17 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground accommodates pets at all campsites, providing water and electric hookups for RV travelers with dogs. The park features both standard and primitive camping options, with Pioneer Campsite 1 offering a particularly pet-friendly experience right on Big Cloud Creek. Victoria Bryant State Park Campground similarly welcomes pets and includes platform tent sites with electricity, water, and overhead lighting—making overnight stays with dogs comfortable in all weather conditions. Level sites with dedicated picnic areas give pets and their owners plenty of space to relax together. Small campers appreciate the quiet setting and well-maintained facilities that are consistently clean.
Dog owners find excellent hiking opportunities on Watson Mill Bridge State Park's seven miles of trails, with the covered bridge area accessible via a ¾-mile walk from the campground. The surrounding creek and shoals provide places where dogs can cool off, though owners should be cautious as the rocks can be slippery. Victoria Bryant features several hiking trails of lower difficulty with some hilly sections, plus a creek area where both children and leashed dogs can enjoy the water. The campground at Victoria Bryant sits above the creek area, requiring a moderately steep walk back up—something to consider when planning activities with pets. Both parks maintain clean bathroom facilities and offer firewood for purchase from camp hosts.
"The sites are shaded, and flat with a gravel drive and tent pad. We hadn’t planned on staying here but were pleasantly surprised to find a few vacancies on the first Saturday in November."
"The drive down is washed out a bit but a 2 wheel drive Tahoe handled it. Getting back up if it had been raining would probably not be guaranteed, so watch the weather carefully."
Available this weekend
from $17 - $85 / night
"Lots of trails and great creek swimming spots for the dogs. We are planning a trip back late summer so we can enjoy the water. Sites are well maintained and level for my camper."
"Slippery rock was a lot of fun to take the dogs and wade in the cool clean water. Can't wait to go back!"
Available this weekend
from $30 - $150 / night
"We were lakeside on a pull through that was a bit short for us. The site was amazing we could kayak up to our site. Pet friendly, family friendly. Power, Electric, gray water dumps near each site."
"This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path. Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.
The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $230 / night
"Campground Review: This business is located about 30 minutes northeast of Athens, GA in between Athens and the South Carolina border."
"Bath house was clean but a decent uphill walk away from most sites as there is only one. Plenty of boat ramps, beach, golf course."
"We hiked and biked the trails. They are well maintained. There is only one bathhouse for the campers and only 2 showers and 3 potty’s in there for all 28 campsites. Beautiful sunsets!"
Available this weekend
from $34 - $185 / night
"Lots of walking trails. Beautiful lake views. Unlike other COE campgrounds in the area, this one is open year round. The entry and exit can be kind of tight getting in or out with trailer."
"Only sites 1, 11 , 24, & 26 do not have access to the water. The rest are right at the waters edge. its quiet and well kept."
Available this weekend
from $36 - $76 / night
"We really loved the privacy and the access to the lake from our spot! The only thing would be sewer hook up but the restroom and showers were a short walk from our spot!"
"We stayed at Lake Hartwell State park in stie 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. "
Available this weekend
"Surrounded by water. Camping and boating paradise. Immaculate grounds and facilities. Water and electric and gray water dumps at each site. Washer and dryer."
"Mistletoe State Park is another great Georgia State Park."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $190 / night
"Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers."
"The paved roads made the dogs happy. They had to cut down a lot of trees so plenty of free firewood. Lots of wildlife to watch. Especially being so close to the lake. Friendly staff."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $36 - $76 / night
"Lots of interesting sites nearby"
from $28 - $86 / night
GuideSites are not level. Thousand trails is currently not investing. Any money in improving the sites. Half of the sites in the park are going back to nature. The roads are falling apart and the inclines are not big rig friendly.
ScoutHospitality and attention to detail can't be beat. Rates were very reasonable for the quality of facility and grounds.
LegendHickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
TravelerVery clean, right next to the lake, good fishing.couldnt ask for a better place to be.
ScoutThis camping park is very well maintained, clean quiet and just beautiful. Even the restrooms are air-conditioned in the summertime.
ScoutThis rv park is limited in some ways. There's a club house that's more like a small child's play room, and the play ground has a basketball hoop but no court. However it does offer a small laundry room. The bath house is great! Always clean and stocked, it has good AC/heat, a big spacious shower, hooks for towels and a little table to put your shower stuff on. My least favorite about the park is that pretty much ALL of the sites are under constant sun until it drops behind the trees in the evening which makes the RV super hard to keep cool during the day
TravelerThe campsites are spread out. Each features a fire ring, picnic table and power/water hookups. Most sites are on the water. All of them are shaded. Summer months are the busiest. Almost no one comes in the winter. It's very serene.
ScoutI went solo camping and it was perfect. Quiet, peaceful, and clean. I drove down to the spot itself and I had misread a comment thinking I could drive my 2wd down to the spot itself. You can not without having trouble getting out. I almost had to call a tow truck for my Tahoe to get out. However, I was able to drive out eventually. Great spot for some peace while still having cell signal if you need. Would visit in the cool months though as August was far too hot.
ScoutGetting to the gravel site bent my trailer license and hitch.
Campgrounds near Carlton, Georgia provide riverside camping options along the South and Broad Rivers with elevations ranging from 700-800 feet. The area experiences mild winters and humid summers with average temperatures between 32°F and 90°F depending on season. Most campgrounds in this region remain open year-round, though primitive camping areas at some parks close during winter months.
Creek swimming: Slippery rock areas at Victoria Bryant State Park Campground provide popular spots to cool off during hot months. "We absolutely loved this campground. Lots of trails and great creek swimming spots for the dogs. We are planning a trip back late summer so we can enjoy the water," notes Kim M.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at Big Cloud Creek where campers report catching bass. "We caught 2 bass. There is a picnic table and a fire pit with a built in grill, but we cooked on our Coleman stove and charcoal grill mostly," shares Rebecca L. about her experience at Watson Mill Bridge State Park.
Kayaking: Launch directly from lakefront sites at Tugaloo State Park Campground where many campsites have lake access. "Really enjoyed the lakefront campsites. Able to kayak right from campsite," reports Liz H. The lake offers calm waters for beginners and more open areas for experienced paddlers.
Platform tent sites: These elevated structures at Victoria Bryant provide comfort in all weather conditions. "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," explains Everette G.
Pioneer camping: Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground offers secluded pioneer sites directly on Big Cloud Creek. "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," writes Lisa.
Nature trails: Multiple dog-friendly hiking options surround these campgrounds. "We did the Sassafras Loop trail which follows the lake shore most of time and great views the rest. Our dogs loved all the space," shares Liz H. about trails at Tugaloo State Park.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "Phone service with ATT and Sprint/T-Mobile is non existent at the campsite. 200 yards uphill at bathhouse service is available," advises Nancy L. regarding pioneer sites at Watson Mill Bridge.
Site accessibility: Some primitive sites require careful planning. "The drive down is washed out a bit but a 2 wheel drive Tahoe handled it. Getting back up if it had been raining would probably not be guaranteed, so watch the weather carefully," warns Rebecca L. about Primitive Campsite 2 at Watson Mill Bridge.
Gray water disposal: Many parks offer designated stations. "Water, power and cable at the sites with grey water dumps very numerous," notes Maggie G. about Richard B Russell State Park Campground, a pet-friendly option near Carlton.
Pack creek shoes: Rocky creek beds require proper footwear. "The playground is big, but the kids MOST enjoyed the 'rock slide' in the creek. We spent most of the day there," explains Sonyia W. about Victoria Bryant State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Carlton, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Carlton, GA is Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Carlton, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 97 dog-friendly camping locations near Carlton, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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