Lake Russell Recreation Area
Great place to camp.
This is a great USFS campground. Great fishing, Mountain biking and hiking. Most of the sites are small so I wouldn't recommend it for 5th wheels or large RVs.
Georgia's state parks system offers diverse camping options across several regions, from the mountainous north to the coastal plains. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Red Top Mountain, and Vogel State Park provide developed campgrounds with cabin accommodations, tent sites, and RV hookups. Many Georgia campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping with electric, water, and sewer connections. State park campgrounds typically include amenities such as showers, toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while several parks also offer cabin rentals and yurts for those seeking more comfort.
Many Georgia campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer brings higher temperatures and humidity, particularly in southern regions. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons, especially for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. Most state parks require advance bookings through the Georgia State Parks reservation system, with sites typically available up to 13 months in advance. Some parks maintain first-come, first-served sites, but these fill quickly during popular seasons. According to one visitor, "Lawrence Shoals Campground is one of the nicest, cleanest, and well-cared-for parks. Most state parks could take a lesson from the operators of these parks."
Water access represents a significant draw for many Georgia campers, with lakefront sites at Skidaway Island State Park, Lake Lanier, and other reservoir campgrounds consistently receiving high ratings. Several campgrounds offer boat ramps, fishing opportunities, and swimming areas alongside camping facilities. Mountain campgrounds in north Georgia provide access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic views, particularly in the Chattahoochee National Forest region. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the peaceful settings and natural surroundings at many Georgia campgrounds. One camper noted that Trackrock Campground offers "beautifully well-maintained, clean grounds with a beautiful lake and stables, plenty of room, yet campsites are tucked away to also give you a private feel." Wildlife viewing opportunities vary by region, with coastal areas offering bird watching while mountain campgrounds may provide opportunities to spot deer and smaller mammals.
$10 - $270 / night
"Campground Review:East Rim Campground Pro’s: 1-Handicap Accessible, there is a cabin which is also HDA. 2- If your visiting for a get together your right next to the day use area and there is a picnic"
"Cloudland Canyon State Park is worth the drive. Located between I75 and I59 in Georgia, outside Trenton and below Chattanooga, Tn. The scenery on the way in is breathtaking and varied."
$45 - $165 / night
"My favorite campground...nestled in a maritime forest, the live oaks and Spanish moss, drip and dance around you, lending an air of romance and other- worldly feel."
"We used the park as a base to experience Georgia's low country."
$44 - $65 / night
"Lived in Georgia my whole life and yet my first time to Stone Mountain was literally three years ago. Now we have an annual pass and go all the time."
"One of the best camping areas in Georgia."
$40 - $275 / night
"Many were positioned right on the lake. The trails in the park were great for hiking and running. We enjoyed visiting the Qualusi Winery that was nearby."
"I camped at Red Top regularly when I lived in Georgia 28 years ago. I’ll definitely be returning."
$36 - $100 / night
"Spent one night on the road here at a RV site on the lakeside camping area (they also offer additional entrance to river side camping.) Busy but courteous neighbors."
"The site has a good distance between the camper and it's "passenger" side so it's like not having a neighbor on that side."
$30 - $260 / night
"Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."
"Vogel State Park is hands down one of the nicest parks in Georgia. It has great hiking trails for every level of hiker, and a very beautiful lake that's great for fishing and paddling."
$12 - $175 / night
"Mistletoe State Park is another great Georgia State Park."
"We spent a couple of nights in Mistletoe State Park in Georgia while we investigated my husband's ancestry. This park is truly beautiful."
$36 - $45 / night
"Tallulah Gorge is located in the far north east corner of Georgia. The campground is pretty tight, and difficult to maneuver with a large RV."
"It’s perfectly situated to visit all the cute towns in northern Georgia and they have well maintained sites, hiking trails, and a swim beach not far."
$12 - $230 / night
"We enjoyed the well-kept campground and explored the civil war fort which inspired discussions of Georgia’s history. Too hot to have an enjoyable hike, though."
"Even in winter, Fort McCallister campground was nearly full and for the most part with large, really large and really, really large RVs."
"Planned a trip with friends to Tybee Island Georgia, just outside Savannah. It rained the first couple of days we were there, but still were Able to get out and enjoy the sites sounds and food. "
"Location is great. Not right on the beach but a short walking distance.(NOTE: DO NOT WALK YOUR DOG ON THE BEACH- they do not give warnings and the fine is close to$300)."












This is a great USFS campground. Great fishing, Mountain biking and hiking. Most of the sites are small so I wouldn't recommend it for 5th wheels or large RVs.
Camped in f150 with RTT, stayed at site 13 with plenty of room for any overlanding or tent campers. Sites 1-5 fairly close in section 1. Sites 6-13 good for tent or overlanding, sites 14-21 are clumped together at the end for tent/overlanding rig/campers. Small creek crossing, but very easy to cross. We saw a few trailer campers, nothing over 20 feet, and there was plenty of room, but the road is rough coming in, so doable if you’re brave.
Road is marked well off the main road, but is narrow with few pull off opportunities for passing. 1 mile of blacktop with 1* mile of hard pack gravel.
Single vault bathrooms and bear trash cans are at sites 1-5 and another at site 14-21, 5-10 minute walk either way from middle campsites.
Fire rings and picnic tables, well marked sites.
Site 22 is the last site we could find before crossing a more cumbersome creek crossing, just above sites 17-21. Creek accessible from most every campsite, with a few of the sites on the other side of ride (see rec.gov for waterfront specific sites)
Busy road for motorcycles/off road vehicles, but overall peaceful.
