Lavonia sits in the foothills of northeast Georgia at approximately 800 feet elevation, offering access to Lake Hartwell with 962 miles of shoreline and 56,000 acres of water. The region experiences mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures and humid summers that typically range from 80-90°F. Most campgrounds near Lavonia remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Hiking at Tallulah Gorge: The 2-mile rim trail offers views of the 1,000-foot deep gorge with access to overlooks. Permits are required for gorge floor hiking when water conditions allow. "The hiking is fun but intense. Be prepared for lots of stairs, a bridge over the water, and rock hopping across the water," notes one Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground visitor.
Fishing from your campsite: Several Lake Hartwell campgrounds offer direct fishing access without needing to relocate. "We stayed at site 7 which is a pull through. We had camper and extra car with boat and kayak and fit with a little extra room. Able to kayak right from campsite," reports a camper at Tugaloo State Park Campground.
Water sports on Lake Hartwell: Swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking are popular from spring through fall when water temperatures warm up. "The lake is beautiful, there are plenty of places to swim, and tons of shoreline to explore. The playground is very nice," according to a visitor at Sadlers Creek State Park Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Many Lake Hartwell sites offer direct water access with gradual entry points. "Most campsites have views of the lake and access directly to the stoney beaches. Lots of mature trees make shade an easily accessible feature," writes a Tugaloo State Park visitor.
Paddling accessibility: Several parks feature launch points directly from campsites. "This is a great campground. Lots of spacious campsites. Lots of choices. We were lakeside on a pull through that was a bit short for us. The site was amazing we could kayak up to our site," shares a camper at Tugaloo State Park.
Clean facilities: Restrooms and shower buildings receive regular maintenance at most parks. "The camp host met us as we drove in even though we were slightly after office closing hours. The restrooms were clean, the showers were clean, and all the people we came across were so friendly," notes a visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground.
What you should know
Yurt camping in Lavonia, Georgia: Yurt accommodations are available at Tugaloo State Park with lakefront views and nearby at Tallulah Gorge. For traditional yurt camping near Lavonia, reservations should be made several months in advance during peak summer season.
Boat ramp accessibility: Most Lake Hartwell campgrounds feature boat launches, but some have limited parking. "If you have a boat or jetski there is a ramp. The lake is great for swimming. The campground also offers paddle board and kayak rentals," explains a visitor at South Cove County Park.
Some campgrounds lock gates after hours: Security measures may limit late-night access. "The campground has a gate that gets locked at 10 pm. You can leave but you can't come back into the campground after the gate gets locked," notes a South Cove County Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play equipment within walking distance of campsites. "There are multiple hiking trails near by and definitely a lot of wild life. But it was definitely a peaceful and quiet park perfect for a relaxing weekend away," shares a visitor at Oconee State Park Campground.
Wildlife interactions: Geese are common around Lake Hartwell and may approach campsites. "Warning! Don't feed the geese! The campers next to us fed them and the next day we woke up with goose poop on everything! Including the picnic table!" warns a South Cove County Park visitor.
Beach swimming areas: Designated swimming zones provide safer alternatives to lakefront sites with rocky access. "We took our 19, 11, and 4 year old. Tested the trails and enjoyed plenty of scenic views. Will definitely be going back," mentions a Tallulah Gorge State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. "Sites were large and spacious. We were in site #8 right on the lake. Water, electric and cable tv connections. No sites with sewer, but dump station has two receptacles so there was no wait to dump tanks on way out," explains a Tugaloo State Park camper.
Tree cover considerations: Some lakefront sites lack shade protection during summer. "The sites are big, with trees in between most sites. Most sites are a stones throw away from the lake. The view Lake Hartwell is Beautiful. There is no hook ups for sewer. But there is a dump station," reports a visitor at Springfield - Hartwell Lake.
Concrete pad availability: A few newer campgrounds offer improved parking surfaces. "Nice concrete pads in a former pasture. Not a lot of shade for most sites," notes a visitor at Currahee RV Park.
