Inside the book
Every Georgia campground and river camp in this guide
The Camper's Guide covers 50 places to sleep on a Georgia trip, from state parks to river camps and the Okefenokee platforms. Each entry below is taken from the book: what kind of camp it is, the sites, the reservation details, pets and fire rules, and whether you can paddle from it. Fees and rules were checked Sept 2026 and change, so confirm with the operator before you go.
Permit and reservationEvery overnight trip needs a permit. Reserve by phone at 912-496-3331, Tuesday through Thursday, 7 to 10 a.m. Eastern, with a Recreation.gov profile set up before you call. Normally the refuge books up to two months ahead.
Fees$15 per person per night, plus a $10 non-refundable reservation fee. Checked September 2026.
Water and toiletsThere is no fresh water anywhere on the water trails. Carry 4 to 6 quarts per person per day. Every overnight site has a toilet.
FireOnly Canal Run, Floyds Island and Mixons Hammock have fire rings. Check the refuge alerts page before every trip. A portable stove is allowed at every site, so plan to cook on one.
Pets and boatsNo pets on overnight trips. Overnight trips are paddle only; no motors.
Low waterCall the permit line and read the refuge alert page before every trip, and never treat a published trail as open.
| Site | Kind | Trail | Paddle in from | Fire ring | Notes |
|---|
| Cedar Hammock | Platform | Yellow | Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, about 3 mi | No | In Mizell Prairie with open views. A great first platform trip for families and newer paddlers. |
| Mixons Hammock | Island | Brown | Okefenokee State Park, about 2 mi across Billys Lake | Yes | The shortest overnight approach in the swamp. |
| Buzzards Roost | Platform | Pink | Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, about 8 mi | No | Out in Grand Prairie. Recreation.gov lists it as Buzzard Roost. |
| Bluff Lake | Platform | Green | Kingfisher Landing, about 8 mi | No | Paddle across Bluff Lake to reach it. Dark skies. |
| Canal Run | Platform | Orange | Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, about 10 mi; 7 mi from Okefenokee State Park | Yes | On the historic Suwannee Canal. The fire ring is on the hammock next to the platform. |
| Maul Hammock | Platform | Red | Kingfisher Landing, about 12 mi | No | One of the most remote sites. Look behind you as you enter Maul Hammock Lake or you will paddle past it. |
| Floyds Island | Island | Green | Okefenokee State Park, about 9 mi | Yes | A through trip portages about 0.2 mile across the island, past an old hunting cabin. |
| Big Water | Platform | Red | Okefenokee State Park, about 11 mi | No | At the north end of Big Water Lake. Good sunrise and sunset views. |
| Round Top | Platform | Purple | Suwannee Canal Recreation Area, about 12 mi | No | A 360-degree view of the swamp from Chase Prairie. |
Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Okefenokee NWR camping page (fws.gov) and Okefenokee Wilderness Canoe Guide; Recreation.gov. Checked September 2026. Trail distances are the canoe guide's approximate figures.
Know before you go
Fees changeEvery fee in this book carries its check date, September 2026. Georgia State Parks publishes only a statewide range, in most cases $23 to $50 for a regular campsite, so we point you to the reservation site for each park's rate. State parks also charge a daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
Reserve earlySmall places fill first. Tate Branch takes reservations only. Cumberland Island's campgrounds and the Okefenokee platforms need a reservation and a permit, and each Okefenokee site takes one party a night. West Fork requires a reservation for all five walk-in sites through Recreation.gov.
Leave No TracePack out everything you pack in, food scraps too. Camp on sand, rock or an established site, well above the waterline. Use the toilet provided, or dig a cathole well away from water and camp. Leave what you find, and let the wildlife be.
Fire bansFire rules change with the weather. Fires only in provided rings where allowed; check the managing agency's alerts page before every trip. Most parks in this book allow fires only in the rings or grills provided. Carry a stove on every trip so a burn ban never costs you supper.
Check the agency pageCheck the agency page the week you go.
Mountains
Cold water, Forest Service camps and mountain state parks. The Toccoa River Canoe Trail starts and ends at a campground, and the Chattooga's West Fork runs past another.
