horse riding, picnicking

One of the state's biggest and most beautiful parks is Cloudland Canyon, situated on the western slope of Lookout Mountain. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities due to its thousand-foot-deep canyons, sandstone cliffs, wild caverns, waterfalls, cascading creeks, lush forests, and plentiful wildlife. The picnic area offers the best vantage point for viewing the canyon, but hikers can also explore the rim route or descend to the canyon bottom via a set of stairs. Influenced by recent rainfall, two waterfalls descend over sandstone and shale layers and into pools below. 

There are many hiking and mountain biking trails. The quick Overlook Trail, challenging Waterfalls Trail, and accessible West Rim Loop Trail are the most well-liked hiking routes. The park also provides picnic areas, horseback riding routes, fishing ponds, disc golf, and viewpoints. Various camping and hiking choices and fully furnished and cozy cottages are available to those looking for an overnight stay. Tent camping is available near the West Rim Loop Trail at the walk-in campsites on Cloudland's west rim. The campgrounds are dispersed along a mile-long path through the flat forest, and the best sites are separated from the others far enough to provide seclusion.

“This is an amazing place to visit. The views are simply stunning. The trails are well signposted and easy to follow.  ”

2. Mistletoe State Park

Location: 3725 Mistletoe Rd, Appling, GA 30802

Phone: 706-541-0321

Website: Mistletoe State Park  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: 4 Walk-In Campsites, 3 Backcountry Campsites, 1 Pioneer Campground

Activities: Fishing, camping, hiking, boating, water playing, biking, birding

On the southern coast of Lake Strom Thurmond, in Columbia County, Georgia, is where you'll find Mistletoe State Park. The United States Corps of Engineers leased 1,920 acres to the State of Georgia on the J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir banks in 1952, beginning the park's history. The park is one of the several recreational sites at the J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir, commonly known as Clarks Hill Lake and home to Hamilton Branch State Park.   

This park, one of the country's best places for bass fishing, is situated on the 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake close to Augusta. One of the largest lakes in the Southeast is accessible by boat from ramps. Visitors can cool off in the summer on kilometers of shady nature walks or at the sandy beach. Numerous events, including astronomy classes, concerts, and nature walks, are held annually. Ten completely furnished cottages on the lake are available at Mistletoe State Park, five of which are log cabins. The campground's location on a peninsula provides breathtaking views of the open lake at sunrise and dusk. The lake is seen from a four-bed tent cabin with water and power.

“One of the best parks we have ever camped in. Sites are roomy and spaced far enough apart the you have some level of privacy.”

3. Stephen C Foster State Park

Location: 17515 GA-177, Fargo, GA 31631

Phone: 912-637-5274

Website: Stephen C Foster State Park  

When to Visit: Any time of year

Best Campsites: 63 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites, 1 Pioneer Campground

Activities: Boating, paddling, fishing, stargazing, camping, hiking, biking

This secluded park serves as the main entrance to the fabled Okefenokee Swamp, the most extensive wetland in the South and one of Georgia's seven natural wonders. The black swamp waters mirror the Spanish moss-covered trees, and cypress knees sprout upward from the glass-like surface. Foster's most well-known songs are featured in the museum's exhibits, and the park's 97-bell carillon plays his music all day long.

Paddlers and photographers may take in the stunning landscape and many species. The 402,000-acre refuge is home to a wide variety of animals, including alligators, turtles, raccoons, black bears, deer, ibis, herons, wood storks, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and others. Astronomers will appreciate the mainly black skies. Reservations for the renowned swamp's guided boat tours should be made as soon as possible. Tours at dusk and night might be offered. More daring visitors can visit historic Billy's Island by renting canoes and kayaks to explore the marsh further. Fishing is excellent for warmouth, bluegill, catfish, chain pickerel, and bowfin. The level of the water affects boating.

“The Trembling Earth Trail gives a good view into the swamp. Viewing the local fauna--deer, wild turkeys, woodpeckers was interesting, as was the boat tour.”

4. Skidaway Island State Park

Location: 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA 31411

Phone: 912-598-2300

Website: Skidaway Island State Park  

When to Visit: Early April to late May

Best Campsites: 87 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites, 3 Pioneer Campgrounds

Activities: Hiking, camping, birding, geocaching, biking

One of the most pristine recreational locations in southeast Georgia is the small, 558-acre Skidaway Island State Park. The park is situated on a barrier island along the Skidaway Narrows, a picturesque waterway in the state, only 15 miles from downtown Savannah. This park, close to Savannah's historic district, abuts the Intracoastal Waterway of Georgia's Skidaway Narrows. A boardwalk and observation tower are reached by trails that meander through a coastal woodland and salt marsh. Deer, fiddler crabs, raccoons, egrets, and other animals can all be seen by visitors.

