Tent camping near Washington, Georgia centers primarily around Clarks Hill Lake, also known as Strom Thurmond Reservoir. This 71,000-acre reservoir spans the Georgia-South Carolina border, with numerous primitive camping options located within a 40-mile radius of Washington. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through August, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for most visitors.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Soap Creek Marina provides convenient lake access with a $5 boat launch fee. One camper notes, "There's a small restaurant located onsite along with a small store. Nice walking trails which makes this a great getaway spot."
Waterfront relaxation: Leroys Ferry offers direct lake access with sites positioned near the water. A camper shares: "Stayed here over the Fourth of July and I was the only camper there while all the other sites were packed. Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming."
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds around Washington maintain walking paths through wooded areas. The trails at Back to Nature Garden Center create an isolated feel despite urban proximity, with one visitor noting, "Small campground almost downtown but the dense woods make you feel like you're in the country. There's a family dollar next door if you forget anything."
What campers like
Affordability: Cost-conscious campers appreciate the reasonable rates at lakeside campgrounds. A camper at Leroys Ferry states, "$10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds maintain basic amenities. A visitor to Clarks Hill remarked simply: "Very clean park. Great fishing."
Group camping options: Fell Hunt Camp provides circular camping arrangements ideal for groups. According to one camper: "We stayed here for one night while traveling and it was perfect for what we needed. 20+ campsites in a circle for tent campers and some additional ones on the side for equestrian campers and their horses. The water in the spouts is well water and delicious. Would be a great spot for some group camping!"
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most campgrounds around Washington operate with minimal facilities. At Leroys Ferry, a camper advises: "First come first serve, bring exact money because it's just a drop box. It's primitive camping so bring your own water, no electricity. No trash dumpster either so be prepared to pack if out."
Seasonal operations: Hunting-focused campgrounds have restricted availability. Fell Hunt Camp and Morrow Bridge Seasonal Hunt Camp operate only from September 14 through January 4, coinciding with hunting seasons.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. One Leroys Ferry camper reported: "Cell service was spotty on Verizon but I was able to get and receive calls and a few txts although they seemed very delayed."
Litter concerns: Some sites require camper vigilance regarding cleanliness. A visitor noted about one campground: "Only complaint is that it seems to attract people inclined to leave a lot of garbage. I filled a bag before I even set up camp."
Tips for camping with families
Marina amenities: Raysville Marina offers tent camping with convenient access to marina facilities. A camper shares, "Absolutely love this place. However hard to get a spot because so many people pay monthly and leave there campers. Staff is wonderful. No bathhouse."
Fishing with children: Clarks Hill provides productive fishing opportunities appropriate for families. One visitor simply states, "Great fishing."
Space between sites: Campgrounds with adequate spacing between sites provide privacy for families. At Leroys Ferry, a camper comments, "Each site has a pick nick table and fire ring, a few had charcoal grills on stands but not all."
Well water access: For extended stays with children, Fell Hunt Camp offers potable well water. A camper notes, "The water in the spouts is well water and delicious."
Tips from RVers
Limited levelness: While RVs can access most sites, prepare for some grading work. A camper at Leroys Ferry reports: "You can fit an RV on most sites, although they aren't all completely level."
Equestrian accommodations: Fell Hunt Camp provides dedicated areas for equestrian campers. According to a visitor: "20+ campsites in a circle for tent campers and some additional ones on the side for equestrian campers and their horses."
Site navigation: Most campgrounds feature straightforward access roads. At Leroys Ferry, a camper mentions: "It's clean with easy access and most sites are very easy to navigate."
