Best Places To Camp In Georgia – Top 5 Camping Destinations to Explore this Summer
Best Places To Camp In Georgia – Top 5 Camping Destinations to Explore this Summer: Despite the average temperature in Atlanta, Georgia reaching 88°F in the middle of summer, many camping enthusiasts still venture out to set up tents and park their RVs in some of the most breathtaking camping spots in the state.
From the mountains, which offer incredible hiking opportunities, to the islands off the coast, where you can soak up the sun on the beaches, Georgia has something for everyone. To help you plan your next outdoor adventure, here are five of the best places to camp in Georgia this summer.
1. Jekyll Island Campground
For those seeking a classic camping experience, Jekyll Island Campground is an ideal destination. Nestled in the thick oak forests of Jekyll Island, the campground offers a serene atmosphere, with a half-mile hike leading to Driftwood beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
As a popular vacation spot, Jekyll Island boasts various attractions such as golf courses, restaurants, hotels, and a water park.
At Jekyll Island State Park, you can find RV sites with full hookups and tent sites. The campground provides several amenities including restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a general store that offers firewood, propane, and ice, as well as food and snack items.
Bikes can be rented right at the campground to explore the surrounding area, from biking out to the beach to fishing at Clam Creek. Additionally, there is a bird sanctuary filled with feeders where visitors may spot painted buntings or yellow-throated warblers.
Google Map: Jekyll Island
2. Cloudland Canyon State Park
Located on the west side of Lookout Mountain, Cloudland Canyon offers stunning views of jagged rock formations that were carved by Sitton Gulch Creek. The Overlook Trail, an easy one-mile loop trail, takes you to the Main Overlook, providing breathtaking views of the deep canyon. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the two-mile round trip Waterfall Trail takes you to two waterfalls, though it can be strenuous so be sure to come prepared.
Cloudland Canyon State Park provides a range of camping options including RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and hike-in backcountry sites. For those seeking something unique, cottages or yurts are also available.
During your stay, you can enjoy various activities such as fishing in the pond for catfish, mountain biking and trying your hand at frisbee golf. Cloudland Canyon is undoubtedly one of the best places to camp in Georgia this summer!
Google Map: Cloudland Canyon
3. F.D. Roosevelt State Park
At 9,000 acres, F.D. Roosevelt State Park is Georgia’s largest state park, named after our 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He often visited Dowdell’s Knob to picnic and swim in the naturally warm springs in the area. The overlook at Dowdell’s Knob boasts a life-size statue of the President.
The park offers over 40 miles of trails to hike through the Pine Mountains, or you can take a trail ride on horseback with a privately owned stable that offers rides for a fee. The campground is situated next to Lake Delanor, which is ideal for fishing.
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With 115 RV and tent sites, the park provides hookups, restrooms, showers, and a gift store. One of the best reasons to camp at F.D. Roosevelt State Park this summer is to cool off in the Liberty Bell Swimming Pool!
Google Map: F.D. Roosevelt State Park
4. Stephen C. Foster State Park
Stephen C. Foster State Park, located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the Okefenokee Swamp. Take a boat tour to witness the area’s American alligators, turtles, ibis, wood storks, and herons, and photograph the tall cypress trees covered in Spanish moss.
You can either go on a guided tour boat or rent your own boats, kayaks, or canoes to explore the swamp on your own.
Camping overnight is highly recommended to experience the night sky, as this park is one of the best places to camp in Georgia due to its official designation as a “Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark Sky Association.
This makes for some of the best stargazing. The campground offers RV and tent sites, along with restrooms, hot showers, a visitor center, and nine cottages.
Google Map: Stephen C. Foster State Park
5. Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls
Tallulah Gorge State Park is a must-visit destination in Georgia. With a gorge that’s two miles long and 1,000 feet deep, the park offers breathtaking views of the Tallulah Falls. The highlight of the park is hiking across the suspension bridge that hangs 80 feet above the gorge.
You can also hike the rim trails or hike to the bottom of the gorge (with a permit). For more adventure, bring your mountain bikes and hit the 10 miles of mountain bike trails.
To extend your stay, set up camp at the 57-site campground that includes 52 sites with electricity and water, and 3 backcountry sites. The park has restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, a playground, a sand beach, and an interpretive center.
Keep an eye out for deer, raccoons, and foxes that often roam the park. And while black bears do live in the park, you can safely enjoy your stay by keeping all of your food in secure containers. Tallulah Gorge State Park is definitely one of the best places to camp in Georgia this summer!
Google Map: Tallulah Gorge State Park
