Glamping opportunities near Lakeland, Georgia include several unique waterfront destinations along the Suwannee River. The region sits at the Florida-Georgia border with predominantly flat terrain and a humid subtropical climate that averages 75°F during summer months. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making luxury outdoor accommodations viable year-round with proper preparation.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at dusk: Griffis Fish Camp offers direct access to the Suwannee River where visitors can spot native wildlife. "With a good collection of history and a story. Really a super nice place to stay," notes Zachary F.
ATV adventures: Ragan Family Campground features dedicated trails for off-road enthusiasts. "This is such a great place for people with ATVs. We didn't have one so we just watched with major jealousy as people took to the trails and came back muddy," shares Ashlee R.
Canoe and kayak trips: Explore the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge's remote platforms via watercraft. "Spent 2 nights in the swamp. Rented canoes and took shuttle to Launch at kingfisher landing... 32 miles of total paddling through some varying environments," reports Mark H.
Trail exploration: Ride through extensive trail systems at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground. "Awesome park with 800 acres to hike, horseback, or take a golf cart thru the trails," says Greg D.
What campers like
Elevated platform camping: Holton Creek River Camp provides screened structures that balance comfort with nature. "The platforms are amazing. Power, fire ring, and running water. Hot showers also," explains Tyler R.
Riverside settings: Griffis Fish Camp offers peace and quiet along the Suwannee. "We found this place using this app on a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp. It is a small campground but well maintained... You can also take a short drive to the back of the property and put in a kayak or small boat into the Suwannee River," says Della S.
Family-friendly activities: Ragan Family Campground keeps children entertained. "Water park, lazy river, a park, fishing, and family activities. 10/10. Will be back," shares Brandi M.
Spacious waterfront sites: Paulk Park offers direct water access. "Cozy and great for self contained. Stayed here a week in October with one other camper, very quiet and peaceful. Will have locals visit during the day for the fishing pond," notes Never Sitting S.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Remote glamping locations may have connectivity issues. "I am currently wintering at Griffis Fish Camp and highly recommend it. Off the beaten path, a great place to rejuvenate. Cell service is very spotty but they installed a booster so you can get signal near the office," advises Karen S.
Highway noise considerations: Some sites near interstates experience road noise. "This is a great stopover since it has easy access to I-75 on the FL-GA line. The sites are shady and have many pull through concrete pad sites that are well maintained. The only reason I have given it a 4 star review, because of the traffic noise," explains Teresa S.
Seasonal bugs: Summer months bring insects, especially near water. "Our outfitter American Canoe Adventures makes our reservations for us. The Suwannee River river camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere)," shares Jeanene A.
Site-specific limitations: Some campgrounds have unusual rules or limitations. "There's an adorable, and useful, store.. but i guess‽ because the lady running it had already put our packet outside on the 'late arrivals board' we sure felt less than welcomed when we pulled up around 4PM. The pool closes whenever the store does (its posted & printed that way)," notes Sara H.
Tips for camping with families
Secure valuables at riverside camps: Take precautions with equipment. "Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through," warns Jeanene A.
Book during weekdays for glamping near Lakeland: Avoid festival crowds at popular sites. "Gets a bit crowded when there is a festival," notes Nancy G. about Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.
Consider entertainment options: Eagles Roost RV Resort provides convenient amenities for families. "The site a large and easy to get into. They have a well stocked store and a decent pool. There is a flea market right next door," shares David L.
Check pool hours: Operating times vary by location. "This was a nice little campground if you are just passing through. Dont be fooled by the words resort. Far from that. The pool closes when the office closes, which sucks because in the summer there is still 3 hrs of daylight left," advises Jonah J.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Confirm sewer hookup locations before arrival. "Even with 2 ten foot hoses I could not reach the hookup and ended up having to find a dump station later. They did have a dump station but I'm front of the office but with the way the driveway exited and the length of my trailer it would have been extremely hard to turn it to and go back in the entrance," shares Ashley W.
Pull-through site availability: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Camping offers unique opportunities but requires preparation. "The Okefenokee wildlife refuge has about 12 remote camping platforms located out in the swamp. They are only accessible by canoe or kayak. They offer no service except an elevated platform to keep you above the water and out of reach of alligators!" explains Joel R.
Site dimensions: Consider your vehicle and equipment size. "Our pull-thru was level cement, maybe 68', which is more than we needed, surrounded by dirt that behaved like baked clay, and trees so wooly with spanish moss' you wonder when fleecing day is," describes Sara H.
