The Greensboro area camping experience centers around Lake Oconee, with elevations ranging from 400-450 feet above sea level throughout the region. Summer temperatures regularly reach the high 80s to low 90s with high humidity, making water access particularly valuable for campers seeking relief from Georgia heat.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lawrence Shoals Campground offers excellent access for anglers, with multiple docks and boat ramps. "There is a boat ramp, several docks, pavilions, and a beach," notes one visitor, adding that the "Georgia Power park is amazing, the hosts were great and the park was very clean."
Mountain biking trails: Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground features dedicated mountain biking trails separate from hiking paths. A reviewer mentioned, "We made use of the hiking trails and mountain bike trails this weekend! The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked!" The park offers both beginner and more challenging black diamond trails.
Historical exploration: A. H. Stephens State Park Campground provides a unique outdoor museum experience with historical exhibits. "The park is the home of the VP of the Confederacy and features his home and Civil War artifacts. Ask camp host for tour of CCC built fire tower," suggests one camper who appreciated the historical aspects.
What campers like
Large, well-spaced sites: Many campers praise the generous spacing at campgrounds near Greensboro. At A. H. Stephens State Park, one visitor noted, "We really like campgrounds that have a lot of room, space between each site and easy sites to get in to. AH Stephen's fits that bill!"
Private beach access: North Shore Landing offers private lake access with its own beach area. According to a reviewer, "The campground is clean, quiet and right on beautiful Lake Oconee. It has it's own private little beach, boat slips which you can rent for your boat, a lots of fun for the kids."
Train-themed accommodations: North Shore Landing features unique railroad-inspired lodging options. "Being next to railroad tracks it has a railroad motif you can actually stay in a renovated caboose. If that's not your thing there's plenty of tent sites, cabins, RVs, and RV sites," explains one camper who enjoyed the distinctive theme.
What you should know
Ant prevention crucial: Multiple campgrounds in the area report ant issues, requiring preparation. At Old Salem Park by Georgia Power, recent visitors mention improvements: "Georgia Power has gone to great lengths to get rid of the ants. We went prepared for a problem and there was no problem at our site."
Variable cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds in the area. One camper at North Shore Landing reported, "Not great cell reception, and wifi seems to only work in the front portion of the park, but the back is where the great views are."
Water level fluctuations: Water levels at Mistletoe State Park can vary dramatically by season, affecting water access. A hiker observed, "If the water is low like it was when I was here, the lake water was not accessible -- you'd have to trudge through 50 fifty feet of mud to get to it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Old Salem Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and a beach area. A repeat visitor shared, "We have been going here since I was a kid. Now I take my kids to old salem. Its great. They have playgrounds and a beach. A Pavillion area for party's and lots of lake to fish on."
Laundry access: Several campgrounds provide on-site laundry facilities, helpful for longer family stays. At Old Salem Park, one camper noted, "Laundry on site (not free- so bring quarters) beach area at end of camp ground."
Seasonal recreation programs: Many parks offer family activities during peak seasons. Hard Labor Creek features "kayak by moonlight group tour that was fun" according to one camper, who also mentioned the park's mini-golf course as a family-friendly amenity.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Mistletoe State Park Campground offers different utility setups depending on the site. One RVer advised, "Sites had water, electric, concrete table, fire ring, and lantern hook." The camper also recommended sites "in the 60-90 loop" as they "looked the best with water views and shade and most were pull through."
Low clearance warnings: Some routes to campgrounds have height restrictions. When heading to Hard Labor Creek, one reviewer cautioned, "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!"
Site leveling needs: Terrain varies significantly even within individual campgrounds. At Parks Ferry Campground, a visitor warned, "The sites are on top of each other in the inner loop and very much out of level." However, at Old Salem, another camper had a different experience: "My site was so level I didn't need leveling blocks."
