Best Campgrounds near Lavonia, GA

The region surrounding Lavonia, Georgia features multiple campground options situated on Lake Hartwell's shoreline. Tugaloo State Park Campground serves as a prominent destination with sites for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Lake Hartwell State Park, Twin Lakes, and Paynes Creek campgrounds provide additional water-oriented camping areas within a 15-mile radius of downtown Lavonia. These established campgrounds generally include electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, with many offering direct lake views and boat launches.

Campground amenities vary significantly between locations, with most sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilet facilities. "This is a large campground with multiple boat launches and easy access to Lake Hartwell. Well maintained bath houses and friendly staff," noted one visitor about Tugaloo State Park. The camping season extends year-round at many locations, though some sites like Springfield-Hartwell Lake operate seasonally from April through October. Summer months bring higher temperatures and humidity, making waterfront sites particularly desirable for swimming and boating activities. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and holidays.

Waterfront camping opportunities represent a significant draw throughout the area, with several campgrounds offering direct lake access. Campsites in the first loop at Tugaloo State Park (sites 1-26) receive particular praise for their lake views and quieter atmosphere compared to the more densely arranged sites in other sections. One camper highlighted that "over half the sites have a view of the lake or are on the lake." Many campgrounds provide boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing access. Beyond water recreation, the area serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions including Toccoa Falls, Tallulah Gorge, and the town of Helen. Wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and tennis courts supplement the primarily lake-focused recreation options at several parks.

Best Camping Sites Near Lavonia, Georgia (248)

    1. Tugaloo State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Fair Play, SC
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 356-4362

    $27 - $230 / night

    "Lowing the away from it all atmosphere of Wildlife, peace and quiet and water. This is your campground. Dever fishing, nature all in one relaxing place."

    "It has multiple boat launches with easy access to Lake Hartwell.  Well maintained bath houses. Friendly staff and camp hosts.  We stayed in the first loop with sites 1-26.  "

    2. Lake Hartwell State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Fair Play, SC
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (864) 972-3352

    "We stayed at Lake Hartwell State park in stie 98 which was a lovely lakeside site.  The sites on either side (96, 99) all shared a path to a small beach with lake access. "

    "We are big fans of space between neighbors and noticed right away that these sites are rather close to one another. The views helped make the closeness bearable."

    3. Victoria Bryant State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Royston, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 245-6270

    $34 / night

    "I started looking to see if there was an RV park nearby and found Victoria Bryant State Park just 10 miles away.  We called and there were vacancies.  We GPS’d our way over, and I."

    "We stayed on one of the platform sites for the trip, but walking around we found that nearly all of the sites look great!"

    4. Thousand Trails Carolina Landing

    15 Reviews
    Fair Play, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "I didn't really sleep well because it was 1. cold and 2. it is close to the highway so we could hear cars and trucks driving by at night. Maybe we just picked the wrong campsite."

    "Access to the water at the park but didn't see a boat launch."

    5. Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell

    29 Reviews
    Clemson, SC
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $36 - $76 / night

    "Most, but not all, sites have lake views.  During the time of our visit, only one area was open for camping (sites 25-58).  "

    "Very close to grocery store and dining. Fantastic water views and warm lake water. Boats in the distance, and we had our own private swimming spot with steps into the water."

    6. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Tallulah Falls, GA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 754-7981

    $36 - $45 / night

    "Tallulah Gorge is located in the far north east corner of Georgia. The campground is pretty tight, and difficult to maneuver with a large RV."

    "It’s perfectly situated to visit all the cute towns in northern Georgia and they have well maintained sites, hiking trails, and a swim beach not far."

    7. Springfield - Hartwell Lake

    16 Reviews
    Hartwell, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $38 - $76 / night

    "Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers."

    "Many sites have a tent pad, are very level packed gravel/sand and well situated with very few having very close neighbors. "

    8. Sadlers Creek State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Hartwell, GA
    16 miles
    Website

    "Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of out class A to get level."

    "Close proximity to bathhouse. Wind was a big deal our first day. Temps dropped the weekend we camped and the wind coming off the lake made it much colder."

