For those who want to experience Tamassee, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. Camping has always been a favorite form of travel for many, but Tamassee, SC glamping is a new and unique way to do it. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping for your Tamassee adventure.
After hours of scrolling through nature photos and majestic mountains, the urge to get out and explore is hard to ignore. We applaud the explorers and adventurers of the world who brave the treacherous elements, as well as the sweet photos that come as a result. However, for many the ideal of a fun weekend away consists less of roughing it, and more relaxing on a beach or in a warm cabin. If you’re in the latter of these groups, you’re going to love Oconee State Park.
Oconee is the idealistic place for families and friends looking for a nostalgic getaway complete with rustic charm and character. Dotted throughout the park are rustic, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Cabins available for nightly and weekly rental. Meanwhile, a small, glassy lake lazily invites campers to disrupt its reflection with the canoes and kayaks located on shore.
The Greenville region is known for 25+ waterfalls found throughout. Closer in, the 1,100+ acre state park hosts a number of wooded nature trails snake throughout. It also serves as the trailhead for South Carolina’s 77 miles Foothills Trail. Friends and families visiting can enjoy the local wildlife, as well as the regional flora and fauna which proudly thrive in abundance.
In the summer Lake Oconee comes alive, creating the backdrop for unforgettable family vacations. Festivities begin in June, including Square Dancing, mini golf, pedal boating competitions, and so much more. However the Winter Months are just as enjoyable if you don’t mind getting cozy in a warm cabin, sipping some coco, and reading a good book. The rangers here are known for their hospitality, and are knowledgeable on the area. Stop in their lodge for a small convenience store, firewood, and great conversations.
Oconee offers all the benefits of a mountain resort without the upscale pricing. There are 140+ sites available for rent, starting at just $21/night. Cabins and lodging is available but pricing is dependent on group sizes and room choice, so be sure plan out your trip in advance before coming.
Tallulah Gorge State Park is designated one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia and is a great place for camping near Atlanta. Tallulah Gorge is a 2-mile-long, 1000-foot-deep canyon of metamorphic rock, where the Tallulah River tumbles over six dramatic waterfalls. This unique ecosystem is also the home to several endangered plant species, including the persistent trillium. These natural features have drawn visitors to the gorge since the early 1800s, and with the construction of the Tallulah Falls Railway in 1882, it became Georgia’s first official tourist attraction. Now the gorge is a hotspot for outdoor activity, ranging from hiking, fishing and swimming, to more adventurous pursuits, such as rock climbing and whitewater paddling.
The best way to explore Tallulah Gorge is to camp at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Located 100 miles northeast of Atlanta, this 2700-acre park provides 50 tent and RV sites (two are ADA-accessible) on the rim of the raging river gorge. The park also has one group site, and three hike-in backcountry sites. Campsites in the park are fairly compact and close together, so don’t expect a lot of seclusion. Campground amenities include flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities and a dump station. There are also two playgrounds for the kids, picnic areas, an interpretive center, and access to a sandy beach on Tallulah Falls Lake.
The main draw to Tallulah Gorge is hiking down to Sliding Rock at the bottom of the gorge. The park only issues 100 permits per day for this hike in order to minimize impact and maintain the canyon’s natural character. These permits are given on a first-come, first-serve basis, and cannot be reserved in advance—so get yours early! Without a permit, there are many more trails to hike along the rim of the gorge, with each offering stunning viewpoints. Don’t miss the suspension bridge on the Hurricane Falls Trail, which provides a spectacular river view from 80 feet directly above the churning waterfall.
FUN FACT: Tallulah Gorge was used as a filming location for Marvel’s Infinity War. Eagle-eyed fans may recognize Hurricane Falls in the final battle in Wakanda.
Table Rock State Park is known for being a perfect glimpse into the scenic bliss that South Carolina's Highway 11 is known for. Most prominent to the park is the towering mountain Table Rock, where the park earns its name. This also serves as a backdrop for the 3,000 acre park, and its numerous camping facilities. Below this section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors can enjoy Table Rock State Park's cabins and campground, as well as lakes and various hiking trails located within.
The Table Rock State Park hiking trails weave through mountain streams, babbling brooks, and rushing waterfalls to the tops of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains. The views here showcase the entirety of the region, and shouldn’t be skipped if you’re planning on visiting. That said, while the park is well known for its natural features, Table Rock also has its place in history.
