Franklin D Roosevelt State Park offers cabin accommodations and glamping options on nearly 10,000 acres of forested land within Georgia's Pine Mountain region. The park maintains an elevation range of 680 to 1,395 feet, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Campground loops provide different levels of privacy with bathhouses strategically placed throughout for camper convenience.
What to do
Hike at Chewacla State Park: Located about an hour from Hamilton, this park features multiple hiking trails with waterfalls and nature viewing opportunities. "Lots of hiking trails, a lake, a waterfall, and cabins. What more could you ask for all in one spot?" notes a visitor at Chewacla State Park Campground.
Explore wildlife areas: The region offers excellent wildlife observation, especially around waterways. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, visitors enjoy diverse wildlife sightings. One camper mentioned, "Wildlife is busy here—armadillos, raccoons, and rabbits all feel quite at home on your tent pad. It's charming, if you're into that kind of thing."
Enjoy water recreation: Multiple lakes provide water activity options throughout the region. "We rented a boat my husband fished and we drove around the lake. You can have a AL. or GA fishing license here the lake runs through both states. Lots of blooming Lilly's, big oaks with moss, shorebirds and gators," reports a visitor to Florence Marina State Park.
Visit Providence Canyon: Just a short drive from glamping close to Hamilton, Georgia, this geological formation offers unusual landscape viewing. "Close to this park is Providence canyon which looks like a small Bryce canyon except it was created by poor farming. It's a neat place to see about 6 miles from the park," writes a camper who stayed at Florence Marina State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Hamilton feature well-spaced camping areas. At Amity Campground, campers appreciate the layout: "The lots are hugh, most are on the water. Some sites are so private you'd think you are alone. The park is spread out so that each loop is so far from the others you can't hear or see them."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives consistent positive feedback in this area. A visitor at Franklin D Roosevelt State Park mentioned, "Clean bathrooms, lots of shade, fresh water pump and electric at our site. Not much privacy but the lake is beautiful and you can rent boats, plus lots of hiking and history around."
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds offer features specifically designed for children. One visitor at Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground notes: "Lots of great hiking. 2 playgrounds were open. Playgrounds are brand new or at least they look brand new. I am 225 lbs and I played on all the equipment with my daughter."
Lake access and views: Waterfront camping provides direct water access for recreation. "Gorgeous lakeside sites with nice sloping grass down to water. Very peaceful. Restrooms were clean and well stocked. Reasonably priced under $30 for water and electric site," writes a visitor to Amity Campground.
What you should know
Gate closure policies: Some parks implement strict entrance/exit times. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, a camper warns: "The gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy. Installing a simple keypad would save everyone time and dignity."
Seasonal considerations: Water levels can affect camping experience. "If the lake is high, the shoreline disappears, and with it, any chance of a clear shot to the sky. Reception through the trees was very poor," notes a visitor to R. Shaefer Heard.
Reservation requirements: Booking systems vary between parks in the area. "There is only one thing I find as a negative. There new policy of full (non-refundable) payment is now required when you make your reservation. Unless you want to pay an up charge for your nightly rate," explains a camper at Pine Mountain RV Resort.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. "There was excellent Verizon phone service and LTE data, we also received about 12 very clear over the air TV stations," reports a visitor to Chewacla State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated children's areas: Some campgrounds feature specialized recreation spaces. At Blanton Creek Campground, visitors find family-friendly setups. One family mentioned, "The camp site is beautiful! It's a fairly small camp site compared to others. It is very well kept up and clean."
Select sites near amenities: Strategic site selection enhances family camping experiences. A visitor to Franklin D Roosevelt State Park shared: "My four kids and I had a blast at FDR state park. They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing. We camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground and also let our kids ride there bikes around the circle."
Consider swimming options: Water recreation provides family entertainment. "We enjoyed the pool but the hot tub water was green with stuff floating in it," notes one camper about Pine Mountain RV Resort, highlighting the importance of checking facility conditions.
Pack for varied activities: Multiple recreation options keep children engaged. "This park has great camping with many, many sites of various sizes, all for roughly $30 a night. This may sound steep but the amenities by far make up for it," a visitor to Franklin D Roosevelt State Park explains.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: RV size compatibility varies between campgrounds. At Blanton Creek Campground, a visitor advises: "Small rigs can pretty much enjoy any spot but larger rigs need to be sure that the site is level for the length of the rig. Some spots have a driveway that goes downhill from the camper and others go uphill from the camper which might be an issue for 5th wheels."
Prioritize full hookup options: Utility availability differs between parks. "The RV sites near the pool are concrete pads and well spaced out. The sites below the pool area are a little tighter and un-level and our lot was covered in ants," reports a visitor to Pine Mountain RV Resort.
Verify leveling requirements: Site grading impacts setup ease. "We loved our spot especially #103 in Campground 1, lots of privacy for our 21ft Lance TT. Backing in was not difficult even though we had to raise the right tire 3" to be level," notes a Chattahoochee Bend State Park Campground visitor.
Consider power limitations: Electrical capacity can be an issue. "30 amp circuit was not adequate. The breaker continually tripped while using small kitchen appliances," warns a Pine Mountain RV Resort camper, emphasizing the importance of understanding power constraints.
