Rocks Pond Campground & Marina

This RV park is massive and has immediate access to water for your boat, kayak or canoe.  Shortly after entering, you'll only need to continue due straight until you reach the double boat launch (extra points here for Rock Pond providing their own gas pump - and according to the fisherman I spoke with, they don't gauge you on the price of gasoline, which is nice for a change).  Boat launch fee is $5.  Nearby there's a tackle store for all your fishing needs - they also have basic toiletries and sundries in case you forgot something behind.

The park itself has plenty of shelters (but on holiday weekends, like when I was there, they book up fast, so if you're interested, call up early!), easy load-in and all of the amenities you would expect, including 30 / 50 amp hook ups, water and electrical lines.  Theres tons of ancient Oaks dripping in Spanish moss along with area folklore and local spots that have tons of history.  While the campground is open year-round, the store itself is closed between November 1 and March 1.

Let me tell you what I love most about this place.  While I was there with a friend of mine and his young family, the place is perfect for kids - there's lots of places to go fishing, whether you are on a boat and want to venture further out, or don't want to leave land and just cast your line from one of the many points they have at this campground - there's a fishing pier, a dedicated fish pond and even a smaller pond that is just for the kiddos.  How cool is that?  And again, there's the big open Lake Marion itself, which is nothing short of fantastic.  Beyond this, there's a small mini-golf course, a couple little playgrounds and recreation halls.  The staff was friendly - nothing really short of fantastic and the security was top-notch.

A couple insider tips: 1) if you've got a boat and want to get out on the water, do it early before the long line takes you at least an hour of waiting; 2) bring earplugs - it can get somewhat noisy at night; 3) bring plenty of mosquito repellent (you're next to the water in the south, need I say more?); and 4) hit up JB Fishtales just a short jaunt down the way where they're serving up a whole of mischief, some incredibly awesomely bad karaoke (I just couldn't believe no one liked Ricky Martin out in these parts!) with some great whiskies and bourbons - Bonnie, thanks for not kicking me out on that last night!

Only downsides to this campground is that it is primarily for RV's with seemingly endless barren rows full of slanted parking spots.  During the holiday weekend I was there, because there is not a whole lot of cover / shade / trees, noise carries and so it feels a little bit like camping out at Bonnaroo without all the A-list talent playing live. Other than this, you'll find this to be a pretty great place to get out on the water and lie beneath the stars.

Happy Camping!