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Established Camping

Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground

Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground, near Rutledge, Georgia, is a solid spot for campers looking to unwind in a rural setting. With a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and cozy cabins, there's something for everyone, whether you're roughing it or seeking a bit of comfort.

The campground boasts clean facilities, including well-kept bathrooms and showers, which visitors have praised for their cleanliness and hot water. Many campers enjoyed the spacious sites, perfect for setting up a picnic table and fire ring to gather around after a day of exploring. One camper noted, “The park was quiet and clean,” highlighting the peaceful atmosphere that many appreciate.

For those who like to stay active, there are plenty of nearby activities. You can fish or paddle on Lake Rutledge, just a short drive away, or take advantage of the hiking trails that wind through the park. Families will find kids can ride bikes, play mini-golf, or enjoy the playgrounds scattered throughout the area.

While some campers mentioned that cell service can be spotty, it’s a great place to disconnect and enjoy nature. With friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground is a great choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.

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Location

Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located 2 miles north of Rutledge. Take I-20 exit #105 into Rutledge and proceed 3 miles on Fairplay Road.

Address

5 Hard Labor Creek Road
Rutledge, GA 30663

Coordinates

33.66000019 N
83.60200018 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

31 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 2, 2024

Beautiful Trees with a cool breeze

This place was great. We arrived after hours and spoke with the camp host he told us we can pay online or in the morning. We drove all day in the sun and due to hurricane Helene aftermath we were limited on where to stay. It was nice to pull in and it be nice and cool with the trees. The stars popped out at night and could be seen through the tree tops. Showers were hot.

Site26
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2023

New Years at Hard Labor Creek Park

The park was quiet and clean. Bathroom and bath house area kept very clean with plenty of HOT water. Site 26 is a pull through with kinda odd connection placement but we made it work.

Site26
Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Aug. 25, 2023

Camping

We had so much fun we spent the whole weekend at hard labor creek at park camping and swimming at the beach it was very convenient the restrooms and showers were near the campsite so it wasn't a long walk. Def will be going back

Sitecampsite 14
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2023

Been coming for a decade it feels like

Meh I have mixed feelings for hard labor. This is actually my first time camping at their campground. I did find the camp area pretty nice. I did have concerns about some of the trees as I recall last year they camp host had an incident. My issue for me was I used a ground tent this time versus my roof top tent or camper. Man my site choice was horrible! Site 24 turned into a pool. I had to move my tent to RV vehicle parking area. I did consider trenching the site but didn’t want to cause property damage with the rail road ties. Other than the flooding of my site and making adjustments not a bad experience. Just noticed a lot of water issues throughout the park and runoff.

Site24
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Logan S., July 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Logan S., July 22, 2023
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Logan S., July 22, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 26, 2022

When will it improve?!?

Now we’ve never stayed here for our rv trips however we’ve revisited over the course of maybe 5 years for our family reunion and yes over the past two to three years they’ve remodeled the cabins. Yet, this year the newly remodeled cabins were in need of maintenance and repair. I mean come on. The conditioned building we rent every year has even got mold in it and we had a family member clean the kitchen for two hours in preparation for our event. We plan on changing locations finally as it seems the staff and rangers at Hard Labor are just riding their paycheck.

Sitecabin 10
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Logan S., July 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Logan S., July 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Logan S., July 26, 2022
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2022

Quiet, rural state park camping

This campground has a great rural state park vibe. If you’re weekending -it’s nice. The sites are pretty private & woodsy. Kids can ride bikes everywhere, play some putt-putt or on the playground, go fishing or take them to the lake beach (just a short drive away-5 minutes).
If you’re into golf-looks like a nice course. If you’re planning to remote work from here-forget it. We had absolutely no service, even weak cell service. You’re also away from town/groceries/restaurants.
Bottom line is it’s a fun place to weekend/feel pretty remote but not ideal for full timers who still work/school online.

Site18
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 13, 2021

Friday the 13th campout

While most of my camping trip was spent at camp Daniel Morgan, I did stay a night at the public campground. The facilities were excellent. The bathrooms were extremely clean. The neighbors were polite and quiet. Great overall experience.

