Looking for the best campgrounds near Carlton, GA? Carlton is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
This recreation area is part of Hartwell Lake
This recreation area is part of Richard B. Russell Lake
This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake
$30 / night
Nestled between Athens and Atlanta, Fort Yargo is a 1,816-acre park located in Georgia state. Its namesake comes from a log fort that was constructed by settlers who, at the time, built it to protect themselves against the Creek and Cherokee. Nowadays, visitors flock to this park to enjoy the variety of outdoor recreation and activities.
Apart from all the recreation the park has to offer, it also provides some of the most gorgeous views in the Eastern region of the United States. Here, folks can enjoy over 20 miles of hiking and bike trails. Fort Yargo State Park is also a common location for outdoor weddings and other types of special events and celebrations.
Those looking to stay overnight have an abundance of options to choose from. The park offers 12 walk-in campsites, 13 “adventure” cabins, 40 RV and tent campsites, group shelters, and even lakeside yurts for anyone wanting a true “glamping” experience. The fees for staying overnight range from $25-135, and do not include the ParkPass fee. The ParkPass fee is $5 per day for passenger vehicles carrying a maximum of 12 people, and for passenger vehicles with additional occupants the fee is $30 per day. Additionally, there is an annual option for $50-75 per year. Luckily, visitors are only required to pay for a ParkPass once during the entirety of their stay.
The main attractions to this park are the variety of activities such as disc golf, mini golf, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, and geocaching. Disc golf has proven to be a challenge for many visitors, at least partly due to the fact that it's a densely wooded course. This park is also home to a gorgeous 260-acre lake with a seasonal beach. Visitors can enjoy a day at the lake on one of the two beach pavilions and fishing is a welcome activity as well.
$34 - $36 / night
This recreation area is part of Hartwell Lake
This recreation area is part of J. Strom Thurmond Lake
This recreation area is part of Hartwell Lake
$30 / night
Nestled between Athens and Atlanta, Fort Yargo is a 1,816-acre park located in Georgia state. Its namesake comes from a log fort that was constructed by settlers who, at the time, built it to protect themselves against the Creek and Cherokee. Nowadays, visitors flock to this park to enjoy the variety of outdoor recreation and activities.
Apart from all the recreation the park has to offer, it also provides some of the most gorgeous views in the Eastern region of the United States. Here, folks can enjoy over 20 miles of hiking and bike trails. Fort Yargo State Park is also a common location for outdoor weddings and other types of special events and celebrations.
Those looking to stay overnight have an abundance of options to choose from. The park offers 12 walk-in campsites, 13 “adventure” cabins, 40 RV and tent campsites, group shelters, and even lakeside yurts for anyone wanting a true “glamping” experience. The fees for staying overnight range from $25-135, and do not include the ParkPass fee. The ParkPass fee is $5 per day for passenger vehicles carrying a maximum of 12 people, and for passenger vehicles with additional occupants the fee is $30 per day. Additionally, there is an annual option for $50-75 per year. Luckily, visitors are only required to pay for a ParkPass once during the entirety of their stay.
The main attractions to this park are the variety of activities such as disc golf, mini golf, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, and geocaching. Disc golf has proven to be a challenge for many visitors, at least partly due to the fact that it's a densely wooded course. This park is also home to a gorgeous 260-acre lake with a seasonal beach. Visitors can enjoy a day at the lake on one of the two beach pavilions and fishing is a welcome activity as well.
$34 - $36 / night
This recreation area is part of Hartwell Lake
Springfield Campground is one of Hartwells most popular camping destinations consisting of 60 acres of primarily Virginia pine and some mixed hardwoods. The area presently offers 1 gatehouse/entrance, 2 park attendant campsites, 79 public campsites with full water and electric hookups, 6 comfort stations (4 with showers), 1 dump station, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 3 playgrounds, 1 designated swim area/beach, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the lake. Sought-after species include largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass and hybrid bass. The lake appeals to boaters of all kinds, whether their specialty is canoeing, sailing or motor boating. Coves and areas of quiet water provide water skiers with excellent surfaces. Swimmers will find sand beaches and designated swim areas along the shoreline.
Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers. The dam and lake area boasts 8 campgrounds and 11 day-use facilities that are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Hartwell Project was originally authorized for hydro-power, flood control, and navigation. Later, recreation, water quality, water supply and fish and wildlife management were added. Surrounding vegetation allows for plenty of shade, and the 962 miles of shoreline provide numerous swimming beaches, picnic areas and boat ramps.