Paddling nearby
Black Rock Mountain State Park
Along with the drive-up loop, Black Rock Mountain has walk-in and backcountry sites for campers who would rather carry their gear in. The park can close when the roads ice up, so call ahead on a cold week before you drive up.
Paddling: The park's 17-acre lake is open to boating and paddling.
- Sites
- 44 tent, trailer and RV sites; 12 walk-in sites; 4 backcountry sites; 1 pioneer group site; 10 cottages.
- Season
- The park may close in icy weather.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- 17-acre lake for boating and paddling; Summit visitor center and gift shop
On the Chattooga River
Chattooga River Corridor Camping
There is no campground here. The Forest Service allows dispersed camping in most of the Chattahoochee National Forest, and paddlers on the Chattooga camp in the river corridor. Groups over 24 people, or any commercial trip, need a Forest Service special use permit inside the corridor. Carry everything out and check the fire danger before you strike a match.
Paddling: The Chattooga Wild and Scenic River corridor.
- Sites
- Dispersed camping. No fixed sites and no count.
- Season
- Check Forest Service alerts and fire danger before you go.
- Reserve
- No reservation. Every boating group needs the free self-service Chattooga permit from the stands at the river access points.
- Not available
- No facilities: pack it in, pack it out
On the Toccoa River Canoe Trail
Deep Hole Recreation Area
Deep Hole is where the Toccoa River Canoe Trail begins. Camp here, launch in the morning, and take out 13.8 miles downstream at Sandy Bottoms, which has tent sites of its own. There is no drinking water, so bring all of it.
Paddling: The launch here is the start of the 13.8-mile Toccoa River Canoe Trail to Sandy Bottoms.
- Sites
- 9 sites for tents, pop-ups or small RVs; no hookups.
- Fees
- $15 a night on Recreation.gov. Day visitors pay $5; overnight campers do not.
- Reserve
- Book on Recreation.gov; self-service on site. Ranger district 706-745-6928.
- Pets
- Pets on a leash at all times.
- Fire
- Campfires in the grills only, fully put out. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; no generators or loud music.
- On site
- Vault toilet; River launch
- Not available
- No drinking water; No showers; No electric
Mountains
Fort Mountain State Park
Fort Mountain has more kinds of sites than almost anywhere in this book: drive-up, walk-in, platform, backcountry and group. Pick the walk-in or backcountry sites if you want quiet and do not mind carrying your gear.
- Sites
- 70 tent, trailer and RV sites; 4 walk-in sites; 6 platform sites; 4 backcountry sites; 3 pioneer group sites; 15 cottages.
- Season
- No closure posted when we checked.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Gift shop
On the Tallulah Gorge
Tallulah Gorge State Park
A full-service campground with electric at every site, next to the gorge and the park lake (closed to kayaks during construction). On release weekends the gorge floor closes to hikers, so check the release calendar before you plan your days.
Paddling: The park's 63-acre lake has a ramp, but kayaking there is not available while the Terrora day-use area is under construction. The Tallulah River runs through the gorge.
- Sites
- 52 tent, trailer and RV sites; 2 backcountry sites; 1 pioneer group site.
- Season
- Gorge-floor hiking and climbing close on the scheduled 2026 release dates. Kayaking on the park lake is not available while the Terrora day-use area is under construction. Check park notices.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. ParkPass required.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed. No dogs on the gorge floor, the Sliding Rock Trail or the Hurricane Falls staircase; rim trails are fine.
- Fire
- Fires on the grill pads only, and attended. Dead and downed wood only. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- 20/30/50 amp electric at every site; Showers; Flush toilets; Laundry; Dump station; Gift shop; Lake ramp
Paddling nearby
Tate Branch Campground
A small Forest Service campground beside the Tallulah River. Every site must be reserved ahead; you cannot just show up and take one.
Paddling: Beside the Tallulah River.
- Sites
- 17 tent, trailer and RV sites.
- Season
- Open March 15 to October 31, per the Forest Service.
- Fees
- $15 a night on Recreation.gov.
- Reserve
- Required for every site on Recreation.gov. No first-come camping. Ranger district 706-754-6221.
- Pets
- Pets allowed, per Recreation.gov.
