Within a 45-minute drive of Covington, Georgia, lies a diverse array of camping options nestled in the Piedmont region, where rolling hills meet expansive lakes and pine forests. The area typically receives around 50 inches of rain annually, creating lush camping environments with moderate humidity during summer months. Winter camping near Covington offers mild temperatures compared to northern Georgia, with average lows rarely dropping below 30°F.
What to do
Hiking diverse trails: Stone Mountain Park Campground offers multiple hiking options, including the challenging climb to the summit. "We loved these grounds. They were clean and there was easy access to bathrooms. The hike to the top was a challenge, but the views were worth it," notes Judy B., who gave the park five stars.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: At Dames Ferry State Park Campground, the clear water of Lake Juliette provides excellent paddling opportunities. "We kayaked and chilled at our site by the water for 5 nights. A true r&r get away," shares Melissa H. The lake has a 25hp restriction on motors, creating a peaceful environment without loud motorboats.
Mini-golf and group activities: Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground features a recently renovated mini-golf course that's perfect for families. "There is a putt putt (mini golf) course. You can rent kayaks and kayak in the lake. They offered a kayak by moonlight group tour that was fun," mentions Maethea R.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at several parks near Covington. At Fort Yargo State Park Campground, the walk-in campsites offer a secluded experience. "If you're like me and appreciate a bit of privacy when camping, the walk-in campsites at Fort Yargo are the place to go. Just a short 1-2 minutes walk from your car and bathrooms, but you feel much more secluded," explains Amalia K.
Clean, updated facilities: Campgrounds in the region have invested in updated comfort stations. "The bathhouses are clean nice and big... The sites are pretty big, shaded, no level but not too bad I'm always prepared, and well maintained. It has 2 dump stations," reports Winston M. about his experience at Fort Yargo State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Encounters with deer and other wildlife enhance the camping experience. At Shady Grove Campground, "A lot of deer just walking around. Bathrooms are in good shape," according to darrel W., who enjoyed the natural setting with his dogs.
What you should know
Alcohol restrictions: Some campgrounds strictly enforce no-alcohol policies. Rick B. warns about Shady Grove Campground: "If you enjoy having a beer while camping don't come here. Beautiful day, beer in a solo cup playing cards with my wife at a picnic table. We were not making noise, nobody complained about us. Ranger pulls up and gave us both tickets."
Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Timing your visit can significantly impact your experience. Christina notes about Hard Labor Creek: "Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Spent 7 nights. The weekend nights were so crowded with cars spilling into the camp roads, loads of large groups at each site. Felt very claustrophobic. On weekdays the park became a lovely ghost town."
