Naryamie H.
Scout
ScoutCarolina Hill Mobile Home and RV Park
A quiet place to call home
The neighbors are fantastic. The management is fantastic.
We love it here.
Camping near Appling, GA
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Camping options near Appling, Georgia center around Strom Thurmond Lake, with multiple established campgrounds including Petersburg, Mistletoe State Park, and Wildwood Park. The area features a diverse range of accommodation types from standard tent and RV sites to cabins, yurts, and glamping opportunities. Most developed campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with many sites situated directly on the lakeshore. Mistletoe State Park Campground and Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake campground are particularly popular destinations for visitors seeking access to water recreation activities.
The region maintains year-round camping availability at several locations, though some campgrounds like Winfield and Modoc operate seasonally from spring through fall. "Almost every site has a walkable path to the water. It's pet friendly and has amenities for even the least experienced campers," noted one visitor about Petersburg campground. Reservations are typically required and can be made through recreation.gov for Corps of Engineers sites or through the Georgia State Parks reservation system. Most campgrounds feature well-maintained roads suitable for standard vehicles, though some sites may require leveling equipment for RVs. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winters remain relatively mild. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with varying strength depending on carrier and specific location.
Waterfront access represents the defining feature of camping in the Appling area, with numerous reviews highlighting the lake views and shoreline proximity. Campsites at Petersburg and Wildwood Park received consistently high ratings for their spacious layouts and privacy. A visitor commented, "This campground has magnificent views, spacious sites, picnic tables, firepits, power and water hookups, dump station, bathrooms, and groomed swimming area." Facilities typically include clean restrooms, shower buildings, and dump stations. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer frequently spotted near campsites, particularly at dusk. While the lake provides excellent recreational opportunities, some reviews mention increased boat noise during summer weekends and holidays. Hiking trails connect many of the campgrounds, with the Bartram Trail being a notable option for longer excursions.
Best Campgrounds near Appling (97)
1. Mistletoe State Park Campground
"Mistletoe State Park is another great Georgia State Park."
"We spent a couple of nights in Mistletoe State Park in Georgia while we investigated my husband's ancestry. This park is truly beautiful."
from $12 - $190 / night
Check Availability2. Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake
"There is water and electric at each site for those who are in a RV but the dump sites are pretty close by. We will definitely be back!"
"Lakeside lot with incredible space. Dog friendly and they enjoyed being able to go for a swim right outside of the camper."
from $18 - $50 / night
Check Availability3. Hamilton Branch State Park Campground
"The downside to this design is that sites on the left side of the T shape, back in with the trailers camp side facing the road, not the lake."
"We checked in on a Thursday evening from the drive from Florida. Campsite was chosen from a map, which seemed to have an upfront water access."
4. Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake
"Winfield is a compartively little-known USACE campground situated on a peninsula near the more heavily-traffic Mistletoe State Park."
"It’s right on the lake. There is a retaining wall at the water so it’s about a 3” step to the water. We plan to bring a sep ladder next time. Beautiful place to spend your time camping."
from $32 / night
Check Availability5. Modoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake
"Lots of RVs and pull behinds. Sites were well spaced. We had 15 and it was great, I would stay at the same site again. Water and electric at all sites. Access to water from majority of sites."
"Quiet beautiful good fishing, minimal bugs, waded in the sandy edge of the lake. We will be back."
from $22 - $64 / night
Check Availability6. Ridge Road Campground at J Strom Thurmond Lake
"Easy walk down to the water, lovely breeze, quiet. We were close to the ADA bathhouse that was immaculate."
"Tons of trees and most sites are on right on the lake. The water is amazingly clear."
from $22 - $64 / night
Check Availability7. Wildwood County Park
"This park is just a few miles away from Mistletoe and we only stayed here because we could not get a site at Mistletoe."
"People are here with boats, golf carts, big outside TV’s and LOUD music that went on until 9:45 at night (camp hosts finally shut down the party scene)."
8. Elijah Clark State Park Campground
"From the main entrance is a winding wooded road to the main store."
"Set up well for families with children… room to ride bikes, scooters, skateboards; playground; putt putt course; trails to walk; beach areas all around the camp ground for easy access to the water."
from $20 - $250 / night
Check Availability9. Pointes West Army Resort
"The only reason why I didn't give a 5 star was because we were very close to neighbors. They were all in a row so if you open your curtains others can see you. Full hookups."
