Tent camping near Grovetown, Georgia centers around the Clark Hill Lake system, an area with diverse terrain spanning over 70,000 acres of public lands. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 300-400 feet above sea level, with sandy soil conditions common throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping sees nighttime lows around 30-40°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Clark Hill Lake provides excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish. At Clarks Hill, campers find "very clean park, great fishing" according to Steven S., who visited during prime spring fishing season.
Water activities: Swimming areas with gradual entries make Clark Hill Lake accessible for all ages. At Raysville Marina, Jerry F. notes it's "absolutely love this place," though he warns it can be "hard to get a spot because so many people pay monthly and leave their campers."
Hiking trails: Several short nature trails connect camping areas to lake access points. Soap Creek Marina offers "nice walking trails which makes this a great getaway spot," according to GoWhereYouAreDraw N., who appreciated the combination of water access and land activities.
What campers like
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the low fees at primitive sites. Leroys Ferry charges "$10 bucks a night," with Daniel D. adding it's "a great, unpopular place to camp" that he "would recommend to anyone looking for an affordable, secluded campground in the area."
Privacy between sites: Most campgrounds offer good spacing between sites. Cody S. found Leroys Ferry so uncrowded that he "was the only camper there while all the other sites were packed" during a Fourth of July weekend, allowing him to "throw up a hammock and watched the sunset over the water."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many campgrounds maintain their basic amenities well. At Fell Hunt Camp, Brittany S. discovered "the water in the spouts is well water and delicious" and found it "would be a great spot for some group camping!"
What you should know
Exact payment requirements: Most primitive sites require exact cash payment. At Leroys Ferry, Danny B. advises to "bring exact money because it's just a drop box. It's primitive camping so bring your own water, no electricity."
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. Danny B. found "cell service was spotty on Verizon but I was able to get and receive calls and a few txts although they seemed very delayed" at Leroys Ferry.
Trash management: Most sites lack trash collection services. Cody S. reported at Leroys Ferry that "it seems to attract people inclined to leave a lot of garbage. I filled a bag before I even set up camp," illustrating the importance of packing out all waste.
Seasonal variations: The best tent camping near Grovetown, Georgia experiences significant seasonal changes. Pine Hill Camp offers year-round access but requires careful attention to road conditions, as Eric Z. notes: "it's a sandy dirt road with some soft spots so pay attention."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety precautions: Parents should supervise children closely at waterfront sites. Stevie W. calls Leroys Ferry a "great place for the whole family for fishing and camping," with easily accessible lake frontage.
Site selection for children: Choose sites with natural boundaries and flat areas. At Back to Nature Garden Center, David H. appreciated how the "small campground almost downtown but the dense woods make you feel like you're in the country," creating a contained environment suitable for families.
Convenience stores: Several campgrounds have stores nearby for forgotten essentials. David H. noted "there's a Family Dollar next door if you forget anything" at Back to Nature Garden Center, making it practical for families who inevitably forget items.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Most tent camping areas near Grovetown have uneven terrain. Eric Z. at Pine Hill Camp reported "not a lot of level spots around but we found a spot that worked for our 37' fifth wheel with some leveling."
Solar options: Several campgrounds have clearings suitable for solar power. Eric Z. mentioned they "were also able to position for decent solar exposure" at Pine Hill Camp, providing a sustainable power option.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to primitive sites require caution. Eric Z. advises Pine Hill Camp visitors about "sandy dirt road with some soft spots so pay attention," particularly important for larger vehicles.