Site12
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Marty A., September 13, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2021

Relaxing

We were able to get a last minute spot during Labor Day. It was packed. Spacing is nice. Facilities are clean and staff is friendly.

Site32
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Kay M., September 9, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2021

Quiet, well kept campground with lots of activities

Awesome campground located about 15min off of I-20.
Fantastic golf course that I didn't get to play unfortunately. 
We stayed at the "buddy site" with our 37' Mallard and my Father-in-law's Winnebago. Though the layout of the site didn't quite make sense, the kids and dogs loved having everyone so close together.
*Note - no sewer hookup on the buddy site. Not sure if any of the other sites have one either. The ones I checked didn't have one. There is a 2 lane dump station on your way out though.
Multiple playgrounds, mini golf and a lake with a beach located about 5min from the campsites.
Well kept and friendly staff. We will definitely be returning!

Site45
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Logan , September 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Logan , September 5, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2021

Stunning Cabin!

Nicest state park cabin I’ve never stayed in! The furnishings were beautiful and the screened porch was amazing. I really appreciated that the bedding and towels were plush and extremely comfortable-very unlike most state parks or other rental cabins. It was also impeccably clean, AND the bathrooms had handcrafted local soaps!

As a side note, my husband is a wheelchair user and this was the most accessible vacation rental we’ve ever encountered (and we travel a lot). The picnic table had a seat cutout, the fire pit and grill were on a level surface, and the kitchen sink was roll under! 10/10 thank you HLC for the thoughtful attention to accessibility.

SiteCottage 3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Dana B., July 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Dana B., July 12, 2021
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Dana B., July 12, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed May. 2, 2021

Very good apps

We had a great time the puppies enjoy it too

Sitelot 29
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2021

Very relaxing and quiet. Clean facilities.

We stayed here for 4 nights in late April 2021. The weather was cool, and beautiful. We stayed in campsite 17, and had a small teardrop trailer. The site is a bit cramped with a trailer and a vehicle parked in it, and we had no room to open our awning. There are other sites in the same loop that appeared to have a much larger footprint where you would have more space. The drop-down picnic area and fire pit are a nice touch. The sites are spread out and offer a good amount of privacy. Woods keep the sun off you during the day. The toilet facilities and shower facilities were kept clean. We used the laundry facility as well; very clean. The "outpost" store has very little in the way of product, so make sure you have your own supplies. This isn't a typical camp store that sells charcoal, sundries, etc. Their firewood was a bit wet and we had a hard time lighting it, so I'd suggest making sure you bring your own dry wood. The grounds are well kept and very pleasant. Some nice hiking trails within the park itself. We can't wait to come out here again. Loved it.

Site17
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Rich S., April 28, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 3, 2021

Very crowded weekends, great weekdays

Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Spent 7 nights. The weekend nights were so crowded with cars spilling into the camp roads, loads of large groups at each site. Felt very claustrophobic. On weekdays the park became a(lovely) ghost town. Very hilly within the campground but wide roads. Deer walking through the site. Good water views and hiking. Mountain biking a few miles down the road.

Site18
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Feb. 3, 2021

Family Park

This park is just renovated, the bathhouses are clean nice and big.. The sites are pretty big, shaded, no level but not too bad I'm always prepared,and we'll mainteined. It has has 2 dump stations. The park has a nice hiking trails and bikes trails, dog friendly.

  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Winston M., February 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Winston M., February 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Winston M., February 3, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2020

Nice, but watch the signage!

The campground is a good campground— clean and fairly easy for our big fifth wheel to get in to. Be careful and follow the Campground signs and not your GPS because you might come in a different way and have to navigate an overpass that, for done rigs, is too short! Comfort stations are clean and sites are nice! Geocaching also available.

Reviewed Sep. 22, 2020

Wilderness retreat!

Very nice and lot’s of things to do!! The camp host was extremely helpful! Golf course looked very nice & challenging!

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2020

Great Isolated State Park. Beautiful Lake and plenty to do.

