Best Campgrounds near Augusta, GA
Camping near Augusta, Georgia centers around Lake Strom Thurmond (also called Clarks Hill Lake), with a mix of state parks and Army Corps of Engineers sites offering lakeside camping experiences. Mistletoe State Park, located about 30 minutes northwest of Augusta in Appling, serves as a popular destination with both RV and tent camping options, including secluded walk-in sites. Petersburg Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides spacious waterfront sites with views of the lake. Additional options include Heritage RV Park in Augusta for travelers seeking convenient interstate access, and Hamilton Branch State Park just across the South Carolina border for those wanting more privacy and direct lake access.
Most campgrounds in the Augusta area are accessible via paved roads, with no four-wheel drive required. Reservations are recommended, especially during summer months and holiday weekends when lakeside sites fill quickly. The camping season extends year-round at many locations, though some Corps of Engineers sites like Ridge Road and Modoc operate seasonally from April through September. Winter temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, with one camper reporting 27°F overnight temperatures in January. Summer brings hot, humid conditions typical of the Southeast. Cell service varies by location, with Hamilton Branch State Park noted for limited connectivity.
Water recreation dominates the camping experience around Augusta, with fishing, boating, and swimming as primary activities. According to reviews, lake levels can fluctuate seasonally, affecting water access at some sites. One visitor at Mistletoe State Park noted, "When we were there the lake was very low, so the water activity was limited." Tent campers seeking quiet should consider sites away from boat ramps, as one camper advised: "If you're a tent camper looking to enjoy quiet time by the water, avoid the loop with the boat ramp." RV campers will find full hookup options at several parks, while those seeking more seclusion can opt for walk-in tent sites on peninsulas jutting into the lake, offering what one reviewer called "waterfront seclusion" with "beautiful" sunset views.