Campsites near Elberton, Georgia sit at approximately 600-700 feet elevation within the Piedmont region, where summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The red clay soil common throughout the region affects campsite drainage, particularly at primitive sites during heavy rainfall. Most camping areas remain accessible year-round with peak visitation occurring between May and September.
What to do
Kayaking in the current: Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground offers access to Big Clouds Creek with small rapids perfect for beginners. "We caught 2 bass. There is a picnic table and a fire pit with a built in grill, but we cooked on our Coleman stove and charcoal grill mostly," shared one visitor at primitive site 2.
Historic covered bridge tours: The 229-foot covered bridge at Watson Mill Bridge State Park stands as the longest original covered bridge in Georgia. "You can drive through (height and weight restrictions). Sites have power and water, dump station is available. Shower house with laundry," notes a camper who appreciated the historical architecture.
Swimming at dedicated beaches: Calhoun Falls State Park Campground features "a very pretty swimming beach and lots of picnic table around the beach area," according to one full-time camper. The beach area provides a safe swimming alternative to the rockier lake edges found at other campgrounds in the region.
Boating and fishing access: Multiple boat ramps are available at parks surrounding Elberton. "We stayed on site 7 for 4 nights and then site 68 for 2 nights. Water access wasn't the best on 7, but we enjoyed it. The park and hosts were nice. This campground has a nice boat ramp," shared a visitor about Springfield Campground.
What campers like
Lakefront sites with privacy: Watsadler receives praise for its waterfront camping options. "Huge site right on the lake. So peaceful. Not a whole lot to do in the park (fine by me, happy to stare at a lake) but nice long walk to the dam," reported one camper about their 5-night stay.
Tent-specific amenities: Victoria Bryant State Park Campground offers unique covered tent platforms. "Tent sites have outlets, water and a light! Really beautiful easy hiking near by and a nice place to swim. Great for an easy family trip," mentioned one visitor who appreciated these uncommon features.
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Many campsites in the Elberton area provide more room than typical commercial campgrounds. "All the tent sites are sheltered platforms, with electricity, potable water and an overhead light. Rain or shine, you can have a good time (and stay dry) at Victoria Bryant," noted a regular visitor who appreciates the covered accommodations.
Clean facilities: Bath houses throughout the region receive regular maintenance. "Bath houses are very clean as are the bathrooms in the camping areas. Our pull thru site was huge! Large enough for our 35' and loads of room at both sides of the pull thru," reported a camper at Calhoun Falls State Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity 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," reported a camper at Watson Mill Bridge State Park's primitive sites.
Water level fluctuations: Springfield - Hartwell Lake and other lake-based campgrounds experience water level changes throughout the season. "Needed to buy a ladder to reach the water from our site. Many types of sites available - wooded, open, small large," noted one visitor.
Seasonal closures: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. "Main campground closes for 3 months but the equestrian side stays open. Make sure you are coming into park for the correct campground since campers can't go across bridge," shared a visitor about Watson Mill Bridge State Park's seasonal operations.
Primitive site access concerns: Weather can affect backcountry camping. "If rain is in the forecast, probably would not want to stay. The site is down a path from a parking area. The drive down is washed out a bit but a 2 wheel drive Tahoe handled it. Getting back up if it had been raining would probably not be guaranteed," warned a Watson Mill Bridge camper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and swim areas: Tugaloo State Park Campground offers facilities designed for children. "Nice beach area, fishing pier and store on a beautiful lake!" mentioned one visitor who found the designated swimming areas safer than open water.
Consider tent platform sites: Families with young children appreciate the cleaner, elevated sleeping surface at Victoria Bryant. "We are planning a trip back late summer so we can enjoy the water. Sites are well maintained and level for my camper. The tent sites are amazing and I may leave my camper home next time," shared an enthusiastic parent.
Water safety planning: Rocky shorelines require appropriate footwear. "Wade in the river below the bridge but careful, the rocks are slick," warned a visitor about the stream access at Watson Mill Bridge State Park where natural rock formations can be slippery.
Proximity to conveniences: Some campgrounds offer easier access to supplies. "This is a nice State Park located in Calhoun Falls, SC. There is NOTHING near by so make sure you take your food for the stay," noted a visitor highlighting the importance of pre-trip planning.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Sadlers Creek State Park Campground requires preparation for uneven terrain. "Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of our class A to get level," shared an RV owner who visited the park.
Power management: Many campgrounds offer limited electrical service. "Only 30A power here so we had to watch what we were running electrically. They did have 2 30A outlets but at this time we did not have the double 30 to 50 amp adapter," mentioned a camper at Watson Mill Bridge State Park.
Dump station timing: Plan for potential waits during busy periods. "No sites with sewer, but dump station has two receptacles so there was no wait to dump tanks on way out," noted a visitor to Tugaloo State Park who appreciated the efficient departure process.
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate bigger vehicles. "I have a 43ft 5th Wheel and it was very tight navigating through the park. Electric 30amp and Water only. Dump station has easy access," shared an RV owner who found Tugaloo State Park challenging but manageable.
