The 26 Best Campgrounds in Georgia - Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

• Location: Stephen C. Foster State Park is located at the west entrance for the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
• Know Before You Go: You’ll need to reserve a campsite and purchase a park pass, both of which can be done through the Georgia State Parks website.
• Park Facts: In addition to being a designated Dark Sky Park, Stephen C. Foster State Park is of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia. It’s home to myriad wildlife, including alligators, turtles, black bears, and herons.

We’re kicking things off with what we consider to be one of the best all-around parks in Georgia: Stephen C. Foster State Park.

This Peach State park is highly regarded for its superlative outdoor recreation -- including kayaking, hiking, birding, and canoeing -- but this natural wonder takes on a completely different identity come dusk. This remote park and its 400,000-acre Okefenokee Swamp, one of the great Natural Wonders in Georgia, boast some of the darkest skies in the South.

Approved by the International Dark-Sky Association, Stephen C. Foster State Park is one of the most celebrated places to view the stars clearly and with unobstructed views.

For these reasons, the camping at this Georgia park is unrivaled; bring a tent or camper and get ready for an out-of-this-world camping experience that’s truly bucket-list worthy.

• Popularity: Very; this is one of the top state parks in Georgia!
• Know Before You Go: This is an experience that’s more "glamping" than "camping;" Pioneer Campsites are tent-sites that offer amenities, such as picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
• Park Facts: Providence Canyon is known as Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon!

You don’t have to travel to Arizona to see a grand canyon, Providence Canyon State Park is home to a stunning spectacle that’s of equal grandeur. This 1,000-acre expanse is considered one of the most glorious natural wonders in Georgia, and attracts visitors from all over the South looking to hike, walk, wander, and immerse themselves in nature.

To this end, the park’s campground attracts intrepid overnight adventurers seeking a peaceful night at one of the best campgrounds in Georgia.

While many people visit Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon for the day to get in some quality hiking, there are campsites hidden within the park that allow visitors the option to stay and enjoy the views for more than just the day, which is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up.

• Popularity: Very. Its central location, intriguing history, and beautiful scenery make it a popular camping destination for Georgians, especially in the summer.
• Know Before You Go: Pets are welcome if leashed (no longer than six feet) and accompanied by the owner at all times.
• Park Facts: Indian States Spring Park is one of the oldest state parks in the U.S.

Indian Springs State Park has been operated as a Georgia public park since 1825, making it one of the oldest state parks in the entire country.

The park’s legendary mineral waters attracted scores of wellness seekers in the 1800s; today, visitors come to Indian Springs to revel in its intriguing history and incredible scenery – and camping offers a way for guests to quite literally immerse themselves in this captivating place.

Park guests can camp at nearly 90 different sites ranging from cottages to campsites scattered all across its sprawling 500 acres. Because of its size, it’s quite easy to find a quiet spot to pitch a tent among the trees to serve as a home base for a weekend hiking the scenic nature trails, fishing, boating, geocaching, and simply enjoying the views.

• Popularity: Very, especially during the summer months.
• Pet-Friendly: Yes! In addition to leashed dogs being allowed at the campgrounds, High Falls also offers "Paws on the Falls," where guests can bring their pups for a trail walk and chance to mingle with other four-legged friends.
• Park History: Back in the 1800s, the area which is now High Falls State Park was a prosperous industrial town, complete with its own grist mill, cotton gin, blacksmith, shoe factory, and hotel. Once the railroad bypassed the town, High Falls became somewhat of a ghost town, until being resurrected by the Georgia State Parks system.

If you’ve ever dreamed of drifting to sleep to the glorious ambiance of a cascading waterfall, visit High Falls State Park.

This gorgeous Georgia State Park in Jackson is known for the beautifully cascading falls on the Towaliga River *and* its incredible camping accommodations. This park is so much more than just its headlining waterfall, however; High Falls State Park has so many different activities in which to participate, from swimming and bass fishing to picnicking and grilling.

The activity everyone comes for, however, is camping: High Falls State Park boasts more than 100 different campsites, plus six yurts and myriad other primitive camping options. Sounds too good to be true, right? This is real life in Georgia, friends.

