Best Campgrounds near Maxeys, GA

Camping areas around Maxeys, Georgia include several well-established campgrounds along the shores of Lake Oconee and throughout the surrounding region. A.H. Stephens State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts about 10 miles from Maxeys, while Old Salem Park Campground provides waterfront camping with 83 developed sites along Lake Oconee. The landscape features a mix of Georgia Power-managed recreation areas and state parks, with accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds with water and electrical hookups.

Road conditions throughout the area remain well-maintained, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor recreation. A visitor noted, "This campground is all about the lake. Not just because it's on a lake, but because with no real trails or other sites to see in the nearby area, it's definitely this park's main focus." Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Cell phone coverage varies by location, with some parks reporting spotty service that enhances the disconnected camping experience.

Lake access represents the primary draw for campers visiting the Maxeys area, with numerous waterfront sites available at campgrounds like North Shore Landing and Parks Ferry. Many campsites feature direct water views or private pathways to the shoreline, creating popular fishing and boating opportunities. The region's campgrounds typically provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and clean bathhouses. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Every site is on the water. You are minutes from Georgia, the Strom Thurmond Dam." Camping options range from heavily wooded sites with ample privacy to more open layouts in park settings. Most state park campgrounds in the area maintain well-marked hiking trails, though they are generally less extensive than those found in mountain regions of Georgia.

Best Camping Sites Near Maxeys, Georgia (86)

    1. North Shore Landing

    14 Reviews
    Greensboro, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 453-4505

    $23 - $110 / night

    "Being next to railroad tracks it has a railroad motif you can actually stay in a renovated caboose."

    "Beautiful location with a train themed well organized and super helpful staff. Tiered topography lends to beautiful lake and sunset views Used showers and laundry and both were great"

    2. Oconee River Campground

    4 Reviews
    Maxeys, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 485-7110

    3. Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Rutledge, GA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 557-3001

    $20 - $650 / night

    "Hard Labor Creek State Park is one of the Georgia State Park system's best kept secrets! Located just minutes away from Rutledge, GA, HLC seems like a whole world away!"

    "Kids can ride bikes everywhere, play some putt-putt or on the playground, go fishing or take them to the lake beach (just a short drive away-5 minutes)."

    4. Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Carlton, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 783-5349

    $17 - $85 / night

    "The sites are shaded, and flat with a gravel drive and tent pad. We hadn’t planned on staying here but were pleasantly surprised to find a few vacancies on the first Saturday in November."

    "The drive down is washed out a bit but a 2 wheel drive Tahoe handled it. Getting back up if it had been raining would probably not be guaranteed, so watch the weather carefully."

    5. A. H. Stephens State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Crawfordville, GA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 456-2602

    $15 - $650 / night

    "We hiked from the campground to Lake Buncombe and also hiked from Sunset Drive trail to Lake Liberty and the office. Equestrian trails are closed to hiking during the weekend."

    ". #9 & #12

    Site 12 was a very nice straight site with the picnic table and fire ring down a few steps off the back of the main pad."

    6. Pine Lake RV Campground

    4 Reviews
    Bishop, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 769-5486

    "Our site (12) was an easy pull through right by an exit.

    If you’re traveling with kids though-there’s not much to do other than bike through campground or fish in the pond."

    "Easy access to local tourist and historic stuff. 5 star!"

    7. Old Salem Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Greensboro, GA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 467-2850

    $25 - $30 / night

    "This campground is all about the lake. Not just because its on a lake, but because with no real trails or other sites to see in the near by area its definitely this parks main focus."

    "Georgia Power has some of the nicest campgrounds and this one is a gem."

    8. Fort Yargo State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Winder, GA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 867-3489

    $27 - $275 / night

    "Fort Yargo is in the Winder Ga area and is close to Helen, Jefferson, Athens and Atlanta. Entering the campground is a nice paved road and leads to tent camping, cabins, yurts and RV sites."

    "This is one of the few state parks in Georgia with yurts and also has a great flat biking trail. The lake allows for kayaking and boating and some yurts are actually right on the lake."

    9. Parks Ferry Campground

    3 Reviews
    Greensboro, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 453-4505

    10. Mistletoe State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Appling, GA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 541-0321

    $12 - $175 / night

    "Mistletoe State Park is another great Georgia State Park."

    "We spent a couple of nights in Mistletoe State Park in Georgia while we investigated my husband's ancestry.  This park is truly beautiful."

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Recent Reviews near Maxeys, GA

432 Reviews of 86 Maxeys Campgrounds


  • Lynn V.
    May. 16, 2025

    Old Salem Park Campground

    Great campground

    Real nice campground. We will be back! Darlene and Bob, great hosts, campground well maintained right on Lake Oconee.

  • K C.
    May. 14, 2025

    Hamburg State Park Campground

    Fantastic on the water 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.

  • Kevan  R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2025

    Calhoun Falls State Park Campground

    Great sites with lake views

    This is a SC State Park located in Calhoun Falls, SC. A fishing campground - the vast majority of campers had boats. Sites are great / not on top of each other. Quiet. SC needs to up the maintenance on the park. Playground equipment and trails need immediate work. Bathhouses need upgrading.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2025

    Fort Yargo State Park Campground

    Really nice

    Nice huge state park with a lake and activities. There are two separate campground loops. We stayed in loop one, site #22. There are premium lake side sites, but we stayed in a normal site for $38/night, plus the $5 GA state parks entry fee, so $43 for a night- much too expensive but we needed to be near Atlanta for an early morning oil change the next day. Sites are nice and large, flat (we didn’t even need to get out our levels). They are arranged in a way that you don’t feel close to your neighbor. Free hot showers, firewood for $5/bundle, soda machines, dump station (sites have power and water). We stayed in early November and there were other campers here, but still plenty of availability. The campground was nice and quiet.