My wife and I came here in our pop up camper.  We had never even heard of this camp ground and booked it primarily because we were looking for a nice campground with availability.  We arrived after the Trading Post / Office was closed, and we hit a snag right off the bat.  Our campsite (21) was really not a site for a pop up camper.  This was definitely more of a tent site.  Luckily the camp host was super nice and accommodating.  He put us in spot 23, and luckily we were able to reserve it for the whole stay.  This was a nice private camp site, great for a pop up or tent, but wouldnt be good for a big RV.  There were trails all behind our site, and it was secluded which worked out great because our dog could relax without people passing the site constantly.  The staff here is extremely pleasant and very helpful and facilities are extremely clean.

We played 9 holes at The Creek, a real nice golf course that is in the state park. We really enjoyed the golfing here, but we are not advanced golfers.  We also fished off the dock at Lake Rutledge.  What a beautiful lake.  We would have rented a boat, but we were not able to due to Covid.

We were so happy here, that we have been talking about returning with the kids.  There is a miniature golf course and a playground.  We may even ask the grandparents to come.  They don't like camping but there are beautiful cabins here.

I highly recommend Hard Labor Creek State Park.  A hidden gem.

Site23
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 5, 2020

Another great stay!

Due to the ongoing apocalypse, we have had plenty of time to camp lately! We have stayed here, in the park, multiple times over the last month.

As always, the park is clean and well-maintained. Although most of the facilities are closed right now, the park staff and volunteers were constantly working to ensure everything is clean and working properly.

Both of the camp hosts, Pam and Sue, were constantly riding around checking on guests and were more than helpful if you needed them.

On this particular visit, we stayed on site # 2 (full hook up) and there was plenty of room to stretch out! We stayed in our 26’ travel trailer.

We were able to walk off of the back of our site and onto the trail system, which is perfect because we are avid hikers.

Thanks for another great stay! We will be back!

  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., May 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., May 5, 2020
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., May 5, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Oct. 14, 2019

Relaxing

Best place to kick back and relax. Definitely a good place to unplug. This is due to limited cell service but who needs that when you are disconnecting from the grind.

  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Larry M., October 14, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2019

Loved it!

Really pretty and well maintained. The mini golf course was a big hit with my kids. 12 and under is $2.50, adults $5. The trading post/visitor center is stocked with drinks and some first aid but not much else. The sites are well maintained and the water beautiful!

Reviewed Jun. 12, 2019

Horse owner or golfer this is the place for you and it’s only 45 minutes fr

Nice campground, bathhouses exceptionally clean. Camped on a Sunday and Monday and was so peaceful with all of nature’s  sounds. There’s two lakes there but you need to take a short drive to get to the swimming beach and to better fishing. Golf course looks great, and  equestrian camping looked great too. Lots of easy hiking trails to explore.  A very  short drive from Atlanta make this campground a nice weekend camping getaway

Site38
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by chad  H., June 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by chad  H., June 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by chad  H., June 12, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2018

Relaxing!

We were back at HLC this weekend and, as always, it was an enjoyable stay! This campground is now site-specific (meaning that you reserve a specific site prior to arrival) and this worked perfectly for us because we're familiar with the best sites! We grabbed site 43 because it is close to the bath house but very private!

We made use of the hiking trails and mountain bike trails this weekend! The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked!

This is one of our favorite campgrounds due to the large sites, clean facilities and amazing staff!

SiteSite 43
Month of VisitAugust
  • Time Lapse Setup!
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  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., August 26, 2018
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., August 26, 2018
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Aug. 6, 2018

One of the BEST!

We were back at HLC this past weekend and, as always, top-notch park! We have tent camped for several years but recently upgraded to a new (to us) pop up and we had a blast!

We camped at site 26 (one of the newer sites) and it had full hookup (our PUP does not have a bathroom but does have a galley). The site has electric (50 amp and 30 amp service) as well as free cable TV!!

The sites at HLC are well spaced and the bath houses are spotless!!

The park staff is amazing and the camp hosts are always cleaning up and are available if you need anything!

HLC is our go-to spot for a weekend getaway because of the above-mentioned reasons and it is close to home!!

Site26
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., August 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., August 6, 2018
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., August 6, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2018

PERFECT GETAWAY!