For example, the park’s hiking trails host the access point for the 80-mile Foothills Trail, one of the most famous in the Midwest. Hikers often use this trail to travel through the extensive network of SC state parks. These trails date all the way back to the Pioneers who would use them as trade routes and for homesteading. In fact, many of the Table Rock State Park cabins and other structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps remain standing and are on the National Register of Historic Places.
This park is unique in that it is one of only 16 South Carolina state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Moreover, there is even a historic CCC-built Lodge available for weddings, receptions, meetings and other special occasions. Additionally, the park features 2 park lakes: the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake and the 67-acre Lake Oolenoy.
94 standard campsites for tent or RV camping, plus 14 renovated cabins provide ample accommodation to visitors. Aside from the larger lakes, there is also an old-fashioned swimming hole complete with a high-dive that is open during the summer season. Take your family out and use one of the 4 picnic shelters available to rent for group gatherings, for a day of fun, music, and recreation. And for those wanting an event to check out, the Music on the Mountain bluegrass jam takes place each month at the Table Rock Lodge–perfect for anyone wanting to escape the outdoors for a minute.
Whether you’re looking for a campsite to set up your tent underneath the stars or would prefer a more comfortable stay in a cabin or villa, South Carolina’s state parks have you covered. With more than 3,000 campsites and 220 cabins and lodging facilities from the mountains to the sea, you’ll be comfortable wherever you decide to venture.
$7 - $26 / night
This recreation area is part of Hartwell Lake
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is a camper’s paradise. Nestled in the natural setting of the Appalachian foothills, Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers campers a wide range of camping options. From luxury RV hookups to secluded tent campsites to the distinct outdoor hammock experience of the Squirrels Nest, our Georgia State Park campground is designed to suit the various needs of our guests.
We have nearly 100 campsites and a variety of arrangements to choose from including ADA sites and Buddy Hook-up sites, 30-foot and 40-foot RV sites, primitive campsites and sites designed for family tent camping. All our powered sites are suitable for tent, trailer and RV campers.
As a Georgia State Park, countless guests come to explore the 1,029 acres of adventure activities and mountain marvels on their own terms. Some enjoy navigating the hiking and mountain biking trails to nearby Alpine Helen and Anna Ruby Falls. Others opt for peaceful mornings fishing on Unicoi Lake or a sandy, sun-soaked day at Unicoi Beach.
The park’s proximity to popular Helen, GA events and activities allow guests to experience one of Georgia’s top tourist attractions but still return to the natural confines of the park for rest and relaxation.
For your convenience, our campgrounds feature comfort stations, which include restrooms and showers, while campers also have access to group structures and picnic shelters.
We are a pet-friendly State Park as long as your pets are friendly and always kept on a short, sturdy leash. Please be courteous to other patrons and be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our park and trails by cleaning up after your animals.
For a bird’s eye view of Unicoi State Park & Lodge and campground locations, check out our Georgia State Park Map.
RV CAMPING As one of the premier Georgia State Parks with RV camping, our full hookup RV sites include water, power and sewer, a fire ring, grill and picnic table. We have many RV campsites and arrangements to choose from including ADA sites, Buddy Hook-up sites, plus 30-foot or 40-foot sites. Be sure to know your vehicle’s specifications when booking your campsite.
TENT CAMPING We also offer walk-in primitive campsites that have both privacy and convenience with comfort stations, nearby parking and a playground. Walk-in anywhere from a few feet to about 100 yards out. Sites include a fire ring, picnic table and grill top to put over fire ring for grilling.
SQUIRREL’S NEST Bring your hammock or just a sleeping bag and sleep under the stars at our one-of-a-kind Squirrel’s Nest covered primitive camping platforms. It’s a favorite spot for scouts, groups and adventurers that really want to experience the wild and do it themselves. The platforms are built up off the ground and are stacked up the side of a ridge in 3 groups of 2 and 2 groups of 5. Each platform sleeps 4 guests in sleeping bags. Air mattresses are recommended for adult guests. Tents are not allowed on the platforms or down in the hollow below. The “hollow” has grills, picnic tables and a group fire ring.
GLAMPING SITES Combining luxury and the great outdoors, our extra spacious completely furnished Safari Tents give large families or groups of friends the extra space they need to glamp in comfort. Unicoi State Park offers 4 glamping sites.