• Location: This park is located in Morgan Country in North-Central Georgia.
• Know Before You Go: Hard Labor Creek State Park is considered to be Georgia’s most haunted state park, and has been featured on the popular "Ghost Hunters" television series.
• Park History: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park’s name is thought to come from slaves who tilled summer fields or American Indians who found the creek difficult to cross.

Georgia ghost hunters: take note! If you’re looking for an otherworldly experience in the wilds of the South, pitch a tent at Hard Labor Creek State Park. Considered to be Georgia’s most haunted state park, the stories originate from Camp Rutledge, a site nestled deep inside the park that has a sordid and sinister past.

As legend has it, Camp Rutledge has been haunted by two entities for quite some time: a man for whom nobody knows the identity, and a young boy called Ethan. The man is said to be angry, slamming doors, stomping around the grounds late at night, even loudly knocking on cabin walls before disappearing; the boy has been heard laughing maniacally all through the night.

Rumors aside, what we can say for certain is that Hard Labor Creek State Park is absolutely, hauntingly beautiful. Boasting 12 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, a stellar golf course, cottages, and a modern campground, the possibilities for outdoor adventure and recreation (and yes, ghost hunting) abound.

Do Georgia State Parks allow RV Camping?

RVers in the Peach State have lots to celebrate, with the Georgia State Parks offering some spectacular spots to set up camp. Popular Georgia State Parks with RV camping include Cloudland Canyon, Vogel, Mistletoe, and Crooked River; these sites include amenities such as electric and water hookups, ADA-accessible facilities, dump stations, and fire rings. You’ll want to note that most RV campsites in Georgia do come with a nightly fee; however, most range from $30-$40 per night.

• Popularity: This campground is a popular summertime destination for tubing, rafting, and camping. The campsite is bustling with activity during the summer, and is a very popular family destination in Georgia.
• Location: Toccoa Valley Campground & Tubing is located at 11481 Aska Rd., Blue Ridge, GA, 30513. There is on-site parking, which is free.
• Cost: Primitive campsites cost $25/night, and RV sites start at $35/night.

One of the best all-around destinations in Georgia, Toccoa Valley Campground has the epic trifecta of summer recreation: tubing, rafting, and camping.

This tiny campground is situated right up against the river, which means that you can camp with the sounds of the Toccoa lulling you to sleep. But this is so much more than just a scenic, waterfront campground;

Toccoa Valley also boasts some of the finest river floating in the South, with tubes available for rental on-site. Guests can also rent equipment for rafting, kayaking, and other water activities, and the adventure outfitter also provides a shuttle service back to the campground when you’re done!

• Location: The closest campground to Athens and the University of Georgia, Pine Lake Campground is located at 5540 High Shoals Rd, Bishop, GA, 30621.
• Know Before You Go: There’s a two-night minimum stay required for cabin rentals on all UGA home football weekends. Go Bulldogs!
• Amenities: Amenities include WiFi hotspots; laundry, restroom, and shower facilities; handicap-accessible bathrooms; pet-friendly; and on-site guest services.

There are so many wonderful and vastly different campgrounds throughout the state, it’s hard to choose which one will offer the best experience. But one particular campground in Georgia offers year-round camping opportunities, plus unique lakeside views that capture the beauty of the Peach State in each and every season.

Without further ado, for the ultimate camping experience in Georgia, Pine Lake Campground is a hidden gem that’s refreshingly no-frills and back-to-basics.

Visitors can rent a camping cabin or reserve a hook-up at the Airstream, RV, and trailer sites. Tent sites are available, too, of course, offering wonderful waterfront views that are truly sublime.

In fact, virtually every campsite is situated on the lake, making this one of the best places for waterfront camping in Georgia!

Secluded Camping in Georgia

If you’re craving the R&R that comes with an escape in the Great Outdoors, you’ll find it – in spades – in Georgia. But the downside of many of the state’s glorious campgrounds is that everyone knows and loves them, which can make camping feel a bit… crowded. The following are some of our favorite sites for secluded camping in Georgia; some go-to spots include Lake Tobesofkee, George L. Smith State Park Campground, and Mockingbird Hill Farm. Serene and secluded, these hidden gem campsites in Georgia are gloriously under-the-radar and worth seeking out!

