Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground offers diverse camping experiences with more than just glamping options. The park features traditional campsites with water and electric hookups arranged in multiple loops. Campground bathrooms are regularly maintained by camp hosts, with several reviewers noting their cleanliness. The camping area connects directly to multiple hiking trails, making it possible to start adventures right from your site.
What to do
Fishing and boating opportunities: At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, campers can enjoy lake activities throughout their stay. "Deep water camp sites," notes one reviewer, highlighting the direct water access. For families wanting to fish from shore, the campground offers numerous coves with easy water entry points.
Trail exploration: With multiple interconnected trail systems, the area supports both casual walkers and serious hikers. "We walked several miles each day exploring," said a visitor to Amity Campground, where they discovered "a nature trail within the campground that leads to a marsh where there are duck, owl, and bluebird nest boxes."
Wildlife viewing: Dedicated observation areas make spotting native wildlife accessible. "There are two long boardwalks where you can walk over the marsh. There's a good chance you'll see turtles and frogs," shares an Amity Campground visitor. Other campers report seeing deer, armadillos, and various bird species throughout the region.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing between sites at Blanton Creek Campground, where one visitor noted it's "quiet lovely small campground. We had a very private site and loved it." Many camping areas feature mature tree cover providing natural shade.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out in reviews across multiple campgrounds. At Franklin D Roosevelt State Park Campground, a visitor observed that "The bathrooms are all spotless and each area has a camp host constantly cleaning," making longer stays more comfortable.
Family-friendly activities: Parents appreciate the range of structured activities for children. "My four kids and I had a blast at FDR state park. They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that my kids loved doing," shared a parent who visited with their family.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds in the area operate with limited schedules. "It is currently only open from April to Labor Day. We would love it even more if the Corps of Engineers would keep it open all year long," noted a regular visitor to Amity Campground regarding its seasonal availability.
Gate policies: Several campgrounds implement strict access rules. At R. Shaefer Heard Campground, "the gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy," according to one camper's experience, which could impact late arrivals or early departures.
Weather impacts: The region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations. Summer heat can be intense, with one camper at Florence Marina State Park noting, "I do not recommend going in July. It was HOT!" Spring and fall typically offer more moderate temperatures for outdoor activities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Pine Mountain RV Resort, families can enjoy "a playground, pool, hot tub, and fun mushroom splash pool," making it particularly appealing for families with younger children looking for glamping near Waverly Hall, Georgia.
Kid-friendly biking routes: Many campgrounds offer safe biking experiences for children. At Franklin D Roosevelt State Park, one parent mentioned, "We camped in campground 5 and from where our site was we could see the playground and also let our kids ride their bikes around the circle that the camp sites were on."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs for children. "They have a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing," shared a parent at FDR State Park, adding an educational component to family camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RV campers should note topography variations at some sites. A visitor to Florence Marina State Park Campground appreciated that "sites are super level," while those at Pine Mountain RV Resort found "the sites below the pool area are a little tighter and un-level."
Power considerations: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. One camper at Pine Mountain reported, "30 amp circuit was not adequate. The breaker continually tripped while using small kitchen appliances," suggesting larger rigs may want to seek 50-amp service.
Full hookup availability: Several area campgrounds offer complete services. "Site 16 has full hook up," noted a visitor to Florence Marina State Park, making it convenient for extended stays in luxury glamping accommodations around Waverly Hall.
