Glamping options close to Woodland, Georgia center around J. Strom Thurmond Lake, a 70,000-acre reservoir with over 1,000 miles of shoreline. The lake forms part of the Georgia-South Carolina border and serves as a primary recreation hub for visitors staying at lakeside accommodations. Water levels can fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access and boat launching conditions at many campsites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mistletoe State Park offers dedicated fishing areas and complementary equipment for younger visitors. "We had cabin 5 and walked to the water. Free fishing pole for kids," notes a visitor to Mistletoe State Park Campground.
Paddling options: Winfield Campground provides protected cove waters ideal for beginners. "Winfield is a comparatively little-known USACE campground situated on a peninsula near the more heavily-traffic Mistletoe State Park. Quiet and peaceful, it's tucked up the Little River and therefore not on the main body of Clarks Hill Lake which sees a good deal of boat traffic in the summer months. Great for water activities (kayaking, SUP, etc) with awesome evening views," according to a camper at Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Hamburg State Park offers opportunities to spot local wildlife from waterfront sites. "Wonderful park and fantastic staff, there is a small general store next to the mill. There were crafts and a mill tour while we visited," reports a visitor to Hamburg State Park.
What campers like
Spacious lakefront sites: Many campsites feature direct water access with room for multiple tents or camping setups. "Great site 49, awesome views. Comfort stations close and clean. Lots of water activities," shared a camper at Mistletoe State Park.
Secluded camping areas: Walk-in tent sites at Magnolia Springs State Park Campground offer more privacy than standard sites. "We stayed 3 nights in the 'walk in' tent area of this state park. The park called the day prior to our reservation to see if we would need firewood, a big plus. 'Walk in' is a little deceiving, because, gladly, you can drive to the 3 tent spots and park a vehicle in this area. We stayed in spot 29. The three tent spots all have water at each site. They all have spacious tent pads in a wooded, heavily shaded area."
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and amenities receive regular maintenance at most parks. "Elijah Clark state park was nice and quiet. Pretty views and clean bath houses," notes a reviewer at Elijah Clark State Park Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many glamping locations near Woodland have minimal connectivity. "Small campground almost downtown but the dense woods make you feel like you're in the country. There's a family dollar next door if you forget anything," mentions a visitor to Back to Nature Garden Center.
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds close during winter months. Hamburg State Park operates from March 15 to November 30, while Raysville Campground is open from March 1 to October 30.
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can vary significantly throughout the year. "If the water is low like it was when I was here, the lake water was not accessible — you'd have to trudge through 50 fifty feet of mud to get to it and you'd probably get swallowed or it would really suck anyway. So save #3 for the springtime only I think," advises a hiker at Mistletoe State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some parks offer structured programs for children. "We participated in a hike with the park manager where she told us about the animals in the park and even let us feel grey fox and beaver pelts. We saw vultures and an armadillo. That finished with hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows!" shares a family at Elijah Clark State Park Campground.
Playground accessibility: Check campground maps for play areas near your site. "In the center or the campground there is a small playground. The kids didn't end on it too much, but it was a nice addition," notes a visitor with three children at Magnolia Springs State Park.
Buddy site options: Some campgrounds feature connected sites for group camping. "We had a lot of really good sites, most with reasonable privacy. The campground isn't too large as to overwhelm you. They have several sites that work well as buddy sites too," mentions a camper at Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Many campgrounds accommodate larger RVs with spacious pull-through sites. "Site#6 campground was very quiet, relaxing. Campground has 30 sites and was full the weekend of our visit. Sites 1-20 get the morning sun, 21-30 get the afternoon sun. Trees provided good shade. Our site was fairly level, no boards needed," reports an RVer at Hamburg State Park Campground.
Hookup specifications: Electrical services vary by site. "Mistletoe State Park is another great Georgia State Park. Tucked way back in a big pine forest and nestled right up on the banks of Clarks Hill Reservoir it is well worth the effort to find reservations at this park. Over 70 sights with 30 amp, and water service, plenty of road side gray water dumps between sights and TWO dump stations," details an RV camper.
Bathhouse proximity: Some sites require longer walks to facilities. "The bathrooms were quite far from some sites requiring a long walk or drive. Park had a great store selling souvenirs, ice, firewood, worms for fishing," notes a visitor staying at Mistletoe State Park.
