Best Equestrian Camping near Porterdale, GA

We have camped at this beautiful park NUMEROUS times and there is a reason that we keep coming back (actually there are multiple reasons)!

HLC has an amazing staff that is there when you need them and not there when you don't! The camp hosts are friendly, the Ranger rides through on a regular basis and is friendly/outgoing (you can tell that he enjoys his job)!

The campground is not cramped at all and most of the sites are spread apart to provide privacy!

Not long ago, as many of the GA State Parks are doing, HLC swapped over to "site-specific" reservations..meaning that you must choose a particular site when reserving. This is VERY useful if you're familiar with the campground and have a favorite site (such as we do) but it can be a shot in the dark if you're not familiar with the campground.

The bath houses/comfort stations are brand new (including laundry rooms) and the camp hosts keep them spotless! The campground roads are newly paved and there are a couple of new sites.

There are hiking trails, kayak rentals, a beach area (swimming) and two nice lakes! There are equestrian trails and even an equestrian campground!

The park has numerous cottages to rent, a group shelter, picnic pavilions and even a mini-golf course (newly renovated)!

Not far from the campground (in Rutledge, GA) there is a Dollar general in case you forgot something that the park store doesn't have.

If you've never visited this beautiful park, ou are missing out on one of our hidden gems!

Hard Labor Creek State Park is one of the Georgia State Park system's best kept secrets! Located just minutes away from Rutledge, GA, HLC seems like a whole world away! Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, HLC is still convenient to Rutledge and Madison, in case you forgot to pack something.

HLC features hiking trails, mini golf, newly "renovated" campsites that include two BRAND new bathhouses (comfort stations). The comfort stations have restrooms/showers, as well as two family restroom/shower facilities. The comfort stations also feature vending machines (drinks) and a laundry facility!

Kayak rentals, a beach/swimming area and numerous special programs are available!

Cell phone service is very spotty in the park but that is alright with us, camping is about getting AWAY and enjoying the outdoors, not staring at your electronic devices!

If golf is your thing, HLC has a beautiful 18-hole golf course!

This campground has a great rural state park vibe. If you’re weekending -it’s nice. The sites are pretty private & woodsy. Kids can ride bikes everywhere, play some putt-putt or on the playground, go fishing or take them to the lake beach (just a short drive away-5 minutes).
If you’re into golf-looks like a nice course. If you’re planning to remote work from here-forget it. We had absolutely no service, even weak cell service. You’re also away from town/groceries/restaurants.
Bottom line is it’s a fun place to weekend/feel pretty remote but not ideal for full timers who still work/school online.

Lake Sinclair, GA: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

Summary: I have stopped by to camp for 4 years. This time we stayed in the electric, Loop A which has 5 sites. There were other users there who were concerning. One was what looks to be a homeless extended stay occupant in a trailer. The other was a tent camping couple who decided to camp with their tents in the RV only area. That said, the lower loops, Loop A and Loop D are more visible to the camp host, thus a safer feeling. If you don’t want electric hookup, those loops are a nicer area of the campground.

(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot.)

Overall Rating: 1.5 for the electric sites - they are not necessarily attractive, out in the open, and no visual separation between sites. They are moderately spaced. The non-electric sites(no generators allowed as per website) area 4 rating. There are spacious and well spaced sites in the Loop B. Many sites are set back from the campground loop road.
Price 2023: $ 10.5 for elect site & 4.5 for non-electric site w interagency pass Usage during visit: Very light - Thanksgiving Site Privacy: More privacy in non electric sites Site Spacing: 5 decent sized sites in the electric loop. Non- electric loop has very large sites.
Site surface: Gravel Reservations: First come, first serve.
Campground Noise: Very quiet. Only one other camper Road Noise: Too far from a main road to be an issue. From electric sites and from some non electric sites the traffic in the access road can be heard.
Through Traffic in campground: Not through campground. There is on the access road to access the lake. Boaters use this road along with other day users. Electric Hookup: Loop A, sites 1 - 5 only Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes, just following the check in station on the right. Potable Water Available: At electric sites. Generators: Not allowed. This is a shame since this campground is so lightly used. Bathroom/ Shower House: Yes - In Loop B (services both Loop A and B). Hot water worked only in the woman’s shower. The hot water in the shower in Loop D works fine and is in a little nicer facility. Drive to that one for a shower. These are pretty old buildings, but pretty clean. Bathroom only house in the day use area is new and nicer to be in. Pull Throughs: Site 5 is a pull through. Cell Service (AT&T): 1 to 2 bars. Setting: In a deciduous forest. Lower loop( non-electric) has a lakeside (or two)trailer sites . Weather: Cool and partial sun. Bugs: None Solar: Depends on the site and probably none when there is foliage. Host: Yes. Located in D-loop .
Rig size: Not suited for big rigs.
Sites: Loop A is the Electric loop with 5 sites. Loop A is not so great. There are beautiful extra large sites in non-electric/no generator lower Loop B. Loop C has been “temporarily”, as per signage, closed for at least 4 years. Loop D has smaller sites, many of which look to be tent sites. Some of these sites are nicely located close to the lakeside in both B and D.