Lake Tobesofkee recreation area sits at 400 feet elevation with seasonal temperatures ranging from 40°F in winter to 90°F in summer. The camping region near Lizella, Georgia spans approximately 1,800 acres with 35 miles of shoreline. Unlike many Georgia recreation areas, Lake Tobesofkee was created specifically for recreation rather than flood control, resulting in consistent water levels throughout camping seasons.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: The trail system at Arrowhead Park offers various difficulty levels for mountain bikers and hikers with pets. "There are several miles of dirt bike trail that is hiker friendly, of various difficulties," notes Everette G. The trails wind through recovering forest areas with educational signage about the 2008 tornado damage.
Disc golf course: Head to Claystone Park Campground for their disc golf course. "They have a disc golf course here and if you follow that course it takes you to an beach area where you can swim," recommends Sue D. The course offers 12 holes with moderate terrain suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
Paddleboarding: The calm waters of Lake Tobesofkee provide excellent paddleboarding conditions. "We enjoyed paddleboarding on the lake," mentions Greg S. about Claystone Park. The lake maintains a 25hp motor restriction, creating peaceful water conditions for non-motorized watercraft users.
What campers like
Lake access: Dames Ferry State Park Campground offers prime waterfront sites. "Many of the sites are lake front. Quiet place. Great fishing," reports Freddy G. The campground's peninsula layout maximizes water views, with 90% of sites featuring direct lake frontage.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness standards at the lake recreation areas. "Clean clean clean," emphasizes Justin R. about his first-time camping experience at Claystone Park. The bathhouses undergo twice-daily cleaning during peak season with maintenance staff on-site.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds in the area provide ample room between sites. "Clean, spacious lots. Nice view of lake," shares Phillip M. about Claystone Park. Site spacing averages 30-40 feet at waterfront locations, providing more privacy than typical state park campgrounds.
What you should know
Tent pad challenges: Tent campers should note the site limitations at some campgrounds. "The 'tent sites' are paved and at very extreme angles, with very sparse to no tree cover whatsoever," warns Everette G. about High Falls State Park Campground. Consider requesting site photos before booking if tent camping.
Waterfront site restrictions: Lakefront campsites often have specific vehicle requirements. "Tent campers are not allowed to rent ANY of the sites along the lake front," explains Everette G. about Arrowhead Park. This policy applies to most premium waterfront locations throughout the recreation area.
Limited shade: The 2008 tornado significantly impacted tree coverage. "A tornado came through leaving destruction to all three parks," explains Barry W. The recovery continues with newly planted trees providing minimal shade. Portable shade structures are recommended for summer camping.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Interstate RV Park offers family-friendly facilities despite proximity to highways. "No frills park convenient to the interstate between 2 cities," notes Michael J. Their playground equipment was updated in 2022 with equipment suitable for children aged 5-12.
Swimming areas: The designated swimming beaches provide safer water access than shoreline areas. "It is a sand beach which is clean and easy to access the water," explains Scott R. about Claystone Park. Swimming areas are roped off with depth markers and have no lifeguards on duty.
Quiet camping experience: Despite being located near urban areas, the campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. "Campground was quiet and clean," writes Greg S. Quiet hours from 10pm to 7am are actively enforced by park staff who patrol regularly throughout the night.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Clovis Point - Arrowhead Park provides essential services for larger rigs. "Very nice, quiet and clean," reports Annell N. Their full-hookup sites include 50-amp service and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.
Easy access campsites: Many sites feature pull-through designs for convenient setup. "Easy pull-through level asphalt sites with full hookup," mentions Bryan R. about Forest Glen Estates. Most lakeside campgrounds maintain paved interior roads with minimal grading for RV accessibility.
Dump station locations: The recreation area has multiple sanitary dump stations available to campers. "The campground does have a nice bathhouse with coin operated laundry," adds Barry W. Dump stations are located near campground exits with easy pull-through access and non-potable water connections for flushing.
