The Most Haunted Campground in Georgia Is Hidden Inside This State Park

Spending the night at the most haunted campground in Georgia isn't for the faint of heart, especially once the sun sets. First, the noises start from deep inside the woods, and then the fire begins to die down. Eventually, you're in complete darkness in the middle of the woods, accompanied by the ghosts that haunt the park for fun. For lovers of the spooky and macabre, that may sound like a dream instead of a nightmare. If you're the type of person who loves a good thrill, we have the experience for you! Overnight guests at the Hard Labor Creek State Park, one of Georgia's most haunted parks, can treat themselves to a spooky camping experience at Camp Rutledge. If you love haunted places in Georgia, this is a must-visit place.

More Than Just A Haunted Destination

Located in Rutledge, Georgia, in Morgan County, the 5,804-acre Hard Labor Creek State Park is an incredibly beautiful place, developed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Here, you'll find gorgeous woodlands, a lake with a seasonal sandy beach, 24 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, an 18-hole golf course, and several campgrounds, including equestrian campsites and the famously haunted Camp Rutledge. It's an idyllic slice of nature catering to scenery and outdoor recreation, so it might not strike you as a particularly haunted state park in Georgia upon your first visit. Some of the views here are truly spectacular, and you can spot Georgia's beautiful landscape at every turn. Looks pretty and harmless, right? You may think the spookiest thing here is a bit of poison ivy or a run-in with a snake.

However, deep inside Hard Labor Creek State Park is Camp Rutledge. This place has a sordid and sinister past that just might make it the most haunted campground in Georgia.

Why Camp Rutledge Is Considered Georgia’s Most Haunted Campground

If you believe the legends, Camp Rutledge, Georgia, has been haunted by the spirits of two entities for quite some time now. Are you ready for ghost stories from this Georgia campground? One is a man whose identity is unknown, and the other is a young boy named Ethan. It's said that the man is quite angry. He slams doors, stomps around the grounds late at night, and even knocks loudly on cabin walls before disappearing without a trace. On the other hand, it's said that Ethan is a bit more playful. Witnesses have reported that he rolls a red ball around and laughs maniacally while playing, which may be unsettling to some.

Although many people have debated the validity of whether the campground is truly haunted or not, a few witnesses have come forward to share their tales of terror. One man and his friend were outside the cabin they'd reserved when they heard "something large" (much larger than an animal) running through the woods, then randomly stopping at random. Another witness claimed that, after stumbling across a small graveyard inside the camp with only three dilapidated headstones, he saw the figure of a small boy looming behind a tree, watching him.

In fact, Camp Rutledge was featured on a 2012 episode of the famed TV show "Ghost Hunters" (Season 8, Episode 14, titled "Camp Fear") to determine if the camp and the nearby forest were indeed haunted and filled with all types of paranormal spirits.

What do you think? Could Camp Rutledge be as haunted as some people think? Maybe it's because the neighboring camp, Camp Daniel Morgan, was the filming location for "Friday the 13th Part IV: Jason Lives," a sequel in the classic horror movie franchise. Okay, maybe not, but still, that's pretty creepy in and of itself!

Tips for Spending the Night at Camp Rutledge

The truth is, the only way you'll find out if Camp Rutledge is truly the most haunted campground in Georgia is to experience it for yourself. And there are other campgrounds at this state park, as well as a variety of campsites. You can choose from tent, camper, and RV sites. If you'd like to rent an RV, you'll find plenty of options at RVShare.com. There are also group camps and shelters, equestrian campsites, and cabins you can reserve online.

Spend the night (or the whole weekend, if you're feeling brave enough) and document your stay, especially with some memorable photos. For more on fees, alerts, and camping reservations at Hard Labor Creek State Park, visit the Georgia State Parks website.

Have you ever stayed at Hard Labor Creek State Park or any other haunted state parks for spooky camping in Georgia? If you enjoy ghost hunting and all things creepy, discover some of the most frightening paranormal places in Georgia on a haunted road trip.