__Glamping sites are now available at Lake Powhatan! Experience nature and outdoor recreation without sacrificing the comforts and luxuries of home. Choose one of 12 custom designed, fully furnished canvas platform tents in the heart of the national forest for your next mountain adventure, only 10 minutes from downtown Asheville, NC. Learn more about glamping near Asheville . To book your glamping site, click here. Located just minutes from the popular city of Asheville, North Carolina, Lake Powhatan has something for everyone. The campground is convenient to a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including art and music venues, shopping and dining in Asheville, scenic driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway, numerous hiking trails and lakeside recreation.
Visitors have a number of different activities to choose from. Kids love the lake's sandy swimming beach and anglers enjoy the calm waters for trout fishing. The French Broad River, popular for fishing, is also nearby. Note that use of personal watercraft is STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the lake due to potential introduction of foreign material to the Lake Powhatan riprarian ecosystem. The forest is known for its hiking and mountain biking trails, several of which are located near the campground.
The campground is situated in a heavily wooded area on the banks of Lake Powhatan in the Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. The elevation is 2,200 feet. The surrounding land boasts mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls and slopes thickly forested with hardwoods and conifers.
Among the more popular nearby destinations are Sliding Rock, Looking Glass Falls, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, The NC Arboretum and the Biltmore Estate.
For facility specific information, please call (828) 577-7278.
Any cancellations must be taken care of directly with recreation.gov. Note that this facility does not provide refunds for No Shows or incliment weather.
$35 - $110 / night
Springfield Campground is one of Hartwells most popular camping destinations consisting of 60 acres of primarily Virginia pine and some mixed hardwoods. The area presently offers 1 gatehouse/entrance, 2 park attendant campsites, 79 public campsites with full water and electric hookups, 6 comfort stations (4 with showers), 1 dump station, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 3 playgrounds, 1 designated swim area/beach, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the lake. Sought-after species include largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass and hybrid bass. The lake appeals to boaters of all kinds, whether their specialty is canoeing, sailing or motor boating. Coves and areas of quiet water provide water skiers with excellent surfaces. Swimmers will find sand beaches and designated swim areas along the shoreline.
Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers. The dam and lake area boasts 8 campgrounds and 11 day-use facilities that are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Hartwell Project was originally authorized for hydro-power, flood control, and navigation. Later, recreation, water quality, water supply and fish and wildlife management were added. Surrounding vegetation allows for plenty of shade, and the 962 miles of shoreline provide numerous swimming beaches, picnic areas and boat ramps.
The campground is a short drive away from Clemson, South Carolina and Clemson University, offering additional tourism opportunities, along with grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants.
$38 - $76 / night
Legend
Cute place. Interesting stays. Glamping tent, a bus, a tent pad, a few tiny cabins and more. Owners are nice and very accommodating. Shared gas fire area. It was a very cold night and they had our tent with heated blankets. It was definitely a Unique glamping area.
Guide
A smaller campsite but very well organized and maintained. Small lake on site. Several hiking trails nearby. You can hike a trail into the NC Arboretum. Very near Asheville and Biltmore Estates. Tent sites, RV sites and Glamping sites. Clean bathrooms and properly supervised. A hidden gem minutes from Asheville
Traveler
We've stayed in the newer section of the Park several times now--each time, a different experience: waterfall hikes in Dupont, a segment hike to finish off the Foothills Trail, nearby mushroom hunt dayhikes around the lake, incredible climbs to impressive vistas. A recommended destination that always satisfies--whether you love to backpack, dayhike, camp or glamp!
LegendI only stayed a night here but it was just the spot I needed to reorganize my truck and enjoy a wonderful hot shower.
Also really needed the quick swil in the lake in the evening.
This site sells ice and firewood usually (they were out of ice when I was there) and also has a number of "glamping" tents available to reserve.
Traveler
Honestly a very nice place, clean and well maintained. Very different than what we are used to, we would call this "glamping, but it seems to be the norm in the area. The staff was extremely nice andx accommodating to our needs. Sites were very close together, but also seemed to be thge norm. Only drawback was the guy weed eating the creek 10 ft from our site pelting us with weeds at 8 am while we cooked breakfast.
Scout
We did a company retreat at the Yak Eco Camp and were amazed at how private the location was. What's more, it was so expensive around town and at tourist traps, we were happy to have the property to retreat to and have an HQ for our entire group. The host mentioned many more amenities coming to the property that will surely make this the most desirable glamping spot for all mountain bikers, hikers, etc. in the area. They're adding a huge sauna, cold shower and much more to cater to all ages.
