Dispersed camping near Evans, Georgia is limited, with most sites centered on the shoreline of Clarks Hill Lake. The area has average summer humidity of 85% with daily temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F in July and August. Water levels at the lake fluctuate seasonally, with some lakefront sites requiring steep climbs from camping areas to the water during low water months.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: 20+ miles of trails are accessible directly from Petersburg - J Strom Thurmond Lake, making it ideal for day hikers. The Bartram Trail passes through the property, offering both hiking and mountain biking options. One visitor noted, "Mountain bike trails in either direction just at the park entrance. Our site like most was right on the lake, and because we were out on more of a peninsula had great sunsets."
Geocaching adventures: Several caches are hidden throughout Hamilton Branch State Park Campground. According to one visitor, this park offers "Plenty of activities for kids and adults alike, including geocaching." The caches range from easy to challenging, providing a fun treasure hunt for all ages.
Horse trails: 12-mile designated route at Bussey Point Wilderness Area caters specifically to equestrians. The sites include pre-installed horse hitches and space for trailers. A reviewer mentioned, "Bussey Point is primarily for equestrians. The campsites have pre-installed horse hitches and plenty of room to move a horse trailer."
What campers like
Waterfront privacy: Most sites at Winfield - J Strom Thurmond Lake offer direct lake access without crowding. One camper described their experience: "Very large pull thru. Love how it was super private compared to the many other campgrounds I've been to... Site was right on the water. Beautiful views." Sites include water and electrical hookups.
Dark skies for stargazing: The limited light pollution makes several campgrounds ideal for night sky observation. A camper at Petersburg mentioned, "Nice campground. More private than state parks." The secluded nature of these campgrounds creates optimal stargazing conditions away from city lights.
Abundant wildlife viewing: Many campers report multiple deer sightings, particularly at Modoc - J Strom Thurmond Lake. "Wildlife live in the woods around the sites. I've seen deer, a bobcat, and various water fowl," noted one visitor. The peninsula location creates a natural wildlife corridor.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Petersburg Campground uses a gate security system during evening hours. According to a visitor, "Gates locked each evening at 10:00 with a combination lock code provided for access."
Lake water clarity fluctuates seasonally: Water can become murky during low-level periods, particularly at backcountry sites. One camper at Mistletoe noted, "The water is silty - pre-filtering recommended if you are using a filter."
Fire restrictions may apply: Not all campgrounds permit open fires, so check before planning campfire activities. One Winfield camper shared, "The site has a fire ring with grill, a standing grill, a picnic table, and a prep table."
Insect preparation essential: Numerous reviews mention ants and mosquitoes, especially in summer months. "Bring spray for ants an mosquitos but that's everywhere in the woods lol," advised a Winfield camper.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Sandy swimming areas at Wildwood County Park provide safe water access for children. A visitor commented, "Awesome beach area, great playground for kids. Kayak & paddleboard rentals. Decent pricing for campsites."
Free fishing equipment: Some parks offer complimentary fishing gear for children. At Mistletoe State Park, one family noted, "We had cabin 5 and walked to the water. Free fishing pole for kids."
Playgrounds and activity areas: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play spaces. At Wildwood, there are "great playground for kids" options, according to reviews. These provide alternatives when water activities aren't possible.
Water level awareness: During drought periods, some waterfront sites have difficult lake access. A reviewer at Modoc mentioned, "If the water is low like it was when I was here, the lake water was not accessible - you'd have to trudge through 50 feet of mud to get to it."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For larger rigs, focus on Petersburg and Heritage RV Park, which accommodate big rigs with level sites. One RVer noted about Heritage, "The sites were level and we had no problem fitting our RV and tow car in a back-in site."
Hook-up variations: Electricity amperage differs between campgrounds. At Petersburg, sites offer "50/30 amp service and water. There's no sewer hookup... dump station only." Knowing your power needs helps select appropriate sites.
Surface materials matter: Some sites have gravel/sand surfaces that can be challenging to keep clean. A Heritage RV Park visitor shared, "The pads for the back in smaller campers were sandy with a concrete pad next to it. The sand was impossible to keep out of the RV."
Interior loops preferred: At several campgrounds, interior sites offer more protection from wind. At Winfield, sites are "enormous, private, and provide panoramic lake views," making them ideal for RVers seeking both views and comfort.
