Known as “Little Georgia”, Providence Canyon is a modern-day example of what happens when mankind attempts to change the land they live on. Thanks to years of poor agricultural practices, as well as erosion from the Coastal Plains, massive gullies as deep as 150 feet can be found all throughout the park. While this lack of foresight has irrevocably changed the land, it has also created some of the most beautiful photo opportunities in the State.

As a result of the geographic changes, the canyon’s soil proudly showcase its scars, colored in vibrant hues of pink, orange, red, yellow, and purple. This makes the area a prime destination spot for Photographers and scenic enthusiasts. Moreover, the area is home to the Plumleaf Azalea, a rare type of wildflower that blooms in late July/early August, when most other Azaleas have already started to wain in vibrance. 

When it comes to recreation, there’s a wide range of outdoor activities to partake in. Thanks to the local geography, Providence Canyon is perfect for hiking, fishing, mountain biking, climbing, and so much more. One of the more interesting activities to consider is the Canyon Climber Club. This club challenges participants to brave three local features that showcase extreme outdoor adventure. Brave the depths of the Canyon, overcome the staircase of Cloudland Canyon, and trek across the swinging bridge of Tallulah Gorge. Those who complete all three challenges win extreme bragging rights, plus a sweet certificate to show off. 

Camping here is difficult, simply because there aren't many sites available. There are 3 pioneer-style campsites with regular amenities, and 6 backcountry campsites which require you to be okay with a little less comfort. While there is a visitors center, a concession stand, and restrooms available, not every campsite is close by. Therefore, it’s important to be sure you plan your trip in advance to meet your needs and circumstances. Pioneer campsites (close to bathrooms and the visitor center) range from $40-$80 a night, while the backcountry options start at just $10/night.

Providence Canyon State Park Campground

Providence Canyon State Park, Lumpkin, GA

  

https://gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon 

  

Providence Canyon State Park is tucked away in the southwest corner of Georgia...but offers a surprising beauty as a result of erosion. As you enter the State Park, it is fairly linear running alongside the roadway. Day use appears to be the high volume. 

  

Two children’s playgrounds, two picnic pavilions and two restrooms are positioned along the upper rim as you head to the visitor center. The visitor center offers location specific clothing, souvenirs and some snack items...along with additional restrooms. 

  

Opposite the first playground, on the right side of the roadway when you enter the park is a Methodist church from 1832 and a small pioneer cemetery that offers a realistic view of the hardships faced by these adventurous folks. 

  

The actual“Georgia Grand Canyon” is barely visible as you make your way to the visitors center. But once you’ve paid the daily use fee($5) and signed in...you can choose the trails you desire to explore. An upper rim trail, fenced by split rail, travels the canyon rim... is easiest and offers a splendid Birdseye view and wonderful photo opportunities.. 

  

Hiking down into the shallow canyon affords a worthwhile close-up view and nicer photographs (in my opinion) especially with the backdrop of azure skies. Because the canyon and formations are merely sand and clay, they are fragile. As I briefly climb upon my soapbox, the plethora of posted warning signs are not heeded, so violators climb and scramble for their coveted selfies...defacing the natural beauty and causing more damage. While warning signs make threat of prosecution, without consistent or constant enforcement it will continue. 

  

Once on the canyon floor, you have a few options...but for the best views hang a left and follow the small wooden Canyon 1-5 signs. All the reviews state canyons 4 and 5 are the nicest...and they are...but if you explore the canyons in numerical sequence, each gets better as you go. With fully leafed trees and foliage, viewing is tough in canyons 1-3. Signage is absent as to where the trails end, as past hikers tread further and higher in each canyon. Canyons 4 and 5 offer more prohibitive signage. 

  

The canyon floor is a mixture of wet and dry sand. In areas a steady stream of water flows. It was dry weather on my visit so I can only assume the water would be deeper during or immediately following rains. During my late October visit, water wasn’t deep enough to enter your hiking shoes. Heed the heat and drinking water warnings during hot days, Little to no breeze in the canyon. 

  

I did not travel the longer backcountry trail on this visit, so defer to other reviewers comments on its enjoyment.