Guide
This campground was an awesome find as it is tucked in beside the Tallulah River only 3 miles from the Tallulah River Gorge which offers site seeing and hiking. The campground is set up for RVs, primitive tent sites, covered tent shelters, and cabins that are for rent right on the the river. They also offer indoor and outdoor showers and have a recreation building along with a park for the kids. Pulling in to this campground gives you an exotic feel as bamboo, pine trees, and awesome fire pits fill the scene. The hosts are amazing and down to earth and will go out of there way to make sure you are enjoying your vacation from reality, all the while giving you your space and privacy. I am not sure what events they hold on other holidays, but on the 4th of July, they had an awesome classic rock band that played for a few hours and shot off fireworks. If you want to camp or glamp...this is the place!
RangerWe had a lot of fun at our glamping campsite. The gorgeous tent was on a platform and included a large bed and decorated interior. The site had a campfire ring and was close to the bathroom. The platform had some chairs and the campfire wood was there for us.
I did have a bear encounter on my way to the bathroom during the night, but we both just backed away slowly. This was actually the experience that made me pro-camper with a bathroom lol.
The camp host arrived shortly after we did to check in on us and to give us the lay of the land. He fortunately also came around the next morning when our car battery was dead and gave us a jump.
The best thing about Lake Powhatan is the the nice hike around the lake and the fun little lake beach. It’s the perfect size for kids. Plenty of people also seem to enjoy the biking, but it’s a bit uphill for me and there can be a fair amount of cars.
Lake Powhatan is a great little getaway!
ScoutMy stay at Yak Brevard Glamping was nothing short of extraordinary. This unique gem tucked away in the heart of nature provided an immersive outdoor experience while ensuring utmost comfort.🏕️🌳
The campsite was beautifully maintained, offering clean, stylish, and comfortable accommodations. The tents were spacious, blending rustic charm with modern conveniences– a true testament to the thoughtful attention to detail.🛏️✨ The surrounding natural beauty was breathtaking; waking up to the serene sounds of nature and enjoying the evening stars was a rejuvenating experience.🌄⭐
The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful, adding a personal touch that made the stay all the more memorable. Their local knowledge and recommendations for hiking trails and activities were invaluable.🙌🏞️
And let's not forget the fun part– yaking! It's not every day you get to paddle down a peaceful river and take in such stunning views.🛶🏞️
Yak Brevard offers a fantastic balance of adventure and relaxation, making it a perfect getaway for families, couples, or solo travelers. I can't recommend it enough for anyone seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Can't wait for my next visit!🌲💖
GuideI really wanted to love Lake Powhatan, it’s so close to Asheville and I thought it would be my go to place to stay when I wanted to visit friends there but the staff was rude and there were so many loud groups at night. I had a prime site with lots of space between myself and my neighbors and an easy walk to the bathrooms with hot showers. Dogs aren’t allowed in the small lake but there are tons of streams along the trails they are allowed in so that was perfect for my senior dog to cool off. The trails were crowded with people and mountain bikers but conveniently located to the campground. Along the streams there were tons of these tiny blue butterflies and I saw a young bear stroll past my campsite one morning, just magical really. At night people showed up late slamming car doors and partying at several sites, some that I could hear weren’t even on my loop and it was a bit frustrating. I also had a very uncomfortable interaction with one of the men working their (who didn’t make it clear he even worked there) who basically restricted my movement for several minutes and then accused me of trying to steal from the glamping sites because I was driving around checking out where I might stay the next time. I was so uncomfortable I packed up to leave right after and the people at the site next to me said they had issues the previous year with the staff, really unfortunate when you are trying to relax in nature. They and I emailed the campground about the incidents with no response from management, I will not be going back.
Guide
Yurt camping was 5 stars here. The yurts were very private and spaced out. We went during the week and we were the only ones there. There was a private sandy beach area to fish or play from. If you’re looking to go yurt camping I highly recommend staying here. Yurt 6 looked the best.
TravelerGreat park to visit for a night. Has a beach. It is lacking trails to explore compared to other parks. Yurts are super nice. Warm in the summer though. Yurt 6 has its own private beach area ;)
Scout
We stayed the weekend in a yurt, this was our first time in a yurt. My family and I had a blast at Jenny's Creek, we will definitely be returning for vacations. The owners and staff were really friendly and welcoming, they aided us with all of our questions and needs. Clean bathrooms, clean campground, the yurt was clean, the game room was filled of fun things to do. We played on the playground and all around had a great weekend. thank you! I wish I could have taken pics, the kids kept me busy.