- Fire
- Buy firewood near the campground and burn it there. Generators 4 hours a day at most, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- On site
- Drinking water; Toilet building, new in 2023
- Not available
- No electric
On the Toccoa River Canoe Trail
Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms
The far end of the Toccoa River Canoe Trail. Finish the 13.8 miles from Deep Hole, pull the boats up and pitch the tent. Bring your water; there is none here.
Paddling: The take-out for the Toccoa River Canoe Trail, 13.8 miles below Deep Hole.
- Sites
- 4 tent sites and 2 group sites.
- Season
- Open year-round, per the Forest Service.
- Fees
- $8 to $16 a night on Recreation.gov.
- Reserve
- Recreation.gov; same-day reservations accepted; self-service on site. Ranger district 706-745-6928.
- Pets
- Pets on a leash at all times.
- Fire
- Campfires in the grills only, fully put out. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; no generators or loud music.
- On site
- Vault toilet; Canoe take-out
- Not available
- No drinking water; No hookups; No dump station
Paddling nearby
Unicoi State Park
A lodge operator runs Unicoi for the state, so you book with them. Tent campers should look at the 33 walk-in sites, and Lake Unicoi has boats to rent.
Paddling: Lake Unicoi, with boat rentals.
- Sites
- 48 RV sites; 33 walk-in tent sites; 16 Squirrel's Nest platforms; 4 glamping sites; 29 cabins.
- Reserve
- Book with the park operator: 706-878-2201 or unicoilodge.com.
- Pets
- Pet-friendly. Short, sturdy leash, and clean up after them.
- Fire
- Quiet time 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Walk-in sites have a fire ring with grill top.
- On site
- Powered RV and tent sites; Heated comfort station with showers; Boat rentals on Lake Unicoi
Paddling nearby
Vogel State Park
Ninety drive-up sites and eighteen walk-ins. With Lake Trahlyta drained for dam repairs there is no paddling here for now, but the campground is open.
Paddling: Lake Trahlyta has seasonal paddling rentals, but the lake is drained for dam repairs.
- Sites
- 90 tent, trailer and RV sites; 18 walk-in sites; 1 pioneer group site; 34 cottages.
- Season
- Lake Trahlyta is drained for dam repairs. The lake loop trail and the waterfall are closed; campsites and facilities are open.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Keep pets on a leash.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- General Store
- Not available
- No paddling while the lake is drained
On the Chattooga River
West Fork Campground
Five walk-in sites beside the West Fork of the Chattooga. Reservations are required for all five through Recreation.gov.
Paddling: Walk-in sites beside the West Fork of the Chattooga.
- Sites
- 5 walk-in sites.
- Season
- Open year-round, per the Forest Service.
- Fees
- $10 a night on Recreation.gov.
- Reserve
- Reservation required for all five walk-in sites through Recreation.gov.
- Fire
- Fire rings at each site. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; generators 4 hours a day at most, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- On site
- Vault toilet
- Not available
- No electric
Piedmont and Northwest
Lake parks, river outfitters and city campgrounds from the Broad River to the Coosa. Most of these are drive-up sites with a boat ramp a short walk from the tent.
On the Broad River
Broad River Outpost
A private outfitter campground built around the Broad River. You get hot showers, certified well water to fill your bottles, fire pits, and a small store for whatever you forgot. They strongly encourage a call ahead.
Paddling: An outfitter campground with its own access to the Broad River.
- Fees
- $10 per person. The outpost asks for a donation to the Broad River Watershed Association: at least $1 per car and $1 per camper per night.
- Reserve
- Strongly encouraged. Call 706-795-3242 or see broadriveroutpost.com.
- Pets
- Friendly dogs welcome. Keep them leashed when they are off the water.
- Fire
- Fires in the fire pits provided. No quiet hours published.
- On site
- Hot showers; Well water for bottle refills; Fire pits; Picnic tables; Camp store: snacks, drinks, dry gear
Paddling nearby
Don Carter State Park
Don Carter is a lake park set up for paddlers, with a kayak shack and marked paddle trails on Lake Lanier. Besides the drive-up loop it has 16 primitive sites just for tents and hammocks.
Paddling: Boat ramps, docks, a kayak shack and marked paddle trails on Lake Lanier.
