Lake Blackshear serves as a focal point for camping near Cordele, Georgia, where temperatures typically range from 35°F in winter to 92°F in summer. The lake covers 8,500 acres with 77 miles of shoreline, creating numerous waterfront camping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the area offer year-round access with peak season running from March through October.
What to do
Military history exploration: At Georgia Veterans State Park Campground, visitors can tour the military museum and outdoor aircraft displays. "Open and when I mean open space, all over the Park. Great for fishing Boating, Swimming and they have a great little Museum for the Veterans.... Outside plenty of Military Tanks and Airplanes to see throughout the use in our Military," notes Frankie M.
Sam Shortline Railroad: This vintage train runs alongside Georgia Veterans State Park, offering scenic excursion tours. "They offer rv sites & pioneer type camping. Great park for family fun. It offers a lake for boating & swimming, a beach for lounging, hiking, golf and Sam's Shortline Railroad tour," shares Kelly W.
Fishing from multiple locations: Lake Blackshear provides numerous fishing spots. "The campground at Veteran's is one of my favorites. They have sites on the water, which is where I stayed. Easy to fish here. Great place for kids as you can ride to different areas to fish of go the 'beach' and let them swim in the lake," writes Andrea W.
Visit Blue Spring: A natural attraction near the campgrounds. "Very clean and well maintained park. Bring or rent a kayak for water fun. Has natural spring called Blue Spring to explore both the land is private. Eat at the Grill or local restaurants the cove," suggests Winnie D.
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Many campers appreciate sites with lake views. "Right on the water beautiful located on boy scout slough really nice facility," notes Keith D. about Georgia Veterans State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently mention well-maintained bathhouses. "Very nice and quiet. Camp ground hosts are very nice and friendly. Nice place for the family," shares Larry M.
Pecan grove setting: The Cordele KOA offers a distinctive camping environment. "The campground looked to be in a retired pecan Grove. Not a ton of privacy but large sites and nice trees. While you can hear the highway, this one is not immediately adjacent but one property away, so it isn't bad," explains Greg S.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite proximity to highways, many campgrounds maintain peaceful settings. "We really enjoyed our stay. Our site faced the woods with a walking path. It was very private with the exception of the occasional hiker, so it was very nice to feel so secluded," notes one visitor about their glamping experience in Cordele, Georgia.
What you should know
Interstate noise levels vary: Some campgrounds are better insulated from highway sounds than others. "It is right next to the highway, which is quick and great if you're just pulling in for the night. We camped in a truck but if you're a tent camper you will be hearing the dull roar of the expressway all night if that bothers you!" advises Linda W. about Cordele KOA.
Site selection matters: Some campsites offer more privacy and amenities than others. "Site #52, full hookup site, slightly unlevel but generally a good site. Campground was quiet, and very dark at night. We did see some wildlife roaming as we ventured out in to the park. I will say it was pricey, $60/night," reports Roger L.
Wi-Fi limitations: Internet access can be restricted at some locations. "WiFi here is so-so and you often get booted off. On there website they say WiFi is free with stay. But once we got there we learned we were capped at 1 GB per day. You can buy more for $15," notes Kelsey G. about Fair Harbor RV Park.
Swimming options: Not all campgrounds have swimming pools, but many offer lake access. "Great place to go for swimming, fishing, camping, or hiking!" states Al M. about Georgia Veterans State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "My 6 year old had a great time with the other kids and pond and playground. Great facilities and staff," shares Luke A. about Fair Harbor RV Park.
Lake swimming access: Beaches at Lake Blackshear provide kid-friendly swimming areas. "The campground at Veteran's is one of my favorites. Great place for kids as you can ride to different areas to fish of go the 'beach' and let them swim in the lake," writes Andrea W.
Multiple recreation options: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities. "Great park for family fun. It offers a lake for boating & swimming, a beach for lounging, hiking, golf and Sam's Shortline Railroad tour. They also offer restaurants/bar & grill which during the summer offer concerts," notes Kelly W.
Seasonal water features: Some campgrounds have additional water amenities during warmer months. "Love the lazy river! Pool is beautiful! Sites are small though," mentions Karen about Creekside RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Late arrival options: Several campgrounds accommodate after-hours check-ins. "We made reservations and arrived after staff was gone. There was a detailed map and directions to get to our site. Worked great as a stopover to our final destination," shares Timothy C. about Crossroads Travel Park.
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to site descriptions when booking. "Sites are spaced better than most KOAs that I've been. 27 is a pull through. Plenty long for my 26' class c and toad. Place looked like it needed a little love, but it is January. Maybe it will be nicer in the spring," notes Tim C.
Pull-through availability: Many RV parks offer easy-access sites. "We had pull thru site with full hookups. Everything worked and site was level," states Timothy C. about his glamping in Cordele, Georgia area.
Seasonal pool access: Swimming pools may not operate year-round. "Due to the Covid19 the pool wasn't open or even started to be cleaned since the county won't allow it at this time. We took a ride to veterans state park to the lake and rode the kayaks which were really nice, and the beach area was nice. Once the pool opens, I can see quite a few trips back to the koa," explains Sharon U.
