Camping options around Augusta, Georgia provide opportunities for outdoor recreation along the 70,000-acre J. Strom Thurmond Lake with its 1,000+ miles of shoreline. Sites are distributed across several parks within a 50-mile radius of Augusta, many offering yurt camping accommodations along with traditional tent and RV sites. Lake levels fluctuate seasonally, dropping significantly during late summer and early fall, which affects water access at some camping areas.
What to do
Fishing options: Multiple species are available in J. Strom Thurmond Lake including largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish and striped bass. At Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake, the campground provides excellent fishing access. "Tucked up the Little River and therefore not on the main body of Clarks Hill Lake which sees a good deal of boat traffic in the summer months. Great for water activities (kayaking, SUP, etc) with awesome evening views," notes camper Scott M.
Hiking trail variety: Walk the Rock Dam Trail at Mistletoe State Park Campground to reach backcountry sites. "This trail was supposed to involve several water crossings, but when I was here in September, the water level was extremely low and nothing was flowing beyond a trickle," reports Andy S., who describes the trail as "moderately strenuous with a fair amount of ups & downs and parts where you are in a very narrow ravine."
Historical exploration: Visit the museum at A. H. Stephens State Park Campground to learn about Civil War history. "The park is the home of the VP of the Confederacy and features his home and Civil War artifacts (check for open hours)," notes Norris K. This park offers a unique opportunity to experience yurt camping near Augusta, Georgia while exploring the region's past.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Direct water access makes Hamburg State Park Campground popular with campers seeking lake views. "All most all sites are literally right on the lake. Extremely quiet and literally in the middle of nowhere. If you want to rest and relax in solitude, this is your place," writes David Glenn M. Another camper notes, "Almost every campsite is on the lake but 3 spots."
Site privacy: Spacious campsites at Winfield Campground provide a secluded feel. "The sites are enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views. Ours was perfect," writes Greg S., who adds that "the site has a fire ring with grill, a standing grill, a picnic table, and a prep table." This spacing between sites creates a more natural yurt camping experience in the Augusta, Georgia area.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are important to many campers. At Elijah Clark State Park, "Comfort station was close and clean," notes Stephanie K. Another camper mentions that the "bathrooms were spotless" at A. H. Stephens State Park, which also features "a new shower house (2019) that is ADA" and includes laundry facilities.
What you should know
Water level changes: Lake depth varies dramatically throughout the year. One visitor to Hickory Knob State Park Resort noted: "Most set a decent 10-15 feet above shoreline and offer a private and simple-to-navigate pathway to the refreshing lollops of the lake's gentle rippling waves." However, during dry periods, access can be challenging with "solid Georgia red clay mud" along the shoreline.
Wildlife awareness: Alligators inhabit some parks in the region. At Magnolia Springs State Park, a camper reports: "I didn't put a lot of stock into the bear signs due to the fact that none of the garbage cans or anything were 'bear-proof'. We did finally see one gator as we walked by the spring one of the days."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between parks. One camper at Lake Thurmond RV Park checked multiple carriers: "Cricket: 7.98dn, 0.84up, ATT: 27.69, 0.3 up, Visible: 7.2dn, 1.2up, Verizon: 44.9dn, 1.88 up, T-mobile mifi: no 4G nor 5G service." At Hamburg State Park, visitors note there's "no internet, no nothing. Just a peaceful lake escaping reality."
Tips for camping with families
Family-friendly activities: Multiple options are available for children. "Free fishing pole for kids," mentions Amy C. at Mistletoe State Park. At A. H. Stephens Park, a visitor enjoyed "a hike with the park manager where she told us about the animals in the park and even let us feel grey fox and beaver pelts... That finished with hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows!"
Swimming access: Beach areas provide safe places for children to enjoy the water. At Magnolia Springs State Park, facilities include "several playgrounds and a splash pad for the kids." A camper at Raysville Campground describes it as "a great family campground on a beautiful lake with most sites directly on the water. Our boys kayaked all weekend. Great beach area as well."
Learning opportunities: Educational programs enhance family camping experiences. At A. H. Stephens State Park, one visitor participated in "archery lesson with another ranger. She was so patient with our 6 year old who gets frustrated very easily. Later in the afternoon we participated in a scavenger hunt. Also done very well, definitely geared towards kids, but it was definitely fun for the whole family."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider sun exposure when booking. At Hamburg State Park, "Sites 1-20 get the morning sun, 21-30 get the afternoon sun. Trees provided good shade," notes one camper. Another adds, "Almost all sites are in the water with half shaded."
Hookup positioning: Watch for obstacles near utility connections. At Winfield Campground, "Electric posts are new but have a meter right below plugs, so surge suppressor gets to hang sideways," reports Kevin H. At A.H. Stephens State Park, a camper in site 12 found "a tree very close to the hook up that caused us to park forward a bit to allow for a slide and side bunk to fully function."
Supply planning: Limited nearby services means bringing necessities. A. H. Stephens State Park is "in small town. It is very quiet, nothing is nearby. Walmart is 33 miles away, so you should stock up before camping there," advises Luan N. Similarly, at Hickory Knob, "the nearest town of McCormick is a bit of a hike to get to (think at least a 20 minute drive on slow moving, winding country roads), be sure to bring everything you need."
