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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
