Glamping sites near Hampton, Georgia offer lodging between tent camping and full cabins with various amenities and comfort levels. Camping facilities throughout the area provide access to several lakes and hiking trails within an hour's drive of Atlanta. Most locations maintain campsites year-round with seasonal availability for certain activities and amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Hard Labor Creek State Park features well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels. "The park has nice hiking trails and bikes trails, dog friendly," notes Winston M. The park offers both mountain biking and hiking opportunities with clearly marked paths.
Kayaking on lakes: Dames Ferry State Park provides excellent water access with crystal clear water. "We kayaked and chilled at our site by the water for 5 nights. A true r&r get away," says Melissa H. The lake restricts motors to 25hp, creating a peaceful environment without loud motorboats.
Mini-golf and swimming: Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground offers recreational activities beyond hiking. "They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that my kids loved doing," explains Joshua H. The park includes a pool, fishing opportunities, and organized activities for families.
Historical sites exploration: Visiting mill ruins provides educational opportunities at Sweetwater Creek. "Manchester Mill Ruins" are worth seeing according to Mike K., who notes the park also offers "good fishing on three lakes." These historical attractions add cultural interest to natural exploration.
What campers like
Private outdoor spaces: Indian Springs State Park Campground offers a combination of natural setting with comfortable accommodations. "The cabins were updated and very cute perfect for a weekend away," says Casey L. Sites provide enough room for campers who want privacy while maintaining access to shared amenities.
Lake views and water access: Many campsites at Dames Ferry State Park Campground sit directly on Lake Juliette. "90% of the spots are right on the beautiful crystal clear lake. We launched our kayaks and swam from our sight so easy and convenient," reports Chad H. The lakefront locations allow campers to enjoy water activities without relocating equipment.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain their comfort stations regularly. At High Falls State Park Campground, Jim R. mentions, "Restrooms and shower were always clean!" This attention to cleanliness extends across most glamping facilities in the Hampton area.
Secluded environment: For those seeking more isolation, Atlanta Glamping provides a retreat from urban surroundings. "Lots of quality quiet time short walk to Arabia Mountain part hiking fishing and bike riding," writes Eric G., who describes it as a "gem so close to Atlanta."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. The site-specific reservation system at Hard Labor Creek State Park allows campers to select particular spots. "This is VERY useful if you're familiar with the campground and have a favorite site but it can be a shot in the dark if you're not familiar with the campground," explains George & Patty C.
Seasonal considerations: While campgrounds operate year-round, some activities have limited availability outside summer months. At Stone Mountain Park, renovations occasionally affect certain areas but "this did not impede any traffic or fun," according to Harvey B.
Water quality alerts: Some locations have restrictions on swimming due to natural conditions. Tatiana Reinheimer A. notes about High Falls State Park: "swimming is not allowed but there is a pool, it cost $5 person." Similarly, Savannah W. mentions, "entering the water was prohibited due to leaches."
Noise factors: Road proximity affects some camping experiences. Jenny P. warns about Dames Ferry State Park: "The road noice in the far loop is horrible, all night long!! I didn't realize it was so close to the road! There are 18 wheelers for the nearby rock plant that run at all hours and they are loud!!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly campgrounds: High Falls State Park Campground receives positive reviews for family camping. "This campground is great if you have kids. The playground is centrally located. Trails are easy to get to," shares Bille W. The layout allows parents to monitor children while enjoying campsite activities.
Site selection for groups: Some campgrounds better accommodate multiple families camping together. Valerie R. describes High Falls as having "smaller sites without many trees/privacy between sites - good for multi-site group's who want to camp together." This configuration works well for family reunions or friend gatherings.
Activity planning: Schedule water activities during warmer months and hiking during cooler times. "We enjoyed renting a double kayak from the state park," mentions Elaine H., demonstrating the family-friendly rental options available at many locations.
Safety considerations: Parents should note swimming restrictions at certain parks. Valerie R. advises, "do not swim in falls - dangerous" at High Falls State Park. Alternatives like pools offer safer water experiences for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling preparation: Stone Mountain Park Campground requires some site preparation according to Susan K.: "The only downfall was that the trailer needed a lot of leveling. But it was totally worth it." Bringing leveling blocks helps ensure a comfortable stay.
Hookup verification: Call ahead to confirm what utilities each site includes. Maethea R. shares this experience: "We paid for a deluxe site but nothing indicated on the reservation it had sewer connections. Had we known we would have taken showers in our own camper."
Access route planning: Following designated campground routes prevents problems with oversized vehicles. At Hard Labor Creek State Park, Debbie K. advises, "Be careful and follow the Campground signs and not your GPS because you might come in a different way and have to navigate an overpass that, for some rigs, is too short!"