"Sites L, M, and N are all on a little peninsula that sticks out into Clarks Hill Lake, and are our personal favorites!"
from $7 - $25 / night
Check Availability10. Big Hart Campground
"Loved the big well laid out sites right on the lake. Woods between sites so neighbors were at a distance. Beautiful view of the lake. Quiet. Bathroom uphill but not too far."
"Absolutely gorgeous views of the lake at many of the sites as they are right in the shore. Sites are very private with plenty of space in between. You can anchor your boat at alot of the sites."
from $26 - $182 / night
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Drive Time
- 25 min from Augusta, GA
- 1 hr 23 min from Athens, GA
- 1 hr 25 min from Columbia, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Appling, GA
172 Photos of 97 Appling Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Timberline Glamping @ Clarks Hill Lake
Wildwood County Park
Petersburg
Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond LakeA
Mistletoe State Park Campground
Winfield
Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake
Ridge Road Campground at J Strom Thurmond Lake
Pointes West Army ResortB
Raysville Campground
Clay Hill Campground
Bussey Point Wilderness Area
Recent Reviews near Appling, GA
462 Reviews of 97 Appling Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendHickory Knob
Lakeside Retreat with a Touch of Southern Charm
Hickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
- OOlivia K.Scout
Bussey Point Wilderness Area
Okay campsite
When we got there, another family was in our space. They said the one they reserved was overgrown with brush (a few were). We tried to call to have it resolved but no one to call. We ended up having to pick another site that was empty. That portion was very stressful after a long drive to get there. Experience was okay, the water is down a good bit right now.
- NNoah W.
GuideHamburg State Park Campground
Middle Georgia Lake
For me this was a very average campsite. Nothing very notable here or in the area. It felt like it was a predominantly RV catered campground but there were available spots for tents. Not much privacy, you can see down the road and to each site pretty well from wherever you’re at, though some sites on the backside of the campground were seemingly a little more private. The main attraction is a swampy lake, pretty but not spectacular. There is a playground and good visibility so maybe a good campground for families. Bathroom water pressure was not good.
- TT&VGuide
Ridge Road Campground at J Strom Thurmond Lake
Very nice campground
We had a very nice long weekend on site 32. The sites are large and clean, the park is easy to maneuver. The water level was really low but we were still able to get our Pontoon boat in and out of the boat ramp and pulled ashore right at our site.
- RRichard A.
RangerRidge Road Campground at J Strom Thurmond Lake
Campground in need of some renovations and general TLC
Let me say that we have stayed at several of the COE campgrounds in this area.
We felt that it had a lot of potential to be an extremely beautiful park but has been neglected in a few ways.
Understanding that this campground like some others in the area suffered damage from a recent hurricane and that the necessary cleanup and recovery can be a long process, much of the needs of Ridge Road appear to be neglect.
The sites and general areas are immensely overgrown and in desperate need of maintenance, and while the bathhouses are in need of renovation, general attention to cleanliness and pest control (a lot of large, live, spiders) would serve them well.
We hope the park will get the attention it needs and look forward to returning.
- CChris M.
TravelerHolliday Park Campground
Hidden Gem
The campsites are spread out. Each features a fire ring, picnic table and power/water hookups. Most sites are on the water. All of them are shaded. Summer months are the busiest. Almost no one comes in the winter. It's very serene.
- RRichard A.Ranger
Pine Hill Camp
Well maintained dispersed site, quiet solitude...
Nice site off the beaten path, plenty of room with lots of shade and sun.
We visited in July and was a bit warm but was able to run our generator as desired as the was only one other camper on this Thursday evening and they were located several hundred feet away.
Of course being a dispersed site there are no hookups, and no fees :)
The road in seemed well maintained and was an easy travel except for the occasional pothole. The campground grass had been recently cut and provided ample areas to set camp, there are even a few rock circles from previous campers that serves as a homemade firepit.
Peaceful and felt safe, was an oasis in an area that has few documented dispersed camping sites.