  

 **Camping**: You have two choices...a handful of Backcountry Primitive Camping that require a backpack into the canyon and 3 Pioneer Group Campsites. It’s easy to miss Pioneer Campsites 1&amp; 2, as they are located beyond the gated park and down a two track gravel drive. Unfortunately, from the campsite, the roadway can be seen through the trees and traffic noise is loud when traveling by. During normal sleep hours (midweek) night traffic was sparse, but still disruptive. Because of road construction during my visit, it wasn’t excessive during daylight hours. 

  

Pioneer 1-3 are essentially group sites designed to accommodate larger camping parties. But for one tent and two people $43.00 was an exorbitant price, especially with merely a pit toilet, two picnic tables and a fire ring...NO electric, NO water. But I’ve found Georgia parks a tad steep in cost in comparison to other State’s parks. 

  

Interestingly, time zones shift from Eastern at the visitors center to Central Time at Pioneer Campsites 1&amp; 2...so be cognizant of the switch. Pioneer 1 group site boasts a newer pit latrine with a solar spot light for nighttime...and was amply stocked. Previous campers removed the two large picnic tables from beneath the shed style shelter to the campfire ring area. The picnic tables are large and heavy, so without a group present, you won’t be moving them back to their rightful location. 

  

For a tent camping location...there is negligible flat ground to pitch a tent, but if you are a hammock camper there are plenty of trees. The grounds at Pioneer 1 where strewn with plastic and pop tops, cigarette butts, partially melted plastic ware and snack food wrappers littered the wooded area. Not cool. A lidded plastic garbage can is tethered to the shelter so there is no excuse.

  

 Pioneer site 2 had a grassy field, flatter area for tents and further down into the canyon past Pioneer site 1. 

  

Pioneer site 3 is appears to be the coveted group site with ample flat, grassy field for tents, area for parking and a huge shelter. The long winding gravel two-track is also located immediately to the left upon entering the main entrance so you have the“security” of the park’s front gate being locked at 6:00 p.m.(A pavement sensor permits egress if you need to exit, but you won’t be driving back in til morning when they reopen.) 

  

Overall, if you shared the site as a group, defraying the cost...midweek camping would not be bad. After visiting the canyon for a couple hours, there is not much else to visit in the immediate area, so bring a book. 

  

**Wildlife:** you’ll likely hear some owls calling out throughout the night and woodpeckers in early morning. Small yellow finch’s were abundant. Mention of wild hogs in the park as well. 

  

**Final thoughts**: A one time camping visit is sufficient for my tastes. Even at half the price, I’m not sure I’d camp here solo. However, I will likely visit the canyon in the future to see possible changes due to further erosion.

Fascinating History and Formations

This is a really beautiful park that makes you think you are out west somewhere and definitely not in the south.  It is about a 2.5 hours drive south of Atlanta. 
Call in advance to book a campsite, you book one of the sites but have to hike down and pick one that isn't filled yet. So you don't know how long your hike is going to be until you get there.  It is about a 7 mile loop. The campsites are along the ridge and not in the canyon. This is nice because you get some tree cover and it is nice and secluded. There are some campsites right off the trail and some back in the woods a bit more. It just depends which ones are taken first.
We hiked in, made camp and hung out for night. In the morning we packed up hiked back to our car to get fresh water and unload our packs, then made our way back down to explore the canyons. 
You will definitely get a lot of mileage with this trip. Be prepared to bring lots of water as it gets hot during the summer. Pack it in, pack it out. 
They are dog friendly but they are supposed to be on a leash. I would wear shoes that can get wet and muddy as the canyon trail is a small riverbed. 
The camp check-in has bathrooms and general store where you can purchase things you may have forgot. They also have vending machines and that ice cold sports drink was amazing when we were done.
Overall we had a great time and would recommend it to everyone.

Providence Canyon State Park Camping Trip

The park staff was extremely helpful and very kind. We stayed in the back country and the hike in was beautiful. Very clean park and it appeared that most campsites were well kept. Campsite 5 is the only site off the trail a bit and we enjoyed the seclusion!

Fun & Friendly 

Providence Canyon is one of the most unique areas in the Southeast thanks to its red and white canyon walls, a look far more akin to the West. While this canyon may be dwarfed in size by its Western counter parts, it is still a gorgeous area to explore. visitors can walk down into the canyon in order to see the red clay walls. The trails themselves follow creek beds until they reach the destination. With 9 separate canyons, visitors can explore the area for some time. Canyons 4 and 5 are certainly the most popular due to their larger size and great beauty. Along with the short trails around the canyons, visitors can spend the night in the back country of the park as well. Along a 7 mile loop, there are 6 primitive campsites, each with a fire pit, logs for sitting, and cleared out space for tents or hammocks. The hike in can be difficult due to the heat and humidity common in South Georgia. Also be wary of the bugs (many spider webs wIll be in the path). After spending the night, campers can complete to loop to get a handful of views from the rim of the canyon before making their way back to the visitor center. Over all, this Park has some amazing and unique views for this part of the country and is a quality spot for camping as well. 

