Franklin D Roosevelt State Park offers year-round camping opportunities near Hamilton, Georgia, with sites starting around $30 per night. The terrain around Hamilton varies from flat campgrounds to wooded areas with uneven terrain. Late fall through early spring brings temperatures from 40-70°F with less crowded campgrounds, while summer temperatures often exceed 85°F with higher humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park features well-marked trails suitable for different skill levels. "Many gorgeous hiking trails, several starting from the camping area. The visitor center has a real cool shop and the staff are always friendly and helpful," notes one visitor. Some trails connect directly to camping areas, making them accessible without driving.
Fishing spots: The lake at Franklin D Roosevelt State Park provides fishing opportunities throughout the year. "We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing," shares a camper. Equipment rentals are available seasonally at most parks with fishing access.
Wildlife viewing: Bar-W RV Park offers a unique opportunity to see farm animals. "I enjoyed seeing a working farm, among the hills of Alabama... A herd of Angus with a Longhorn thrown in, a pond with ducks, geese flying over, cool!" reports a camper. Early mornings and evenings are prime times for wildlife spotting.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain their facilities regularly. At Pine Mountain RV Resort, "The restrooms near 185 were large and very clean. They were up to date and comfortable to shower in, etc. campground was the cleanest we'd ever been to and extremely easy to navigate," according to one reviewer.
Pool amenities: Several parks offer swimming options during warmer months. "There is a really nice and well maintained pool, hot tub, and splash area for small kids," notes a visitor to Pine Mountain RV Resort. Most pools operate seasonally from late spring through early fall, with specific hours posted at each location.
Quiet atmosphere: Ramsey RV Park provides a peaceful environment for campers seeking tranquility. "This place is so seren. Except for the trains in the distance, it is soo quiet and peaceful. The salt h2o pool is pristine," writes one long-term visitor. Weekdays typically offer the quietest camping experience at most parks.
What you should know
Reservation policies: Some campgrounds require full payment when booking. "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," mentions a Pine Mountain RV Resort visitor. Cancellation policies vary by campground, with most requiring 24-48 hours notice.
Seasonal closures: While many campgrounds operate year-round, certain amenities close seasonally. "We enjoyed the pool but the hot tub water was green with stuff floating in it," noted one camper about their experience at Pine Mountain during shoulder season when maintenance can be inconsistent.
Train noise: Some campgrounds have railroad tracks nearby. At Lake Pines RV Park & Campground, "Quiet except for the train that rumbled by at 3AM. Not a lot of solitude," warns a visitor. Sites furthest from tracks experience less noise disruption.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near recreational areas for convenience with children. At Franklin D Roosevelt State Park, "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 a family camper. Most playgrounds are centrally located within campground loops.
Space considerations: Choose campgrounds with room for children to play safely. "We stayed in site 185. While it was one of the more expensive sites in the park it was well worth it. The nice lady that answered the phone made the recommendation when I told her I'd like somewhere for my kids to run. They're 5 and 3. We ended up spending more time sitting and watching them just play in the grass than we really thought," recounts a visitor to Pine Mountain RV Resort.
Scavenger hunts: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park offers structured 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 who visited with four children. Activity schedules are typically posted at park offices.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Different areas within the same park can vary significantly in quality. At Lakeside RV Park, "The campsites are mostly gravel and seem to be fairly level. The staff here are very friendly and helpful," shares an RVer. Call ahead to request specific sites based on your RV length and leveling needs.
Electrical capacity: Verify power requirements before arrival. "30 amp circuit was not adequate. The breaker continually tripped while using small kitchen appliances," reports a camper at Pine Mountain RV Resort. Most parks offer 50-amp service for an additional fee, which handles higher electrical loads.
Site spacing: RV sites vary in proximity to neighbors. "The spaces were super close to each other. Our picnic table was right next to the neighbors sewage," notes one RVer about their experience at Pine Mountain. Ask about "premium" or "deluxe" sites when booking for more space between units.
