1. Cloudland Canyon State Park
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!
2. Jekyll Island Campground
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.
3. Stephen C. Foster State Park
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.
4. F.D. Roosevelt State Park
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!
5. Tallulah Gorge State Park in Tallulah Falls
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.
