Tent campsites near Hampton, Georgia range from primitive sites with no facilities to more established grounds with basic amenities. Located about 30 minutes south of Atlanta, this region sits at approximately 850 feet above sea level and experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Fall brings milder temperatures in the 60-70°F range, making it the preferred camping season for many outdoor enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking and nature observation: Panola Mountain State Park Campground offers guided mountain tours where visitors can learn about local ecology. One camper noted, "We took the guided tour of the Mountain and it was awesome. We ate Pine Trees and they explained about lichen and the red fungus. Highly recommended."
River activities: Bush Head Shoals Park provides direct access to the Chattahoochee River for kayaking and fishing. A recent visitor shared, "We camped 3 nights and also rented a Kayak. We floated and hiked and had an amazing time. There are a lot of things to do if you are adventurous enough and love the outdoors."
Wildlife spotting: During overnight stays at Bush Head Shoals, campers frequently observe local fauna. One visitor mentioned, "Almost every time I camp here I see a bald eagle flying over the river," highlighting the opportunity for wildlife watching.
What campers like
Dark skies for stargazing: The relative seclusion at some campgrounds creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. A camper at Hideaway Park praised it as "a great place if you are looking for a peace of mind and a breath of fresh air."
Spaciousness of sites: Many tent sites in the area offer ample room. A Bush Head Shoals visitor observed, "The sites were extremely spacious. You could easily fit two 6 person tents."
Natural soundscapes: Ocmulgee River Camp provides a peaceful auditory experience with minimal urban noise. A camper described it as "Quiet and peaceful 2 neighbors great amount of space to find a nice spot," indicating the low-density camping experience available.
What you should know
License requirements: For Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area, there's a "requirement for a valid Georgia hunting or fishing license to camp," according to a recent visitor, who also noted this "reflects the area's primary use for hunting and fishing activities."
Seasonal considerations: December camping can still be comfortable in this region. An Ocmulgee River Camp visitor reported, "It was nice and warm even in December! Almost 70 degrees!"
Facility limitations: Most dispersed campsites have no running water or restroom facilities. Bush Head Shoals has vault toilets but "they currently do not have running water or a shower house but they indicated they are trying to construct one soon."
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: Tyler Hunt Camp offers accessible camping without difficult terrain. One camper described it as "a refuge" noting that "the state keeps it and the road in nice."
Wildlife education opportunities: Families can use camping trips for nature education. A Panola Mountain visitor shared, "We did an overnighter to check this out after doing a separate hike on the primary trails from the other side of the park in the morning. It was great to see some families utilizing the space."
Natural playground features: Bush Head Shoals Park offers a combination of camping and natural features kids enjoy. A family of four with 3 and 5-year-olds reported they "had a great time" at this campground where all sites have "a picnic table, fire pit and a large fine gravel plot for a tent."
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: When bringing an RV to these campgrounds, road conditions matter significantly. At Ocmulgee River Camp, a visitor noted the access was "a little bumpy but no major holes," making it manageable for careful drivers.
Site sizing for larger vehicles: While most tent campsites near Hampton are designed for smaller setups, Joe Kurz WMA can accommodate larger rigs. A visitor commented, "I went with a travel trailer," indicating some flexibility for RV camping despite it being "mostly tent and car campers."
Self-sufficiency requirements: Most dispersed camping areas require RVers to be completely self-contained. An Atlanta West Campground visitor cautioned to "make sure you have everything you need" since amenities are limited or nonexistent at many of these locations.