Unique views and hot weather

Definitely worth a pit stop! We didn’t camp but we hiked around the rim it was really neat to see, the Canyon was formed from poor farming techniques! There were also a bunch of cats! We stopped here on the way back from Pine Mountain, GA

Mini Grand Canyon 

Great for a day hike!

The trail started off through a small river, which also looked like a watering hole for the wildlife that lives there. The trail was eey clean with limited people on the trial, we only saw three the entire time there. This is a state park so they have 6 primitive sights with pre-constructed fire pits. This is a great trail for people starting out. The only downside was how many hogs we saw on the trail. We saw a prints and them off in the distance quite a few times, but the morning we were packing out we had to hogs on the trail that seemed pretty aggressive and made us turn around to pack out the other way. I knew there would be a lot of wildlife down there it was in multiple reviews, but the one thing I did not ever read was the viewpoints are only seen from a small section of the trail, I was under the notion there would be a spectacular view for more than half of the hike.

Providence canyon

**Providence Canyon State Outdoor Recreation Area** is called Georgia’s “little Grand Canyon”. 

There is no regular campground but there are 6 backcountry campsites and three pioneer group sites. We visited the pioneer site #3 with enclosed pavilion , grill, picnic tables and restroom facilities. Excellent for large group outings. Reservations online can be for specific pioneer sites. If you reserve a backcountry site it is not specific. 

The Canyon offers a lot to explore. Realize you will have sand in everything by the time your done ;). 

The Canyon was created by bad farming practices in the 1800 but it now offers some picturesque views. While your hiking the rim you will see some of the “refuse” left on old homesteads, (ie rusted vehicles).

Some of the canyons open up into barren “valleys” others have a LOT of vegetation. 

There’s not much nearby so make sure you pack what you need the first time. Bug spray is a must and mosquito screen or netting. 

I completed the Canyon Climbers Club this year and this was one of the four canyons to hike. [https://gastateparks.org/CanyonClimbersClub](https://gastateparks.org/CanyonClimbersClub)

Little Canyon 

The canyon is beautiful. However the campsites are in a completely different section of the park. The trail out to the sites is longer than we planned for but we made it work. Unfortunately, you don't go thru or see the canyon on the way to the sites. We checked it out after we hiked out. We did stay at the one site that had a shelter that some boyscouts built. It was very nice! 

Unique

We did not camp here, just hiked part of the loop. There is a great picnic area at the top with a playground and a fantastic view. 

As for the actual hike, make sure to bring bug spray, water, and tons of sunscreen. Also if it’s rained anytime recently, make sure you know how to get orange clay out of your clothing! 

Beautiful hike

Super pretty canyon to go explore in! We camped at the primitive back county loop. It requires a hike into the canyon, so fair warning. Watch out for tons of spiders, the path is covered in webs. Overall it was a great experience and the canyon is beautiful! 

Beautiful Canyon and Hiking

We visited Providence Canyon and was amazed by the size of this park. We were skeptical as the area is sometimes referred to as Georgia's little grand canyon. I still have a problem with that comparison but what a great place to visit. We did not camp here as the park only has a few hike in campsites and we had our A-Frame camper with us. We were able to park the camper at another Georgia state park (Florence Marina) very near by which made this a good area for a day trip. We hiked the canyon trails which was very interesting but be prepared, the canyon floor can be wet and the dirt is red, you will get dirty. There's also trails that allow you to hike the canyon's perimeter which offers views from a higher vantage point, this allows you to really see the size of these canyons. There are numerous picnic tables scattered throughout the upper area of the park with a restroom. This area can get really crowded in the summer which makes parking a challenge so plan accordingly.  

  

A great way to spend a day outdoors!

An Amazing Area

National take a hike day

We reserved group shelter 03 which has access to trails right behind it, electricity, two bathrooms, and plenty of parking room for a large group of people. The canyon was awesome! Dress for walking through mud and water.