- Sites
- 44 tent, trailer and RV sites; 16 primitive tent sites; 8 cottages.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Campground comfort station; Bath house at the sand beach; Gift shop; Boat ramps, docks and kayak shack
On the Etowah River · City of Euharlee
Euharlee Creek Acton Park
This one is for campers who travel with a rig: every site has full hookups and there are no tent sites. It sits on Euharlee Creek, and Osborne Park kayak access is a future phase, not open; use Euharlee Creek Outfitters or the Euharlee Road landing.
Paddling: No kayak launch at the campground. Kayak access at nearby Osborne Park is planned, not open.
- Sites
- 26 full-hookup RV sites. No tent sites.
- Fees
- From $50 a night on the campground's Campspot booking page.
- Reserve
- Required, through the campground's online booking page (Euharlee Creek Campground on campspot.com). Extended stays: 770-386-1542.
- Pets
- Pets allowed; the booking page marks all 26 sites pet-friendly.
- Fire
- Fire rings at the sites.
- On site
- Full hookups; Bathhouse; Store with firewood and supplies
- Not available
- No tent sites
On the Flint River
Flint River Outdoor Center
A Flint River outfitter that takes tent and RV campers as well as paddlers, with rentals and 5-mile and 10-mile shuttles. Call ahead for sites.
Paddling: Outfitter launch on the Flint River, with rentals and 5-mile and 10-mile shuttles.
- Sites
- Tent, RV and group camping. No site count published.
- Season
- Open April through September, Tuesday through Sunday.
- Fees
- Tent camping $25 a day for 1 or 2 people; RV $40 (30 amp) or $45 (50 amp). Each extra adult $4, children $2.
- Reserve
- Call 706-647-2633, or see flintriveroutdoor.com.
- Pets
- Pets welcome, $4 each.
- On site
- Kayak, raft and canoe rentals; 5-mile and 10-mile shuttles; Boat launch
Paddling nearby
Hard Labor Creek State Park
A big campground with its own tent and pop-up loop, and Lake Rutledge for an evening paddle. The 10-horsepower limit keeps the boat traffic down.
Paddling: Boat ramp on Lake Rutledge, with a 10-horsepower limit.
- Sites
- 51 tent, trailer and RV sites; 11 tent and pop-up sites; 2 buddy sites; 4 pioneer group sites; 2 group camps; 20 cottages.
- Season
- Group camps are open seasonally.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Sewer hookups at 13 RV sites; Boat ramp on Lake Rutledge
Paddling nearby
High Falls State Park
With 106 drive-up sites this is one of the biggest campgrounds in the book, with yurts for anyone who left the tent at home. Rent a boat at the park and paddle the lake.
Paddling: Two boat ramps and paddling rentals on the park lake.
- Sites
- 106 tent, trailer and RV sites, some seasonal; 6 yurts; 1 paddle-in primitive campsite that sleeps 25; 1 pioneer group site.
- Season
- Some sites are seasonal. No other closure posted when we checked.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- 2 boat ramps; Paddling rentals
Paddling nearby
Indian Springs State Park
A good-sized state park campground with a boat ramp on its lake. The park had not published its bathhouse details when we checked; call if that matters to you.
Paddling: Boat ramp on the park lake.
- Sites
- 76 tent, trailer and RV sites; 1 group camp; 10 cottages.
- Season
- No closure posted when we checked.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Boat ramp
Paddling nearby
James H. Floyd State Park
A small campground where every drive-up site has water and electric, plus two boat ramps and rentals for a paddle on the lake. The four backcountry sites are there for tent campers.
Paddling: Two boat ramps and paddling rentals on the park lake.
- Sites
- 24 tent, trailer and RV sites; 4 backcountry sites; 1 pioneer group site; 4 cottages.
- Season
- The Upper Lake Bridge is closed for construction.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Water and electric hookups; 2 boat ramps; Paddling rentals
On the Coosa River at Rome · Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation (Floyd County)
Lock and Dam Park
A city park on the Coosa with a boat ramp, a trading post and full camp comforts. It is one of the few places in this book that publishes its nightly rates. Reservations are required, so do not just show up.
Paddling: Boat ramp onto the Coosa River.
- Sites
- 31 RV and tent sites with power and water (site 12 is a tent site); full hookups with sewer at sites 24 to 31. Primitive group camping for organized groups, seasonal.
- Season
- Park hours 7 a.m. to dusk. Primitive camping is seasonal.