The campground is a short drive away from Clemson, South Carolina and Clemson University, offering additional tourism opportunities, along with grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants.
$32 / night
Scout
The location is beautiful, however, it is not open to the public. You must be past or present military to book. Also, you must reserve with the SC National Guard.
Guide
This is my second time here, first was a scouting trip and stayed only a few days. This trip I brought my family and stayed 9 days. Autumn is beautiful but we were probably a week or two early for the full color change of the trees. The weather was a little warm for Oct./Nov. but we're from Florida and anything cooler and less humid is welcome.The trails have been maintained and new markers put in place. Bath houses were clean and tidy and the camp crew kept everything neat , they even blew the leaves off of the road every morning. Kudos to Georgia Power for keeping such a great campground with large spaces between campers and still remaining cozy.
Guide
Amazing place. We went in the winter so it wasn't too crowded. Sites are waterfront and spacious
Guide
Very good spot near the lake. Awesome views and good signal at least for Verizon. Water pressure was a bit inconsistent so watch out for any issues that may cause
Ranger
This place was great. We arrived after hours and spoke with the camp host he told us we can pay online or in the morning. We drove all day in the sun and due to hurricane Helene aftermath we were limited on where to stay. It was nice to pull in and it be nice and cool with the trees. The stars popped out at night and could be seen through the tree tops. Showers were hot.
Scout
Very rude and unhelpful said he would call me back to let me know if there was any openings. He never called back.
Ranger
Campsite surround the lake. Sites are plenty big and lead to the lake. Campground was very peaceful. We had a small walk to bathroom with showers.
Guide
I loved everything about this campground. The sites all have beautiful views and lake access, they are decently apart from each other. And has great signal! I was getting consistent 5G 3 bars at least with Verizon. The bathrooms don't have showers so plan accordingly
Scout
Customer service when open in the off season!
Friendly, accommodating, very responsive.
ScoutWhile the camp hosts were very nice and the bathrooms were clean, that’s where the good ends. The sites are on top of each other in the inner loop and very much out of level. There is no place to dump trash in the campground. The only places were at the boat ramp and beach. Worst of all was the dump station was overflowing and could not be used when we were leaving.
Guide
Site 7 is separate from the others and has the whole point except there is a trail behind the site. No easy, sandy water access unless you go to the nice beach they have.
Legend
Beautiful location with a train themed well organized and super helpful staff. Tiered topography lends to beautiful lake and sunset views Used showers and laundry and both were great
Traveler
We stayed at site 28, which wasnt waterfront but had a small view of the water past other sites. The sites are all good sized. Ours fit our camper and large truck, and still had room for three tents on the pad. The layout looks massive but its easy walking. The beach is a five minute walk. There are two beaches and multiple playgrounds, and the paved roads make for fun bike riding. The heavy foliage makes everything private. Theres no sewer hookups because its an old Corp of Engineers park, but the dump stations are modern and nice. The bathhouses were old and grubby and could use some upgrades. We didnt shower but did use the toilets occasionally to conserve on black water space. But I did peak at the showers. Theyre push-button jail-style. Bring bikes, swimming gear, and any watercraft you have and youll have a great time.
LegendWe’ve camped here multiple times. We are always impressed with the spacious sites, lake access, quiet relaxing atmosphere.
Scout
Eenjoyed staying there, staff was awesome and really did a great job keeping the guest happy. The 4th of July events was awesome and was a full day of contest and ended with a DJ kicking the tunes. Recommend to all to give them a try!
TravelerStayed over 4th of July weekend. Couldn’t believe how quiet it was for a holiday. There isn’t anything around at all. They offer a pool but no other activities (they did have some 4th activities but it was all seasonal). It backs to the lake so if you have a boat it’s nice. But when we went on the lake we saw many other campgrounds that looked nicer. There is one dumpster that we had to walk to to throw trash away. No pick up or closer locations. Not level sites. Mostly seasonal which is fine but not a great place or easy to get in/out of if transient. Other campgrounds closer to Clemson. No town nearby at all.
LegendOn my way back from Florida to the NC mountains, I spent a night at the KOA campground on Lake Oconee in Greensboro, GA. I was in a full hook-up pull-through site#44. As you can see from the photos, the campground is right on the lake and has many campsites. The campground staff was accommodating during check-in and when getting to my site. However, the campground itself is pretty worn. Roads are poor. Decking at sites needs repair. At $108.90, for one night, there is little reinvestment in the campground grounds and facilities. The local area is proliferating with many upscale homes and businesses. I expected a more updated set of facilities. Site#44 has a lake view, which is nice, but it is one of 3 sites butted up end to end on the side of the road, with the site to my left currently unusable with some repair work going on. The site has a sizeable two-tier deck, grill, and firepit, but it had not been cleaned off in some time, with chairs and tree debris strewn around. I would skip this campground if I were back in the area.
