Thomaston's Wildlife Management Areas provide primitive dispersed camping on public land where visitors must be largely self-sufficient. Most locations require a Georgia hunting or fishing license for overnight stays, and conditions vary seasonally with hunting activity impacting site availability and visitor experience. Dispersed camping spots around Thomaston range from secluded forest sites to open areas near water features.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Tyler Hunt Camp, campers can explore surrounding woodland paths. "It's quiet, super dark at night and beautiful. No amenities, you pack it in, you pack it out. The state keeps it and the road in nice," notes LeeAnne T.
Wildlife watching: Ocmulgee River Camp offers good wildlife spotting opportunities throughout the year. Julie H. reports, "Saw some deer on a walk. It was quite hot but surprisingly not that buggy." Another camper, SJ W., mentions seeing "some deer and a mystery black animal, maybe a boar or a bear" while hiking the horse trail.
Seasonal preparation: Weather conditions vary widely by season with summer temperatures reaching uncomfortably hot levels. December camping at Ocmulgee River Camp can be surprisingly mild, as one camper noted: "It was nice and warm even in December! Almost 70 degrees!" However, proximity to water can increase humidity levels.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution at many dispersed sites creates excellent stargazing conditions. LeeAnne T. describes Tyler Hunt Camp as "super dark at night" making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
Spacious sites: Rum Creek WMA receives praise for its tent camping setup. Brian K. calls it "perfect for tent camping," noting it's "nice and quite" for those seeking peaceful outdoor experiences without crowds.
Access to horse trails: Some camping areas provide access to equestrian paths that double as hiking routes. At Ocmulgee River Camp, SJ W. describes "a nice horse trail to hike" that allows for both exercise and wildlife observation opportunities.
What you should know
License requirements: Most WMA camping areas require documentation. Brian K. confirms that at Rum Creek WMA, you "must have a hunting or fishing license or a land use pass."
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality but generally require careful driving. Michael S. describes the road to Ocmulgee River Camp as "a little bumpy but manageable," while J A. notes it's "a bit bumpy on the drive in but no major holes."
Hunting activity awareness: Active hunting seasons affect camping experience. Julie H. reports, "There are hunters around and we heard a good deal of shots," emphasizing the importance of wearing bright colors during hunting seasons and being aware of increased activity.
Nighttime security considerations: Some locations experience varying levels of traffic after dark. Micah C. reports at Tyler Hunt Camp: "As night fell, I began preparing for bed, but I noticed vehicles coming and going—at least three within an hour," suggesting campers should consider security when selecting sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with adequate space: When camping with children, look for areas with room to spread out. At Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area, Lenear B. notes it has "mostly tent and car campers," providing space for family setups.
Plan for no facilities: Pack all necessary supplies as these areas lack infrastructure. Lonnie B. emphasizes preparation at Joe Kurz WMA: "Visitors should also be aware of the active hunting seasons," suggesting families check current regulations before visiting.
Cell service considerations: Communication can be limited in some areas. Lenear B. points out "No cell coverage" at Joe Kurz WMA, making it important to have alternative communication plans or emergency preparations when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Travel trailer access: Some sites accommodate larger rigs but careful planning is essential. At Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area, Lenear B. reports, "I went with a travel trailer," confirming access for this type of RV despite the area being used primarily by tent campers.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Open areas provide easier parking for RVs. J A. describes Ocmulgee River Camp as having a "great amount of space to find a nice spot," which benefits those with larger camping setups.
Fire ring availability: Fire rings are present at some but not all locations. Lenear B. notes Joe Kurz WMA "has fire pit," providing a safe option for campfires where permitted.