Some RV sites at this picturesque campsite offer sewer hookups tucked away behind live oaks and Spanish moss. Pets on leashes are welcome. Private pioneer campgrounds are available for groups. Popular locations for gatherings, including parties, reunions, and other celebrations, include open-air picnic shelters and an enclosed group shelter. Tybee Island's beaches are only a short drive away if you want to cool yourself in the summer. The camper cabins in the park feature screened porches, air conditioning, a bathroom with a shower, a kitchen, a main bedroom, and a loft with bunk beds for children. Visitors can use the fire ring, grill, and picnic table outside. Pets are permitted on campgrounds but not in camper cabins.  

“Beautiful, clean campground with very friendly staff. Enjoyed the different options for hiking trails. We had our two dogs with us and our site #56 was spacious enough for us all.”

5. Vogel State Park

Location: 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512

Phone: 706-745-2628

Website: Vogel State Park  

When to Visit: Fall

Best Campsites: 90 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites, 18 Walk-In Campsites, 1 Pioneer Campground

Activities: Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, paddling, geocaching

The second-oldest state park in Georgia is Vogel State Park, which opened its doors in 1931. At 2500 feet above sea level, Vogel is encircled by Chattahoochee National Forest and is situated at Blood Mountain, the highest summit on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. Vogel State Park, one of Georgia's oldest and most well-liked state parks, is situated in the Chattahoochee National Forest at the foot of Blood Mountain. Visitors from the South pass through Neel Gap, a stunning mountain pass close to Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest point.

Vogel is especially well-liked when the Blue Ridge Mountains turn into a rolling carpet of red, yellow, and gold leaves in the fall. The well-liked 4-mile Bear Hair Gap loop, an easy lake loop that leads to Trahlyta Falls, and the strenuous 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail are just a few of the paths available to hikers. Several overnight accommodations are available, including cottages, campgrounds, and rustic hiking sites. Non-motorized boats are permitted on the 22-acre lake in the park, and in the summer, guests can cool down at the beach with mountain views. Vogel offers one pioneer campground, 18 walk-in campsites solely suitable for tents, and 85 campsites with electricity hookups.  

“Just Beautiful! We try to come every year! There is a nice walk to some water falls. Lovely town as well. ”

6. Tallulah Gorge State Park

Location: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

Phone: 706-754-7981

Website: Tallulah Gorge State Park  

When to Visit: March to June, September to November

Best Campsites: 50 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites, 1 Pioneer Campground, Terrora Campground

Activities: Camping, hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, swimming

Tallulah Gorge is a two-mile-long canyon almost 1,000 feet deep and one of the most breathtaking in the eastern United States. A permit is required to go to the gorge floor, but visitors can hike rim trails to several views instead. An 80-foot-high suspension bridge swings over the rocky ground, offering breathtaking views of the river and waterfalls. The Jane Hurt Yarn Interpretive Center's exhibits highlight the area's rocky landscape, peaceful environment, and rich past as a Victorian resort town. The green salamander, monkey-face orchid, and persistent trillium are protected species that can be found in the gorge.

Visitors can still see the towers Karl Wallenda used, and tightrope walkers have traversed the gorge twice. Mountain bikers can try their talents on a challenging 10-mile course while strollers and bicycles can travel along a paved path that follows an old railroad bed. Knowledgeable park rangers provide a variety of events throughout the year, including guided walks, paddle tours, astronomy nights, Junior Ranger camps, Women's Wilderness Weekends, and holiday festivities. The park has 50 sites with hot showers and electric and water hookups, and it is where campers can stay.

“Never stop in this town. It's worth it to go around. They use cameras for speed traps to access tourist money because they cannot operate a budget.”

7. Chattahoochee Bend State Park

Location: 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan, GA 30263

Phone: 770-254-7271

Website: Chattahoochee Bend State Park  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: 37 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites, 12 Tent Walk-In Campsites, 8 Platform Campsites, 8 Backcountry/Paddle-In Campsites, 1 Adirondack Group Campsite

Activities: Camping, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, geocaching, picnicking

In the northwest of Coweta County, Chattahoochee Bend State Park shows a magnificent area of nature. The park, situated in a lovely bend of the Chattahoochee River, is a refuge for campers, fishermen, and paddlers. One of Georgia's largest state parks, Chattahoochee Bend protects five miles of riverfront on 2,910 acres. This 10-mile stroll along the river's banks on the Chattahoochee Bend River Trail incorporates the Chattahoochee Bend Riverside Trail and Bend Trail.

