Several campgrounds near Rutledge, Georgia offer tent camping opportunities alongside their RV accommodations. Located in Georgia's Piedmont region at around 700 feet elevation, the area experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and humid summers that often exceed 90°F. Most tent campers visit between March and November when overnight temperatures remain comfortable for sleeping outdoors.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Stone Mountain Park Campground provides access to a lake where visitors can fish right from their campsites. "My husband and son enjoyed fishing and paddle boarding right behind our site," reported one camper who stayed in a lakeside site.
Historic exploration: Milledgeville's historic district is accessible from nearby Scenic Mountain RV Park, where guests can visit the former state mental hospital. "We were on our own little adventure to see ghosts! We were trying to find a place that was close to the old state mental hospital and we came across this little gem of a place," shared one visitor who enjoyed the historical aspects of the area.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds in the region offer lake access for swimming and boating. "Located on Lake Oconee, North Shore Landing is a KOA/TRA campground. There is a dock to fish from, and a boat launch if you want to go out. There's some very large catfish in the lake, 30+ lbs. There's also bass, blue gill and crappie," noted one camper describing the fishing opportunities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Pine Lake RV Campground receives high marks for cleanliness. "All sites are nicely maintained and the bath houses and laundry are immaculate and private!" reported a winter visitor, indicating the consistent maintenance standards throughout the year.
Hiking trails: Campgrounds offer various walking paths for nature exploration. "There are some nice short trails and a small dog park with agility equipment," mentioned a visitor describing the recreation options at Scenic Mountain RV Park.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain pools for summer recreation. "The campground is clean, quiet and right on beautiful Lake Oconee. It has its own private little beach, boat slips which you can rent for your boat, a lots of fun for the kids," noted a Memorial Day visitor to North Shore Landing.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby railroad tracks that create noise disturbances. "Being next to railroad tracks it has a railroad motif you can actually stay in a renovated caboose," explained one reviewer about North Shore Landing, noting how the facility incorporated this potential disturbance into its theme.
Highway sounds: Interstate proximity affects the quietness of certain sites. "The noise from I20, which is very close, comes over the weekend after to flood the campground with truck and traffic sound 24 hours," warned a visitor about noise levels at North Shore Landing.
Weekend office hours: Some facilities operate with limited staffing on weekends. "Closed on weekends. Who closes a RV camp on the weekends? Phone number reaches answering service. Pick a site," noted a frustrated visitor to Jones RV Park.
Weather considerations: Summer heat and humidity can make tent camping challenging from June through August, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and occasional afternoon thunderstorms occurring frequently during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "There's a playground, in ground pool, club house and the office has a few necessities--the staff was fabulous!" reported a visitor to Scenic Mountain RV Park.
Limited activities: Some RV sites near Rutledge, Georgia have minimal entertainment options for children. "If you're traveling with kids though-there's not much to do other than bike through campground or fish in the pond. But locally there are parks & playgrounds," noted a visitor to Pine Lake RV Campground, suggesting families should research local recreation options.
Swimming facilities: Pools provide recreation during hot summer months. "There is a pool, clubhouse and 24 hour laundry that's $3 per load, w&d. There's a dog park, basketball and cornhole," explained a visitor to North Shore Landing, detailing amenities beyond just swimming.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require significant effort to level larger rigs. "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it," mentioned a Stone Mountain Park Campground visitor who camped in a lakeside site.
Spacious sites: Georgia RV Park (formerly Country Boys RV Park) offers comfortable spacing for larger vehicles. "Clean pet friendly park with very nice, helpful and funny staff. New sod in between the large gravel sites. Bigger park than I expected," noted a visitor appreciating the room between camping spaces.
Long-term accommodations: Some parks cater to extended stays rather than overnight camping. "We stayed here long term for a couple of years while working in Atlanta (my house is 1.5 hours away so I stay in town when working). They have nightly sites and long term sites, a bathhouse, laundry, and the office staff are very nice," shared a Jones RV Park visitor, highlighting the availability of longer-term arrangements.
