Looking for the best options for tent camping near Appling? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Appling, Georgia's most popular destinations.
This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake
Clarks Hill is a popular park on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, just off Georgia State Highway 221 near the dam. The 70,000 acre lake and its 1,000+ miles of shoreline provide excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.
Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are nearby. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.
Clarks Hill is a wooded day-use area with several picnic shelters, some with electrical hookups. The shelters can accommodate groups as small as 6 and as large as 48. Amenities include flush and vault toilets, drinking water, a beach, boat ramp and dock.
Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 345' above sea level. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.
Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.
$25 / night
Enjoy a stroll in nature along one of our relaxing forest trails and if you want to try your hand at primitive camping let us know since we have several tent camping sites available.
We are booking reservations for our pioneer camping. Sites are $15 per campsite per night. Please note sites do not have access to fresh water or bathrooms. There is limited access to electricity in the common area but roughing it is meant to be part of the experience. Of course if you do need supplies, you are in the middle of Augusta, GA with a Family Dollar conveniently located next door. Once you step foot in the forest though you will feel as though you are miles away from it all! Our forest trails are free to the public and a great way to get out in nature!
$15 / night
$10 / night
This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake
West Dam Recreation Area is one of the most popular parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. With 70,000 acres of surface-area and 1,000+ miles of shoreline, J. Strom Thurmond Lake provides excellent boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking opportunities.
Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern US. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities. Hikers have access to many miles of trails in the area. The 1.8-mile Lake Springs Loop and the 27-mile Bartram Trail, which meanders along the scenic shoreline and through Wildwood Park, are nearby. Shorter sections can be hiked from several intersecting trailheads.
West Dam Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with several mini picnic shelters accommodating up to six people each. One large shelter for up to 68 people is available as well. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, beach and hiking trail.
Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.
Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants and shopping areas. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.
$125 / night
Parksville Recreation Area is a rural park in McCormick County, South Carolina on J. Strom Thurmond Lake. It is located along South Carolina State Highway 28/221 and features 70,000 surface-acres of water and 1,000+ miles of shoreline for boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, hiking and picnicking.
Thurmond Lake provides some of the best fishing, hunting, and water sports in the southeastern United States. Anglers fish for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. The large lake offers endless boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing and swimming opportunities.
Parksville Recreation Area is a wooded day-use area with two group picnic shelters. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a boat ramp, dock, playground and a grassy field. Shelter 1 (Beach Shelter) has electrical hookups and can accommodate up to 90 people; Shelter 2 (Hillside Shelter) can accommodate up to 36 people but has no electrical hookups.
Hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters characterize this heavily wooded area on the shore of Thurmond Lake. A mixed pine and hardwood forest covers the site, providing summer shade and fall color. Elevation is 335' above sea level. Wildlife is abundant around the lake. Visitors regularly see southern bald eagles, osprey, migratory waterfowl, wild turkeys and whitetail deer.
Numerous parks and recreation areas lie around Thurmond Lake, providing additional boating, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. Nearby cities house museums, art galleries, zoos, restaurants, and shopping areas. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Golf Tournament annually the first week of April.
$125 / night
The surrounding forest environment sustains abundant wildlife, resulting in some of the most desirable upstate hunting areas. The camp also serves as the trailhead for the 26.7 mile Long Cane Horse Trail. Click here for a printable guide and vicinity map.
$5 - $150 / night
Guide
Amazing place. We went in the winter so it wasn't too crowded. Sites are waterfront and spacious
TravelerWe called with very short notice looking for an overnight site. Though the campground was booked, the owners so graciously allowed us to park in the overflow parking which included water & electric. We even arrived at 10pm, and they were waiting at the gate for us! We were so pleased with the owner’s generosity and hospitality. We will definitely be back to take advantage of the swimming pond, paddle boats, fishing & playground!
Traveler
4 families in 4 campers on a first time visit. Great place! If you want to come for solitude then the “sights”provide that for sure. Park staff very helpful and friendly. Definitely a do over. Only downside was we didn’t realize water level was down. Didn’t affect the views but trodding the mud to get to the water made kayaking a little challenging.
Scout
Customer service when open in the off season!
Friendly, accommodating, very responsive.
TravelerThe 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. The shade provided by the trees was a welcome respite from the summer heat. It also provided ample privacy from neighbors on either side. Neighboring sites are spread out nicely. The area across the road from the site is undeveloped and recently cleared for forest maintenance but still looks nice. This campground loop is very quiet.
Traveler
Wonderful campgrounds. Very clean and well kept. New clean bath facilities. Almost all sites are in the water with half shaded. Highly recommend!
LegendWe’ve camped here multiple times. We are always impressed with the spacious sites, lake access, quiet relaxing atmosphere.
Traveler
We did not end up with a great site. It was on the water but the view was not great. I feel ridiculous saying that there were too many trees but they were all along the edge and completely blocked the view of the lake. The sites were pretty close together, even the ones across the water. We were in a little cove and we could hear everyone's conversations. We could hear the people on both sides as well as the people across the water. There was also a lot of poison ivy. It's still a beautiful lake and they had nice swimming beaches. The Bartram Trail runs through this campground as well.