    9. Coneross Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Townville, SC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    $26 - $76 / night

    "Lots of room for walking. Beautiful and peaceful trees on the lake."

    "Site was in a hill looking down at the lake. Large tent site that easily fit two 4 person tents as well as a picnic table and fire pit."

    10. Paynes Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Fair Play, SC
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 893-0678

    "We had a great place next to the beach and the gate workers were so sweet!"

    "On lake Hartwell. “Beach” access. Bath houses. Playground. Gravel spots, spacious. Closed November to February. We love to go here just to get away!"

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Recent Reviews near Lavonia, GA

1377 Reviews of 248 Lavonia Campgrounds


  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Sadlers Creek State Park Campground

    Nice lake campground

    Awesome views over lake Hartwell. Nice sized sites, could be a little more level. Needed to slightly block up rear of out class A to get level. Stairs down to the water right next to our site so easy access to our canoe. We will camp here again. 50A power and water at site. Dump station near the exit. ATT phones worked well. Greenville TV stations OTA easily received. Awesome sunrises and sunsets

  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground

    Small and nice, Great place for quiet

    Large sites in a wooded area. Plenty of room with pull through and back in sites. Older campground but serene with great hiking trails and awesome scenery. We live very close to this park yet this was the first time camping here. This was the trial run for our latest rig so basically a shakedown cruise. The campsite was fairly level and with forest off the door side of the Camper. Only 30 A power here so we had to watch what we were running electrically. They did have 2 30A outlets but at this time we did not have the double 30 to 50 amp adapter. We will be staying here again whenever we want a quick weekend getaway.

  • Ethan H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Tugaloo State Park Campground

    Extremely crowded

    This campground was not fully booked, yet most campsites were maxed out with people in each one so it felt extremely busy with lots of partying-like noise. Lots of vehicle/ golf cart/ sxs traffic throughout grounds and past our campsite at all hours. Only a few campsites offer a little bit of privacy, most have none. Lots of pictures that show waterfront property can be deceiving. Bathrooms were big and very clean, and all staff were friendly.

  • Jacquelyn I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Chattooga River Lodge and Campground

    Connect with nature

    This was my first stop traveling and my converted short bus. I have been here before so I felt super comfortable being here. But I have never can’t. I am at campsite six which is perfect for a smaller rig or take camping. It’s right along the creek and very private with a short walk to the bathhouse. Through a fun trail you can make it to the lodge. This campground is surrounded by many places to hike and scenic waterfalls. It’s a must stay. The owners Mat and Teresa are amazing.

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Gorges State Park Campground

    CAUTION: steep grades and curvy road

    This campground would’ve gotten five stars except for the road getting there was pretty exciting. The last 10 miles out of Brevard were curvy and had some grades. And the last 2 miles into the campground had I would guess a couple of 10% grades both up and down. Other than that, this campground was super nice. Has the nicest showers I have ever seen in a campground. All the sites for RVs are on concrete pads with electric, water, and sewer. This was a great staging point for our trip up to the great Smoky Mountains. The visitor center was very informative.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Best off grid camping

    This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.


Guide to Lavonia

Tent sites at Lake Hartwell State Park Campground sit directly on the waterfront with dedicated beaches for many sites. The shoreline offers varying access options, from stepped terraces at sites 1-26 in Tugaloo to private sandy beaches in Twin Lakes. Camping options range from basic tent-only platforms at Victoria Bryant to full-hookup RV sites at Carolina Landing. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though Paynes Creek closes from November through February, allowing summer visitors to take advantage of multiple swimming beaches.

What to do

Waterfront activities at beaches: Twin Lakes offers multiple designated swimming areas with playgrounds adjacent to the water. "We spent most of the day there, and the weather (late August) was perfect! The playground is big, but the kids MOST enjoyed the 'rock slide' in the creek," wrote one visitor about Victoria Bryant State Park's creek swimming spot.

Trail exploration at Tallulah Gorge: The 1,000+ stairs leading to the canyon floor provide a challenging day hike. "Taking in Goat on the roof, just a short distance down the road as a touristy stop must see!!" recommends a Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground visitor. The suspension bridge crossing offers unique views of the cascading falls.

