Best Tent Camping near Griffin, GA

Public lands surrounding Griffin, Georgia offer several tent camping options within an hour's drive. Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area, located west of Griffin, provides dispersed tent camping in a natural setting with minimal development. Sweetwater Creek State Park, about 45 miles northwest of Griffin, features five walk-in tent sites near a lake with tent pads and picnic tables. Bush Head Shoals Park, situated along the Chattahoochee River, offers six tent-only campsites with fire pits and picnic tables in a quiet riverside setting.

Most tent campgrounds in the Griffin area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Bush Head Shoals Park provides gravel tent pads, fire rings, and vault toilets that are lit at night, but no running water. At Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area, primitive tent camping requires a valid Georgia hunting or fishing license, and campers should be aware of active hunting seasons. Sweetwater Creek's walk-in tent sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with clean shower facilities nearby. Access roads to dispersed camping areas like Ocmulgee River Camp can be bumpy but generally passable for standard vehicles. Campers should bring their own water and supplies to most locations.

The tent camping experience varies significantly across these locations. At Panola Mountain State Park, campers access sites via a 3/4-mile walk-in trail, creating a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience with coyotes often heard at night. According to reviews, Bush Head Shoals Park offers "extremely spacious" sites that "could easily fit two 6-person tents" with "plenty of trees around the sites to hang hammocks." Ocmulgee River Camp provides open spaces for tent setup with wildlife viewing opportunities, though campers report occasional distant gunshots from hunters. Winter camping remains viable in many locations, with one visitor noting Ocmulgee River Camp was "nice and warm even in December" with temperatures reaching 70 degrees. Tent-only areas generally provide more natural surroundings and fewer crowds than developed campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near Griffin, Georgia (12)

    1. Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area

    2 Reviews
    Molena, GA
    17 miles

    "Ahead of my trip to Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area(WMA), I've gathered crucial details for anyone looking to explore this serene destination."

    2. Panola Mountain State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Pine Mountain, GA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 389-7801

    $125 / night

    "We did an overnighter to check this out after doing a separate hike on the primary trails from the other side of the park in the morning. "

    "Camped overnight on a primitive site"

    3. Ocmulgee River Camp

    5 Reviews
    Juliette, GA
    27 miles

    "Beautiful campsite, just a few neighbors, tons of flat space and a few fire pits. There are hunters around and we heard a good deal of shots. Saw some deer on a walk."

    "Very nice a bit bumpy on the drive in but no major holes. Quiet and peaceful 2 neighbors great amount of space to find a nice spot."

    4. Tyler Hunt Camp

    2 Reviews
    Monticello, GA
    31 miles

    "There are privately owned homes around but the folks keep to themselves. It's quiet, super dark at night and beautiful. No amenities, you pack it in, you pack it out."

    5. Neverland

    Be the first to review!
    Peachtree City, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (680) 222-7928

    $175 - $250 / night

    6. Sacred Space Urban Retreat

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    Fairburn, GA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (470) 333-2330

    $30 - $75 / night

    7. Bush Head Shoals Park

    5 Reviews
    Franklin, GA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 416-6350

    $20 / night

    "They have Ice and firewood available. You just grab it and either venmo Raven or drop money in the drop box. There is a nice hiking trail right across from site 1."

    "They have 6 camp sites that all have a picnic table, fire pit and a large fine gravel plot for a tent. All the components are extremely well kept."

    8. Atlanta West Campground

    4 Reviews
    Austell, GA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 948-7302

    "The campsite's proximity to I-20 makes it super convenient to get to. It's a great spot for a quick trip or a longer stay, and the friendly seasonal campers really add to the community vibe."

    9. Towaliga River Retreat

    Be the first to review!
    Juliette, GA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (470) 808-2008

    $85 - $145 / night

    10. Hideaway Park

    2 Reviews
    Winston, GA
    48 miles
    +1 (678) 390-0020

    $25 / night

    "I'll definitely be returning for a visit again soon when the weather is a bit warmer!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Griffin, GA

491 Reviews of 12 Griffin Campgrounds


  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2020

    Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground

    Not much but the River

    Chattahoochee Bend State Park is located on bend of the Chattahoochee River southeast of Atlanta, near Columbus GA. This is one of Georgia’s largest and newest state parks, with five miles of river frontage on the Chattahoochee. The campground has about 40 sites, some pull-they, but little shade. There are also some walk-in tent sites, and platform sites. The standard sites are water & electric, there is a bathroom/shower, and a dump station. There are cabins if you are not a camper. This is mostly a fishing/hiking park. A boat ramp provides access to the river for boaters and canoeing and there are six miles of wooded trails are open for hiking. There is an observation platform with views of the river and forest, but visibility was limited because of the trees. There isn’t much here but the river trail. But it is close to Columbus, GA, there are some zip-line places near by, and Roosevelt’s Little White House are close.