Great birthday weekend for husband

This place is so unique, you’ll feel like you’re somewhere out west instead of near the GA/AL line. Absolutely stunning views from the upper areas, especially at sunset. The canyon floor trails were our favorite, and the 7 mile backcountry trail was wonderful as well. Every single trail offers contrasting views, make time to do all 3 of them if you can. Absolutely our favorite park in south/middle georgia.  The only camping options are hike-in sites, so we stayed 10 minutes up the road at Florence Marina State Park. 

Absolutely amazing, a must-see in GA

This place is excellent for hiking. There are several trails to take. Some of the trails definitely get your heart pumping. The views here are excellent so many different colors. Being from Florida you don't really get to see views like this. This park has Backcountry camping only does not have any hookups. We camped at nearby Florence Marina State Park which was only 9 miles away. We spent two days here hiking you definitely can spend extra time here. There are nine different canyons to explore. There is a steady stream of water flowing on the bottom of the canyon.  At the time we went it was a small trickle but you will get wet and muddy. There is also a 7 Mile trail you can take but we did not take that trail. There is a trail that goes around the rim of the canyon that is easier for someone who is not as mobile. The views from the rim of the canyon were outstanding. One part of the trail has some old abandoned cars from the homestead that used to be there which made for an interesting part of the trail. This park also has a visitor center picnic area and playground. If you live in the Southeast this is a must go place. It  would be a great place to take your kids. 

Amazing place in Georgia

Beautiful, rich colors in the canyon! It is a beautiful place to hike! Make sure you wear appropriate shoes, the canyon floor usually has a little stream running through it and is quite sandy! There is only backcountry camping here, which is perfect for us! We tent camp only and need no amenities! It also typically insures for a quiet and peaceful experience. There are restrooms by the gift shop and a playground down the road. All three kids make the canyon trail 1-9!

Little Grand Canyon 

Camping review: Backcountry. It is$10/person/night with$10 overnight parking fee. Campsite 1 and 2 are closest to scenic views, and have shortcuts. If those are not available, campsite 6 is the closest when you go through the red-blaze trail.

  

The hikes to the campsites are up and down hill drastically(some places felt like a 80 degree incline) and are usually a two mile hike, so plan accordingly. There was plenty of dry dead wood available even after rain because if the canapes, we discovered carrying wood up hill was not worth it. Calculate how much water you need pr day, for drinking, cooking and cleaning your utensils. They recommend, when hiking or physically asserting yourself,.5 liters/person/hour and I agree. 

  

You WILL stand in about 2 inches of water in some areas when hiking so water proof shoes are almost a necessity. There is a shallow Creek with an orange clay bed running through the area. Only animals to watch out for are hogs(especially mother's with babies) and small coyotes, but we saw none of them. This is in the middle of no where and the nearest grocery store is about a 30 min drive, so plan accordingly. 

  

It is beautiful and the people running it are super super sweet and helpful. I loved my stay, just wish I had calculated my water a bit more accurately and that I had believed people when they said there would be enough wood before carrying that extra weight. Credit cards accepted for camping reservations and parking fees but not accepted if just hiking for the day. $5 day parking cash only.

Backcountry camping.

Providence Canyon SP is Georgia’s “Little Grand Canyon”. It’s basically a huge erosion site, but it is very pretty and interesting.
The deep gullies, some up to 150 feet, were caused by poor farming practices during the 1800s. Today they make some of the prettiest photographs within the state. 
The canyon soil’s pink, orange, red and purple hues make a beautiful setting for hiking, although it can be messy. There is usually a layer of water along the trail, where the water table is just below the surface.
The park trails provide views of the canyons from the rim trail (stay behind fences) and you can also explore the deepest canyons.
Backpackers can stay overnight along the backcountry trail which winds through the canyon and mixed forest. 
There are 3 Pioneer camp sites and 6 backcountry sites. All are primitive camping, and require reservations.
RV and improved Camping, cottages and cabins are available nearby at Florence Marina State Park.

It’s an erosion site, but still pretty 

This made made wonder is truly a sight to see!  The pictures do not do it justice.  I would highly recommend hiking here and spending the day.  The trail down to the canyon is sloped and once down there it can be wet.  Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.  Climbing back up the trail is fairly steep.  The rim trail provides excellent views of the surrounding canyons.

