Discover the Charm of the South: Vanlife in Georgia’s Top Campgrounds
When folks consider traveling to the South, it’s often destinations like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana that typically come to mind. But Georgia has plenty going on and offers up all types of temperatures, seasons, and precipitation for an unforgettable vanlife experience. The northern portion of the state is home to cold winters, a mountain range, and beautiful scenery. While the southern portion provides tropical temps nearly year-round with equal parts sunny skies.
Urban centers like Atlanta and Macon are widely recognized, but for an authentic vanlife experience, discovering some of the top-rated campsites is a must.
North Georgia Locations
Pick a spot on a map of North Georgia and then plan on still having some choosing to do. There are so many campgrounds in that area of the state that finding a spectacular one can be difficult. Using RV LIFE Campground Reviews can show you the highest-rated RV parks. The app and website take the guessing out of finding the perfect RV park or resort. For instance, this one on the Georgia/Tennessee border has a high rating.
Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga
With a solid rating of 8.2/10 based on almost 500 views, chances are Holiday Travel Park of Chattanooga will meet or surpass all expectations for your vanlife experience. The pet-friendly destination located in Rossville offers amenities such as a swimming pool and a playground for the kids. There are plenty of local activities and attractions nearby, including Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga Zoo, and the Tennessee Aquarium. Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park and Lake Winnie are also nearby.
Georgia Mountain Fair Campground
A highly favored park in Hiawassee, Georgia Mountain Fair Campground boasts 189 spacious sites, some with lake views. The dog-friendly destination is considered one of the most beautiful campgrounds. A great place for water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding, this resort is within walking distance of the music hall or fairgrounds and a short drive to many neighboring towns.
State Parks in North Georgia To Consider for Your Vanlife Experience
There are 11 state parks within the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia. While a full list can be found here, here’s a brief overview of what can be found throughout the multiple locations.
- Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge– Located within the Chattahoochee National Forest and a few miles from the Appalachian Trail, this state park in Dawsonville is named after its magnificent key component-a 729-foot waterfall. Not just any waterfall, but the third-highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River.
- Black Rock Mountain State Park– This is Georgia’s highest state park, providing breathtaking views of the state’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiking trails provide scenic views that include streams, small waterfalls, wildflowers, and forests. There is a small lake for fishing enthusiasts surrounded by an easy walking trail.
- Cloudland Canyon is one of the biggest and most scenic state parks in the state of Georgia. With trails ranging from easy to strenuous, horseback riding trails and mountain biking along the Cloudland Connector Trail, there are numerous ways to view the sandstone cliffs, caves, creeks, thousand-foot-deep canyons, and plenty of wildlife.
- Tallulah Gorge State Park– This location highlights one of the greatest canyons within the eastern U.S. Measuring two miles long and close to 1,000 feet deep, the Tallulah Gorge features a suspension bridge 80 feet above the rocky bottom of the gorge. On this bridge, prepare to take in unobstructed views of the waterfalls and river.
South Georgia Vanlife Experiences
Bordered by Florida, camping in South Georgia opens so many doors for vanlife experiences. Although, with stays at places like Jekyll Island, the day trip can begin and end on foot, two tires or four. Spend the day at Driftwood Beach on the island, enjoy the multiple miles of bike and walking trails, or visit the state’s only sea turtle rehabilitation center. Rent a golf cart and travel like a local. The island’s only park, Jekyll Island Campground, consists of 206 sites and is pet friendly.
State Parks in South Georgia
Laura S. Walker State Park
Not as extensive a list as the northern section of the state, there are still plenty of options. Laura S. Walker State Park in Waycross stretches out over 626 acres and is conveniently located near the Okefenokee Swamp. It is at the swamp where nature and wildlife abound. With several ways to explore the swamp, travelers can easily spend an entire day at the swamp. Take a boat ride, train ride, or stroll down the boardwalk through the heart of the swamp.
Other nearby attractions to add to your vanlife experience include the town of Valdosta, home of the Wild Adventures theme park. Live concerts are also scheduled here throughout the year.
Reed Bingham State Park
Speaking of Valdosta, the Reed Bingham State Park is nearby, just a bit to the north, in the town of Adel. This is a highly sought-after park with an impressive 9.3 score based on 172 reviews.
There is a mixture of shady spots, with large campsites that are level and gravel. Plenty of biking and walking trails are by the river, and the park supplies long picnic tables for extra outdoor interaction during meal times.
Skidaway Island State Park
Another state park can be found in Savannah. Skidaway Island State Park features many scenes made famous by the deep south.
Canopied roads from moss-draped live oak trees, an observation tower that is perfect for photographing and spotting wildlife, along with the Intracoastal Waterway being next door to the park are just a few of the reasons guests keep returning to this destination.
A day trip within Savannah meets cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and lots of history and beauty. About a 30-minute drive is Tybee Island, a beach lover’s paradise.
Just a few hours from both Waycross and Savannah but a quick 30 minutes from Jekyll Island are the towns of Brunswick and St. Simons Island, large friendly atmospheres with food options to match.
Vanlife Experiences in Central Georgia
Home of the popular city of Macon, Central Georgia is home to a variety of cultural-rich activities and attractions. For instance, the Tubman African American Museum, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, along with the Museum of Arts & Sciences reside within this region of the Peach State. This area of the state provides plenty to have a great vanlife experience.
State Parks in Central Georgia
High Falls State Park
Just a short distance northwest of Macon is the High Falls State Park, near Jackson. This 1,050-acre state park is home to a 19th-century industrial center. Once a thriving location, now a mere ghost town due to being bypassed when the railroad landed. Highlights of this state park include central Georgia’s largest waterfall and Falls Lake, which measures an impressive 650 acres.
There is plenty of camping space with the 106 campsites, some seasonally open. With a pool (fee), two boat ramps, and two playgrounds, activities are endless. Mini-golf, fishing, and hiking are a few other activities available.
Check out the variety of entertainment nearby, including:
- Jarrell Plantation State Historic Site
- Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge
- The Village at Indian Springs
- Dauset Trails
Also nearby are the towns of Pine Mountain, Macon, and Forsyth.
Little Ocmulgee State Park
McRae is home to another state park. Little Ocmulgee State Park is another favorite based on posted reviews. With lots of shade trees standing tall and available activities ranging from fishing, hiking, and golf, this location provides plenty of reasons to stay and make the most of your vanlife experience. With Mulligans Bar & Grill on-site, there’s no need to drive off-property.
Outdoor Adventures With RV LIFE Campground Reviews
RV LIFE Campground Reviews is a comprehensive online resource for van and RV campers. Offering detailed information on over 1,500 Georgia campgrounds, including state parks like Little Ocmulgee State Park, it’s an indispensable tool for planning your outdoor adventures. Each listing is complete with user reviews, pictures, and a rating system based on various factors such as amenities, cleanliness, site quality, and noise, providing a comprehensive overview of what each campground has to offer.
Beyond simply being a campground directory, RV LIFE also connects you with a community of fellow campers sharing their experiences. With a complete list of all 47 Georgia State parks, complete with user reviews and photos, RV LIFE Campground Reviews gives you an insider’s look at each location. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting your van life journey, this platform is a trusted guide to help you discover the best spots for your outdoor adventures.
Embracing Georgia’s Diversity: The Ultimate Vanlife Experience
From the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northern part of the state to the beaches and islands within the southern portion, Georgia is a vast and varying state, sure to offer something for everyone. Snow in the winter in the top half of the state, with sunny skies virtually year-round in the lower half, the weather is just as varied as the landscape. Take some time and discover everything Georgia has to offer and make the best of your vanlife experience!
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