Camping near Fortson, Georgia includes a mix of Army Corps of Engineers sites, Georgia Power recreational areas, and state parks within driving distance. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters, making it suitable for year-round camping. Sites around Lake Harden and West Point Lake offer both primitive camping and established sites with various levels of amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails at FDR State Park: Located about 30 miles from Fortson, Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground offers extensive hiking opportunities. "Many gorgeous hiking trails, several starting from the camping area," notes Katie A., who adds that the "visitor center has a real cool shop and the staff are always friendly and helpful."
Fishing access: Many campers bring fishing equipment to take advantage of the abundant lakes and rivers. At Blanton Creek Park Georgia Power, campers appreciate the water accessibility. "Loved the area. We had lake front site #6. Had our kayak and small fishing boat at site shore," writes Liz H., who mentions that "this Harding Lake runs into/part of Chattahoochee River. No wake zone around the campground area so it was perfect for kayaking and small boat fishing."
Water recreation: Swimming, boating, and paddling are popular activities. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, visitors enjoy direct water access. "Check in was quick and easy. We had an amazing site with a great waterfront view perfect for sunsets. Kids thoroughly enjoyed playing at the edge of the water," reports Dianna B.
What campers like
Cleanliness of facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for their facilities. A camper at Military Park Fort Benning Uchee Creek Army Campground and Marina observed that "their pool and splash pad is nicer than most hotels. The site bathrooms/showers and laundry area are kept in very well condition." This attention to maintenance is a common theme across popular sites.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas surrounding campsites offer wildlife viewing opportunities. Taylor from Uchee Creek mentioned "we saw all types of wild life, deer, boar, and a variety of birds." The diverse ecosystems support wildlife viewing throughout the year.
Spacious sites: Campers frequently comment on site layout and spacing. At Pine Mountain RV Resort, site selection can make a difference in your experience. One camper stated they "stayed in site 185. While it was one of the more expensive sites in the park it was well worth it... We ended up spending more time sitting and watching them just play in the grass than we really thought."
What you should know
Gate access restrictions: Some campgrounds strictly control after-hours access. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, a camper warns that "the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy."
Site leveling challenges: Certain campgrounds have terrain issues that affect comfort. At Camp David RV Resort, a visitor noted "large gravel on road and sites making leveling difficult." Another camper mentioned "wear closed toe or muck boots as there are large stones and broken glass imbedded in all the sites."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. One camper at Blanton Creek Park reported "Verizon LTE is one tiny bar, but webpages and videos load, albeit slow." This can impact those needing to stay connected during their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Campground playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds for children. At Franklin D Roosevelt State Park, Joshua H. shared that "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."
Swimming options: For families seeking water activities, many of the best places to camp near Fortson include swimming areas. A visitor to Lake Pines RV Park & Campground mentioned "potable water, small store and pool on the grounds" among the amenities available.
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning opportunities alongside recreation. Dana P. described Franklin D Roosevelt State Park as "one of my favorite Georgia State Parks. There are many sites to choose from and there are plenty of things to do in the area. This park is great for hikers -- lots of great trails."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for rig size: Choosing the right site for your RV size is critical. A camper at R. Shaefer Heard Campground advised that "most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem."
Electrical system limitations: Some campgrounds have electrical capacity issues. At Pine Mountain RV Resort, one camper reported that the "30 amp circuit was not adequate. The breaker continually tripped while using small kitchen appliances."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Blanton Creek Campground, a visitor mentioned the need to plan for waste management, noting "very nice camp ground owned by Ga Power! It is taken very good care of! Right on the lake!" but without sewer connections at individual sites.