Breathtaking 

We did the primitive site for an overnight hike in. We loved it! Definitely need your map to get through the lower canyon area. When they say follow the creek, they mean walk In it until you find the path. Don’t venture out at night, came across some angry hogs! 

Primitive campsite was great

It is very close to Florence Marina State Park where we camped. We got up early and dodged the rain to hike down into the canyon and around the rim. Some very nice colors. It was well worth the visit. 

Wow!!!!

This place seemed so unreal.  It was so beautiful and well kept park.  The views were spectacular and the park was very clean.  The staff and rangers were all really nice and helpful.  This is definitely a park to check out of you are in the area.  Can’t say enough good things about it.  

We stayed at the Pioneer 1 campsite. The entrance is about a half mile down a winding curvy road from the main entrance and comes out of nowhere.  This is a message to anyone considering renting from Pioneer Site 1 or 2: the road is not paved and meant for a vehicle with 4 wheel drive. If you have a small car, it is likely to get some damage from the drive in. The road in has became very eroded away, so use caution. The site is awesome. 1 and 2 are probably at least a .25 mile away from each other, so you don’t need to worry about your neighbors. Has a great fire pit, canopy and 2 picnic tables. Also comes with a pit privy, so bring some toilet paper and flashlights are a must. The privy does have solar lights outside and inside, but won’t last all night.

As far as the canyon, it’s absolutely amazing. Pictures do no justice. Walking sticks are helpful. There is quite a ways of small streams that you have to walk thru to get to 1-5. Wasn’t too deep as long as you watch where you walk. Remember where you hike to you have to go back. The walk back up is a little tough, but just make sure you have water.

Overall great place to camp and hike. Only thing to note is that road into the pioneer campsite area. Luckily we had a big truck but our neighbors had a small car and couldn’t imagine what that road did to their car.

Camping was great

Wow. This park is phenomenal! It is so beautiful. The canyons are breathtaking and the staff is so helpful and friendly! 

Pets are welcomed and many people had theirs. So if your pet doesn’t like crowds or other pets it would be best to leave them home. Also it’s a decent walk very steep and at times strenuous so elderly people or pets may want to stay at the top. (We slipped multiple times going down.)

Make sure you take a cash to get in the gate or you will have to go to the visitor center. 

We plan to go back and camp but I believe you have to hike to the camp sites. 


Breathtakingly Beautiful

This park is beautiful and completely unexpected given its surroundings. Definitely something unique and worth seeing. The camping is rather rustic, and as another user noted, the road to pioneer 1 and 2 and not well maintained. The road to pioneer 3 looked like it might be easier for a smaller car, but we didn't drive there. This is one of the more expensive campsites I have booked, but it was well worth it!

A unique sight!

We camped with a group of 7 at Pioneer 2 and had a blast! The site was HUGE! We fit 4 tents and 3 cars and had so much room left to set up games, hammocks, tables and more. The site has two tables and a cover, fire pit and an outhouse located within the site. A back trail connects to the backcountry loop which you takes you to the canyon if you’re up for a little bit of a hike. When you check in, be sure to get your parking passes for the canyon which are included in the cost of camping. You’ll be able to access a general store that sells firewood, clean modern toilets and a water spigot (there is no water at the campsite itself). They will also give you directions to a sister park down the road where you can use the comfort station and showers. The area is quiet and we all really enjoyed our trip!

Peace and quiet 

I went to this place with my son, we stayed there for two days, great views around and a lot of hiking which good.

Great experience 

Wild camping (walking thought canyon) 12 dlls night, wild camping has nothing of facilities. Luxury camping (park next to your tent) 45-85 dlls depending the size of your vehicle (rv,van,car,etc) at the luxury camping you have potable water, restrooms, bench, grill, grass, and trees. Reservations can be done at their website which I already added to the description of the campsite.


Camping at Canyon 

Great campsites across the way from the canyon

Great experience at providence canyon

We stayed here in early July for two nights.   We had a thunderstorm early evening the first night making the picnic table shelter welcome.  

It is a little muddy in places, and when it rains, it is a bit difficult to drive out due to mud.  You do need a vehicle that sits a little higher than just a standard car.  

Also, I recommend not using the privy.  We took our own clean waste camping toilet for our stay.  

TMobile cell service is very poor so don't rely on it for emergencies.  We took our satellite communicator just in case.

Overall, we had a good stay.  But you do need to be a experienced tent camper.