  • Rachel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2020

    High Falls State Park Campground

    Falls

    Went to High Falls State Park in January. site number 27. We stayed 8 nights There are two campgrounds- lakeside and River camping area. Lakeside is by High falls Lake and is closest to the falls. River camping is across the street we stayed in River camping area. Nice sites but open to neighbors. Sites included table, fire ring, lantern hook. Some sites are 30 amp some 50 amp and had some pull through sites. After the weekend we were one of only a few in the campground in January. Weather may change this time of year we had a lot of rain one day and freezing temperatures overnight but mostly it was good camping weather. Camp hosts were awesome!!! This park is not far off i-75. Dollar general was a few miles other than that not much around. Very easy hiking trail to waterfalls and several trails along Towaliga River, ruins of an old Mill. There is no swimming in falls or river. Afterr rain falls were flowing very fast. This park also has a swimming pool, mini golf, yurts, boat rentals all were closed in January. Bathhouses were well maintained and had laundry facilities. Phone and TV reception we're good at this park. 8 days was too much here I would recommend 4 to 5 days or as a stopover point but would definitely return here.

  • E
    Sep. 23, 2019

    Stone Mountain Park Campground

    Terrible for tent campers

    I was actually shocked at how terrible our actual campsite was; we stayed at site 29, which was supposedly intended for tent camping.

    Pros

    • The front gate staff was very nice; check in and general store staff were average
    • The general store was very convenient and decently stocked
    • The bathrooms and showers were pretty nice
    • Beautiful lake view. It was nice to watch kayakers and rowing teams go by
    • Nice tree placement for hammock
    • Close to all Stone Mountain activities
    • Garbage pickup each morning (but no metal trash can to store it in??)

    Cons

    • The site is on a freaking hill; there is no flat surface at all and no clearing, so you have no choice but to sleep on sticks/rocks. Thank God to REI for footprints and decent sleeping pads
    • Site was dirty when I arrived
    • No tent pad
    • Parking area is crap; it's somewhere between gravel and nothing
    • $20 parking fee

    There is no way I would stay at this campground again; it was definitely made for RVs.

  • Sarah S.
    May. 25, 2025

    McIntosh Reserve Park

    New bathhouse with shower, water spigot

    Camping is first come first served basis, no reservations. $20 per night, parking for one vehicle included. Extra vehicles require $5 parking pass per day. They take credit card. Pull up to the booth at the entrance before 5pm or see the camp host 5-8pm. After 8pm, the park gate closes. I was given a gate code in case I needed to leave and return during the closed hours.

    The camping layout falls somewhere between dispersed camping and a traditional campground. When I checked in, I was told I could pull up to any site with a fire pit. There were picnic tables and trash cans at most sites. There are no hook ups at the sites, but there is a good amount of space on flat ground in the trees. Several cars, tents, or small campers would fit on each site. Bigger campers could opt for sites 8 or 9 which don’t have trees. I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived. The camp host drove around selling firewood.

    Many of these reviews seem older, so I wanted to add that there is a newer block bathroom with flush toilets, electricity and a shower stall, and outdoor water spigot near the stretch of campsites marked 1-20 along the river. It was clean. Driving in, you’ll see a sign that points you to “Main Camping.” The sites stretch down a lane that follows the river to a dead end, the river and sites are on the left and there is a large grassy airfield on the right. There was no airplane traffic while I was there and no signage to stay off of it, so perhaps it is no longer in use.

    There is a boat ramp past site 20. I saw a sign at the bathhouse for paddling the river and various parks to camp along the way. There are signs for horse camping only at sites 18-20. One of the trails runs between the river bank and the campsites, with red blazes - “River Trail” - so don’t set up equipment there in case hikers or horses come through. I saw people fishing in the Chattahoochee River right off of their campsite. There is a small rapid that stretches across the river near sites 1-10, so you get that nice water flowing sound to fall asleep to!

    There are also sites in other areas of the park, if you turn left instead of following the “Main Camping” sign. I’m not sure if they are numbered, and they seem more scattered. There is another bathhouse with running water and a shower that is older next to the cabin called “Old Ranger’s Station.”