While more than six miles of forested paths are accessible for hiking and wildlife photography, a boat ramp makes it simple to get on the lake. An observation platform provides lovely views of the river and woodland. Campers have various options for overnight lodging inside park limits, even though most of the park has been preserved in its natural state. The camping area's sunny pull-through and back-in sites are perfect for RV owners. Tent campers have a selection of walk-in sites, typically built campsites, and riverfront platform sites. The park even provides screened Adirondack-style shelters for families and parties seeking a distinctive camping experience.  

“I went with some friends and stayed at the cabin. Very nice and new. Some of the names of the trails are a bit concerning, like back in slavery, but for the most part, very nice and beautiful.”

8. FD Roosevelt State Park

Location: 2970 GA-190, Pine Mountain, GA 31822

Phone: 706-663-4858

Website: FD Roosevelt State Park  

When to Visit: Any time of year

Best Campsites: 115 Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites, 16 Backcountry Campsites

Activities: Hiking, camping, birding, fishing, picnicking, swimming

The largest state park in Georgia, at 9,049 acres, is a refuge for hikers and backpackers. Numerous routes totaling more than 40 miles, including the well-known Pine Mountain Trail's 23 miles, meander through hardwood and pine forests, cross creeks, and pass minor waterfalls. The undulating mountains 80 miles southwest of Atlanta surprise many visitors. Dowdell's Knob is located above King's Gap, where President Franklin D. Roosevelt occasionally had picnics and thought about international matters. Visitors are now greeted at the overlook by a life-size sculpture of the president.

During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed many park amenities, such as cottages and the Liberty Bell swimming pool supplied by chilly springs. A wooded campground borders a tiny fishing lake, and nearby stables run by private businesses provide guided horseback rides. FDR visited this region of Georgia in 1924 to swim in naturally warm springs that provided polio alleviation. Visitors can spend the night in the cabins or the campground to take advantage of everything the park offers. Some houses are perched on mountaintops, while others are beside a lake. All have kitchenware, fireplaces, and barbecues, as well as bedding. There are 140 campsites at the campground and a bathroom with hot showers.

“We enjoyed riding through the park in our little convertible! There were plenty of scenic spots where we could pull over to let faster cars pass.”

9. Red Top Mountain State Park

Location: 50 Lodge Rd SE, Acworth, GA 30102

Phone: 770-975-4226

Website: Red Top Mountain State Park  

When to Visit: Summer

Best Campsites: 93 Tent, Trailer & RV Campites, 1 Pioneer Campground

Activities: Hiking, camping, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, geocaching

Lake Allatoona, close to metro Atlanta, is an exceedingly picturesque location to take in some breathtaking lake views. The water gently laps the serpentine meanders of its red-tinged beaches. Red Top Mountain, one of Georgia's most well-known state parks, is tucked away on one of the lake's substantial peninsulas that resemble fingers. The park's numerous fantastic hiking and running routes wind and meander across its gently undulating woodlands alongside Allatoona's iron-rich shoreline, covering a vast area of several thousand acres.

The swimming, water skiing, and fishing are all great at this well-liked park on Lake Allatoona. Boats can be brought by visitors or rented from local marinas. A cove with a swimming beach made of sand encircled by trees makes a perfect place to cool yourself in the summer. Visitors frequently spend the night in the park's yurt beside the lake, a large campground, or rental cottages. Red Top Mountain is a refuge for hikers even though the 12,000-acre lake is its most prominent feature. The forested park's more than 15 kilometers of pathways offer fitness and wildlife photography possibilities.  

“I went hiking at Red Top Mountain State Park with my kids. We saw beautiful views and enjoyed hiking a long trail together. Also, go to this state park with your family because it is a great location.”

10. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge 

Location: 4155 Suwannee Canal Road, Folkston, GA 31537

Phone: 912-496-7836

Website: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge  

When to Visit: Late Spring to early Summer

Best Campsites: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Campground, Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins and Campground

Activities: Hiking, camping, sightseeing, birding, geocaching, biking

The Suwannee and St. Marys rivers originate at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, which also protects the Okefenokee Swamp's distinctive features. Along with many other animals, the refuge provides habitat for threatened and endangered species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and wood stork. It is well known worldwide for having populations of amphibians that serve as bioindicators of world health. On refuge lands, more than 600 plant species have been documented. Visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to experience a distinct habitat with a rich cultural heritage and diverse wildlife.

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge has five entrances total—three main exits and two auxiliary entrances, each with its amenities and unique personality. The Okefenokee Swamp includes a patchwork of ecosystems, including open, moist "prairies" on the east and forested cypress swamps on the west. At each entrance, a charge is required. Visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to experience life in the wild! An ecological gem, this 680 square-mile wilderness is immaculate. A unique view of the marsh prairies and the Okefenokee Wilderness can be obtained by hiking the Chesser Island Boardwalk to the Owl's Roost Tower. The interior of the marsh offers canoe camping at two islands and seven overnight shelters.

