Camping spots near Bogart, Georgia range from accessible RV parks to primitive campsites along waterways. Located in northeastern Georgia at approximately 850 feet elevation, the region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F and mild winters where overnight temperatures can drop to freezing. Many campsites maintain accessibility year-round, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Kayak at night: Hard Labor Creek State Park offers moonlight kayak group tours on their lake. "They offered a kayak by moonlight group tour that was fun. The bathrooms are very clean. We had a huge nice site with lots of room for the pups to be on the tether," notes one Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground visitor.
Fish at multiple access points: The region offers several fishing opportunities from lakeshores and riverbanks. At Oconee River Campground, "Camped out here I really like it just remember it is primitive camping so bring what you need cell phone service was good here i would camp out here again," reports a camper who enjoyed the river access.
Explore historic structures: Visit the covered bridge at Watson Mill Bridge State Park, which spans 229 feet. "229 ft long covered bridge you can drive through (height and weight restrictions). Sites have power and water, dump station is available. Shower house with laundry. Hiking and bike trails. Shadey and quiet," writes a Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground visitor.
Mountain biking: Several parks offer dedicated mountain biking trails. "Set back in the woods on a beautiful pond. Deer roaming everywhere. A new check in station with a store that's really really nice. Mountain bike trails and hiking trails inside park," mentions a Fort Yargo visitor.
What campers like
Laundry facilities: Several campgrounds offer on-site laundry. "Typical of KOA, the sites are close together, but other than, great. Good option for anyone making a day of the Outlets," notes a visitor to Commerce Station RV Resort.
Private waterfront sites: Campers consistently praise the walk-in sites at Fort Yargo State Park. "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 than the campsites in the regular campground," explains a camper.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathhouses. "We have enjoyed our full hook up site. This campground is located close to shopping stores and has their own laundry and shower house. It is a nice, clean and seems very well maintained," reports a KOA visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds offer opportunities to observe deer and other animals. "We are at spot 97 and was suppose to get 44. The host at the front office gave us a different spot that would be easier access to our 40ft 5th wheel. The view is fantastic. We brought 2 dogs which they enjoyed the scenery. A lot of deer just walking around," writes a Shady Grove Campground visitor.
What you should know
Alcohol policies: Enforcement of alcohol policies varies by campground. At Shady Grove, one camper reports: "Nice 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."
Site reservations: Many state parks now require site-specific reservations. "Trip taken Labor Day 2018. Still pregnant. I can't complain about this trip as I barely remember it! I can confirm I had good signal on my phone as basically all we did was watch football. All the sites appear to be waterfront but ours, 87, kind of wasn't. But it was shady and pretty," notes a Shady Grove visitor.
Weather considerations: For primitive sites, weather can significantly impact your stay. "As stated by another reviewer, if rain is in the forecast, probably would not want to stay," cautions a visitor to Don Carter State Park Campground.
Cell service: Coverage varies widely between campgrounds. "Phone service with ATT and Sprint/T-Mobile is non existent at the campsite. 200 yards uphill at bathhouse service is available," notes a Watson Mill Bridge camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "We tent camped for about a week, wildlife especially deer was abundant. Playground was close to site. Area was huge and well spaced between sites," shares a Shady Grove camper.
Beach swimming areas: Multiple parks offer swimming beaches for families. "The park has a nice sandy beach, outdoor showers, large restrooms and swings ideal for sitting and enjoying a meal by the lake," reports a Don Carter State Park visitor.
Primitive site challenges: For families considering more remote sites, note the accessibility issues. "This is a beautiful park with very nice trails. But if there is rain in the forecast do not, for the love of God, do not camp in the pioneer sites. You will get flooded. It's mostly downhill on a shifty walkway full of rocks and DANGER!" warns a Watson Mill Bridge visitor.
Weekend crowds: Plan accordingly for busier periods. "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," notes a Hard Labor Creek State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: RV sites vary in levelness across campgrounds. "Overnight stay in a off level pull-through site. The bathrooms are extremely nice and the dogs liked the walking area," reports a visitor to Pine Lake RV Campground.
Dump station access: Check for sewer hookup availability or dump station locations. "Very nice wooded campground on Lake Lanier, very spacious sites, many on the lake. Water and electric with a dump station. Dump station very easy to get into," shares a Shady Grove camper.
Grey water connections: Some parks offer additional conveniences. "Very quite and easy to utilize all amenities. Nice having grey tank connection at the sites. Will be back," notes a Don Carter visitor.
Turning radius concerns: Large rigs may face challenges in some campgrounds. "We are at spot 97 and was suppose to get 44. The host at the front office gave us a different spot that would be easier access to our 40ft 5th wheel," explains a Shady Grove camper who appreciated the staff assistance.
