2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground features equestrian trail rides and stable rentals for visitors. Located on Pine Mountain, the park covers wooded terrain with amenities including water and electric hookups, fire pits, picnic tables, and gravel campsites with some pull-through options available. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and cabins with water and electric hookups at most sites. Bathrooms include showers and laundry facilities. The campground is well-positioned for horseback riding with stables on-site that provide guided trail experiences for campers. Sites are typically well-spaced with adequate room for equipment and vehicles.
The park contains 40 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through mountainous terrain. The extensive trail system connects various sections of the 9,049-acre park, providing riders with diverse scenery including forests, streams, and overlooks. Horseback riding is a prominent activity with guided trail rides available through the park stables. The surrounding area offers additional equestrian opportunities within driving distance. The Liberty Bell Pool, built by the CCC, provides recreational swimming options after trail rides. The park serves as a convenient base for visiting nearby attractions including Roosevelt's Little White House, Warm Springs, Callaway Gardens, and Wild Safari, all within a short drive from the equestrian facilities.
"Several projects done by the CCC. 40 miles of trails to hike/bike. A CCC built pond where you can rent paddle boats or bring your own kayak or canoe. "
"Warm Springs and Roosevelt's Little White House Historic Site is a short drive away. Calloway Gardens and a drive through animal park are all close by."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $500 / night
"When we got there Friday afternoon we had a great view of the lake, but after 5:00 the place filled up quickly. If you want an unobstructed view of the lake you should rent a lakeside spot."
"We had lake front site #6. Had our kayak and small fishing boat at site shore. Our golden retrievers loved being at the water. Sites are very large with good space between them."
from $30 / night
"The campground is located on West Point Lake, where bald eagles soar."
"Great, quiet park with lots of walking and biking trails nearby. All the sites are wooded and spaced out so you don’t have any issues with privacy."
Available this weekend
from $36 - $72 / night
"Grab a trail map at the ranger station or see most sites marked on google maps. I did inquire with a non-ranger employee at the ranger station if a permit was needed and he said no."
ScoutSite is a good size located on the shore of Lake Delano under trees. Great view. Fire ring and picnic table equipped. The temp is still hot and humid but there is a breeze which makes it bearable in the daytime, nights are cooler and comfortable. Plenty to explore with Pine Mountain Trail close by. Would stay here again. This site is water and electric only with dump station at entrance.
LegendThis is a typical park where not all sites are created equal. Some are paved, some are gravel. Some have 50 amp, some are 30-amp. Some are perfectly level and some have really steep grades. Some sites are pull-thru, some are back-in. Some are really long, some are much shorter. The roads in the campground are paved, free of potholes, and fairly easily navigable for big-rigs. All sites are pet-friendly and have water and electric. There are no sewer sites. Campsites 1-27 and 85-106 have 50-amp electric while the others are 30-amp. Some sites (40, 47, 50, 52, 65, 80, 84, 87, 89, 101) are “double-unit” (or buddy) sites which is reflective in the $60/night price. There are bathrooms scattered throughout the campground in each loop but there are only two shower houses in the entire campground. Sites 1-16 are perfectly level as are a few others. Reservations can be made online and the website has pictures and descriptions as well as length of site. The campground is very dark at night with the only lights being at the bathrooms. We love dark campgrounds where the moon and stars are bright. Unfortunately, numerous campers left their lights all night which we find really annoying. Our Verizon phone was very spotty and not reliable. We were able to use our portable Dish satellite to get television. There is a dump station located conveniently on your way out which is quite busy on Sundays at check out.
ScoutI have been to FDR 3 times in the last 3 years and I hope to come more frequently. I came here multiple times over 50 years ago and I find it as enjoyable now as I did then. The check in is always easy. It is quiet there and there is so much to do. The trails are great for hiking. The facilities are always clean.
Georgia state parks are always nice but this is my favorite.
GuideNice updated CCC corp campground. Large sites,level full hookup. Most if not all have a view of the lake. We are here on a Monday but very quiet .We are in an Airstream 28 foot but several large rigs , class A and 5th wheels Not close to full but I expect very busy in the summer and weekends. I would definitely make a reservation just 90 miles from Atlanta
GuideSome nice dispersed sites . Close to Tuskegee Airmen NP.
LegendThis review is for an early winter stay. The 500 loop was beautiful, with tall pines dominating the flora and creating a serene setting. The sites on the outside of the loop are wonderful- large, private and forested; whereas the inner sites were facing the road in many cases. We had 505 and my parents had 515, and both were really good. We played in the forest a lot with the kids, building a shelter and climbing trees. There is a small playground in the 500 loop. The other camping loops didn't look quite as private. The park is super close to Callaway Gardens, so we were able to check in and get setup on Friday late afternoon and still get to see the Holiday Light show at Callaway, which is pricey but very cool and worth a one time experience. The state park itself is huge, spanning at least 15 miles with trails throughout. There is one trail that is over 20 miles. The lookout where FDR spent time and had a picnic spot was stunning. We also really enjoyed the Cascade Falls trail, which had several small waterfalls along the way. This park leaves little to be desired for a weekend camping getaway.
TravelerOur stay at F.D. Roosevelt Campground was a mix of beautiful nature and frustrating logistics.
📅 Reservation Issues One of the biggest challenges we experienced was trying to secure a campsite on short notice. The reservation system felt rigid — same-day bookings weren’t available online, which made planning last-minute trips difficult and stressful. The online reads like same day walk ups are non existent.
đźšż Cleanliness of Facilities The bathrooms and showers generally stayed clean and maintained.