“The Okefenokee Swamp Park was amazing! The boat captain, train conductor, and the show guy were all extremely knowledgeable about the swamps and animals there! I would recommend this to everyone!”

Camping in Georgia Essentials

GGeorgia State Parks know that first-time campers might need to prepare with the necessary knowledge or gear. Compared to hiking or backpacking, vehicle camping has the advantage of bringing many supplies and home comforts. To have the best camping in Georgia, there are camping must-haves that people always take.

- Campsite Essentials: tent, sleeping bag, table & chair, flashlight, firewood;

- Portable Power Generator: Jackery Solar Generator 1500, Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro

- Camp Cooking Essentials: cooking grill, stove, knife, cutting board, coffee maker, food, fridge

- Camping Clothes: water-proof jacket, hiking pants, boots, gloves

- Cleaning Essentials: hand sanitizer, toothbrush, shower kit, suncream, towel

- First Aid Kit: personal medication, bandages, finger splints, eye drops

>> Download Camping Essentials Checklist PDF

A portable solar generator is necessary to pack when camping in Georgia. A portable solar generator is a great way to guarantee power wherever you need it, even if there is no nearby power grid. If you're camping or off the grid, the Jackery portable solar generator can keep your electronic devices running for hours or even days.

The Jackery Solar Generator 1500 is an excellent solution for outdoor activities like camping and fishing. Its packages contain 4 SolarSaga 100s (simplified versions of 2 SolarSaga 100X) and 1 SolarSaga 100. Whether you're camping for a weekend or a more extended period, the bundle, which was created especially for these activities, is perfect. 1800 operating watts and a big 1534Wh capacity are features of the Explorer 1500. (3600 peak watts). Three AC Pure Sine Wave outlets, one PD 60W USB-C port, one Quick Charge 3.0 port, one USB-A port, and one 12V car port are also included. It can power up to 85% of the appliances and other significant power consumers in your RV, including microwaves, refrigerators, lights, power tools, and home appliances.

Another option is the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro if you're outside. Because it features an updated solar panel and battery, it is perfect for people who seek the best solar generator. A full charge may be completed in 1.8 hours thanks to four revolutionary SolarSaga 200W solar panels, three times faster than Solar Generator 1000. With a quick and straightforward 60-second setup, you can enjoy infinite green power wherever you go. An entire wall charge may be completed in approximately 1.8 hours. Its USB-C and 100W PD ports provide dependable power for requirements like phones, iPad, PCs, and drones. It has many interfaces, including a DC vehicle port, two USB A ports, and three 1000W AC output connectors.

Camping in Georgia Tips

In Georgia, there are numerous camping options. Every type of individual can find a way to enjoy the great outdoors for their version of a camping vacation, from traditional "sleeping bag under the stars" to complete luxury "glamping." Since we reside in Georgia, most of the other months of the year are ideal for camping, even if June is National Camping Month. Here are some of the best Georgia camping advice:  

• Use the camping facilities in Georgia State Parks: Georgia is blessed with an almost infinite supply of forests, lakes, rivers, and streams. Make one of the state's well-serviced locations your base of operations, or explore the state's wildness and diverse landscapes on foot.
• Think about camping in the off-season: Crowds at summer campgrounds limiting your style? Why not plan your camping trip for the winter or fall? In contrast to most other outfitters, you can extend one of our whitewater excursions down the Chattooga into October!
• Black bears occasionally appear in state parks in Georgia, where they are a natural landscape component. Seeing these creatures is a rare and unforgettable event, and you can most likely find them in the highlands of north Georgia or close to the Okefenokee Swamp. Bears typically avoid interacting with people, but occasionally they go too close.

Final Thoughts

For lovers of the great outdoors, Georgia offers a variety of outdoor leisure options, including camping, hiking, bicycling, fishing, and more. State parks, historical monuments, fishing holes, and wildlife management areas total more than a million acres of property set aside for recreational purposes. In addition, Georgia boasts a coastline, more than 12,000 miles of warm-water streams, 4,000 miles of trout streams, and substantial tracts of federal wilderness territory, including the Chattahoochee National Forest and the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge. The best camping in Georgia and the essentials for camping are listed in this article.

With so much outdoor space to enjoy, Georgia is the best place for camping. When camping in Georgia, a portable generator seems far more critical outside. The Jackery portable solar generator is an advanced power bank that offers a dependable and eco-friendly power supply for your Utah camping trip. Just start your camping trip by owning a solar generator!