The Carlton area encompasses the northeastern Georgia piedmont region, with camping elevations ranging from 650-850 feet above sea level. While Watson Mill Bridge serves as the closest established campground, several state parks within a 45-minute drive provide diverse camping experiences. The region experiences significant temperature variations between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter overnight lows occasionally dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: Victoria Bryant State Park offers several miles of lower difficulty trails with some hilly sections. One camper noted, "There are several miles of trails that are lower difficulty, save for some hilly spots. In October, the park does a pretty cool little haunted trail."
Beach swimming access: Lake Hartwell State Park provides designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "We stayed at site 98 which was a lovely lakeside site. The sites on either side (96, 99) all shared a path to a small beach with lake access," explains a recent visitor.
Seasonal paddling options: The Sandbar offers kayaking trips along the Broad River for $20 weekday/$25 weekend for a 3½ hour journey. According to one reviewer, "Currently camping is only for customers who are either kayaking or going on a zip line tour... So if you're in the area $35 isn't too shabby for a nice weekend adventure."
Fishing from shore: Sadlers Creek State Park offers lake access fishing with designated areas for anglers. A camper mentioned, "Nice fishing area. Always see lots of deer and rabbits," making it a good spot for wildlife viewing while fishing.
What campers like
Platform tent sites: Victoria Bryant State Park offers unique sheltered tent platforms with amenities. A regular visitor explained, "All of the tent sites are sheltered platforms, with electricity, potable water and an overhead light. Rain or shine, you can have a good time (and stay dry) at Victoria Bryant."
Secluded pioneer sites: Watson Mill Bridge's primitive camping areas offer greater privacy than standard sites. According to one camper, "My friends and I loved our stay at pioneer campground #1. It's right off of Big Cloud Creek and old Bridge ruines, providing a nice private and relaxing atmosphere that gives you a glimpse into the past."
Waterfront RV access: Watsadler campground has sites with direct water access. A camper noted, "We like to camp but we don't like to rough it so we call it Glamping. Watsadler has nice spacious sites. Only sites 1, 11, 24, & 26 do not have access to the water. The rest are right at the waters edge."
Covered bridge views: The 229-foot covered bridge at Watson Mill serves as a focal point for photographers and history enthusiasts. One visitor mentioned, "229 ft long covered bridge you can drive through (height and weight restrictions). Sites have power and water, dump station is available."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Reception ranges widely across campgrounds, with valleys often creating dead zones. A Watson Mill camper reported, "Phone service with ATT and Sprint/T-Mobile is non existent at the campsite. 200 yards uphill at bathhouse service is available."
Limited nearby supplies: Most campgrounds are remote with minimal shopping options. At Tugaloo State Park, a camper mentioned, "Not much around outside park. There was a dollar general about 12 miles away for supplies. You could pull your boat up to your waterfront campsite."
Site-specific flooding concerns: Low-lying sites may become unusable after heavy rain. "This site is best enjoyed in dry weather. There is a water spigot but it's in an area with red clay near the entrance to the site so it's messy," noted a Watson Mill Bridge primitive site camper.
Seasonal campground closures: Operating schedules vary across parks. A Watson Mill visitor observed, "Main campground closes for 3 months but the equestion side stays open. Make sure you are coming into park for the correct campground since campers cant go across bridge."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Richard B Russell State Park has dedicated children's areas. One visitor mentioned, "Great camp ground with a lot of amenities. Nice well cared for spots with lots of shade," adding that families particularly enjoyed the playground facilities.
Natural water features: Creek swimming areas are popular alternatives to lake beaches. At Victoria Bryant, a camper noted, "The kids MOST enjoyed the 'rock slide' in the creek. We spent most of the day there, and the weather (late August) was perfect!"
Biking opportunities: Several parks have paved loops ideal for family biking. "The park offers bicycle rentals, a swimming pool, plenty of picnic areas, multiple spots to play in the creek and some great hiking trails!" shared a Victoria Bryant visitor.
Insect preparation: Fire ants and other insects can be problematic, particularly in summer. Pack appropriate repellents and treatments. One camper at Lake Hartwell shared, "Our only complaint was the entire campsite was one large fire ant hill! We had to travel to the local dollar general to get ant spray to help with the infestation."
Tips from RVers
Site-specific leveling needs: Mistletoe State Park offers varying site conditions. A camper noted, "Sites in the 60-90 loop looked the best with water views and shade and most were pull through," which is helpful for larger RVs.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential wait times at single-drain facilities. "The dump station has only a single drain, so last minute checkout leads to long lines," reported an RVer at Watsadler, suggesting earlier departure to avoid delays.
Loop navigation challenges: Tight turns can make maneuvering difficult for longer rigs. "The entry and exit can be kind of tight getting in or out with trailer. Bring leveling blocks. The spot I stayed in required about 4" side to side," advised a Watsadler camper.
Utility hookup locations: Some sites have awkwardly positioned connections. "The sites are all paved and very clean! Nice beach area, fishing pier and store on a beautiful lake!" shared a camper at Calhoun Falls, though they noted some utilities required longer hoses or cords than expected.