Traveler
This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains.
TravelerGeorgia state park. On lake Hartwell. Nice sites. Nice bath houses. Small store in office. Yurts are fun! Quiet.
TravelerThis is one of my favorite places to "camp." The cabins have all of the amenities that you need for a week of hiking, biking, and exploring the South Carolina mountains. It's close to Caesar's Head or Dupont Forest.
The hike to the top of Table Rock is steep, so make sure to bring lots of water (and snacks) and wear appropriate shoes.
TravelerWe love this park! We've been for Halloween twice now and out little guys loves it! The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick up twice a day is great! I will say, compared to other state parks, these campsites are TIGHT! Be prepared. We've come across this with other state parks in South Carolina. The facilities are clean, and the nature is beautiful! Can't go wrong with this campground!
GuideWater water everywhere. On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line.
Getting to the campsites is pretty tight but once you are parked, it is just beautiful overlooking the lake. Lots of fun for families who enjoy the water. Also you can see fishing boats zoom to their fishing location at night. Peaceful and calming rest from the corporate life!
GuideThis gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path.
Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.
The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access. The campsites are spacious and comfortable size with alot of trees and nature.
Fishing, canoes, boating, swimming and relaxation abound.
Verythromycin friendly staff helpful Hosts and clean park and ammenities.
Close to Helen, Dahlonega and Commerce.
The lake and beach is awesome. Beautiful all year.
Play grounds and trails as well as tennis courts. Also there are playgrounds and equipment to enjoy. Firepit's and easy access to dump station area.
TravelerWe spent a great weekend at Lake Powhatan. I was a little nervous after reading reviews that said that the staff & hosts could be aggressive. We had no trouble there. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and helpful. I saw a host drive by in a golf cart once, but we were basically left to our own devices. I did not see anyone who could have been the older male mentioned in the older reviews across a few different websites, so the former problematic hosts may have moved on.
We stayed on the Hard Times loop at 90 and 91. We scoped out both spots when we got there and decided 91 would be our base camp and 90 would be used for extra parking. 91 was on the outer loop and had some woods behind it for the kids to play. There was also more room to spread out. There was enough level space for a 6 person tent, 4 person tent, and large shelter (over the rather large concrete picnic table). There were also a few trees within the spot, that made rain-prep tarping easier. The space was fairly sunny when the weather cleared up so we kept the tarp up for some shade Saturday afternoon. (Trees didn't have leaves yet, not sure if it would be shadier later in the Spring/Summer).
90 had steps leading up to the spot which were cool, but could be problematic for someone with mobility issues or young children. The useable space was a bit smaller, too. It was also closer to neighbors on the other side of the interior loop. Bathrooms were close to both, but closer to 90. Could be considered too close for some, perfect for others. If we had only booked 90 it would have been lovely, but 91 was the better spot.
The bathrooms were some of the cleanest we've seen. My husband, who normally does not comment on that sort of thing, pointed it out more than once. When we got there they were spotless, but took a little beating with the rainy weather. They were cleaned Saturday morning and someone was in there cleaning up again after the rain stopped.
Dumpsters were within walking distance, which was nice to be able to walk it down instead of putting it in your car for the night. There was also aluminum recycling.
The lake was close enough for my 7 & 8 year olds to bike. And there were so many trails to chose from.
A friend stayed at the glamping sites and thought they were fantastic. And happened to be very close to our spot.
There was a water spigot on the road in front of site 90 which made filling up our water cooler so easy.
A few things that didn't bother us too much but others might want to know:
There is no camp store for extra supplies, but they do sell ice and plenty of firewood at the gate.
There are only two bathroom stalls per bathhouse. There were a couple of times when both would be in use, but I never had to wait long and there was never a line.
We had very little cell service (Verizon). We could sporadically send texts, but not get on the internet.
GuideTable Rock SP offers many camp sites, to include trailer, tent and cabins. The trailer sites are far enough apart that you don't feel like you're on top of your neighbors, but still make good use of a small space to keep from encroaching on the rest of the park. Each trailer site has water and electricity connections and there is a comfort station with toilets and hot showers.
The fee was reasonable for a popular place like this and reservations are definitely needed during peak seasons. I went during the off season so there weren't too many others out with me. The campground as a whole is clean and well-maintained.