• Location: Little Racoon Key is a private island within the Golden Isles of Georgia.
• Accommodations: The campsite features weather-proof "glamping tents" equipped with features such as memory foam beds, lux linens, and gas grills.
• Reservations: Book your glamping set through the website - easy peasy!

Eco friendly, luxurious, *and* totally secluded? It’s time to start planning your most exciting camping adventure yet! In the glorious Golden Isles of Georgia, Little Racoon Key offers what is easily one of the most incredible camping experiences in the state.

Not only is this one-of-a-kind glampround in Georgia immaculate and eco-friendly, but it also offers you endless natural beauty that only The Peach State can provide. This region of pristine, untouched perfection is a real-life Georgia oasis, and Little Racoon Key is nestled in the heart of it all.

And the best part? The island is all yours for the night: Little Raccoon Key Glamping accommodates only one overnight reservation at a time, so that means that guests get to have the entire island to themselves. What a dream!

Waterfront Camping in Georgia

In addition to boasting 110 miles of scenic shoreline, Georgia is home to more than 30 beautiful lakes, making the Peach State well-positioned for some truly spectacular waterfront camping. Whether you’re craving a coastal escape where you can camp right on the beach , a remote lakefront getaway mid-state, or an all-inclusive family-friendly vacation destination by the water, you’ll find some of the best waterfront camping in the entire country in Georgia.

• Availability: Shady Grove Campground is open seasonally, mid-February through early December.
• Accommodations: Shady Grove Campground has a total of 96 RV and tent sites that can be conveniently reserved online.
• Amenities: Shady Grove Campground includes a large beach area, boat dock, and kid-friendly playground.

Located quite literally at the edge of lovely Lake Lanier, Shady Grove Campground is the perfect place to pitch a tent for a wondrous waterfront camping adventure in Georgia.

While all of Shady Grove’s 96 campsites boast spectacular scenery and views, Campsite 78 is our favorite; it offers the best panoramas and waterfront vistas. This is the kind of place where the scenery speaks for itself.

Shady Grove is your classic, no-frills campground, but those extras aren’t needed, because the scenery is what folks come for.

Shady Grove also boasts amenities such as a boat dock, wash houses, playground, and picnic shelters, making this a fantastic all-around camping destination for families.

• Popularity: Very, especially in the summer!
• Accommodations: This campground boasts 31 individual tent sites and one group campsite.
• Amenities: Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station, playground, beach, boat ramp, and dock.

For the ultimate waterfront camping experience in Georgia, look no further than Big Hart Campground.

Located on the confluence of Big Creek and Hart Creek at the west end of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Big Hart Campground is a big, ole slice of Georgia camping pie. While its location is a bit remote, this is a very popular camping destination for Georgians during the summer.

However, with its tent sites well-spaced and all located on the water, you don’t have to worry about noisy (or nosy!) neighbors getting in the way of your amazing getaway at this gorgeous Georgia lake.

No-Reservation Camping in Georgia

Sometimes you just want to escape into nature on a whim or moment’s notice; just pack up the car and go. In these times, it’s crucial to have a few no-reservation campsites in your back pocket; and luckily, The Peach State is home to numerous campgrounds that fit the bill, including places like Hickey Gap Campground and Rook Creek Park. So the next time the urge for a last-minute camping adventure strikes, indulge your wanderlust and head to one of these sites for amazing no-reservation camping in Georgia.

• Popularity: Not very; this Georgia campground is a true hidden gem. In addition, the park abides by ''quiet hours'' from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., ensuring a quiet and peaceful camping experience.
• Location: Andrews Cove is located just 15 minutes from the town of Helen in Northern Georgia. In town, you’ll find a grocery store, restaurants, and shopping.
• Cost: This no-reservation campground is just $12/night!

What could be better than enjoying a secluded escape in the Georgia wilderness whenever the mood strikes? Not much, we say. In these times, it’s best to venture up to Northern Georgia’s Andrews Cove Recreation Area, home to one of the state’s most splendid little campsites.