- Fees
- $35 to $38 a night for sites 1 to 23; $40 for sites 24 to 31. Parking $2 a day. Boat launch $3.
- Reserve
- Required: online at rfpra.com/lockanddam, in the store, or by phone at 706-234-5001.
- Pets
- Pets on a leash at all times.
- Fire
- Campfires in fire rings only. Quiet time 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Water; Electric; Showers; Restrooms; Laundry; Coosa River Trading Post; Boat ramp
Paddling nearby
Red Top Mountain State Park
A big lake park on Allatoona with yurts as well as campsites. Read the algae warning at the park before you swim or let a dog in the water.
Paddling: Lake Allatoona, from two boat ramps and two docks.
- Sites
- 93 tent, trailer and RV sites; 6 yurts; 1 pioneer group site; 20 cottages.
- Season
- The park warns of possible blue-green algae.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- 2 boat ramps and 2 docks; Marina nearby
On the Sweetwater Creek State Park
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Only five tent sites and ten yurts, so book early. George Sparks Reservoir is open for paddling but not for swimming.
Paddling: One boat ramp on George Sparks Reservoir; canoes, kayaks and paddleboards to rent in season.
- Sites
- 5 tent sites and 10 yurts.
- Season
- The inside of the historic mill ruins is closed except for guided hikes and events; the outside stays open.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets at campsites. No dogs in the yurts.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Boat ramp; Seasonal canoe and kayak rentals; Bait shop and gift shop
- Not available
- No swimming in the reservoir
Piedmont and Northwest
Victoria Bryant State Park
A small campground with walk-in sites for tent campers and a bathhouse, laundry and dump station for everybody else.
- Sites
- 27 tent, trailer and RV sites; 1 tent/RV combo site; 8 platform walk-in sites; 1 pioneer group site; 1 cottage.
- Season
- The Broad River Loop Trail bridge and the Creek Ford Foot Bridge were closed when we checked. No campground closure posted.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275. Park office 706-245-6270.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Bathhouse; Comfort station; Dump station; Laundry
On the Broad River
Watson Mill Bridge State Park
A small park on the South Fork of the Broad River, with a bathhouse, laundry and sites for horse campers. Bring your own boat: you can paddle above the dam, but the park's own boats were out of service when we checked.
Paddling: Private canoes and kayaks can paddle the South Fork of the Broad River upstream of the dam.
- Sites
- 21 tent, trailer and RV sites; 11 equestrian sites and 1 buddy equestrian site; 3 pioneer group sites; 3 bunkhouses.
- Season
- When we checked, the park's canoes and kayaks were not available for use.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations, gastateparks.reserveamerica.com. Park office 706-783-5349.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Hot showers; Flush toilets; Laundry
Coastal Plain Rivers
Blackwater country. State park lakes, county river landings, and the sandbars of the Satilla and the Alapaha, where you camp on the river itself.
On the Alapaha River
Alapaha River Sandbars
WWALS Watershed Coalition, which looks after the Alapaha River Water Trail, says rough camping on Georgia river islands is legal with no reservation, permit or fee. Everywhere else, camp only where you know you have the landowner's permission, and pick high ground.
Paddling: Alapaha River Water Trail.
- Sites
- Rough camping on river islands and high sandbars. No fixed sites.
- Fees
- None, per WWALS.
- Reserve
- No reservation or permit, per WWALS.
- Pets
- Control your pets or leave them home.
- Fire
- Be extremely careful with campfires.
- Not available
- No facilities published
Paddling nearby
George L. Smith State Park
A paddling lake with a boat ramp, and hookups at the campsites. Construction was under way when we checked, so call before you book an RV site.
Paddling: Fishing dock and boat ramp on the park's paddling lake.
- Sites
- 52 tent, trailer and RV sites; 1 pioneer group site; 10 cottages.
- Season
- New yurts were under construction when we checked, and some RV sites may be closed. The day-use area was under construction too.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Water; Electric; Dump station; Fishing dock and boat ramp
Paddling nearby
Laura S. Walker State Park
Laura S. Walker pairs a 44-site campground with a lake that holds motors to 10 horsepower outside the daytime hours, when water skiing is allowed, so paddle it early or late.