South Carolina SPs currently have a ban on bringing in firewood, forcing me to buy some at the camp store, leading to my only criticism: The wood was still very green and required significant work to get lit and constant attention to keep burning.
Overall, though, it was a great experience and I plan on going back many times to check out the other trails and activities in the area.
GuideWe spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept. There was air conditioning, 2 bedrooms, 1 full kitchen, 1 full bathroom, and a fire place. We stopped at a Walmart in one of the towns before the park to stock up on food.
There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors. There was a fire ring and picnic in front of the cabin where we made smores after dinner and a cute screened porch with rocking chairs where we had coffee and breakfast on every morning. The cabin was right next to the small lake, which had a short trail going around it. We saw people fishing and I believe you can rent canoes as well in the park.
You definitely need more than 2 days to explore this cute little park. There are multiple hiking trails near by and definitely a lot of wild life. But it was definitely a peaceful and quiet park perfect for a relaxing weekend away.
Ranger
Springfield Campground is one of Hartwell’s most popular camping destinations consisting of 60 acres of primarily Virginia pine and some mixed hardwoods. The area presently offers 1 gatehouse/entrance, 2 park attendant campsites, 79 public campsites with full water and electric hookups, 6 comfort stations (4 with showers), 1 dump station, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 3 playgrounds, 1 designated swim area/beach, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout.
The area presently offers 1 gatehouse/entrance, 2 park attendant campsites, 79 public campsites with full water and electric hookups, 6 comfort stations (4 with showers), 1 dump station, 1 boat ramp, 1 courtesy dock, 3 playgrounds, 1 designated swim area/beach, and associated paved roads and parking areas throughout.
Hartwell Lake is a man-made lake bordering Georgia and South Carolina on the Savannah, Tugaloo and Seneca Rivers. The dam and lake area boasts 8 campgrounds and 11 day-use facilities that are operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Hartwell Project was originally authorized for hydro-power, flood control, and navigation. Later, recreation, water quality, water supply and fish and wildlife management were added. Surrounding vegetation allows for plenty of shade, and the 962 miles of shoreline provide numerous swimming beaches, picnic areas and boat ramps.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities at the lake. Sought-after species include largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass and hybrid bass.
The lake appeals to boaters of all kinds, whether their specialty is canoeing, sailing or motor boating. Coves and areas of quiet water provide water skiers with excellent surfaces.
Swimmers will find sand beaches and designated swim areas along the shoreline.
RangerReally enjoyed the lakefront campsites. We stayed at site 7 which is a pull through. We had camper and extra car with boat and kayak and fit with a little extra room. Able to kayak right from campsite. Campground has over 100 sites. None of the lake front were bad, some were low level, some had fenced railing with a little drop. All had great views some interior lots had lake views. Some interior lots were close together. Bath houses were very clean and spacious. Have a couple of hiking trails. I did the Sassafras’s Loop trail which follows the lake shore most of time and great views the rest. Our dogs loved all the space, no swimming due to temperatures in the 40s. Lots of stars at night. Very clean and well kept park. Camp hosts were helpful. Very nice staff at the Visitor Center, registration area. They also have cabins with docks and yurts as well. Great views from them as well. Will be back in warmer weather.
Ranger
Campground Review:
This Campground is really unique and beautiful with a good variety of natural settings for both tent and RV sites. If you look through my pictures you will see that almost every RV site is on a roaring creek as are the tent sites, and there are cabins on site as well. This would be an excellent site for a multi family gathering where some want cabins, some want RVs and some want tents. There are 4 waterfalls on the property, 2 of which are pretty solid hikes to get to. One is 200 ft tall and the other is 400 ft tall. The Falls are wild and roll through the forest so you don't necessarily see the giant drop off but there are plenty of opportunities for backcountry type scrambling to find sweet little pools and seats to cool off in. the AT is just 1.5 miles away. Another amazing little secret about this place is it is about 2 miles from Chatahoochee Spring, which is on the AT and the actual origin of the Chatahoochee River. The hike to the spring offers an amazing experience to see how the creek narrows as you rise to the lone Chatahoochee spring that starts the entire watershed. The place is currently owned and run by Dr. Scwan, a former chiropractor and is sort of in transition to new owners/ caretakers. I visited the Campground 3 times, once was an unannounced visit. Each time the staff was friendly and helpful. My son and daughter fell in love with this place. They loved the trampoline park, the petting zoo, and the campground dog "spirit".
