Tent campers looking for sites around Augusta, Georgia can choose from several distinct camping areas. Pine Hill Camp offers a dispersed camping experience with reasonable tent pitching locations, though it may require some searching for level ground. Leroys Ferry Campground is another tent-friendly option located near water, with sites positioned approximately 100 feet from the shoreline. Back to Nature Garden Center provides a wooded tent camping experience that's conveniently located despite being close to the city.
Most tent campsites in the Augusta region are primitive with minimal amenities. Leroys Ferry provides basic facilities including pit toilets and well water, but campers should bring their own drinking water to most locations. Sites typically cost $10 per night at Leroys Ferry with payment collected via drop box, requiring exact change. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established campgrounds, while dispersed areas like Pine Hill Camp may have fewer amenities. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with most locations offering limited connectivity through major carriers.
Tent camping in this area offers good privacy and water access at several locations. The sites at Leroys Ferry are spaced far enough apart to provide a comfortable camping experience with waterfront access. Pine Hill Camp's sandy dirt road with occasional soft spots requires careful navigation but leads to secluded camping opportunities. According to one visitor, "Not a lot of level spots around but we found a spot that worked... Had it to ourselves for 3 days and the road going past was very quiet." Augusta tent campsites often feature direct water access, with trails connecting directly to the water, making them ideal for campers interested in swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying lakeside views. Campers should be prepared to pack out all trash as some areas like Leroys Ferry do not provide dumpsters.
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"Nice level ground for pit, and plenty of shade. 10 outa 10."
"Nice site off the beaten path, plenty of room with lots of shade and sun."
from $125 / night
"10 bucks a night, sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not over crowded. I think it is worth the drive over some of the more crowded places."
"Sites are only a hundred feet or so from the lake, so I threw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water and spent time during the day swimming."
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GuideI spent one night here 10-18-26 as I was passing through. The area is a open field with no designated sites. Milo and I were the only ones there. Nice and quite. Beautiful place if you have water and electric. In the morning some boaters were launching as I was packing up. No issues.
I would definitely stay again if passing through.
RangerPetersburg is a campground with million dollar views that has become a forgotten asset of the federal government.
The property is mostly overgrown and landscape maintenance appears to be a forgotten concept, like bathhouse maintenance.
On a positive note it has been reported that the government is approving funds to restart the modernization of these once great recreation locations.
ScoutWhen I got here I was told that it was all private property
LegendHickory Knob SP CG is tucked along the shores of Lake Thurmond in South Carolina’s rolling countryside, where the pine trees stand tall, the crickets sing backup, and life slows to a more reasonable pace. It’s the only South Carolina SP with a full resort feel – which means campers get the perks of a golf course, lodge, and restaurant nearby, without losing that back-to-nature atmosphere that makes pitching a tent or leveling out an RV worth the trouble. First impressions? Think peaceful lake views with just enough activity around to keep things lively but never hectic.
The campground itself offers a mix of RV and tent sites, with electric and water hookups for the comfort crowd and wooded, shaded spaces for the purists. Campsites are fairly roomy, with picnic tables, fire rings, and enough tree cover to keep your morning coffee shaded until you’re good and ready to face the day. Bathhouses are clean and well-kept ... nothing spa-like, but not the kind where you walk out wondering if you need a tetanus shot either. Navigation is straightforward, though larger rigs should take it slow on the curves. And here’s a bonus: campers can stroll over to the resort-style amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts and even the on-site restaurant if they’re tired of hot dogs and s’mores.
The surrounding fun is where Hickory Knob shines. Lake Thurmond offers ample space for boating, fishing, kayaking and swimming, with more shoreline than your GPS can keep track of. The park itself has miles of hiking and biking trails that snake through pine forest and offer glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional heron. For the golfers in the crowd, the 18-hole course is the centerpiece here – where else can you balance your day between kayaking coves in the morning and working on your short game in the afternoon? The nearby town of McCormick provides groceries, a few dining options and that small-town charm that feels refreshingly unhurried.
Insider Tips: (1) The waterfront campsites are the gems with west-facing spots for those Technicolor sunsets (but you'll want to book early if you can, because everyone has the same idea, right?); (2) Don’t feel like cooking? Head on over to the Hickory Knob Lodge restaurant, which while nothing fancy, this joint has solid Southern comfort food that tastes even better after a day outdoors; (3) Kayakers should launch near the group lodge cove where it’s calmer water with prime birdwatching opportunities; (4) If you like a side of nostalgia with your dessert, swing by Michelle’s in McCormick for classic Southern diner plates and pie that’ll make you rethink diets; (5) Want a 'higher' perspective? Sites further inland sit at slightly higher elevation, meaning more shade, although fewer lake views, but less wind off the water, so choose based on your style of camping comfort.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWhen we got there, another family was in our space. They said the one they reserved was overgrown with brush (a few were). We tried to call to have it resolved but no one to call. We ended up having to pick another site that was empty. That portion was very stressful after a long drive to get there. Experience was okay, the water is down a good bit right now.