We have camped at this beautiful park NUMEROUS times and there is a reason that we keep coming back (actually there are multiple reasons)!

HLC has an amazing staff that is there when you need them and not there when you don't! The camp hosts are friendly, the Ranger rides through on a regular basis and is friendly/outgoing (you can tell that he enjoys his job)!

The campground is not cramped at all and most of the sites are spread apart to provide privacy!

Not long ago, as many of the GA State Parks are doing, HLC swapped over to "site-specific" reservations..meaning that you must choose a particular site when reserving. This is VERY useful if you're familiar with the campground and have a favorite site (such as we do) but it can be a shot in the dark if you're not familiar with the campground.

The bath houses/comfort stations are brand new (including laundry rooms) and the camp hosts keep them spotless! The campground roads are newly paved and there are a couple of new sites.

There are hiking trails, kayak rentals, a beach area (swimming) and two nice lakes! There are equestrian trails and even an equestrian campground!

The park has numerous cottages to rent, a group shelter, picnic pavilions and even a mini-golf course (newly renovated)!

Not far from the campground (in Rutledge, GA) there is a Dollar general in case you forgot something that the park store doesn't have.

If you've never visited this beautiful park, ou are missing out on one of our hidden gems!

Site27
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., July 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., July 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by George & Patty C., July 22, 2018
  • (11) View All
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2018

Nice campground with activities

This is a great campground with lots of activities. There is a putt putt (mini golf) course. You can rent kayaks and kayak in the lake. They offered a kayak by moonlight group tour that was fun. The bathrooms are very clean. We had a huge nice site with lots of room for the pups to be on the tether. There is a camp store and the staff is friendly and helpful. The only thing was no one told us our site had full hookups. We paid for a deluxe site but nothing indicated on the reservation it had sewer connections. Had we known we would have taken showers in our own camper.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2018

Very clean and rustic

Clean sites, clean bathhouses, gravel sites, lake/beach swimming area within state park grounds. Golf course near

Reviewed Jun. 4, 2018

Great Camping

This was our first trip to this park. I like the site specific reservation. Much more relaxed arrival and no creepy stalking from upcoming campers. The welcome center staff was very nice and helpful when needed. However, I almost didn't have firewood the first night because I didn't know you had to purchase it from the welcome center and they close at 4 or 5 pm. Also, their firewood bundles only lasted about an hour each at best ($6+ each). Our campsite was great! Secluded and a great view. Another slight negative in my book is the lake isn't anywhere near the campground. You have to leave the campground traveling along 3-4 roads/turns. The bath house was clean, new, and ada accessible. Oh vet important to note there is no cell service at your site. However, near the welcome center does have free wifi, but you have to be pretty close.

Site51
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Toni L., June 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Toni L., June 4, 2018
  • Review photo of Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground by Toni L., June 4, 2018
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2018

Absolutely Beautiful !

Beautiful campground. Sites are well spaced, level, and private.

Showers are clean, laundry room is well arranged and they even provide magazines.

The only problem we encountered in our stay was that there were carpenter bees eating the picnic table. I reported that to the hosts, who were very sympathetic and promised to take care of it.

We will definitely come back

SiteSite 5
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2017

Far enough away, yet...

Hard Labor Creek State Park is one of the Georgia State Park system's best kept secrets! Located just minutes away from Rutledge, GA, HLC seems like a whole world away! Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, HLC is still convenient to Rutledge and Madison, in case you forgot to pack something.

HLC features hiking trails, mini golf, newly "renovated" campsites that include two BRAND new bathhouses (comfort stations). The comfort stations have restrooms/showers, as well as two family restroom/shower facilities. The comfort stations also feature vending machines (drinks) and a laundry facility!

Kayak rentals, a beach/swimming area and numerous special programs are available!

Cell phone service is very spotty in the park but that is alright with us, camping is about getting AWAY and enjoying the outdoors, not staring at your electronic devices!

If golf is your thing, HLC has a beautiful 18-hole golf course!

Month of VisitJune

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground?

    Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground allows vehicles up to 80 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is available.