Franklin D Roosevelt State Park offers extensive family recreation options beyond its equestrian facilities. The 9,049-acre property includes multiple campground loops with sites that accommodate various camping styles. Campground Loop 5 features a playground visible from nearby sites, making it popular for families with children. The park maintains trails suitable for both hiking and horseback riding, connecting to significant historical points throughout the property.
What to do
Swimming and boating: The park features a lake where visitors can rent canoes and paddle boats during warmer months. "Lots of hiking trails, pool, can rent canoes and paddle boats on the lake," notes Liz H. about Franklin D Roosevelt State Park.
Historical exploration: Besides outdoor recreation, the park offers opportunities to explore historical sites. "Close to Calloway Gardens and little town of Pine Mountain," mentions Liz H., allowing campers to combine outdoor activities with cultural experiences.
Scavenger hunts: The park organizes activities specifically for younger visitors. According to Joshua H., "We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that my kids loved doing. We camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground."
What campers like
Clean facilities: The park maintains high standards for restroom facilities. "Clean bathrooms, lots of shade, fresh water pump and electric at our site. Not much privacy but the lake is beautiful and you can rent boats," shares Stephani about Franklin D Roosevelt State Park.
Trading post: Campers appreciate on-site access to supplies. "Trading post available for firewood and supplies. Also short drive from the animal safari, and Callaway Gardens," notes Paul N., highlighting convenience for campers who forget essentials.
Varied water access: At R. Shaefer Heard Campground on West Point Lake, Ward explains, "Lake sites are huge and well spaced out with plenty of shade and privacy, others seemed packed in. Verizon was weak over most of the property talk and text ok but data not so much."
What you should know
Gate closing times: R. Shaefer Heard enforces strict access hours. Denis P. warns, "The gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy. Installing a simple keypad would save everyone time and dignity."
Bathroom conditions vary: Facility quality differs between campgrounds. While FDR State Park receives praise for cleanliness, some visitors note R. Shaefer Heard facilities need updating. "The bathhouses are something out of a post-apocalyptic travel journal— rusted fixtures, broken tiles," reports Denis P.
Site selection matters: Not all sites provide equal experiences. "Reserved our spot long in advance to get a spot on the lake, please do like all campgrounds all sites are not created equal. Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem," advises Ward at R. Shaefer Heard.
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly loops: Certain campground sections offer safer biking for children. "We camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground and also let our kids ride their bikes around the circle that the camp sites were on," explains Joshua H. about Franklin D Roosevelt State Park.
Water play areas: Families appreciate shoreline access for children. At R. Shaefer Heard, Justin W. recommends, "We had spot 96 and we tent camped. The spot was wonderful. Right beside the water so the kids were able to play in the water most of the time. My family enjoyed it and it was our first camping trip."
Off-season considerations: Some facilities may close during certain periods. Dianna B. notes about R. Shaefer Heard, "The nearby restroom was old but serviceable and the playground was small. Trailhead is a short drive and the trails we went on were very nice. Late checkout (3pm) was so nice."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Pay attention to pad length when reserving. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, Ward cautions, "Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem."
Seasonal water access: Water levels affect shoreline and may impact satellite connectivity. Denis P. advises Starlink users: "If the lake is high, the shoreline disappears, and with it, any chance of a clear shot to the sky. Reception through the trees was very poor."
Site privacy varies: Campground layouts offer different experiences regarding neighbor proximity. "Water and power year round even in winter. Some spots are a little closer than others but most have woods in between so they are somewhat private," reports SJ W. about R. Shaefer Heard.