C.J. C.GuideCalhoun Falls State Park Campground
Beautiful Lakeviews
This is my favorite South Carolina Park. Most sites are waterfront. It's peaceful in the spring and beautiful in the fall. The pull-through sites are great for waking up to lake views and a sunrise or sunset over the lake
Guide to Appling
The Appling, Georgia area features numerous campgrounds scattered around J. Strom Thurmond Lake, a 70,000-acre reservoir with over 1,000 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures in the region typically exceed 90°F with high humidity, while fall camping offers more moderate conditions with temperatures in the 60-70°F range. Many of the campsites are located on peninsulas extending into the lake, providing water access and recreational opportunities throughout three seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking on Bartram Trail: The trail runs through Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake and offers excellent terrain for cyclists. "We moved to site 58 after a couple of days and it was directly on the water. Mountain bike trails in either direction just at the park entrance," noted one visitor who enjoyed the extensive trail system.
Horseback riding: Bussey Point Wilderness Area caters specifically to equestrians with specialized facilities. "Bussey Point is primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer. There's a 12-mile horse trail that goes out on the peninsula," explained one camper who appreciated the horse-friendly setup.
Shoreline fishing: Many campgrounds offer direct fishing access from individual sites. At Hamilton Branch State Park Campground, "Every site is waterfront and most of them are well shaded. Good fishing and swimming. Prepare your site for ants they will get into everything if not," advised one regular visitor.
What campers like
Private shoreline access: Campers consistently praise the layout and spacing of sites along the water. "We stayed at Ridge Road Campground. This is an amazing campground. All the sites are large and well spaced. Tons of trees and most sites are right on the lake. The water is amazingly clear," shared one visitor to Ridge Road - J Strom Thurmond Lake.
Variety of water access sites: Different campgrounds offer varied water access points suitable for different activities. "Sites had water, electric, concrete table, fire ring, and lantern hook. You could pull your boat up to your waterfront campsite. They also have kayak rentals," noted a camper at Mistletoe State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report excellent wildlife watching opportunities. "Site 38 was interesting because we had about 100 whitetail deer in our back yard every night. The camp host apparently was feeding them, and he set up spot lights so that they could be watched as they ate," explained one visitor to Wildwood County Park.
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels vary throughout the season and can impact shoreline access. "The site is right on the lake with a wide trail leading directly to the water. The water was low during our trip so the immediate shoreline was a bit squishy going through the damp clay. I'd recommend water shoes," advised a recent visitor to Hamilton Branch State Park.
Reservation systems vary: Different campgrounds require different booking processes. "Campground rates are $10 per night and reservations must be made now through recreation.gov. If you pack it on, pack it out. There is no trash pickup provided," noted a camper at Bussey Point Wilderness Area.
Varying amenities: Facilities range from primitive to full-service. "[Modoc Campground] is a federal campground on which sites are spread out. The roads are paved throughout, but the campsites are gravel. Bath houses are older but clean," reported one camper who appreciated the basic but functional facilities at Modoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "We had cabin 5 and walked to the water. Free fishing pole for kids," mentioned a visitor at Mistletoe State Park who appreciated the family-friendly offerings.
Educational opportunities: Some parks provide nature learning experiences. "The Park Host do a fantastic job with keeping this park clean with multiple bath houses and a large amount of community space. Inside the store they also have a mini library you can borrow from and next to that a nature area with a live snake and turtles," shared a camper at Mistletoe State Park.
Beach swimming access: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas. At Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake, "Nice beach, playground, and everything well kept. Site 74 is right between the beach and the boating dock. Very large pull thru," reported a family who enjoyed the beach facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: RV campers recommend choosing sites strategically. "Access to sites are easy. Almost all are pull through. They're also pretty well spaced out for privacy and plenty of space for each site. Hook ups are well maintained as are the roads and trailer parking areas," advised an RVer at Petersburg Campground.
Leveling considerations: Some sites require preparation for larger rigs. "The roads leading here are quite comfortable for our 37' motorcoach as are the roads inside the grounds. This is a very well maintained USACOE facility. Our site (19) is quite large and very level (after the entry driveway)," explained an RVer at Ridge Road Campground.
Power options: Different campgrounds offer varied electrical service. "The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking. This wooded, waterfront campground contains 80 sites with electrical hookups," noted a visitor describing Winfield Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Appling, GA?
What camping is available near Appling, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Appling, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Appling, GA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Appling, GA?
Which is the most popular campground near Appling, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Appling, GA is Mistletoe State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 67 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Appling, GA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Appling, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Appling, GA.
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