Camping near Covington, Georgia offers a mix of lakeside sites and wooded retreats within an hour of Atlanta. The region sits at elevations between 700-900 feet, creating moderate temperatures that can reach 90°F in summer with high humidity levels. Newton Factory Shoals Recreation Area provides waterfront camping with tent platforms and basic amenities just minutes from downtown Covington.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking trails: Fort Yargo State Park Campground features extensive trail networks for outdoor enthusiasts. "We enjoyed the beautiful spring weather which was sunny during the day and cool enough at night to have fires. We loved the hiking. Most of the trails are mixed mountain biking and hiking but when we were there, we only saw two mountain bikes," shares Nancy W.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Stone Mountain Park Campground offers water recreation opportunities right from your campsite. "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site. There was a lot to see and do at Stone Mountain," notes Susan K. The lake provides multiple coves and inlets to explore.
Swimming and seasonal activities: While swimming isn't permitted at some locations like High Falls State Park Campground due to safety concerns, alternatives exist. "Swimming is not allowed but there is a pool, it cost $5 person," explains Tatiana A. Many parks offer seasonal programming with ranger-led activities during peak months.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground receives praise for its layout. "The campground is not cramped at all and most of the sites are spread apart to provide privacy," notes George & Patty C. Sites average 30-40 feet in depth with vegetation buffers between many spots.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at Newton Factory Shoals Recreation Area. "They have a box platform for your tent. It could easily fit my 8 person tent. They have fire pits and a main bath house with a shower," says Addison C. The platforms keep tents dry during rainfall, a practical feature in Georgia's humid climate.
Natural wildlife viewing: Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings around Fort Yargo State Park Campground. "The campground is treed and many sites have nice shade. We enjoyed the beautiful spring weather which was sunny during the day and cool enough at night to have fires," notes Nancy W., who also mentioned the peaceful atmosphere during weekday stays.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance planning while others operate differently. At Newton Factory Shoals Recreation Area, "This campground is first come, first serve. It is $15 dollars a night. Some of the sites are waterfront," explains Nicolle. Most state parks require reservations through the Georgia State Parks website.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings crowds and heat. "We spent a weekend here in section O. It was a nice, spacious campsite with a nice picnic table and partial view of the lake even though we didn't have 'lake view' site," reports Tonya B. about Stone Mountain Park Campground, where waterfront sites book fastest.
Water quality concerns: At some locations, water requires filtering. "There was some sediment in the water from the spigot and it seemed to have a bit of a chlorine taste. I would suggest bring your own water or a water filter," advises Karen C. about Indian Springs State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: High Falls State Park Campground caters to families with centralized facilities. "This campground is great if you have kids. The playground is centrally located. Trails are easy to get to and the falls are a nice sight," shares Bille W.
Educational opportunities: Panola Mountain State Park Campground offers learning experiences through guided programs. "We took the guided tour of the Mountain and it was awesome. We ate Pine Trees and they explained about likenand the red fungus. Highly recommended," says Holly B.
Family-sized sites: Many campgrounds accommodate larger family setups. At Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground, "We were able to walk off of the back of our site and onto the trail system, which is perfect because we are avid hikers," notes George & Patty C., highlighting the convenience for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for varied terrain at Stone Mountain Park Campground. "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it. Our site was on the lake," reports Susan K. Bringing leveling blocks is essential at most area campgrounds.
Access considerations: Watch for low clearances when navigating to some parks. "Be careful and follow the Campground signs and not your GPS because you might come in a different way and have to navigate an overpass that, for some rigs, is too short!" warns Debbie K. about Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground.
Utility reliability: Power quality can vary between parks. "The RV spots aren't that great. They have power fluctuations a lot," cautions Matthew A. about Indian Springs State Park Campground, suggesting a surge protector for sensitive electronics.
