Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground sits within a 9,049-acre forest on Pine Mountain at elevations reaching nearly 1,400 feet. Approximately 40 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through the hardwood forest, which experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. The campground maintains multiple camping loops with sites for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping accommodations.
What to do
Explore orienteering courses: McIntosh Reserve Park offers orienteering courses for outdoor navigation practice. "This place has some nice trails and plenty of pavilions for large groups. You can tent camp or bring your RV. They have access to the Chattahoochie River for kayaking and fishing as well," notes DeWayne H.
Try water activities on West Point Lake: R. Shaefer Heard Campground provides access to West Point Lake for various water sports. "My family and I camp here often! West point lake is a great place to fish, swim, and yes even boat, but what we enjoy the most about this place is that you can fully enjoy water skiing, Jett skiing, but you can also enjoy a nice paddle in a kayak or canoe," shares Jamie H.
Visit historical sites: The area around McIntosh Reserve contains several significant historical locations. "No site specific reservations, right on the chattahoochee, historical sites on the drive in. Great place for family, splash pad in the park," mentions Buddy G.
What campers like
Shaded, private sites: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites with natural screening. "We were on site 213 and 214. Beautiful wooded site lots of space between sites in this loop. Very short walk to lake," says Liz H.
Family-friendly amenities: The park provides facilities specifically designed for children. "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," reports Joshua H.
Riverside camping options: McIntosh Reserve Park provides camping along the Chattahoochee River. "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," explains Sarah S.
What you should know
Gate closure hours: R. Shaefer Heard Campground strictly enforces entrance hours. "But beware: the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy," warns Denis P.
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities at these parks range from new to needing maintenance. "The bathhouses are something out of a post-apocalyptic travel journal— rusted fixtures, broken tiles, and enough cockroaches and spiders to start a nature documentary," reports one camper about certain facilities.
Primitive options available: McIntosh Reserve Park offers more basic camping. "No power, and only saw one tap for running water, but is a good spot if you are self sufficient. No designated camp sites means you can pick anywhere. We managed to find a very private area all to ourselves," notes Cass P.
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly loops: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park provides safe cycling areas for children. "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 that the camp sites where on," shares Joshua H.
Water play options: McIntosh Reserve Park features a splash pad for children. "Just camped here recently with some friends and our kids. Took the kids to the spaslh pad and enjoyed cooking out and hanging out over night," says Ryan N.
Scavenger hunts: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park occasionally offers organized activities for children. "They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing," mentions a parent.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: R. Shaefer Heard Campground has varying site sizes. "Reserved out spot long in advance to get a spot on the lake, please do like all campgrounds all sites are not created equal. Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem," advises Ward.
Lake access sites: Choose waterfront sites for direct access to recreation. "We had an amazing site with a great waterfront view perfect for sunsets. Kids thoroughly enjoyed playing at the edge of the water," reports Dianna B.
Check site conditions: Some sites may require preparation before setting up camp. "I cleaned up a bit of trash around my site when I arrived. The camp host drove around selling firewood," notes Sarah S.