Paddling: Boat ramp on the park lake. Private boats allowed, with the park's published 10-horsepower limit and time-of-day exceptions.
- Sites
- 44 tent, trailer and RV sites; 1 pioneer group site; 1 group camp; 6 cottages.
- Season
- No closure posted when we checked.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Boat ramp
Paddling nearby
Little Ocmulgee State Park
A lodge operator runs this park for the state, so you book with them, not through the state system. The 256-acre lake is the draw. Ask about sites and rates when you call; they were not published when we checked.
Paddling: Boating on 256-acre Little Ocmulgee Lake, with a boat ramp. The lodge says the lake is closed for maintenance; call first.
- Sites
- 54 RV and tent campsites. The lake has a boat ramp.
- Season
- The lodge's fishing page says the lake is closed for maintenance.
- Reserve
- Book direct with the park's lodge operator: 229-868-7474 or littleocmulgeelodge.com.
- Pets
- Pet-friendly. Short, sturdy leash, and clean up after them.
- On site
- 256-acre Little Ocmulgee Lake
Paddling nearby
Magnolia Springs State Park
A small park with a small lake. The three walk-in sites are the tent camper's pick.
Paddling: Small lake. Closed to boats by low water when we checked.
- Sites
- 26 tent, trailer and RV sites; 3 walk-in sites; 1 pioneer group site; 9 cottages.
- Season
- The lake is closed to rentals and private boats, canoes and kayaks included, because of extremely low water (September 2026).
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Small lake for fishing
On the Ocmulgee River
Mile Branch Park
A river park in Hawkinsville with two concrete ramps on the Ocmulgee and room to pitch a tent, which makes it a handy night on a multi-day float. Call ahead to check that the restrooms and hot showers are open.
Paddling: Two concrete ramps on the Ocmulgee River at Ocmulgee Water Trail mile 127.2.
- Sites
- Tent camping. No count published.
- Season
- Open year-round.
- Fees
- Camping fee not published. Admission is free and no parking fee is published.
- Reserve
- No reservation system published. Call 478-783-4154.
- Pets
- Pet-friendly. No leash rule published.
- On site
- Water; Hot showers; Restrooms; Some electric; 2 concrete boat ramps; Overnight parking allowed
Paddling nearby
Reed Bingham State Park
Reed Bingham has a primitive island campsite on its 375-acre lake that you can only reach by boat. Rent one at the park if you did not bring your own, and paddle to camp.
Paddling: A 375-acre lake with a primitive island campsite you reach by boat. Rentals available.
- Sites
- 46 tent, trailer and RV sites; 1 pioneer group site; 1 paddle-in island campsite for up to 30 people.
- Season
- Open; Hurricane Helene restoration is still in progress. Damaged boardwalk sections are still closed.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- 3 boat ramps and 2 docks; Boat rentals; Paddle-in island campsite
On the Satilla River · Satilla River Water Trail / Satilla Riverkeeper
Satilla River Sandbars
The Satilla River Water Trail says overnight camping is allowed on public sections of the banks and sandbars. Pick a high bar, stay off private land, and remember the water can come up fast.
Paddling: Launch from the established access sites on the Satilla River Water Trail.
- Sites
- Sandbars shift with the flow. No fixed sites.
- Fees
- No fee published for public banks and sandbars.
- Reserve
- No reservation system published. Satilla Riverkeeper: 912-421-8972.
- Pets
- Control your pets or leave them home. Respect riverfront owners and do not trespass.
- Fire
- Follow Leave No Trace and keep campfire impact low.
- Not available
- No facilities published
On the St. Marys River
Traders Hill Recreation Area
A Charlton County park on the St. Marys near Folkston, with a boat ramp, a fishing pier, restrooms and camping. It is plain and it is on the water, which is all a paddler needs.
Paddling: Boat ramp and plenty of docking on the St. Marys River.
- Sites
- Primitive and trailer camping. No count published.
- Reserve
- No reservation method published. Call the county park, 912-496-3412.
- Pets
- Pet-friendly, per Explore Georgia.
- On site
- Restrooms; Boat ramp and docking; Fishing pier; Picnic tables and grills; Picnic shelter; Nature trails
Coast and Okefenokee
Salt marsh and swamp. Cumberland Island's campgrounds, the coastal state parks, and the overnight platforms and islands deep in the Okefenokee wilderness (Coffee Bay and Minnies Lake take campers only when the refuge opens them).
