Camping options near White Plains, Georgia cluster around Lake Oconee, a 19,000-acre reservoir with 374 miles of shoreline. The area sits at approximately 435 feet elevation with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-60°F with occasional freezing nights, creating year-round camping opportunities with spring and fall offering the most moderate conditions.
What to Do
Hiking trails for all levels: A. H. Stephens State Park Campground offers several well-maintained hiking paths. "We hiked from the campground to Lake Buncombe and also hiked from Sunset Drive trail to Lake Liberty and the office. Equestrian trails are closed to hiking during the weekend," notes Cathy C., who also recommended day trips to nearby Greensboro.
Fishing opportunities: Lawrence Shoals Campground provides excellent lake access for anglers. "The lake is very large and welcomes boaters of any kind, including jet skis. There is a small swimming beach," explains Mike B., who particularly appreciated the clean facilities and spacious campsites.
Historical exploration: Visit the museum at A.H. Stephens State Park. "We loved the historical museum there too," shares Elaine G. Another camper, Norris K., adds that "Park is the home of the VP of the Confederacy and features his home and Civil War artifacts (check for open hours)."
Boating and paddling: Old Salem Park Campground offers direct lake access with a boat ramp. "This campground is all about the lake. Not just because its on a lake, but because with no real trails or other sites to see in the near by area its definitely this parks main focus," explains Fain H. The campground features numerous waterfront sites perfect for launching kayaks or canoes.
Swimming beach access: Hamburg State Park Campground provides lake swimming options. "We took the aqua cycle out. It can sit four people comfortably," mentions Holly S. Most campsites at Hamburg offer direct water access with half providing shade cover.
What Campers Like
Spacious, well-designed sites: A. H. Stephens State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its layout. "We really like campgrounds that have a lot of room, space between each site and easy sites to get in to. AH Stephen's fits that bill!" shares Debbie K., who appreciated the campground's cleanliness and spaciousness.
Exceptionally clean facilities: Lawrence Shoals Campground maintains pristine bathhouses. "The showers and restroom facilities are the cleanest I've ever experienced, hot water was abundant," notes Mike B., who also praised the park's multi-use trails for both hiking and mountain biking.
Family-friendly amenities: Old Salem Park Campground offers activities for children. "We have been going here since I was a kid. Now I take my kids to old salem. Its great. They have playgrounds and a beach. A Pavillion area for party's and lots of lake to fish on," explains Bridget S.
Direct waterfront access: Hamburg State Park Campground features premium lakeside camping. "All most all sites are literally right on the lake. Extremely quite and literally in the middle of nowhere. If you want to rest and relax in solitude, this is you place," writes David Glenn M. Another camper adds that "Almost all sites are in the water with half shaded."
What You Should Know
Wildlife considerations: Prepare for insects, particularly at Old Salem Park Campground. "Be prepared for the ants! Woke up and we had crickets to fish with and worms hung the crickets up and the ants were terrible," warns James S., who still enjoyed the campground despite this issue. Multiple reviews mention ant problems requiring advance preparation.
Limited connectivity: Hamburg State Park Campground offers a true disconnect. "Great get away for nothing but quietness. No internet, no nothing. Just a peaceful lake escaping reality," shares Todd L., highlighting both the isolation and the benefit of almost every campsite being lakefront.
Weather preparedness: Spring storms can impact visits. "While the tropical storm weather cut our trip to AH Stephens Historic Park we still very much enjoyed our visit," mentions Elizabeth M., who stayed in sites 9 and 12, noting they were nicely graveled and level despite the weather.
Services and supplies: Stock up before arriving at more remote locations. "The park located in small town. It is very quite, nothing is nearby. Walmart is 33 miles away, so you should stock up before camping there," advises Luan N. about A.H. Stephens State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Dog friendly options: Mistletoe State Park Campground welcomes pets and offers water activities for the entire family. "Great site 49, awesome views. Comfort stations close and clean. Lots of water activities," notes Stephanie K. The park provides multiple hiking trails suitable for families with dogs.
Beach activities: North Shore Landing has dedicated swimming areas for children. "The campground is clean, quiet and right on beautiful Lake Oconee. It has it's own private little beach, boat slips which you can rent for your boat, a lots of fun for the kids," shares Stephanie H.
Educational opportunities: A.H. Stephens State Park offers historical learning experiences. "The park had a beautiful Christmas light display with hot chocolate and a Christmas movie playing on a big screen. The park staff were so friendly," mentions Mary G., highlighting the park's seasonal activities beyond standard camping.
Kid-friendly rentals: Hamburg State Park offers equipment families can use. "Today was beautiful. We took the aqua cycle out. It can sit four people comfortably. Fished and walked around a little bit," shares Holly S., noting the excellent customer service.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: At Hamburg State Park Campground, consider sun exposure when choosing sites. "Sites 1-20 get the morning sun, 21-30 get the afternoon sun. Trees provided good shade. Our site was fairly level, no boards needed," advises Roger L., who visited in October and found the campground to be "very quiet, relaxing."
Hookup availability: North Shore Landing offers full-service RV camping. "Located on Lake Oconee, North Shore Landing is a KOA/TRA campground. There is a dock to fish from, and a boat launch if you want to go out," explains Alisha B., adding that the "campground is per friendly, full hook-up, with WiFi (pay for premium)."
Access considerations: Watch for low clearance points when approaching certain campgrounds. "Depending on the road you take in watch for a low train bridge that appears tall but the road goes up on the other side and it will get you," warns Brent C. about North Shore Landing, one of the most accessible dog friendly campgrounds near White Plains.
Site spacing awareness: Some RV parks offer less privacy than others. "Folks were nice and present but the sites are very tight. We came in and were not happy with our site. The staff did try to help us find a better site but they are very limited on 50amp sites," cautions Larry M. about North Shore Landing.
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