Hamburg State Park sits at an elevation of around 330 feet in east-central Georgia, with 30 campsites nestled among pine trees on the shores of a 225-acre millpond. Most sites are positioned directly on the water with either morning or evening sun exposure depending on location. The area maintains moderate temperatures year-round with high humidity in summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Fishing from your site: Nearly every campsite at Hamburg State Park Campground offers direct water access. "All but 3 sites are on the lake. Sites 1and 2 are primitive - water, electric and no water view. Site 3 has a view of the water but no direct access for your kayak or canoe," reports one camper.
Paddle the small lake: Rent aqua cycles, canoes or kayaks to explore the calm waters. "Today was beautiful. We took the aqua cycle out. It can sit four people comfortably. Fished and walked around a little bit," notes a recent visitor to Hamburg State Park.
Visit historic sites: The area contains multiple parks with historical significance. A. H. Stephens State Park Campground preserves the home of a Confederate Vice President with Civil War artifacts. "The park is the home of the VP of the Confederacy and features his home and Civil War artifacts. Ask camp host for tour of CCC built fire tower," advises one visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many sites allow direct lake access from your campsite. "Very large sites. Very quiet. All but 3 sites are on the lake. Sites 4-19 have sunrise views. Site 20 sits on the point by itself but has no shade," notes a camper at Hamburg State Park.
Privacy between sites: Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake offers well-spaced sites with good separation. "Winfield has a lot of really good sites, most with reasonable privacy. The campground isn't too large as to overwhelm you. They have several sites that work well as buddy sites too," reports one camper.
Quiet atmosphere: Most campgrounds in the region provide a peaceful setting away from urban noise. "Extremely quiet and literally in the middle of nowhere. If you want to rest and relax in solitude, this is your place," shares one visitor to Hamburg State Park.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds in this region have basic facilities. At Magnolia Springs State Park Campground, "There is one bath house, which includes men and women's bathroom and showers, a laundry room with a large sink, and an all gender accessible toilet/shower room."
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. "We let our dogs swim in the lake before we realized the gators were probably there as well," notes a camper at Magnolia Springs, highlighting the importance of wildlife awareness in warmer months.
Water levels change seasonally: At Mistletoe State Park Campground, one visitor noted: "The water level was also extremely low when I was there so some of those rocks are probably covered by water earlier in the year."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Several parks offer facilities specifically for children. At Magnolia Springs, "In the center of the campground there is a small playground. The kids didn't end on it too much, but it was a nice addition."
Check for ranger activities: Some parks offer organized activities. "We participated in a hike with the park manager where she told us about the animals in the park and even let us feel grey fox and beaver pelts," reports a visitor to Magnolia Springs State Park.
Consider lake safety: Elijah Clark State Park Campground offers supervised swimming areas during summer months. "The kiddos enjoyed playing putt putt, the playground and the beach area. There is also plenty of history to see, experience and learn about," notes one family.
Tips from RVers
Check site length and accessibility: Some campgrounds have limitations on larger rigs. At Raysville Campground, "Not many sites but what they have are nice. Bath houses are OK and staff is laid back."
Electrical hookups vary: Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service, but not all provide 50-amp connections. "Site #6 was fairly level, no boards needed. Firewood was available at the office and campground host site," notes a visitor to Hamburg State Park.
Note dump station locations: Most sites have water and electric only with centralized dump stations. "There is water and electric, no sewer. There is one bath house which is older but relatively clean. There is a nice shaded playground with a horseshoe pit," according to a Hamburg State Park camper.
