Tent campsites near Scottdale, Georgia range from natural settings to more developed facilities. The area's moderate climate allows for year-round camping with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures, typically 60-80°F during the day. Winter campers should prepare for occasional freezing temperatures, while summer camping requires heat management with nighttime temperatures rarely dropping below 70°F.
What to do
Hiking trails access: James Shackleford Memorial Park connects to multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "It was very peaceful... was able to find plenty of outdoor stuff to do," notes camper Neil R., who enjoyed the park's proximity to Hall County outdoor activities.
Fishing opportunities: Laurel Park provides several fishing spots along Lake Lanier. Josh D. mentions, "It has plenty of access to lake Lanier, and plenty of room for grilling out," making it ideal for day-long fishing excursions with picnic facilities nearby.
Wildlife observation: Ocmulgee River Camp offers natural habitat viewing with minimal development. "Saw some deer on a walk. It was quite hot but surprisingly not that buggy," reports Julie H. about the summer conditions. The camp's open spaces provide good visibility for wildlife spotting at dawn and dusk.
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: Ocmulgee River Camp delivers a natural audio experience. "Very nice a bit bumpy on the drive in but no major holes. Quiet and peaceful 2 neighbors great amount of space to find a nice spot," writes J A. about the tranquil setting with adequate spacing between campsites.
Convenient splash pad: Laurel Park features seasonal water recreation for families. Camper Gianni E. describes it as "Amazing sunsets and much fun," while Josh D. adds that "It has a splash pad that's operating from late spring through summer," providing cooling options during Georgia's hot months.
Seclusion options: Hideaway Park offers more remote camping experiences with natural surroundings. "It is really great place if you are looking for a peace of mind and a breath of fresh air. The prices are great for your stay, too," reports Blakely C., highlighting the cost-effective nature of this less-developed site.
What you should know
Access challenges: Roads to some campsites require careful navigation. At Ocmulgee River Camp, Michael S. notes it's a "Nice open camp site with plenty of spots for camping. Only a mile off the road, which is a little bumpy but manageable," indicating high-clearance vehicles may be preferred.
Seasonal factors: Winter camping can be surprisingly comfortable. SJ W. reported about Ocmulgee River Camp: "It was nice and warm even in December! Almost 70 degrees! Spot with a nice horse trail to hike," though they also mentioned some wildlife encounters that campers should prepare for.
Surface considerations: Some sites have unexpected terrain features. At Laurel Park, Vivian T. discovered: "The campground was on cemented floor, which we did not realize till we got there. Regardless, we appreciate the hot water in the bathroom," suggesting campers should check surface types before arrival, especially if using tent stakes.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Buford Dam Park Shelters has variable bathroom access. Ginny cautions: "The bathrooms were locked when we went so make sure you keep that in mind when coming here. There is not a convenience store for miles, the nearest is 20-30 mins drive away," recommending families pack accordingly.
Water recreation planning: Multiple campgrounds offer seasonal swimming. R G. notes about Buford Dam Park: "Wonderful walks, good fishing most of the year. Can be heavily used at times," suggesting families should arrive early during peak season to secure water-adjacent sites.
Site selection strategy: At Ocmulgee River Camp, Greg D. found "Open spaces and very quiet this time of the year (January)," adding there was "train horn in the distance and gunshots in the distance as well from hunters," suggesting families select sites farther from rail lines if seeking quieter experiences.
Tips from RVers
RV site limitations: Hembree Park Campground has misleading site descriptions. Xochilt E. warns: "It's not an RV park, they said there's is a little section of the park for rv but non hookups of any kind," indicating RVers should verify hookup availability before arrival.
Long-term stays: For extended visits, Ron W. at Hembree Park Campground shared: "We in joy the freedom and the neighbors are very friendly," suggesting the campground's community atmosphere makes it suitable for longer stays despite limited facilities.
Contact difficulties: Some campgrounds have communication challenges. Asia + Jalen B. reported about Atlanta West Campground: "I gave 3 stars because we drove through the campground and it was decent. Seemed clean, and the sites weren't too close together. However- not sure how they have so many people staying there when they were almost impossible for us to contact!"
