R. Shaefer Heard Campground features 117 waterfront or water-view sites within the 26,000-acre West Point Lake system. Located in Georgia's Pine Mountain region with elevations ranging from 600-900 feet, this area experiences moderate temperatures averaging 72°F from spring through fall. The clay-rich red soil around West Point Lake creates distinctive shoreline conditions and affects water clarity, especially after rainfall.
What to do
Fishing from your campsite: Many sites at Amity Campground offer direct water access. "Deep water camp sites... you won't be disappointed," notes Rodney G. The campground provides "nice, quiet campground. Great views of the lake from most sites."
Bird watching on established trails: The Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail runs through several campgrounds. At Amity, "a nature trail within the campground leads to a marsh where there are duck, owl, and bluebird nest boxes. There are two long boardwalks where you can walk over the marsh."
Kayak in secluded coves: Launch directly from waterfront sites. "We were able to launch our kayaks right from our campsite and saw several others launch boats from theirs," reports Kara at Holiday Campground. Jamie H. adds, "it is never over crowded and its numerous coves make for pretty safe swimming and shoreline fishing."
What campers like
Private camping areas: Sites at R. Shaefer Heard Campground offer seclusion. "If you value privacy, you'll love the layout: each site is tucked deep into the woods, with excellent space and seclusion," says Denis P. Another camper mentions, "Our site was in a cove with limited views of the lake."
Tent-friendly waterfront options: Several campgrounds accommodate tent campers with lake access. "We had spot 96 and we tent camped. The spot was wonderful. Right beside the water so the kids were able to play in the water most of the time," shares Justin W. about R. Shaefer Heard.
Late checkout policies: Some campgrounds offer extended departure times. Dianna B. appreciates that "Late checkout (3pm) was so nice" at R. Shaefer Heard Campground, allowing for a full final day of activities before packing up.
What you should know
Gate closure times: R. Shaefer Heard enforces strict gate rules. "The gate is locked shut from 10 PM to 8 AM, no exceptions unless the elderly host personally deems your emergency worthy," cautions Denis P.
Seasonal water levels: Water access can change throughout the year. "The lake is down right now because they are repairing the dam so it was fun to walk along the banks," reports SJ W. at R. Shaefer Heard.
Variable bathroom facilities: Campground bathhouses vary in quality. At Franklin D Roosevelt State Park, "bathrooms are all spotless and each area has a camp host constantly cleaning," while other campgrounds have more basic facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation centers with children's activities: Some nearby facilities offer entertainment options. "This small off the beaten path campgrounds has lots to offer for kids with a water park and skating rink attached to the property you don't even have to leave," says Rodney G. about Three Creeks Campground.
Group camping for family reunions: Holiday Campground offers dedicated group areas. "We had one of the group sites that had 10 spots total... Our whole family camped out there and enjoyed the close proximity to each other's site," shares Jeremy N.
Kid-friendly programming: Some parks offer structured activities. Joshua H. at Franklin D Roosevelt State Park mentions, "They have a lot of stuff to do there. We fished and swam, they also had a scavenger hunt that you kids loved doing."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. Ward explains at R. Shaefer Heard Campground: "Reserved out spot long in advance to get a spot on the lake, please do like all campgrounds all sites are not created equal. Most all are concrete pads and level but if your camper is over 25' or so length may cause a problem."
Power considerations: Some campgrounds have limited electrical capacity. At Pine Mountain RV Resort, "30 amp circuit was not adequate. The breaker continually tripped while using small kitchen appliances."
Pet-friendly amenities: For pet-friendly camping near West Point, Georgia, site layout matters. Liz H. appreciates Franklin D Roosevelt State Park: "Site 213 and 214. Beautiful wooded site lots of space between sites in this loop... with lots of room for our dogs." The concrete picnic tables and fire rings provide defined spaces for pets and owners.