The campground itself is breathtakingly beautiful, surrounded by lush forest landscape, winsome wildlife, and babbling brooks. Just six miles away, the alpine village of Helen is home to restaurants, a grocery store, and retailers, offering campers the best of both worlds: a remote camping experience that’s also conveniently located to one of Georgia’s most charming towns.

As a no-reservation campground, occupancy is on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend getting there as early as possible to claim your spot.

• Popularity: Varies; glamping on the banks of Lake Lanier is a very popular option – but you can also glamp on Clarks Hill in Augusta for a less crowded experience.
• Accommodations: Timberline Glamping Company is known for its luxurious safari tents that boast amazing amenities.
• Pet-Friendly: Yes – there’s a nominal pet fee, but well-behaved furry friends are welcome to glamp with their families.

When it comes to the ultimate glamping experience in Georgia, Timberline Glamping Company offers guests the opportunity to spend the night in some of the most beautiful places in the South.

The glampground is located right on shores of Lake Lanier, and between the bespoke accommodations and scenic vistas, this is the very definition of paradise. Timberline’s glampsites feature furnished safari tents that have accommodations for more than two people, plus rugs, lamps, electrical outlets, a coffee maker, hammocks, and other unheard-of camping amenities.

Feeling extra? You can also choose to set up in a geodesic dome which offers much of the same amenities listed above, but just in a roomier, 20-foot diameter dome. Plus, you’ll have your own residential AC or heating unit, too, the former of which is much appreciated during the dog days of summer in the Peach State.

Yurt Camping in Georgia State Parks

If you’re looking to shake things up from the tried-and-true tent camping experience, why not try yurt camping in Georgia State Parks? The Georgia parks system has some totally unexpected accommodations, including well-appointed yurts with all the comforts of home… and then some. Similar to a tent, more spacious than a tipi, and with the openness of a cabin, yurts are an ancient Asian accommodation that’s become quite popular in the U.S. in recent years. Check into one of the following Georgia State Parks for a night of yurt camping under the stars, and you’ll find yourself a total convert.

• Popularity: Very – yurts book up quickly, so reserve your accommodations ASAP!
• Family-Friendly: Yes! Yurts can accommodate up to six people and feature kid-friendly bunk beds, too; however, dogs are not permitted to stay in the yurts.
• Fees: There is a $5 parking fee for park entrance, and yurts generally cost under $100/night.

You’d never know that one of Georgia’s most pristine and peaceful parks was located mere minutes from the state’s busiest hub, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Sweetwater Creek State Park.

Known for a variety of outdoor recreation, the camping here is especially noteworthy… and highly sought out. Why? Well in Sweetwater Creek State Park, there is a Yurt Village which has easily become one of the coolest places to camp in Georgia.

Ten new and well-appointed yurts are located there, each boasting a different and dramatic view of the park’s 215-acre lake. Attached porches and patios make the outdoors readily accessible for campers, allowing for an immersive and secluded experience in the North Georgia wilds.

• Location: Tugaloo State Park is located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina nestled snugly within one of the Southeast’s largest lakes: Lake Hartwell.
• Popularity: Not very; this glampground is an undiscovered hidden gem!
• Fun Fact: The name "Tugaloo" comes from an Indian name for the river which once flowed freely prior to the construction of Hartwell Dam.

People seeking a quiet and peaceful escape in Georgia come to Tugaloo State Park; and in addition to boasting amazing campsites, this Peach State park has six well-appointed yurts that take camping into unchartered glamping territory.

Offering a unique escape from the other populated campgrounds in the park, there are six yurts at Tugaloo that boast breathtaking waterfront views, plus posh features such as heat and water, bunk beds, and attached porches.

Many visitors to Georgia hit the 55,000-acre Lake Hartwell for a variety of water recreation, but most overlook the beautiful state park – and all its amenities – next door. Don’t make that mistake!

Best Georgia Camping Cabins

If you’re more of a "cozy cabin" type than camper, we totally get it. There’s nothing quite like a relaxing getaway in a rustic, charming cabin; and luckily, Georgia’s cabins fall more on the "charming" side of the spectrum. Amenities such as full kitchens and bathrooms, heating and smart technology, make these accommodations anything but "roughing it," providing instead an experience that’s peak hygge vibes… all surrounded by the wondrous wilds of Georgia.

