Fort Benning straddles the Georgia-Alabama border with military campgrounds set among pine forests where summer temperatures typically reach 90°F. The region features numerous lakes and rivers including the Chattahoochee River, Lake Walter F. George, and West Point Lake. Camping options range from military facilities with restricted access to state parks and Corps of Engineers campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV campers.
What to do
Visit Providence Canyon State Park: Located just 9 miles from Florence Marina State Park Campground, this natural wonder is known as Georgia's "Little Grand Canyon." "We stayed to go hiking over at Providence Canyon. It was a short ten minute drive. The staff and crew were all amazing," notes Joe R.
Fish on West Point Lake: The fishing is excellent at R. Shaefer Heard Campground, which sits right on the lake. "The lake is gorgeous! Sites are huge and well spaced out with plenty of shade and privacy," reports Shelly F. Boat rentals are available, and you can fish with either an Alabama or Georgia license since the lake spans both states.
Explore historic sites: FDR State Park offers access to historic sites related to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. "Many gorgeous hiking trails, several starting from the camping area. The visitor center has a real cool shop and the staff are always friendly and helpful," shares Katie A.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy at Amity Campground. "The sites are so private you'd think you are alone. The park is spread out so that each loop is so far from the others you can't hear or see them," writes Steve G. The campground features large lakefront sites with plenty of space between neighbors.
Military accommodations: Military personnel and their guests enjoy exclusive access to Uchee Creek Army Campground and Marina. "Only downside is that you have to be military, or be with someone who is military, to get in. There's a range of cabin styles to choose from. My girlfriend loved the chateau. It's not camping. It's a vacation house in the woods," Joshua D. explains.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at Fort Benning area campgrounds. At Uchee Creek, "Super well maintained tent sites. The tent footprint is elevated by railroad ties, preventing flooding and it made it very convenient to put my boots on in the morning," notes Kyle S.
What you should know
Gate hours: Some campgrounds restrict after-hours entry. "The gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy," cautions Denis P. about R. Shaefer Heard Campground.
Cell service variation: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Chewacla State Park Campground, "WiFi works great in our section as well if you need that. Speed test showed 10Mbps on my device and I had no issues streaming 4K on a Roku TV," reports Jared W.
Wildlife encounters: Expect to see various wildlife throughout the camping areas. "We saw all types of wild life, deer, boar, and a variety of birds," shares Taylor at Uchee Creek. Some campgrounds have alligators in the water bodies, with warning signs posted.