GuideFor me this was a very average campsite. Nothing very notable here or in the area. It felt like it was a predominantly RV catered campground but there were available spots for tents. Not much privacy, you can see down the road and to each site pretty well from wherever you’re at, though some sites on the backside of the campground were seemingly a little more private. The main attraction is a swampy lake, pretty but not spectacular. There is a playground and good visibility so maybe a good campground for families. Bathroom water pressure was not good.
GuideWe had a very nice long weekend on site 32. The sites are large and clean, the park is easy to maneuver. The water level was really low but we were still able to get our Pontoon boat in and out of the boat ramp and pulled ashore right at our site.
RangerLet me say that we have stayed at several of the COE campgrounds in this area.
We felt that it had a lot of potential to be an extremely beautiful park but has been neglected in a few ways.
Understanding that this campground like some others in the area suffered damage from a recent hurricane and that the necessary cleanup and recovery can be a long process, much of the needs of Ridge Road appear to be neglect.
The sites and general areas are immensely overgrown and in desperate need of maintenance, and while the bathhouses are in need of renovation, general attention to cleanliness and pest control (a lot of large, live, spiders) would serve them well.
We hope the park will get the attention it needs and look forward to returning.
TravelerThe campsites are spread out. Each features a fire ring, picnic table and power/water hookups. Most sites are on the water. All of them are shaded. Summer months are the busiest. Almost no one comes in the winter. It's very serene.
Tent camping near Augusta, Georgia offers varied experiences across public lands and small private campgrounds. The area around Thurmond Lake provides several locations with waterfront access, basic facilities, and reasonable site spacing. Temperatures range from summer highs of 90°F to winter lows around 30°F, with peak camping season running April through October when water recreation becomes the primary draw.
Fishing opportunities: Clarks Hill offers excellent fishing conditions for tent campers. "Very clean park. Great fishing," notes camper Steven S., making it a worthwhile destination for anglers seeking bass, crappie, and catfish.
Lakeside relaxation: At Leroys Ferry, water access creates perfect swimming conditions during summer months. A camper explains, "Most of the campsites have access via trails to the lake. It's clean with easy access and most sites are very easy to navigate."
Walking trails: Soap Creek Marina provides walking paths surrounding the campground for nature observation. One visitor mentioned, "Nice walking trails which makes this a great getaway spot," providing campers with morning or evening exercise options without traveling elsewhere.
Uncrowded camping: Many tent campers appreciate the solitude available at Pine Hill Camp, particularly during weekdays. As one camper noted, "Had it to ourselves for 3 days and the road going past was very quiet," indicating the peaceful atmosphere campers can expect.
Budget-friendly options: The $10 per night fee at Leroys Ferry makes it accessible for weekend getaways without significant expense. According to one camper, "Can't beat it for the price... sites spaced far enough apart to be comfortable, waterfront, not overcrowded."
Lake viewing: Sunset views across Thurmond Lake create memorable camping experiences. At Raysville Marina, tent sites provide water views in a "home away from home" setting according to visitor Jerry F., who praised the staff as "wonderful" despite the lack of a bathhouse.
Payment systems: Most campgrounds in the Augusta area use drop boxes for self-registration. Leroys Ferry specifically requires "exact money because it's just a drop box," so campers should arrive prepared with correct cash.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly, with most locations providing only basic connectivity. At Back to Nature Garden Center, the "dense woods make you feel like you're in the country" despite being near town, which affects signal strength but enhances the camping experience.
Waste management: Pack-out policies apply at most locations. Leroys Ferry has "no trash dumpster either so be prepared to pack it out," requiring campers to plan accordingly for garbage disposal during their stay.
Water sources: While some locations provide well water, drinking water access is limited. Visitors should bring their own drinking water supply to most tent camping locations, as potable water is not guaranteed at primitive sites.
Convenience locations: Families appreciate Soap Creek Marina for its combination of facilities. "There's a small restaurant located onsite along with a small store," notes one camper, making forgotten supplies less problematic when camping with children.
Supplies access: Back to Nature Garden Center offers the benefit of nearby shopping. According to David H., "There's a Family Dollar next door if you forget anything," which proves invaluable for last-minute needs when camping with kids.
Swimming access: For families with children who enjoy swimming, Leroys Ferry provides direct water access. A camper reported spending time "during the day swimming" after setting up camp, creating recreational opportunities without traveling elsewhere.
Leveling challenges: RV campers at Leroys Ferry should note site limitations. "You can fit an RV on most sites, although they aren't all completely level," advises Daniel D., suggesting wheel blocks or levelers are necessary equipment.
Road conditions: Access roads to Pine Hill Camp require careful navigation for larger rigs. One RVer warned, "It's a sandy dirt road with some soft spots so pay attention," indicating potential challenges for heavy vehicles, especially after rainfall.
Solar considerations: For boondocking RVers, Pine Hill Camp offers workable solar exposure options. A camper with a 37-foot fifth wheel noted they "were also able to position for decent solar exposure," making it suitable for those with solar power systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Augusta, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Augusta, GA is Back to Nature Garden Center with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Augusta, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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