• Location: This campsite is located in Helen, Georgia, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
• Accommodations: As its name indicates, this Georgia destination features cabins, tent sites, and RV sites, making for a veritable "choose your own adventure" in one of the state’s most stunning natural areas. Bonus: all accommodations are pet-friendly, too!
• Accessibility: Hearthstone Cabins carry a Level AA accessibility rating, and other accessible features can be found throughout the resort.

For those seeking a mountain getaway in the Peach State, Hearthstone Cabins and Camping delivers. Imagine the kind of place where you can disappear into the woods for the whole weekend… without any of the inconveniences that come with traditional primitive camping.

You’ll find this rare camping unicorn in Helen, Georgia, at Hearthstone Cabins and Camping. Choose from one of many cabins nestled on the property for a natural escape with all the modern amenities you need.

The best part? This campground benefits from a central location that’s close to tubing, hiking, biking, fishing, waterfalls, and even some of Georgia’s finest wineries.

• Accommodations: The park is home to 20 barrel cottages that include one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottages or two-bedroom, one-bath units.
• Reservations: Check availability and book a cottage through the Georgia State Parks website.
• Park Facts: Unicoi State Park is one of the oldest parks in Georgia, with a lineage that harkens all the way back to the time of settlement in the 1830s.

While there are lots of places to pitch a tent at Unicoi State Park, for a truly special and memorable experience, we suggest booking one of the stunning and historic barrel cottages located right on Unicoi Lake.

One of the most unique accommodations in the state, these cottages are perched right on the mountainside, offering an immersive and marvelous experience in nature that’s truly unrivaled. Choose from a one- or two-bedroom cottage and take advantage of the area’s immense outdoor beauty, which includes superlative hiking, waterfall chasing, and water recreation.

At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than returning to your barrel cabin and letting the soft sounds of Georgia nature lull you to sleep.

• Popularity: Very – this is one of Georgia’s most popular campgrounds. As such, we recommend booking your spot ASAP.
• Amenities: Stone Mountain Park Campground has it all: a swimming pool, grills, picnic tables, fire rings, a playground, a sand volleyball court, and access to some of the coolest Stone Mountain Park attractions around.
• Pet-Friendly: Yes – dogs and cats are allowed, provided they remain on-leash and under supervision at all times.

Smack dab in 3,200 acres of pure natural beauty, Stone Mountain Park Campground is one of the premier spots for camping in Georgia during the warm-weather months of the year.

This campground is massive, boasting no less than 400 different RV, primitive, yurt, and safari tent sites within its epic expanse. The sites vary in location, too, from waterfront sites to secluded spots within the thick forests of Stone Mountain Park.

With amenities such as a pool, children’s playground, picnic tables, and easy access to outdoor recreation, this is one of the most popular and family-friendly RV campgrounds in Georgia.

• Popularity: Very – as Georgia’s premier family-friendly campground, you’ll want to book your spot well in advance.
• Location: You’ll find this amazing campground in Bremen, Georgia.
• Availability: Jellystone Park has numerous RV and tent sites, as well as cabins and yurts available for rental.

If you’re looking for a next-level campground with all the bells and whistles, Jellystone Park is the place to go. Hailed as the Disneyland of Georgia campgrounds, Jellystone Park is a 100-site campground in Bremen that boasts some of the most amazing amenities and camping accommodations in the state.

A place that’s wholly family friendly, this campsite features kid favorites such as a jump pad, miniature golf, pedal carts, train rides, a giant outdoor pool, horseshoes, a playground, and even on-site gem mining!

Jellystone Park is more similar to an all-inclusive resort than a campground, and we’re not complaining.

• Accommodations: Choose from various RV and tent sites, yurts, and even glamping tents.
• Pet-Friendly: Yes - the resort features pet-friendly campsites, yurts, and cabins.
• Fun Fact: Spanning over 9,000 acres, Pine Mountain State Park is the largest state park in Georgia.

This resort/campground is located just an hour from Atlanta, in the beautiful Pine Mountain region just outside Callaway Gardens, and offers guests a truly unforgettable camping experience.