If you love family camping they have it, if you love kitsch, they have it, but more importantly, they have some serious hiking trails! You can take it easy or put a pack on your kids and take them into the wild-something I did and my kids are still trying to figure out if they hate me for or not.
The motel rooms appear to not be currently functional due to flooding this past winter. The owner is trying to bring the property back up to speed after a rough winter of flooding and tornadoes that passed over the property. There are new staff on board for the season. One staff member has hiked the entire AT twice, the last time at age 70! With a side trail off the AT of about 1.5 miles, this would be a nice resupply site for thru hikers. The air there feels good and you know you are tucked in a true mountain cove with streams and waterfalls roaring on either side. The prices reflect more of a "glamping" experience but the natural camping experience there is worth the visit.
Product Review:
As a Dyrt Ranger, I get to test out products and on this trip we tested out two Gregory Backpacks and a Gregory hydration pack. This was the first backpacking trip for our family of four. I backpacked before kids all the time and once I had babies, I made the decision to only car camp until the kids could carry their own packs. That seems like yesterday but wouldn't you know, it's already 9 year later and so we suited up to hike up to the AT for the night. We used the stout 75- men's navy blue pack, the Icarus 40- youth cape green, and the hydration 2L reservoir.
The stout worked great for my husband, who carried the most weight and has developed quite the dad bod over the last 9 years. As a result, he needed the extra adjustment features such as the torso, hip belt, and sleeping bag entry adjustment.
The 2 L hydration reservoir, well we fought over who got to carry that. It fits nicely into the pack interior and Gregory has hat great hook and h2o hole. The thing that separates the Gregory hydration pack is that there is a little magnetic clip that fits in your pack and clips to the spout. It makes for easy access. The wide mouth opening makes it easy to fill but screwing on the top can be tricky. If you don't lay it completely flat then it leaks. The first night I lost all my water this way.
The Icarus 40 youth pack was great for my 9 year old. It was his first trek. He was able to carry his pack, his sleep pad, some of the food and some tent poles. He had a Nalgene bottle in the side pocket hat kept sliding out when he leaned over and that was frustrating for him. But his shoulders were not sore at the end of the trip and he said at the end that he liked backpacking after all (the first few climbs were not so easy). Speaking of, this pack can handle being flung to the ground in frustration by a 9 year old who is exhausted and just wants to "go home". Remedy- just keep strapping it back on, apply plenty of water and encouragement and in about 2 miles "backpacking isn't so bad".
Gregory is a great brand to get into if you are starting or restarting backpacking. They are cost effective, long lasting, and have been around a long time. Not to mention, when you call the 800 number there is an option to be put through to someone immediately if you are on the AT.
RangerTugaloo state Park: This Georgia State Park offers a multitude of activities from hiking, paddling, boating, fishing, swimming, putt putt, tennis/pickleball court and biking the park roads to name a few things. This park appears to be a local favorite and weekends were more active than weekdays during our 10 night stay at the camp ground. We really felt at home here due to the friendliness of the park staff and camphost volunteers. We loved the gravel sites, good Verizon cell reception 📶 and best of all the ease of access to our kayaks🛶. (Do check with the park office because some things like putt putt may be seasonal) 🔔 Another thing- should you want to rent a patio boat ⛴ - the park office has some numbers for you.
We stayed here in late October for 10 days and didn’t want to leave. The campground is laid out well with gravel sites, concrete picnic tables, fire pit, water, 30 amp and grey water drains throughout the campsite areas. 🚍Larger rigs—> Bring a dogleg/bone for double 30 amp.👍. Also- be aware some of the pull thru sites are almost buddy sites - your truck hauling your trailer will fit but your trailer won’t because another camper is sharing the pull thru lane with you. Rv’s with Tows won’t have this same issue. 🏡Cabins- I shared on the video that cabins 1-10 have less stairs if that is important to you. Yurts- some of these are on a hill- this means a walk up to restrooms ...but don’t worry, there is a nicely paved sidewalk. 🏕 no electricity at the walk in sites- you do have water, fire pit and picnic table. There is a group campground too.
We did 2 videos of this park- so there is lots of info about all the amenities at this park. ***This is a park we have put on our favorite list to camp host here in the future.
TravelerHad a fun time with a group of friends camping in the group camping area
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Tamassee, SC?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Tamassee, SC is Oconee State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 43 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 81 glamping camping locations near Tamassee, SC, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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