Georgia camping near Oglethorpe features a unique mix of lake-based and forest-based options within the South Georgia region. Located in Macon County with an elevation around 300-400 feet, this area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F between June and September. Winter camping remains popular as temperatures rarely drop below freezing, creating ideal conditions for year-round tent and yurt camping options.
What to do
Military history exploration: Georgia Veterans State Park Campground offers a fascinating on-site military museum with vintage equipment. According to one camper, "The park has a museum and war time tank and aircraft. Large field where local airplane hobbyists come and fly their models. Campground was quiet, and very dark at night."
Water recreation: Lake Blackshear provides excellent fishing and boating opportunities directly from many campsites. A visitor at Georgia Veterans State Park Campground noted, "The campground at Veteran's is one of my favorites. They have sites on the water, which is where I stayed. Easy to fish here. Great place for kids as you can ride to different areas to fish or go the 'beach' and let them swim in the lake."
Shortline railway excursions: Take a historical train ride departing near the park. As one visitor mentioned, "Great park for family fun. It offers a lake for boating & swimming, a beach for lounging, hiking, golf and Sam's Shortline Railroad tour."
Horse watching: At Fair Harbor RV Park, campers enjoy observing the equine residents. One guest remarked, "My girlfriend loved the horses - different ones are coming and going frequently. My 6 year old had a great time with the other kids and pond and playground."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-sized camping spots with good separation. A camper at Georgia Veterans State Park noted, "Open and when I mean open space, all over the Park. Great for fishing, Boating, Swimming and they have a great little Museum for the Veterans."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain quality bathrooms and showers. At Cordele KOA, a visitor commented, "The restrooms were very clean and well lit, and in this current covid time going to a public restroom can be dicey so I appreciated that."
Good water access: Lake Blackshear provides swimming and fishing opportunities right from many sites. A camper shared, "There are sites that are less desirable than others. Just depends on what you prefer."
Convenience to Interstate: For travelers needing an overnight stop, the location works well. One camper at Crossroads Travel Park said, "We had pull thru site with full hookups. Everything worked and site was level. We made reservations and arrived after staff was gone. There was a detailed map and directions to get to our site."
What you should know
Yurt camping options: Oglethorpe, Georgia area offers yurt camping primarily at Georgia Veterans State Park. These climate-controlled structures provide a glamping alternative to traditional camping.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings higher temperatures and more crowds, while winter offers more solitude. According to one camper, "Most glamping accommodations remain open year-round with peak season running April through October."
Reservation requirements: Many sites, especially premium waterfront locations, require advance booking. One visitor at Crossroads Travel Park noted, "They have a pull up station for late nite check in after the office closes and works on an honor system to put your payment in the drop box."
Cost variations: Prices range significantly based on location and amenities. A camper at Georgia Veterans State Park mentioned, "I will say it was pricey, $60/night," while extended stays can be more economical as another camper noted, "I think we paid $480 for a full month, which included the lot rent, water, sewer, and power."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. At Fair Harbor RV Park, one visitor mentioned, "My 6 year old had a great time with the other kids and pond and playground. Great facilities and staff."
Educational opportunities: Georgia Veterans State Park offers military history lessons through its museum. A visitor noted, "Outside plenty of Military Tanks and Airplanes to see throughout the use in our Military."
Swimming options: Lake access provides natural swimming areas at several parks. According to one camper, "Great place for kids as you can ride to different areas to fish or go the 'beach' and let them swim in the lake."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting allows for animal sightings. One camper mentioned, "We did see some wildlife roaming as we ventured out in to the park."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on size needs and desired privacy. One RVer at Heart of Georgia RV Park shared, "The sites are spaced out in some sections and closer in others, but overall very nice."
Easy access: Many campgrounds provide simple entry and exit for larger vehicles. A camper noted, "Right off I75 in Georgia sits a small KOA with TONS of amenities! Being just a block off the interstate I assumed it would be noisy. But all the trees make a great sound barrier."
Full hookup availability: Most parks offer complete utility connections. According to one RVer, "There are full hook ups, a laundry room, 3 ponds with fishing, decent cell service."
Leveling considerations: Many sites are already leveled, making setup easier. One camper mentioned, "And they were all paved, so leveling out was super easy."