On the Crooked River
Crooked River State Park
A coastal state park with its own boat ramp and dock on the Crooked River and a bait and tackle shop in the park. It is the natural base camp for the Crooked River chapter of the Paddler's Guide.
Paddling: Boat ramp and dock on the Crooked River.
- Sites
- 63 tent, trailer and RV sites; 1 pioneer group site; 11 cottages.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets welcome, six-foot leash at most.
- Fire
- Fires only in the fire rings provided, and attended. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Boat ramp and dock; North Star Bait & Tackle Shop
On the Southeast Coast Saltwater Trail
Cumberland Island: Brickhill Bluff
One of Cumberland Island's three wilderness campgrounds. There are no toilets, the water must be treated, and fires are not allowed, so come ready to live out of your pack and cook on a stove. Plan around the winter ferry gap and the hunt closures.
Paddling: Reach the island by ferry or private boat.
- Sites
- 4 wilderness tent sites, up to 6 people per site.
- Season
- No Tuesday or Wednesday ferry Dec 1 to Feb 28. Wilderness areas may close during managed hunts.
- Fees
- $9 per permit per night, plus the entrance fee: $15 per adult (16 and up) for up to 7 days; 15 and under free.
- Reserve
- Reservation and permit required: Recreation.gov, or call 912-882-4336.
- Pets
- No pets in the island's campgrounds; service animals only.
- Fire
- No fires at Brickhill Bluff. Cook on a stove. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- On site
- Water on site is not potable: treat it
- Not available
- No toilets; No showers
On the Southeast Coast Saltwater Trail
Cumberland Island: Hickory Hill
A four-site wilderness camp with no facilities at all. Treat the well water, carry a stove, and look at the hunt calendar first, because the wilderness area and its campsites close for managed hunts from October through January.
Paddling: No launch at the site. Private boats dock by day at Sea Camp, Dungeness or Plum Orchard; no overnight docking.
- Sites
- 4 backcountry tent sites.
- Season
- Closed during managed hunts, October through January. No Tuesday or Wednesday ferry Dec 1 to Feb 28.
- Fees
- $9 per permit per night, plus the entrance fee: $15 per adult (16 and up) for up to 7 days; 15 and under free.
- Reserve
- Required. Search Cumberland Island National Seashore on Recreation.gov.
- Pets
- No pets in the island's campgrounds; service animals only.
- Fire
- No fires at wilderness sites; camp stoves are fine. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- On site
- Well water nearby: treat before drinking
- Not available
- No toilets; No showers; No electric
On the Southeast Coast Saltwater Trail
Cumberland Island: Sea Camp
Sea Camp sits a half mile from the dock, with drinking water, cold showers and fire rings. That makes it the easiest first night on Cumberland Island. There is no store, so everything you need comes over on the boat with you.
Paddling: Sea Camp Dock takes the ferry and private boats. The campground is a half mile from the dock.
- Sites
- 16 walk-in tent sites and 2 group sites.
- Season
- No Tuesday or Wednesday ferry Dec 1 to Feb 28. The wilderness area closes for managed hunts, October through January.
- Fees
- $22 a night for an individual site, $40 for a group site, plus the entrance fee: $15 per adult (16 and up) for up to 7 days.
- Reserve
- Required. Search Cumberland Island National Seashore on Recreation.gov.
- Pets
- No pets in the island's campgrounds; service animals only.
- Fire
- Campfires only in the fire rings. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- On site
- Drinking water; Cold showers; Flush toilets
- Not available
- No electric; No dump station; No store
On the Southeast Coast Saltwater Trail
Cumberland Island: Stafford Beach
Ten tent sites with drinking water, cold showers and fire rings, and half the neighbors of Sea Camp. Walk in from the Sea Camp dock with everything you need for the stay.
Paddling: No launch at the campground. Boats land at Sea Camp Dock.
- Sites
- 10 walk-in tent sites.
- Season
- No Tuesday or Wednesday ferry Dec 1 to Feb 28. The wilderness area closes for managed hunts, October through January.
- Fees
- $12 a night per site, plus the entrance fee: $15 per adult (16 and up) for up to 7 days; 15 and under free.
