The 5 Best Places to Camp in Georgia this Summer

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Published: June 17, 2022
© Bob Pool/Shutterstock.com
Share this post on:

Advertisement


In Atlanta, Georgia the average temperature in the middle of summer is 88°, but that doesn’t stop people from setting up tents and rolling the RV into some of the most beautiful camping spots in the state. You can camp in the mountains for some amazing hiking or out on an island off the coast to enjoy the beaches. Here are 5 of the best places to camp in Georgia this summer.

1. Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park Georgia
One of the best places to camp in Georgia this summer is Cloudland Canyon State Park.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Cloudland Canyon is on the west side of Lookout Mountain. The deep canyon was carved by the Sitton Gulch Creek and provides amazing views of the jagged rock formations. You can hike along the Overlook Trail out to the Main Overlook for the best views. This is an easy mile loop trail. For a more challenging hike you can make your way down to two waterfalls. The Waterfall Trails is 2 miles round trip hike, but it is strenuous so come prepared.

There are quite a few camping options right in the park including RV sites with full hookups, tent sites and hike-in backcountry sites. For something a little different you can stay in one of the cottages or yurts. During your stay you can go fishing in the fishing pond for some catfish, check out the mountain bike trails and try your hand at frisbee golf. One of the best places to camp in Georgia this summer for sure!

Cloudland Canyon State Park
LocationNW corner of Georgia
Nearest CityRising Fawn, GA
RV/Tent sites with electric/water72
Tent only walk-in sites30
Backcountry hike-in tent sites13 primitive sites
Pioneer Campsites4
Cottages16
Yurts10
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Rings at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, Showers, Camp Store, Playground
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestSome of the best hiking in Georgia with amazing views.

2. Jekyll Island Campground

Whimbrels on the beach
You can rent bikes right at the campground to bike a half-mile to Driftwood Beach on the Atlantic Ocean.

©Safa Shahidi/Shutterstock.com

For a classic camping feel, visit Jekyll Island Campground where you can camp in the thick oak forests right on the island. A half-mile hike away is Driftwood beach right on the Atlantic Ocean. Jekyll Island is a popular vacation spot that includes golf courses, restaurants, hotels and a water park. At the Jekyll Island State Park you will find RV sites with full hookups as well as tent sites. The campground has restrooms, hot showers, laundry and a general store with firewood, propane, ice and food/snack items. You can rent bikes right at the campground to bike out to the beach or down to Clam Creek for some fishing. There is also a bird sanctuary, an area filled with bird feeders, where you might see painted buntings or yellow-throated warblers.

Jekyll Island Campground
LocationOn Jekyll Island
Nearest CityThe town of Jekyll Island, about an hour North of Jacksonville, FL
Total Sites179
RV Sites167 full hookup sites
Primitive Tent Sites12
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, Hot Showers, General Store, Laundry, Event Pavilion, Bike rentals
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestOnly a half-mile to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches!

3. Stephen C. Foster State Park

Longest Rivers in Florida - Alapaha River
Take a boat tour through the Okefenokee Swap to look for alligators, turtles and herons.

©Nolichuckyjake/Shutterstock.com

Located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the Stephen C. Foster State Park offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the Okefenokee Swamp. Take a boat tour to see one (or many) of the swamps American alligators. Look for turtles, ibis, wood-storks and herons and take some photos of the tall cypress trees covered in Spanish moss. You can go on a guided tour boat or rent your own boats/kayaks/canoes to explore the swamp on your own.

You are going to want to camp overnight so you can experience the night sky. One of the reasons this park is one of the best places to camp in Georgia is the park is an official “Dark Sky Park” by the International Dark Sky Association making for some of the best star gazing. The campground has RV sites as well as Tent sites with restrooms, hot showers, visitor center and 9 cottages.

Stephen C. Foster State Park
LocationIn the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
Nearest CityJust SW of Jacksonville, FL
RV/Tent Sites with electric65 sites
Cottages9
Eco Lodge Cottages10 (these are at a separate campground 18 miles south of the park)
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, Hot Showers, Playground, Visitor Center, Boat Rental
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestCamping with Alligators! From a distance of course.
Have your camera ready for some amazing wildlife photos in the park.

©Jonas N. Jordan – Public Domain by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

4. F.D. Roosevelt State Park

horse blankets for winter
Try horseback riding on the trials of the Pine Mountain. There is a private stable onsite that offers rides for a fee.

©Anastasija Popova/Shutterstock.com

Georgia’s largest State Park is the F.D. Roosevelt State Park with 9,000 acres to explore. Named after our 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited the Dowdell’s Knob to picnic and also would swim in the naturally warm springs in the area. There is a life size statue of the president at overlook at Dowdell’s Knob. There are more than 40 miles of trails to hike through the Pine Mountains or you can take a trail ride on horseback with a privately owned stable that offers rides for a fee. The campground sits right next to Lake Delanor which is great for fishing! There are 115 RV and Tent sites with hookups and restrooms, showers and a gift store. This is one of the best places to camp in Georgia this summer because you can cool off in the Liberty Bell Swimming Pool!

F.D. Roosevelt State Park
LocationAbout 80 miles SW of Atlanta
Nearest CityPine Mountain
RV/Tent Sites115
Backcountry Campsites16
Cottages21
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, Hot Showers, Playground, Gift Shop, Swimming Pool, Horseback Riding
Pet FriendlyYes
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestCool off this summer in the Liberty Bell Swimming pool!

5. Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls

Tallulah Falls, Georgia, USA overlooking Tallulah Gorge in the autumn season.
Tallulah Falls, Georgia, USA overlooking Tallulah Gorge.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

Hiking across a suspension bridge 80 feet above a gorge is definitely the highlight of visiting Tallulah Gorge State Park. The gorge is 2 miles long and 1,000 feet deep and has spectacular views of Tallulah Falls. There are several rim trails or you can hike to the bottom of the gorge as well (need a permit). For more adventure bring your mountain bikes and try the 10-miles of mountain bike trails. To stay overnight make yourself at home at the campground that has 57 sites including 52 with electric/water and 3 backcountry sites. The park has restrooms, showers, laundry, a playground, sand beach and an interpretive center. Keep your eyes open for the deer, raccoon and fox that can frequently be seen in the park. Black bears do live in the park so be sure to keep all of your food in secure containers.

Tallulah Gorge State Park
LocationIn the NE corner of the state, about 100 miles NE of Atlanta
Nearest CityTallulah Falls
RV Sites and Tent Sites50 sites
Backcountry Sites3
Picnic Tables at each siteYes
Fire Pit at each siteYes
AmenitiesRestrooms, Hot showers, Playground, Sand beach, Interpretive center
Pet FriendlyYes (at the campsite but not on the suspension bridge or
trails to the bottom of the gorge)
ReservationsYes
What makes it one of the bestViews of the waterfall from the suspension bridge!


Share this post on:
About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.