Legend
We live in NC and have camped all over the eastern US. By far Georgia is a state with some of the very best infrastructure. Roads are great. State Parks are some of the best and we’ve camped at many. Tugaloo State Park is a nice park. Right on the lake. Lots of lake related activities. This area of the campground (sites 73-105) has a unique layout in that a large number of sites are pull through and arranged sideways along the access roads. This makes the sites long and narrow and results in close neighbors. The elongated sites mean the picnic table and fire pit are at far end and feel disconnected from the site. Roads are well maintained and sites all seemed pretty level. We were in site 97 with W/E. The bathhouse was very close, but we did not use it. We were a few rows back from the lake but had a view of the lake through the tall pines that provided some shade. We’ve camped here a couple of other times and would come back again.
Scout
Looking for a unique living experience while attending Toccoa Falls College? The Toccoa Falls College RV Park offers a fantastic opportunity for students to enjoy the beauty of nature right on campus. This student-only RV park provides a peaceful, community-oriented environment perfect for studying and relaxing. With convenient access to campus facilities and the stunning Toccoa Falls just a short walk away, it's an ideal option for those who love the great outdoors. leon s kennedy leather jacket Whether you're a full-time RV dweller or just looking for a temporary spot, the Toccoa Falls College RV Park has you covered!
Guide
Camp host Bobby was pleasant and helpful, Sites were a good size and spaced well. Georgia Power has some of the nicest campgrounds and this one is a gem. Great place for boating and fishing and kiddos will love the beach, not many trails to hike and very Dog Friendly (a must for us) Bath house and latrines were absolutely stellar and very clean, laundry area as well. Spray WELL for ants as they are abundant we had no issues but our neighbors needed some assistance in mitigation. Close drive to town for additional supplies and a Publix supermarket is about 2 miles away. final words... Great place for kids and boating if you're looking for wilderness trails this is not the place.
GuideI was debating on whether or not to leave this stellar review, knowing that once the word was out, the crowds would come. This park operated by Georgia power and light is one of the nicest cleanest and well cared for parks. I’ve been in. Most state parks could take a lesson from the operators of these parks. First off the RV sites are large and spaced out enough so that your neighbors are not in your backyard. Plenty of trees and Flora To keep the park looking natural. If you like trails, there is an abundance and some are multi use so bring your mountain bike.. They have some black diamond mountain bike trails as well for the more experienced. Some of the walking trails have signs along them for historical markers, or just descriptions of the local flora and fauna. All of the roads are paved and access for my 30 foot RV were easily negotiated., The lake is very large and welcomes boaters of any kind, including jet skis. There is a small swimming beach, of course no dogs allowed but if you walk around the edge of the lake, you can find plenty of spots to take a splash with your pup.. joe is the park host along with his wife and I’ve been there for 11 years super nice fellow very accommodating. The showers and restroom facilities are the cleanest I’ve ever experienced, hot water was abundant. The only thing that may be lacking or hooks to hang your towels.. If I could give it 10 stars, I would,
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!!!
Scout
Cabin 3 stars- Older cabin, clean, spacious with very large living area, loft area small and a bit dingy, shared porch Campground 3 stars-wooded, shady, hilly Amenities 3 stars- a bit run down Staff 3 stars-average
TravelerCame here for the first time last year and I love that it’s in the middle of no where. We had a great place next to the beach and the gate workers were so sweet!
Scout
Fifteen fish and whose counting? Not to mention the 'BIG ONE' that got away on our last day!!! (According to my Sweetie...Lol!) Lincolnton, Georgia is the place to 'BEE' for a quiet and intimate getaway, encompassing relaxation and fun! Lakefront Hotel! One of the best birthday celebrations ever!!!
Thank you Jana for all the special consideration and your generosity! We will definitely be seeing you again soon!
Sonya and Clarence (Sweetie)
Scout
Wonderful experience. Most every site on the water. Many pull through sites.
Camping near Carlton, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake or explore nature, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Carlton, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Carlton, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carlton, GA is Tugaloo State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 40 reviews.
What parks are near Carlton, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Carlton, GA that allow camping, notably Hartwell Lake and J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
