Tent camping near Fitzgerald, Georgia provides access to southern Georgia's rural landscapes. Several established campgrounds surround this small city, offering both riverside and farm-based camping experiences. The region's subtropical climate features mild winters and hot summers with camping seasons extending year-round due to the temperate conditions.
What to do
River activities: Explore the Altamaha River at Jeff Davis County Towns Bluff Park RV Park and Campground, where tent sites provide direct river access. "We walked down to the river where the boat ramp is and there are also plenty of areas to explore and gather wood," notes camper Monte W. The park offers both drive-in and walk-in tent camping options.
Farm experiences: Learn about agricultural life at The Week's Place, a working farm with designated tent camping areas. "From this property, you can day trip to The Little Grand Canyon, the Okefenokee, Tallahassee, FL, Westville, Macon," reports Ashley F. The farm serves as a central base for exploring south Georgia attractions.
Island camping adventures: Paddle to remote sites at Paddle-In Island Pioneer Campsite within Reed Bingham State Park. This unique opportunity allows campers to access a primitive tent site via water, creating a more secluded experience than standard drive-in locations.
What campers like
Peaceful river settings: Tent campers appreciate the natural setting at Towns Bluff Park. The primitive camping area offers a different experience than the main RV section, with riverside locations providing natural surroundings. Monte W. notes, "If you keep left instead of going towards the rv campground, there is a free primitive camping area that has multiple spots for camping."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife observation chances. Nine Point Properties provides access to natural areas where campers can observe native birds, small mammals, and reptiles common to south Georgia's forests and wetlands.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer affordable or free camping. The primitive camping area at Towns Bluff Park provides no-cost camping, making it an economical option for tent campers. According to Monte, "There was one other person camping while I stayed here. It is not a large area and privacy could be an issue if there were a lot of people camping."
What you should know
Water access varies by location: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. Towns Bluff Park offers limited water access. "There was also water from a hose towards the back of the site," reports Monte W., but campers should not assume potable water is available at all locations.
Weather considerations: South Georgia experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Fall camping offers ideal conditions. "I stayed in early October and the weather was great. 75 as a high and upper 50's at night. Bugs were not much of an issue either," shares Monte W. about his Towns Bluff Park experience.
Reservation requirements: Gaskin Springs Campground and other sites may operate on first-come, first-served basis, while others require advance booking. Campers should verify reservation policies before traveling to secure their preferred tent sites, especially during peak seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Pack for variable weather: South Georgia experiences sudden weather changes, particularly during spring and summer. Bring rain gear and extra clothing layers even during warm seasons to ensure comfortable camping experiences.
Consider campground privacy levels: Some tent camping areas offer limited separation between sites. When camping with families, arrive early to secure more secluded spots if privacy is a priority, particularly at shared primitive camping areas.
Bring water recreation gear: When camping near the Altamaha River or Reed Bingham State Park, pack fishing equipment, canoes, or kayaks to take advantage of water recreation opportunities that appeal to children and teens.
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions: Access roads to some tent camping areas near Fitzgerald can be unpaved or rough. Even when tent camping, verify vehicle clearance requirements, especially after heavy rains when rural roads may develop challenging conditions.
Consider hybrid camping approaches: Some tent campers pair with RV groups at developed campgrounds. Dooly Camp Ground and similar locations may offer tent sites adjacent to RV areas, allowing groups with different camping preferences to share communal facilities while maintaining separate accommodations.
