What’s better than camping?
Lakeside camping.
But with so many man-made lakes in Georgia, it’s hard to choose which to visit.
So we put together this list of the best lakeside camping spots in Georgia to make your life easier.
Throughout the state, you’ll find lakes perfect for camping, whether you want wide waters with boat ramps and beaches or quiet coves surrounded by trees.
Stay to the end where we have our ‘Top Picks’ section, where you can see which locations are best for different things, so you know which is the perfect place for you.
1. Red Top Mountain State Park (Lake Allatoona)
Red Top Mountain State Park sits on the edge of Lake Allatoona, about 40 minutes from Atlanta, and it’s great if you want to camp right by the water.
There are 93 campsites to choose from, including sites suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents.
Or if you don’t like roughing it, then you can stay comfy in one of the 20 cottages in the park that you can rent.
Whatever you choose, you’ll be surrounded by tall pines and pretty lake views not far from your door (or tent flap).
There’s plenty to do, like swimming at the beach, paddling on the 12,000-acre lake, hiking the Iron Hill or Homestead trails, and even fishing for bass and catfish.
The campground has hot showers, clean restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, so you can grill up dinner and roast marshmallows while watching the sun set.
2. Vogel State Park (Lake Trahlyta)
Next up is Vogel State Park, located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and home to the peaceful 22-acre Lake Trahlyta.
There are 90 campsites for tents, trailers, or RVs, plus 34 rustic cottages surrounded by forest if you want a cozier stay.
The lake is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or taking out a pedal boat.
For hiking, you’ve got options like the Bear Hair Gap Loop and the short but scenic 1-mile Trahlyta Lake Trail with its picture-perfect waterfall (Trahlyta Falls).
Campground perks like hot showers, clean restrooms, picnic spots, a general store, and mini-golf add a little extra fun to your time here!
3. Don Carter State Park (Lake Lanier)
Now let’s head to Don Carter State Park, the only state park located directly on the massive 38,000-acre Lake Lanier in northeast Georgia.
This spot has 44 RV/tent campsites, 14 primitive sites tucked into the woods for more privacy, and 8 two-bedroom cabins right by the water.
You can spend the day swimming at the sandy beach, fishing for striped bass, kayaking through quiet coves, or exploring the various trails.
The campground has full hookups, clean bathhouses, picnic tables, and plenty of space to stretch out under the tall hardwoods.
4. Tugaloo State Park (Lake Hartwell)
If nonstop lakeside views are your thing, Tugaloo State Park on Lake Hartwell won’t disappoint.
The park sits on the 56,000-acre lake near the Georgia-South Carolina border, with 20 quaint cottages and over 100 campsites to choose from (most of which offer amazing views of the lake).
You can rent kayaks or paddleboards, fish for largemouth bass and catfish, or hit the 0.75-mile Muscadine Trail for a nice, easy hike through the woods.
The campground has electric hookups, bathhouses, picnic shelters, and even a sandy beach for swimming, so you’re all set for a laid-back weekend.
5. Elijah Clark State Park (Lake Strom Thurmond / Clarks Hill Lake)
Next is Elijah Clark State Park, set along the 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake (or Lake Strom Thurmond) near the Georgia-South Carolina line.
There are 165 campsites here, many just steps from the water, plus 20 lakeside cabins where you can wake up to beautiful sunrise views.
Spend your days boating, swimming, fishing for crappie, striped bass, and catfish, or relaxing on the sandy swimming beach.
With full hookups, clean restrooms, hot showers, playgrounds, and plenty of room to relax, the campground offers lakeside camping at its best.
6. Mistletoe State Park (Lake Strom Thurmond / Clarks Hill Lake)
A little down the shoreline from Elijah Clark, Mistletoe State Park brings a different vibe to camping on Clarks Hill Lake.
You’ll find 93 campsites here, many stretched out on quiet peninsulas with wraparound water views, plus 10 fully equipped cottages in the woods.
You can fish from shore, launch a boat, swim at the beach, or hike the beautiful Cliatt Creek Trail.
The campground has electric hookups, clean bathhouses, picnic tables, and a fishing dock, giving you lots of space to spread out and unwind.
7. Georgia Veterans State Park (Lake Blackshear)
Up next is Georgia Veterans State Park, located along the 8,700-acre Lake Blackshear in south-central Georgia.
Stay at one of 82 campsites for tents and RVs, or upgrade to the cozy cabins or glamping tents for extra comfort.
Rent a pontoon boat at the marina, cast for bream and largemouth bass, or play a round on the 18-hole Veterans Memorial Golf Course inside the park.
The campground features electric and water hookups, clean restrooms, a swimming beach, picnic spots, and even a military museum.
8. Reed Bingham State Park (Reed Bingham Lake)
If you’re heading farther south, Reed Bingham State Park welcomes you with its peaceful 375-acre Reed Bingham Lake near Adel.
There are 46 campsites for tents and RVs, a Pioneer Campground for groups, and plenty of shady spots beneath tall pines and oaks.
You can paddle the lake’s calm blackwater, fish for bass and crappie, or follow the 3.5-mile nature trail through cypress swamps and pitcher plant bogs.
With electric hookups, clean bathhouses, picnic areas, and a swimming beach, it’s easy to settle in this low-key park and soak up the scenery.
9. Laura S. Walker State Park (Laura Walker Lake)
Rounding out the list is Laura S. Walker State Park, located near Waycross and beside the 120-acre Laura Walker Lake.
The campground has 44 campsites for tents and RVs, plus 6 lakeside cottages that give you easy access to the water and pretty sunrise views.
Rent kayaks or paddleboards, cast for bass and bluegill, or explore the 2.5-mile Big Creek Nature Trail and the Lakeshore Trail that loops around the lake.
You’ll also find electric hookups, clean restrooms, picnic tables, and “The Lakes”, an 18-hole golf course right next door if you want to trade your paddle for a set of clubs.
Top Picks for Different Categories 🎖
Still not sure which to choose?
Here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect spot based on what kind of camping trip you’re after.
Best for Families 👨👩👧👦
- Vogel State Park – Kid-friendly hikes, mini golf, cozy cottages.
- Georgia Veterans State Park – Glamping tents, golf course, military museum.
Best for Fishing 🐟
- Elijah Clark State Park – Hotspot for crappie, striped bass, and catfish.
- Reed Bingham State Park – Calm blackwater lake, great for bass and crappie.
Best for Hiking 🥾
- Vogel State Park – Bear Hair Gap Loop and Trahlyta waterfall.
- Mistletoe State Park – Forested views along the Cliatt Creek Trail.
Best for RV Camping 🚐
- Don Carter State Park – Full hookups and elbow room near Lake Lanier.
- Elijah Clark State Park – Spacious RV sites right on the water.
Best for Boating 🚤
- Don Carter State Park – Paddle quiet coves or cruise Lake Lanier.
- Mistletoe State Park – Boat ramps and easy lake access.
Best for a Serene Escape 🌲
- Reed Bingham State Park – Shady sites, quiet trails, peaceful lake.
- Laura S. Walker State Park – Sunrise views and calm waterside vibes.
Best for Luxury (Cabins & Comfort) 💎
- Don Carter State Park – Lakeside cabins with porches and space.
- Vogel State Park – Forest cottages for cozy comfort.
Best for Beach Days 🏖
- Tugaloo State Park – Sandy beach and swim-friendly shoreline.
- Don Carter State Park – Big beach on Lake Lanier, perfect for relaxing.
Related Posts