  • M
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Lawrence Shoals Campground

    Stunning Views

    This is my second time here, first was a scouting trip and stayed only a few days.  This trip I brought my family and stayed 9 days.  Autumn is beautiful but we were probably a week or two early for the full color change of the trees.  The weather was a little warm for Oct./Nov. but we're from Florida and anything cooler and less humid is welcome.The trails have been maintained and new markers put in place.  Bath houses were clean and tidy and the camp crew kept everything neat , they even blew the leaves off of the road every morning.  Kudos to Georgia Power for keeping such a great campground with large spaces between campers and still remaining cozy.

  • Alexandra E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Calhoun Falls State Park Campground

    Beautiful waterfront sites

    Amazing place. We went in the winter so it wasn't too crowded. Sites are waterfront and spacious

  • Cindy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Hard Labor Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful Trees with a cool breeze

    This place was great. We arrived after hours and spoke with the camp host he told us we can pay online or in the morning. We drove all day in the sun and due to hurricane Helene aftermath we were limited on where to stay. It was nice to pull in and it be nice and cool with the trees. The stars popped out at night and could be seen through the tree tops. Showers were hot.

  • Camen K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Sunset Campground

    Unprofessional

    Very rude and unhelpful said he would call me back to let me know if there was any openings. He never called back.


Guide to Maxeys

Camping opportunities around Maxeys, Georgia extend beyond the shoreline of Lake Oconee, with options ranging from state parks to primitive riverside sites. The region sits at approximately 680 feet elevation in Georgia's Piedmont region, characterized by gently rolling hills and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Summer humidity levels often exceed 80%, creating a subtropical camping environment where moisture management becomes essential for tent campers.

What to do

Hiking through history: At A. H. Stephens State Park Campground, visitors can explore historical landmarks including the home of the Confederate Vice President. "We did the A. H. Stephens museum tour and that was very nicely done. We did a day trip to Greensboro and walked the shops and went to Oconee Brewery," notes Cathy C.

Mountain biking: Just 40 minutes from Maxeys, Hard Labor Creek State Park offers extensive trail systems. "Mountain biking a few miles down the road," mentions Christina, who spent a week at the park. The trails vary in difficulty levels to accommodate different skill sets.

Kayaking opportunities: During summer months, Watson Mill Bridge State Park Campground provides a unique paddling experience. "You can drive through the 229 ft long covered bridge (height and weight restrictions). Wade in the river below the bridge but careful, the rocks are slick," advises Norris K., highlighting both the park's historical feature and water activities.

What campers like

Proximity to Athens: The Oconee River Campground offers a convenient location for those needing urban amenities. "Easy access from Athens, GA, which is the closest city north of this campground – plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and just about everything else you may need," explains Shari G.

Private waterfront sites: Pioneer camping at Watson Mill Bridge State Park provides secluded spots. "Pioneer campsite 1 is very nice... Large site with fire pit and picnic table. Table is chained to a tree. No tent pad, you can pick where you want to sleep. There are lots of trees for hammocks. And you are right on the water," describes Nancy L.

Unique accommodations: Beyond traditional camping, the region offers specialty lodging options. At North Shore Landing, "you can actually stay in a renovated caboose. If that's not your thing there's plenty of tent sites, cabins, RVs, and RV sites," Robert W. explains, adding that the railroad theme extends throughout the property.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Watson Mill Bridge's pioneer sites, "Phone service with ATT and Sprint/T-Mobile is non-existent at the campsite. 200 yards uphill at bathhouse service is available," notes Nancy L. Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Ant prevention: Multiple campers mention ant problems at Old Salem Park Campground. "Be prepared for the ants! Woke up and we had crickets to fish with and worms hung the crickets up and the ants were terrible," warns James S. Bring ant spray and store food items securely.

Weather considerations: Flash flooding can affect primitive sites. At Watson Mill Bridge State Park, one camper advises, "If there is rain in the forecast do not, for the love of God, do not camp in the pioneer sites. You will get flooded." The terrain around Maxeys features clay soils that drain poorly after heavy rainfall.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly water activities: Old Salem Park Campground offers accessible swimming areas with safety equipment. "This area is clean well kept and child friendly. Playground area is nicely kept and safe. Beach area at end of camp ground," reports Leigh R., noting facilities designed with younger campers in mind.

Educational opportunities: Fort Yargo State Park Campground offers nature programs alongside recreational activities. "There is disc golf, nature programs, gift shop, putt-putt golf, playgrounds, hiking, mountain biking, and a 260-acre lake offers swimming, boating, paddling, and fishing," explains Nancy W.

Free fishing equipment: Families visiting Mistletoe State Park can access complimentary fishing gear. "We had cabin 5 and walked to the water. Free fishing pole for kids," mentions Amy C., highlighting an amenity that reduces equipment costs for families introducing children to fishing.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: At Hard Labor Creek State Park, site spacing varies considerably. "The campground is not cramped at all and most of the sites are spread apart to provide privacy," George & Patty C. note. They recommend using the site-specific reservation system if you're familiar with the campground and have favorite sites.

Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. At Fort Yargo, RVers report, "Sites are nice and large, flat (we didn't even need to get out our levels). They are arranged in a way that you don't feel close to your neighbor."

Dump station logistics: When planning your departure from campgrounds like Old Salem, timing matters. One RVer warns, "The dump location was right next to our campsite, so we had a hard time getting out since there was a line of cars behind our camper." Allow extra time on busy checkout mornings or plan to dump the previous evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Maxeys, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Maxeys, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Maxeys, GA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Maxeys, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Maxeys, GA is North Shore Landing with a 4.1-star rating from 14 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Maxeys, GA.