Fort Gaines camping areas sit at approximately 230 feet above sea level, with Walter F. George Lake spanning 45,180 acres along the Georgia-Alabama border. The region experiences prolonged summers with temperatures consistently between 85-95°F from May through September. Most camping spots near Fort Gaines provide access to wildlife viewing with several campgrounds reporting alligator populations in Lake Eufaula, requiring campers to exercise caution during water activities.
What to do
Hiking at Providence Canyon: Located about 25 miles from Fort Gaines, this geological formation offers multiple trails. "Lots of pretty foliage remaining on the trees and birds were active," noted a visitor at White Oak Creek Campground who combined camping with a day trip to the canyon. The rim trail offers easier hiking while the canyon floor trails provide more challenging terrain.
Fishing for bass and crappie: Lake Eufaula is known for productive fishing throughout the year. At Hardridge Creek Campground, one camper mentioned that "this campground sits on a massive lake so fishing is the activity of the day!" Many sites include fish cleaning stations at Cotton Hill for processing your catch.
Swimming at designated beaches: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas with boundaries. "There is a beach, park and gazebo that everyone can access," according to a Hardridge Creek visitor. Swimming areas typically include sand beaches and are separate from boat access points for safety.
Kayaking quiet coves: Launch directly from waterfront sites at several campgrounds. A camper at Cotton Hill shared: "We kept the kayak near the lake & launched it right there." The lake offers protected coves and small inlets perfect for paddling, particularly during weekday mornings when boat traffic remains minimal.
What campers like
Waterfront camping access: At Cotton Hill Campground, campers appreciate direct water access. "The sites are well spaced, most are water front and easy access to water or have water view," according to one reviewer. Sites 73, 79, 81, and 72 are frequently mentioned as prime waterfront locations at this campground.
Clean facilities: The bathhouses at most Corps of Engineers campgrounds receive positive comments. A visitor to Kolomoki Mounds State Park noted, "The bath house and showers are clean and well maintained." Similarly, another camper at Cotton Hill mentioned, "Bathrooms are very clean and large and hot water in the wintertime and placed throughout the park."
Wildlife viewing: The lake area supports diverse wildlife. "There are more birds than we can count and a beautiful variety of trees and plants," wrote a camper at Hardridge Creek. Waterfowl, deer, and occasional alligator sightings are common from safe distances.
Sunset views: Lakefront sites face west at several campgrounds, providing excellent evening views. "Exceptional sunsets from the tent sites as they face west!" noted a Cotton Hill visitor. The wide lake expanse creates unobstructed horizon views for photography.
What you should know
Ants can be problematic: Multiple campgrounds report ant issues. At Kolomoki Mounds State Park, a camper advised: "The only negative was ants. Be sure to take ant spray with you for your camper tires, etc." Similar warnings appear for most campgrounds around Lake Eufaula.
Alligator presence: The lake contains alligators, requiring awareness during water activities. A Cotton Hill camper reported: "There are some gators in the lake saw them kayaking." Most campgrounds post warning signs, though attacks are rare.
Seasonal closures: Hardridge Creek Campground operates from "March 7 to September 29" according to their listing, while White Oak Creek Campground closes from January through early March. Check specific opening dates when planning winter trips.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly. A camper at Hardridge Creek found "AT&T coverage was weak, with 1 bar of LTE service w/o a booster and speeds up to 0.5 MB/s." Verizon typically provides better coverage throughout the area.
Tips for camping with families
Separate tent camping areas: Cotton Hill provides designated tent-only sections away from RVs. "I really appreciated having the separate tent area, which always makes for a quieter camp," wrote one visitor. These areas typically offer more privacy and less nighttime disturbance.
Playground access: Lakepoint Resort State Park provides multiple play areas. "Safe for kids to ride around on bikes for hours," noted one family. White Oak Creek Campground offers multiple playgrounds with "River Chase loop has the best playground" according to a camper.
Swimming beaches with gradual entry: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "There is also a swimming area with a huge sand beach," reported a Hardridge Creek visitor, though they cautioned "the sand is extremely hot midday."
Educational opportunities: Kolomoki Mounds State Park offers historical exhibits. A visitor shared: "The Native American mounds and museum add some interesting history to any camping trip." The site includes interpretive displays about indigenous settlements suitable for school-aged children.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Cotton Hill Campground offers complete services at most sites. "They have full hookups!! Great Verizon and AT&T signals," a reviewer noted. Sites include 50-amp service, water, and sewer connections, with concrete pads level enough for minimal setup time.
Seasonal pricing advantages: Corps of Engineers campgrounds offer significant discounts. A White Oak Creek camper mentioned sites cost "About $26 a nite" for water and electric hookups. Those with America the Beautiful Senior Passes receive 50% discounts at all COE campgrounds.
Road quality considerations: Access roads to most campgrounds are paved but interior roads vary. At Hardridge Creek, "The CG roads are paved, as are the sites. The site pads themselves are concrete and most looked to be pretty level."
Site selection strategy: Book early for premium sites. At White Oak Creek, one RVer recommended: "Sites 38-45 are probably the best in the park. I love these. Less water access but the best view and a launch point near by for boats and kayaks."