Traveler
We loved this campground. I think most all of the sites are waterfront. They are also very spaced out.
Ranger
Gorgeous lake with no sign of civilization across from the campground. We swam right from our site and loved it. The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views. Ours was perfect. Nice beach, playground, and everything well kept. I would imagine that on weekends the boat traffic might be slightly loud but on this Monday it was so peaceful and quiet. The site has a fire ring with grill, a standing grill, a picnic table, and a prep table. Again, the site is enormous. Great value at $32!!!
ScoutI spent a great couple of days here mid-week in mid-June. There was one other occupied campsite (out of 9) the first night and I had the whole place to myself the second. No showers, no wi-fi or cell sevice, no dump station, no electricity, and a common water spigot-just what I wanted. No reservations either.
There were people who came to fish in the pond (more of a pond than a lake) and I had a nice swim.. There are two trails. A short one (about a mile) around the pond and a longer 5.6 mile loop. Great trail.
Be sure to check the website for problems beforehand. The water was out when I was there (actually it was restored just as I pulled out!!!).
So all in all, I great place if you want a rough campsite with few others around.
LegendOne of the nicer ACOE Campgrounds we’ve visited. Friends stayed here over the winter months and picked a couple nice sites for a future stay. Easy access in and out, back-in site was very large with lake views while keeping us in mostly shade. As with all campgrounds, some sites are better than others. But, wouldn’t complain about any if just staying a few nights.
Scout
This campground was quiet and tranquil. Large oaks and mature trees. Camping paradise. Immaculate grounds and facilities. Water, electric and gray water dumps at each site. Washers and dryers. Gravel sites, but it’s a place I hate to leave. Pet friendly and great staff. Nice playground and horseshoes area as well!
GuideNeeded a quick stop and contacted them last minute. They had a pull thru spot and were great at accommodating us. Shower, bathroom and laundry. Wow!
Scout
Wonderful experience. Most every site on the water. Many pull through sites.
GuideWe loved this campground because it’s in the middle of nowhere and it was so peaceful. We stayed for a week during the kids’ spring break. Such a beautiful setting with nearly all the campsites on the water. There’s not interstates, trains, airports nearby so it’s truly a quiet getaway. There’s a new bathhouse that was nice and clean. Plenty to do with boats, kayaks, paddle boats to rent. The staff and Rangers were very accommodating and welcoming. Campsites were nicely shaded. Just so picturesque! Would love to come back!
Traveler
We were able to park our 44 ft. Fifth wheel with ease with little assistance from a park host. 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.
Traveler
I called to make a reservation and was told he was out of Business.
RangerThis place has everything, even cheap laundry! 2-3 bars Verizon service, pretty quiet in February.
GuideToday was beautiful. We took the aqua cycle out. It can sit four people comfortably. Fished and walked around a little bit. Great customer service.
GuideThis site was absolutely perfect for our first trip out in our new camper. Our dog also loved the water! Bathrooms and showers are clean and easily accessible. Several fishing spots and places to launch kayaks and three boat ramps. Sites are clean and well maintained. The fishing is AMAZING! 20 palm sized shell cracker on the first day!
GuideNice day camping but site B is our least favorite out of all the backcountry sites.
Scout
Staff was superb with a last minute booking. We arrived after closing but they saw us coming in and checked that we were good. That was SO nice when coming in the dark and dog tired. Sites are large, well spaced and on the lake. Wi-Fi not bad, campground less than 10 minutes off interstate yet super quiet, no road noise. I’d post pictures but every time I try I get kicked out and half to start over.
LegendPetersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake Campground: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot.)
Overall Rating: 4.5
Price 2023: $ 14 w interagency pass
Usage during visit: Heavy, going into Thanksgiving weekend.
Site Privacy: All sites are set back from campground loop road
Site Spacing: Tremendous
Site surface: Gravel.
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Quiet.
Road Noise: None
Through Traffic in campground: No reason.
Electric Hookup: Yes
Sewer Hookup: Yes
Dump Station: Ues
Potable Water Available: At site.
Bathroom: Flush toilets
Showers: Yes. Single curtain separation.
Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars
Setting: Most sites are lakeside sites.
Weather: Rain, partial sun
Bugs: No bites.
Host: Yes
Rig size: Large rigs okay
Sites: Most and maybe all sites have water views. Site 6 has a great view. Other sites have great views as well. Site 28 has a tremendous view.
Guide
Better bring a cart or a bike. It’s a long way to everywhere here. But they have it all. Golf, swimming, axe throwing, archery, skeet shooting. Trails for hiking/biking. Nice sites close to the lake. Shower house is just adequate, barely.
Guide
Rough roads, poor shower house, undeveloped sites. But man, what a view
TravelerCampsite 17 is beautiful. The water is great. We kayaked and hiked. We camp here often. It is clean and everyone was friendly
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Appling, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Appling, GA is Raysville Marina with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Appling, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Appling, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