Golfing near campsites: Victoria Bryant features a golf course directly adjacent to camping areas. "If you're a golfer, there is a BEAUTIFUL golf course here as well!" notes a visitor to Victoria Bryant State Park Campground. Many campers combine a weekend of camping with morning tee times at the state park course.

What campers like

Private lake access points: Many sites at Twin Lakes offer direct water entry from individual campsites. "Able to kayak right from campsite. Campground has over 100 sites. None of the lake front were bad, some were low level, some had fenced railing with a little drop," reports a Tugaloo State Park Campground visitor.

Covered tent platforms: Victoria Bryant offers unique sheltered tent platforms with electricity. "All of the tent sites are sheltered platforms, with electricity, potable water and an overhead light. Rain or shine, you can have a good time (and stay dry)," explains one regular visitor who considers it their most frequented camping spot.

Level, spacious camping pads: Springfield's sites accommodate larger setups with room to spread out. "Site was in a hill looking down at the lake. Large tent site that easily fit two 4 person tents as well as a picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of trees to put up hammocks," notes a visitor to Coneross Park Campground.

What you should know

Site reservation strategy: Waterfront sites book quickly, especially in summer months. "A great campground. Lots of spacious campsites. Lots of choices. We were lakeside on a pull through that was a bit short for us. The site was amazing we could kayak up to our site," reports a Tugaloo visitor. Reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance for peak season.

Variable shower facilities: Not all campgrounds offer full bath facilities. "The bath houses are well kept but many of the sites are far away. The roads are wide and easily navigable for the most part, but in a couple areas very tight turns are necessary (sites 39-52)," notes a Coneross camper about the facilities.

Shoreline conditions vary: Lake levels fluctuate throughout the year, affecting water access. "Some sites have little beaches for access to the water. Others have rocks if you want to make your way down those. Mine had rocks covered with wire that's been cut or broken so wasn't taking my chances there," explains a Springfield - Hartwell Lake camper.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Multiple lake campgrounds feature playgrounds near beaches. "The campground doesn't offer much in way of amenities, but you'll forget about that once you set up camp and relax by the campfire, roasting a s'more while watching the sun set over the lake," explains a visitor about Coneross Park's simple but effective family setup.

Kid-friendly swimming areas: Twin Lakes provides shallow entry points ideal for younger children. "We swam almost all day every day we were here. The lake is beautiful, there are plenty of places to swim, and tons of shoreline to explore. The playground is very nice," shares a Sadlers Creek State Park Campground visitor.

Nature programming: Some parks offer seasonal ranger activities for children. "The park was clean and the personnel was friendly and helpful. We had to leave that morning, but are looking forward to going back and discovering more about it. What a happy surprise Victoria Bryant State Park was," mentions a visitor who unexpectedly discovered the park.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Some lakefront sites require significant leveling equipment. "I felt unsafe with our fifth wheel's two left tires up in the air after auto-leveling. That was a first for us, and hope we never have to do that again. The hill getting up to our site was steep," cautions a visitor to Thousand Trails Carolina Landing.

Campground navigation: Several campgrounds have tight interior roads. "The lower section of the park is tight and can be difficult to get into a site, roads are very narrow," notes a Carolina Landing visitor. Similarly, another RVer warns, "When you enter the park make sure you stay to the left of the sign. We made the mistake of going straight our first time at this park and almost lost our 5th wheel at the turn around by the lake."

Utility hookup locations: Water and electric locations can vary widely between sites. "No sewer hookups but water, electric and cable tv connections. No sites with sewer, but dump station has two receptacles so there was no wait to dump tanks on way out," explains a Tugaloo camper about the campground facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lavonia, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lavonia, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 248 campgrounds and RV parks near Lavonia, GA and 26 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lavonia, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lavonia, GA is Tugaloo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 41 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lavonia, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Lavonia, GA.

What parks are near Lavonia, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Lavonia, GA that allow camping, notably Hartwell Lake and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.