- Reserve
- Required. Search Cumberland Island National Seashore on Recreation.gov.
- Pets
- No pets in the island's campgrounds; service animals only.
- Fire
- Campfires only in the fire rings. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- On site
- Drinking water; Cold showers; Flush toilets
- Not available
- No electric; No dump station; No store
On the Southeast Coast Saltwater Trail
Cumberland Island: Yankee Paradise
Four wilderness tent sites and no facilities. Same rules as Hickory Hill: treat the water, cook on a stove, pack it all out, and check the hunt closures before you book.
Paddling: No launch at the site. Private boats dock by day at Sea Camp, Dungeness or Plum Orchard; no overnight docking.
- Sites
- 4 backcountry tent sites.
- Season
- Closed during managed hunts, October through January. No Tuesday or Wednesday ferry Dec 1 to Feb 28.
- Fees
- $9 per permit per night, plus the entrance fee: $15 per adult (16 and up) for up to 7 days; 15 and under free.
- Reserve
- Required. Search Cumberland Island National Seashore on Recreation.gov.
- Pets
- No pets in the island's campgrounds; service animals only.
- Fire
- No fires at wilderness sites; camp stoves are fine. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- On site
- Well water nearby: treat before drinking
- Not available
- No toilets; No showers; No electric
On the Ogeechee River
Fort McAllister State Park
The campground sits right on tidal Redbird Creek, and the ramps put you on the creek or the Ogeechee. It has every camp comfort: showers, laundry and a dump station. Rent a boat in season or bring your own.
Paddling: The campground borders tidal Redbird Creek. Boat ramps and a dock reach the creek and the Ogeechee River, with canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals in season.
- Sites
- 67 tent, trailer and RV sites; 1 backcountry site; 2 pioneer group sites; 7 cottages.
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Welcome in the park and campground if quiet, attended and on a six-foot leash.
- Fire
- Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The park office has the full list of fire rules.
- On site
- Showers; Comfort station; Laundry; Dump station; Gift shop; Boat ramps, dock and fishing pier
Paddling nearby
Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins & Campground
Thirteen wooded acres right outside the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge entrance in Folkston: cabins, glamping tents, RV and tent sites, a bathhouse with hot showers, laundry, a camp store and a small restaurant. Paddle the swamp all day and come back to a hot shower, a meal and a fire ring.
Paddling: Directly outside the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge entrance in Folkston, where the refuge's Suwannee Canal Recreation Area launch is.
- Sites
- Cabins, four glamping tents, back-in and pull-through RV sites (30 and 50 amp, pull-throughs up to 75 feet), and premium, primitive and group tent sites.
- Season
- Open year-round. Check-in 3 p.m., check-out 11 a.m.; no minimum stay.
- Fees
- Rates vary by date; see the campground's booking page.
- Reserve
- Book online at okefenokee.com or call 912-496-4472.
- Pets
- Pets welcome on a leash; clean up after them.
- Fire
- Campfires in designated fire rings when local conditions permit.
- On site
- Hot showers; ADA bathhouse; Laundry; Camp store; Restaurant; Propane; Fishing pond; Walking trails; Stargazing field; Dog park; Playground
On the Southeast Coast Saltwater Trail
Skidaway Island State Park
A full-service campground on the Skidaway Narrows, with hookups, hot showers and laundry. Part of it is under renovation into 2027, so check which loops are open when you book.
Paddling: The park borders Skidaway Narrows on the Intracoastal Waterway. The park page names no launch.
- Sites
- 87 tent, trailer and RV sites; 3 camper cabins; 3 yurts; 3 pioneer group sites.
- Season
- Part of the campground has been under renovation since Feb 2, 2026, scheduled for a year. The Avian Trail and observation tower are closed (bridge damage).
- Fees
- Nightly rate on the reservation site. Daily ParkPass per vehicle; campers pay it once for the stay.
- Reserve
- Georgia State Parks reservations: 1-800-864-7275 or gastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
- Pets
- Leashed pets at campsites; no pets in the camper cabins.
- Fire
- Campfires in the fire rings provided. No noise-making devices 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- On site
- Water and electric hookups; Hot showers; Flush toilets; Washers and dryers
