Franklin D Roosevelt State Park offers cabin accommodations 20 miles from Ellerslie, Georgia, with additional glamping options at nearby Pine Mountain RV Resort. The area's elevation ranges from 750 to 1,395 feet, creating diverse camping environments across the region. Winter temperatures can drop to the 30s while summer months often reach into the 90s with high humidity, making spring and fall popular for outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking trails at multiple difficulty levels: Chewacla State Park Campground features well-maintained trails for various skill levels. "The hiking was great, good hills a little hard on these novice riders," notes one camper. The park also offers a geocaching experience, providing an interactive outdoor activity.
Fishing on West Point Lake: R. Shaefer Heard Campground provides excellent fishing access with shoreline spots. "Big campsites on beautiful lake. Stayed at site 38. Great stay," reports a visitor. The lake supports multiple fish species, with bass fishing particularly popular during spring months.
Paddling opportunities: Kayaking and canoeing options abound at multiple locations near Ellerslie. "Clean RV campground with a playground, pool, hot tub, and fun mushroom splash pool," mentions a camper about Pine Mountain RV Resort, which serves as a good base for day trips to nearby paddling spots.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Amity Campground offers well-separated campsites. "Great sites a respectable distance apart. Nearly all on the lake. Not many amenities and closed in the fall/winter," reports one camper. Sites average 120 feet apart, providing privacy even during busy periods.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for their bathhouses. "The bathhouse is heated and has five toilet stalls and four nicely tiled showers with benches," notes a visitor to Blanton Creek Campground. Regular cleaning schedules keep facilities usable even during peak season.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to see native species. "We saw all types of wild life, deer, boar, and a variety of birds," says a camper at Military Park Fort Benning Uchee Creek Army Campground and Marina. Bird watching is particularly rewarding during spring migration.
What you should know
Gate closing times: Some parks enforce strict entry/exit policies. "The gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy," cautions a visitor to R. Shaefer Heard Campground. Plan arrivals accordingly.
Reservation policies: Florence Marina State Park Campground enforces specific booking rules. "This is a super campground with friendly hosts and fellow campers. Although I do not recommend going in July. It was HOT!" advises a camper. Reservations often require full payment upfront during peak seasons.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Verizon LTE is one tiny bar, but webpages and videos load, albeit slow," reports a visitor at Blanton Creek Campground. Service tends to be strongest near visitor centers and weakest at waterfront sites.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense. "It was HOT! No swimming, alligators," warns a camper about Florence Marina State Park. Temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity from June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "My four kids and I had a blast at FDR state park. They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing," shares a visitor. The playground is visible from multiple campsites.
Water activities: Several parks offer child-friendly water options. "We ended up spending more time sitting and watching them just play in the grass than we really thought," mentions a visitor to Pine Mountain RV Resort about their young children. Many locations rent paddle boats suitable for families.
Safety considerations: Be aware of wildlife precautions with children. "Sites are on the waterfront but more close together than we like. Sites pretty level and gravel. Concrete picnic table, fire ring and light pole with lots of room for our dogs," notes a camper at Franklin D Roosevelt State Park. Most campgrounds post wildlife warning signs at trailheads.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer junior ranger programs. "First time I came here, I was about 12 years old. I returned when I bought my first camper at 34 years old and wanted to test it out for the first time," reflects a repeat visitor to Franklin D Roosevelt State Park, highlighting its multi-generational appeal.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Blanton Creek Campground accommodates various RV sizes but requires planning. "The park is relatively small but it's very well kept. Small rigs can pretty much enjoy any spot but larger rigs need to be sure that the site is level for the length of the rig," advises an RVer. Some sites have driveways that slope up or down.
Hookup considerations: Full hookups aren't universal at all campgrounds. "30 amp circuit was not adequate. The breaker continually tripped while using small kitchen appliances," warns a camper about Pine Mountain RV Resort. Bring a surge protector and plan electrical usage accordingly.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional preparation. "Some spots have a driveway that goes downhill from the camper and others go uphill from the camper which might be an issue for 5th wheels," notes an RVer at Blanton Creek Campground. Bring extra leveling blocks for uneven terrain.