Reservations required, no service until almost back to town, so reserve ahead before heading to camp. Cash/envelope/paper tag system no longer present (seems to be the new norm)
We stay here often on trips north & south on I-75. Full hookups. Huge level sites. Sand gnats in summer! Clean new bath houses. Nice network of roads for e-bikes! Staff (Shannon) is the BEST! Took lots of time with us to straighten out issues online with our Friends of State Parks pass, etc.
I was in a tent, not an RV. This spot is roomy and isn’t right on top of any other campers. Since no sites were to the east, I walked down to the creek with my chair to get away from people. It’s a very crowded campground, but quieter than expected, probably because the road to this site leads to a dead end. There’s a lot of road noise from Gainesville Hwy until dusk. The bathrooms are nearby and very clean.
I’m giving this place a 5/5 starts for my first experience primitive camping on my own with some friends. We were the first ones there so we had the leisure of picking which site we wanted. The designated camping area was recently scorched, so ground critters/excessive shrubbage was minimal. Was easy to find and collect firewood.
The site we chose has trash/metal in the fire pit and a hallow tree stump was used for a trash can. Don’t be those people. We cleaned up the campsite and made it our own. We had neighbors show up round 9pm, but they were friendly, quiet, and kept to themselves. The area was peaceful and I got some pretty stunning pics. It was truly a great camping experience. I did see a non-venomous rat snake a little ways away from the main camp area, so just watch your step.
We hiked at Cloudland the next day and it was so packed (we went camping literally the first day of Spring), so if you want a more relaxed, secluded camping vibe close to Cloudland, this is your spot. Highly recommend getting a Georgia land pass before camping here ($30 and easy to get online).
Campground is alright, lots of room to play and swim… “hosts” are absolute jerks on a complete power trip though. We wanted to come back, but will not be returning after dealing with such miserable people. They want to be picky about who they make follow the rules and get on to about their dogs being off leash… we didn’t bring our dogs, but our neighbors 2 sites over had their OLD dog off leash for literally a few minutes while it was laying down and John called the ranger on them… but not the neighbors in the middle of us who let their dog roam to other people’s campsites and poop everywhere without picking it up. Also, “check out at 3 pm” apparently means the whole campground, not just your site… so don’t plan on staying to swim or anything after that or they’ll yell at you. Side note- make sure your phone time is on Eastern, not Central- that messed us up a lot too and be prepared for the only bathroom in the campground area to be closed for an hour, mid day for cleaning…
Stayed on C 31. Easy parking for my fifth wheel. Right on the water. Breezy & full sunshine, no tree shade. Beautiful sunset! Grass needed to be mowed, and park attendant warned of Argentine ants (gave me a flyer with suggestions to protect against them). I spray my contact points anyway with bug spray, and saw rigs with bluish powder sprinkled around tires. Level concrete pad. Picnic table weathered & rough. Park was 75% full.
These sites are not where Dyrt says they are. The previous reviewer described them well and they have a couple of small creeks running past. Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road. This is one of those sites I'll probably return to
The true location is just south of the High Falls Trailhead. 34.80718,-83.72466
Stayed at a standard electric site and it was great. We tent camped with our pup and the site was plenty spacious enough to have all of our gear out plus room for the pup to run. All trails are very well maintained and have beautiful views. Only thing I would suggest is if you want some peace and quiet choose the west rim for camping. East rim in directly on the main road and sites are super close together.
Camping in Georgia offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, Georgia's campgrounds have something for everyone.
Camping in Georgia can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any free or low-cost camping sites in Georgia?
Georgia offers several free and low-cost camping options for budget-conscious campers. Raven Cliff Falls stands out as a gorgeous free campground with established sites, water access, and bathroom facilities. The area is divided into a camp side and trail side but becomes very busy on weekends, so weekday visits are recommended. Ocmulgee WMA Primitive Camping provides free primitive camping opportunities for those seeking a more rustic experience. For affordable options with more amenities, Georgia's many Corps of Engineers campgrounds typically charge modest fees compared to private campgrounds while still offering beautiful lakeside settings and basic facilities.
What amenities should I expect at Georgia state park campgrounds?
Georgia state park campgrounds typically offer well-maintained facilities including clean restrooms with hot showers, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Most have a mix of tent and RV sites with electrical hookups. Don Carter State Park Campground exemplifies the spacious design of many Georgia state parks, with generous distance between campsites and clean facilities throughout. Georgia Veterans State Park Campground showcases the diversity of options available with multiple camping loops, lake access, and proximity to resort amenities. Many parks feature dump stations, laundry facilities, camp stores, boat ramps, swimming areas, and extensive trail systems. Most Georgia state parks require reservations, which can be made online or by phone.
What are the best campgrounds in Georgia for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors to Georgia, Stone Mountain Park Campground offers an ideal introduction with its world-renowned attractions including fireworks, laser shows, and beautiful natural areas. It's a perfect balance of developed amenities and outdoor experiences. Skidaway Island State Park Campground near Savannah is another excellent choice, featuring stunning maritime forest with live oaks and Spanish moss that create a romantic, otherworldly atmosphere. The park is located on an island accessible by causeway with beautiful marsh and river views. Both locations provide well-maintained facilities and easy access to nearby attractions, making them perfect launching points for exploring Georgia's diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
What's the best time of year for tent camping in Georgia?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal for tent camping in Georgia, offering mild temperatures and lower humidity. Fort Mountain State Park Campground is particularly appealing during summer months, as its elevation provides cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, with private wooded campsites that make Georgia's summer heat more tolerable. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground in the north Georgia mountains also offers relief from summer heat due to its higher elevation. Winter camping (November-February) can be enjoyable in southern Georgia with fewer crowds, but northern regions may experience freezing temperatures, requiring proper cold-weather gear.
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