Whether you’re bringing your own RV, setting up a tent, or renting one of the modern yurts, you’re guaranteed to have a good time at Pine Mountain RV Resort . While RV camping is most popular here, the "Yurt Village" in this resort is a really unique experience that shouldn't be passed up.

This little camping community is a semi-private space surrounded by trees and foliage, each with a picnic table, deck, fire ring, and other cool features. And as a bonus, guests at the Yurt Village have access to the park’s myriad amenities, including the pool, rec room, and even concierge services.

• Stats: This popular campground boasts 179 beautiful campsites, including primitive tent sites and sites for RV hookup.
• Pet-Friendly: Yes!
• Things to Know: Reservations are not required but are highly recommended, as sites at this popular campground fill up quickly.

If you’re looking for the quintessential Georgia nature experience, look no further than Jekyll Island Campground.

Located in the middle of lush forest with the towering oaks and Spanish moss canopies for which Georgia is well known, Jekyll Island is peak Peach State beauty.

Boasting a combination of tent sites and RV hookup sites, the campground offers everything you would need for a weekend away, including two bathhouses, free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry, and even a general store filled with supplies like firewood, ice, and snacks.

It’s the perfect middle ground between primitive tent camping and all-out glamping, making Jekyll Island Campground a favorite campsite in Georgia.

• Popularity: Very. Campsites are just $22/night and you’ll want to reserve your spot well in advance.
• Location: Cumberland Island National Seashore.
• Things to Know: Due to the island’s abundant and active wildlife, be prepared to hang up your food at all three wilderness campgrounds. There are no trash cans on the island, either, so please abide by Leave No Trace principles and carry everything out post-camping.

Sea Camp on Cumberland Island National Seashore is one of the most popular places to camp in Georgia – and once you see it for yourself, you’ll understand why.

The opportunity to go camping on one of Georgia’s most beautiful and untouched islands is a true gift unto itself; this truly feels like a hidden oasis that’s pure paradise. In addition to its pristine beauty, another reason Sea Camp is one of the most beloved campgrounds in the state are the island’s wild horses, which adds a charm and allure that’s absolutely irresistible.

Free-range horses, extraordinary waterside accommodations, and true peace and quiet? This is the kind of place that’s so incredible, it doesn’t seem real. But luckily for us, Sea Camp is as real as it gets.

Best Camping Near Savannah, Georgia

Savannah might not be known for its outdoor recreation, but this Old Georgia locale is home to some absolutely beautiful spots to pitch a tent. Proving that you don’t have to travel far for an authentic experience in Georgia nature, Greater Atlanta campgrounds include Red Gate Campground and RV Resort, Savannah Oaks RV Resort, River’s Edge Campground and RV Park, and our personal favorite, Skidaway Island State Park. Read on for more about this lovely campsite near Savannah.

• Location: 52 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA, 31411.
• Recreation: In addition to camping, hiking, biking, and geocaching are all popular activities at this Georgia State Park
• Popularity: This is an incredibly popular getaway in Savannah… for good reason!

Located quite literally within Savannah city limits, Skidaway Island State Park is a hidden gem that offers city-dwellers an escape to paradise.

A true Garden of Eden, Skidaway Island is flush with Spanish moss, jaw-dropping oaks, and an abundance of flora and fauna, making for a wondrous experience in Georgia nature that’s unrivaled.

While there are RV hookups and cabins on-site, we’re partial to primitive tent camping here, which is a sublime and immersive experience that’s bucket-list worthy. Pitch a tent and you’ll see what we mean!

• Popularity: As this campsite includes only one treehouse, it books up fast, so you’ll want to make a reservation ASAP.
• Amenities: The treehouse features a climate controlled space, bathroom, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, and antique furnishings.
• Cost: Around $400/night, depending on the season.

Live out your childhood fantasy of sleeping in a treehouse at this amazing glampground in Flintstone, Georgia.

Nestled in the Georgia mountains right along the Tennessee border, the aptly named Treetop Hideaways is a dream destination that’s a delight for the young and young at heart.

Perched above the lush forest floor with epic tree vistas for days, you’ll feel as though you’re the only one in the entire world when you stay here, which is a grounding and soul-filling experience that shouldn’t be passed up.