💰 Pricing for Tent Camping For tent camping, the nightly rate felt on the high side compared to what you’d expect — particularly if you’re just pitching a basic tent without hookups or extra amenities. We paid $43 per night here for a simple tent stay. It felt a bit steep for what you get unless you’re taking full advantage of the trails, lakes, or historical sites.
🌲 Overall Vibe While the setting is beautiful and there’s plenty to do around the park — from hiking trails to nearby historic spots — the combination of reservation headaches and cost for basic camping made our experience a bit of a mixed bag.
Scout14 established campsites throughout this small National Forest. Some spaced apart as much as half a mile. I drove by all accessible spots and only one was taken on a mid October Tuesday. Some sites wide open, some with trees. As of Oct 2025, three sites that are south of 29 are not accessible due to Thunder rd being closed. Grab a trail map at the ranger station or see most sites marked on google maps. I did inquire with a non-ranger employee at the ranger station if a permit was needed and he said no. Ranger station was closed due to gov shutdown.
GuideWe stayed here in June, Thursday through Monday, two people with a tent. The experience was... memorable, though not always for the right reasons.Â
The bathhouses are something out of a post-apocalyptic travel journal— rusted fixtures, broken tiles, and enough cockroaches and spiders to start a nature documentary. Yes, they are“cleaned” occasionally, but whatever’s happening isn’t winning the war. They’re not just in the mist of past centuries— they’re lost in a heavy, choking fog.Â
Facilities are very limited, and it’s clear this campground wasn’t designed with tent campers in mind. You’ll wait in line for restrooms, and you won’t enjoy it.Â
The sites themselves? Old, worn, and could desperately use even a single coat of fresh paint— but the lawns are mowed, and the forest is real. If you value privacy, you’ll love the layout: each site is tucked deep into the woods, with excellent space and seclusion.
 But beware: the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy. Installing a simple keypad would save everyone time and dignity.Â
Starlink users: take note— if the lake is high, the shoreline disappears, and with it, any chance of a clear shot to the sky. Reception through the trees was very poor.Â
Wildlife is busy here— armadillos, raccoons, and rabbits all feel quite at home on your tent pad. It’s charming, if you’re into that kind of thing.Â
The lake sees constant activity: motorboats, water skiing, even boats creeping along at night. It’s not peaceful water. If you came to paddle in silence or sleep early, this might not be your dream spot— unless the noisy party crowd is your own.
Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground provides family camping near Fort Benning, Georgia, approximately 45 miles north of the military installation. The park encompasses 9,049 acres of mountain terrain with campsites situated at elevations between 800-1,395 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F while spring and fall temperatures range from 55-75°F, making shoulder seasons ideal for equestrian activities and hiking.
Fishing opportunities: The park's lake offers shoreline fishing for bass, bream and catfish. According to camper Liz H., "Very short walk to lake. Loop 1 sites are lake front and lake view but more close together than we like."
Hiking adventures: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park features multiple trail options for various skill levels. Dana P. notes, "This park is great for hikers -- lots of great trails. I went with my three kids and we all had a blast." The trail system connects to scenic overlooks and historical sites within the park boundaries.
Historical exploration: R. Shaefer Heard Campground provides access to West Point Lake and nearby historical sites. Jamie H. explains, "My family and I camp here often! West point lake is a great place to fish, swim, and yes even boat, but what we enjoy the most about this place is that you can fully enjoy water skiing, Jett skiing, but you can also enjoy a nice paddle in a kayak or canoe."
Spacious, private sites: The camping areas feature well-designed layouts with natural spacing. Katie A. reports, "Great camping spots with lots of trees and a creek running through. Many gorgeous hiking trails, several starting from the camping area."
Family-friendly amenities: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground receives high marks from families for its recreational options. Joshua H. shares, "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."
Trading post access: The campground features an on-site store for supplies. Paul N. mentions, "Trading post available for firewood and supplies. Also short drive from the animal safari, and Callaway Gardens."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and maintenance of bathroom facilities differ between campgrounds. At R. Shaefer Heard, Denis P. warns, "The bathhouses are something out of a post-apocalyptic travel journal— rusted fixtures, broken tiles, and enough cockroaches and spiders to start a nature documentary."
Gate restrictions: Some campgrounds enforce strict access hours. Jan P. notes about R. Shaefer Heard Campground, "They lock the gate at 10, sharp, and tend to have some trouble with sewerage during rainy seasons."
Campsite selection matters: Not all sites offer equal views, space, or amenities. Suzy E. advises, "Our site was in a cove with limited views of the lake. Much of the camping is pretty open with the ability to see your neighbors."
Playground access: Certain campground loops provide convenient playground access. Joshua H. reports, "We camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground and also let our kids ride there bikes around the circle that the camp sites where on."
Scavenger hunts: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground offers organized activities for children. According to Joshua H., "They also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing."
Water activities: Swimming opportunities exist at multiple locations. Justin W. shares his experience at R. Shaefer Heard: "We had spot 96 and we tent camped. The spot was recommended in another review and it was wonderful. Right beside the water so the kids were able to play in the water most of the time."
Site selection for larger rigs: Not all sites accommodate longer RVs. Ward from R. Shaefer Heard notes, "Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem."
Hookup availability: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground offers various hookup options. Everette G. points out, "Each site has a dirt or gravel pad, water and electricity hookups and are all situated within walking distance of a bathroom."
Campground layout considerations: Some campgrounds have better layouts for RVs than others. SJ W. observes, "Some spots are a little closer than others but most have woods in between so they are somewhat private."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fort Benning, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fort Benning, GA is Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fort Benning, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Fort Benning, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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