Best Campgrounds in Georgia: 2026 Guide

Georgia camping spans a remarkable range — from the misty Appalachian ridges where the famous Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain, through the rolling Piedmont plateau dotted with massive Army Corps lakes, down to the wild barrier islands and moss-draped live oaks of the coastal plain. Few states offer such dramatic shifts in landscape within a single day's drive. The north Georgia mountains deliver cool-weather camping with trout streams and waterfalls. The Piedmont lakes provide warm-water recreation and family-friendly facilities. And the coast — anchored by Cumberland Island National Seashore — offers wilderness island camping accessible only by boat.

Why Georgia Stands Out

Climate versatility makes Georgia a year-round camping state. Mountain campgrounds in the Chattahoochee National Forest provide summer relief from the Southern heat, while coastal and Piedmont sites shine in the cooler months from October through April. Lake Sidney Lanier north of Atlanta draws over 11 million visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation. But Georgia's real camping gem is Cumberland Island — a barrier island where wild horses roam among ruins of Gilded Age mansions, and campers share the beach with loggerhead sea turtles. It's a camping experience unlike anything else on the East Coast.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Whether camping under moss-covered live oaks or seeking rugged backcountry challenges, Cumberland Island delivers a wilderness coastal experience accessible only by ferry from St. Marys. Wild horses, pristine beaches, and historic ruins make this Georgia's most unique camping destination.

Andrews Cove Campground

In the north Georgia mountains near Helen, Andrews Cove offers a cool mountain stream and peaceful atmosphere in White County's Chattahoochee National Forest. The 1.9-mile Andrews Cove trail starts right from camp.

Bald Ridge Creek

On Lake Sidney Lanier near Cumming, Bald Ridge Creek provides lakeside camping on one of the Southeast's most popular recreation lakes. The aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery draw over 11 million visitors to Lanier annually.

Bolding Mill

Another excellent Lake Lanier option near Gainesville, Bolding Mill offers comfortable amenities and a well-kept facility. Visitors enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and sunbathing on the lake's expansive shoreline.

Cotton Hill

On the shores of Walter F. George Lake on the Georgia-Alabama border near Fort Gaines, Cotton Hill provides a relaxing lakeside escape. The lake is a great place for a week-long or weekend getaway with excellent fishing.

Big Oaks

A 12-acre gently sloping site with scattered pine and hardwood trees on Lake Hartwell near Hartwell. The recreation area provides popular day-use and camping facilities on one of the Southeast's premier lakes.

Cooper Branch

On Allatoona Lake near Cartersville, Cooper Branch sits on the Etowah River tributary. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer swimming, fishing, and family picnicking within easy reach of metro Atlanta.

Chickamauga Battlefield

At the historic Chickamauga Battlefield near Fort Oglethorpe, this group campground serves organized youth groups in a setting steeped in Civil War history. The surrounding battlefield park provides exceptional educational and outdoor experiences.

Planning Tips

Winter is coastal camping season. October through March is ideal for Cumberland Island and other coastal sites — mild temperatures and fewer bugs. Mountain camping peaks summer through fall. North Georgia campgrounds above 2,000 feet offer genuine relief from the Southern heat. Lake Lanier books fast. The most popular lake in the Southeast fills campgrounds weeks ahead — reserve early for any weekend stay. Humidity and bugs. Georgia summers are hot and humid with aggressive mosquitoes — pack repellent and plan water activities to stay cool.

Find More Georgia Campgrounds

Explore all Georgia camping options on our Georgia campgrounds page, or browse our full campground directory to plan your Peach State adventure.