    The park has wide trails for horseback riding. I hiked the 2 mile Eagle Loop Trail and saw a mountain biker as well. I saw signs for an Orienteering Course. There is a splash pad and a new looking playground that from a glance, might be ADA accessible. There are many signs prohibiting swimming in the river due to the strong current. There is no beach and in most places, the river bank is steep. John Tanner Park has a swimming beach.

    The park map is not great and the information available online is insufficient, but I do recommend coming to explore the area and camp! I’ll be back now that I have an understanding of the layout.

  • L
    Apr. 11, 2021

    Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Great State park and camping

    We were on site 213 and 214. Beautiful wooded site lots of space between sites in this loop. Very short walk to lake. Loop 1 sites are lake front and lake view but more close together than we like. Sites pretty level and gravel. Concrete picnic table, fire ring and light pole with lots of room fir our dogs. Bathroom facilities were very clean, with showers and laundry. Placed well around the campground. Playground but not opened at this time. Lots of hiking trails, pool, can rent canoes and paddle boats on the lake. Dog friendly. Close to Calloway Gardens and little town of Pine Mountain.

  • Justin R.
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Claystone Park Campground

    First Time Camping and It Set the Bar

    Claystone Park was our first ever experience tent camping. Everything was great from the location of the bathroom and shower house, to ample space, and spectacular views. Quiet hours were respectfully observed, and all the amenities provided within our campsite were more than enough. Clean clean clean

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2017

    Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground

    Right next door

    15 miles West of Atlanta, Ga off I20 Sweetwater Creek State Park offers history, trails, water activities and peace and quiet.

    Realize there are limited sites. 10 Yurts for glampers and 5 walkin sites for tent campers. The walkin sites are in the woods but not to far a walk to the lake. Tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings, if you have a hammocks plenty of trees to use. Kayak....you will have to drive to a spot or portage. The facilities (showerhouse)look very new and is well maintained. Also keyed limited access for glampers and campers only. No day use which is nice.

    The hiking is a mixture of trails and old gravel roads. There is a large loop to see everything that is intersected by shorter cross trails. Very busy down near the ruins, but worth the hike to see the area.

    Watercraft rentals and fishing galore. Little crowded for my liking but not surprising with Atlanta so close.

  • Angie G.
    Jun. 12, 2020

    Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Outdoor recreation happy place!

    We stayed at FDR state park for 4 nights and it was a beautiful park with great hosts and great campsites! Bath houses were well-maintained and sites not on top of each other like some other places. They have horseback riding stables and kayaks for rent (but COVID is not allowing rentals). We took our kayaks and used them in Lake Delanor. Our campsite was #312 and it accommodated our 22 ft camper well, had an additional large tent pad, a fire ring and picnic table. We were located next to a group pavilion which we utilized when the rains came down. For dog owners like us, a big green grassy area was located behind our site to walk our 4-legged kids. Totally enjoyable experience and would love to return to backcountry camp and do some trails.

  • Caitlin S.
    Jan. 31, 2022

    High Falls State Park Campground

    Nice campground for a weekend getaway!

    We stayed in the River Camping Area - Loop D. The campground felt secluded and the sites were spacious. We enjoyed hiking Falls Trail with our two dogs and checking out some of the nearby cities - Jackson & Forsyth.

    A few things to note: the internet is VERY spotty and the sites are not level. The entrance is very dark at night and the road is narrow and windy, so try to arrive before dark if you can.


Guide to Griffin

Tent camping near Griffin, Georgia offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from private retreats to public parks, there's something for every camping enthusiast.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Panola Mountain State Park Campground, where you can hike scenic trails and spot local wildlife.
  • Experience the beauty of nature at Ocmulgee River Camp, perfect for fishing and exploring the riverbanks.
  • Discover the tranquility of Tyler Hunt Camp, where you can immerse yourself in the serene surroundings and enjoy stargazing at night.

Tent campers should check out local attractions

  • Visit Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground for its stunning views and rich history, including remnants of a Civil War-era mill.
  • Explore the vibrant trails at Neverland, a unique private campground that offers a cozy atmosphere for families and friends.
  • Take a short drive to Atlanta West Campground for easy access to urban attractions while still enjoying a camping experience.

Unique features of these campgrounds

  • Sacred Space Urban Retreat provides a serene escape with amenities like electric hookups and showers, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • Experience the rustic charm of Towaliga River Retreat, which offers a blend of tent and cabin accommodations along the river.
  • At Herb'n Soul Sanctuary, campers can enjoy a peaceful environment surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxation and reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Griffin, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Griffin, GA is Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Griffin, GA?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Griffin, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.