Carters Lake spans over 3,200 acres and is the deepest lake in Georgia with depths reaching 450 feet. Unlike many lakes in the region, Carters Lake has no private development along its shoreline, creating a pristine camping environment surrounded by undisturbed forest. Seasonal water temperatures vary dramatically, with summer surface temperatures reaching 80°F while depths below 50 feet remain consistently cool.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Carters Lake offers exceptional fishing with several species available year-round. At Diamond Lure Campground, you'll find "a tranquil lake on the property" with easy access for anglers of all skill levels. According to one camper, "The lake is full of bass and brim and is perfect for kayak fishing" at Lake Conasauga.
Hiking trails: The area features numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. At Fort Mountain State Park Campground, "there are awesome trails and varied trails with lots of elevation. The Gahuti is the most known hiking trail here and we never saw another hiker on the trail except each other when our solo hiking excursions crossed paths." Another visitor notes that "Wonderful hiking trails with many mountain views" are available.
Water recreation: Beyond swimming, many campgrounds offer additional water activities. Woodring Campground features "a lake to fish in, and we walked the trail around it every day." One visitor explained, "The lake is clear and scenery is awesome. If you have a boat, there is a boat dock and several of the sites you can tie your boat up right next to them."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for added privacy. At Woodring Campground, "Sites are spaced out and it is hard enough to reach that it keeps all the big fifth wheels and buses away." One visitor to Doll Mountain noted their site was "separated from the other groups of sites. It was fantastic, the views of the lake were great."
Waterfront access: Direct lake access is highly valued. At Doll Mountain Campground, "If you don't mind a little hike campsite 20 is the best you will find. It was right off the water." Another camper shared, "Our campsite was large with a fire ring, BBQ grill and picnic table. Also, had a lantern post. We stayed at site A which was down a steep slope but, we had a nice view of the lake and even went for a swim right from our campsite."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and amenities are consistently mentioned. A camper at 411 River Rest Campground praised "the bathhouses are exceptional. A very nice playground for the kids and a splash pad is in the plans for the near future." At Woodring Campground, visitors appreciated that the "bathhouse was clean, has 2 showers available."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many smaller campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Woodring Branch operates from "April 4 to October 26," while Salacoa Creek Park runs from "April 1 to November 1." Make reservations well in advance for peak summer months.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. At Lake Conasauga, "you have to drive over an hour down a gravel road to the campground" and "4x4 is not needed but a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended." Consider your vehicle's capabilities before booking remote sites.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the region. One visitor to Fort Mountain State Park noted, "We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival." Lake Conasauga advises campers to "keep your camp very clean, it has bear-proof trash cans and toilets."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Salacoa Creek Park has "a playground in the campground and a beach with another playground in the near by day use area." One visitor noted it's "great for relaxing. Kids playing during the day. Quiet nights."
Swimming areas: Dedicated swim beaches make for safer family fun. Diamond Lure Campground features "a little beach to swim in or go fishing" and even has "a dog beach" for four-legged family members. Another camper mentioned they have "things for dogs! (Dog bath, dog beach, dog park, etc)."
Platform camping options: For a unique family experience, Fort Mountain offers platform sites. A visitor describes: "We chose Fort Mountain for the variety of camping options they had, specifically the platform sites. As one of our primary requirements for camping is privacy and a place our kids can run around without bothering anyone else, having a place slightly off the main road sounded perfect--and it was."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your specific needs. At Amicalola Falls State Park Camping, "We have a 27' airstream and there are a couple campsites that are hard to get into. Number 18 does not look hard, but the layout is very difficult to get into. The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper."
Electrical service: Verify power requirements before booking. At 411 River Rest Campground, "Sites are very level and we didn't have to level the axles at all. Sites are roomy and well laid out." Another visitor confirmed they had "electric water AND cable hookups."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Salacoa Creek Park, there are "30 and 50 amp service with water. No sewers but has a easy access dump station before the camp sites." Plan accordingly or select a site with sewer hookups if needed.
