“Secluded” is a relative term, my idea of seclusion and yours may differ. So let me be clear: these sites are in Georgia State Parks not the deep in the backwoods of the Georgia mountains, swamps, or river valley. They are within walking distance to parking and the bathhouse. You don’t have to walk 5 miles to feel like you are alone in the canopy of trees, and knowing that civilization (AKA coffee shops, shopping centers, and your favorite restaurant) is not too far away will let you rest easy at night, knowing that you can go pick up anything you might need in the morning. When you tent camp at these sites it is so incredibly pitch dark at night that you can’t see your hand directly in front of your face. The stars are so bright in the night sky. The sounds of the forest are all you hear, and you feel at one with the environment.
BlackRock Mountain State Park
11 walk-in sites do not have water during the winter months. Walking distance to sites varies from 30′ to 150′. There is a central bathhouse. More secluded than RV sites. Pads are small and will only accommodate 2 two-person tents or 1 four-person tent.
Cloudland Cayon State Park
28 walk-in sites are non-site specific sites located along a 3/4 mile long loop trail. There is a central bathhouse situated near the parking lot. Pads are small and will only accommodate one large tent or two pup tents. Restrooms are closed December thru February for winterization.
Chattahoochee Bend State Park
The West platform campsites are located 200-400 feet from the parking area and offer 8 walk-in tent sites. While these aren’t very secluded (your neighbors are within 30 feet of you), they are less noisy than the packed RV campground.
The North Platform is more of a hike-in, read about it here. They are nestled along the water and are more secluded.
Both the North and West Platform campsites are primitive. Water and electricity are not available. These sites are 15 x 15 wooden deck style platforms. Tents can be pitched with weights only. For tent staking, you will need longer cords to reach the natural terrain.
Don Carter State Park
Our experience in the RV section of Don Carter was dreadful, as told in my post “Campin’ ain’t Always Fun.” The sites are all designed for pull-through RVs, the sites are exposed to the sun because there isn’t tree cover, and you are left staring at your neighbor, due to overcrowding. What we didn’t know when I made the reservation is there are 12 primitive walk-in sites. Sites are 30 to 300 yards from parking area. Sites do not have electricity; however, drinking water and port-a-let restrooms are available in the parking area (eeewww.. drive to the bathhouse if you don’t pee outside or have to poo). While most sites at Don Carter are site-specific reservations, these campsites are not. Primitive campsite reservations must arrive and be checked-in before 5 pm.
Sidenote: September 8-16 Don Carter hosts IFC Dragon Boat Championship. How fun that is to watch!
Elijah Clark State Park
9 walk-in sites located between the pioneer campsite and the day use areas are non-specific reservation right on the shore of Clarks Hill Lake. The sunset here is beautiful, and the stars appear to be just beyond your grasp. There is a central bathhouse located near the parking area. Pads are small and will only accommodate one large tent or two pup tents.
Fort Yargo State Park
12 walk-in tent sites that are along the water but appear packed in remember “secluded” is relative. It seems they are a short distance from parking, but I have not visited Fort Yargo yet, so I am not sure. Site 1 looks to be the most secluded. These are not site-specific, The walk-in tent sites overlook Marbury Watershed Lake.
Hart State Outdoor Recreational Area
16 Walk-in sites are located on the water. This is another honorable mention as the campground seems pretty packed in, but these walk-ins are only a few yards from parking. While these sites are closer to each other than the others listed here, being able to jump in the water to cool down in the summer is a plus.
Magnolia Springs State Park
2 walk-in sites that are near parking for easy loading and unloading. Unfortunately, neither of these are nearby water, however, there is a natural spring in the state park to visit and the remains of the civil war prison Fort Lawton.
Mistletoe State Park
4 walk-in sites that are snuggled less than a quarter mile in the cover of trees. You pass by 2 sites along the path as you walk deeper into the woods. So if you want ultimate privacy head further in if they are free (they are not site-specific). The lake is nearby for fishing and swimming and is a few yards away.
Seminole State Park
If being near the water is essential, then book one of the three tent-only sites. They are within walking distance of parking and restroom.
Sweetwater Creek State Park
5 site-specific walk-in campsites are located on a shaded hillside 240 FT from the parking area. Only problem: the sites appear to be right on top of each other and 15 other Yurt sites. Sweetwater offers no RV camping spots.
Tugaloo State Park
These walk-in sites are located 20 to 50 yds from the parking area. We have yurt camped here, and I haven’t seen these sites, but it appears they are packed in and are non-site specific, so you may or may not have a waterfront spot unless you arrive early. Pads are small and will only accommodate one large tent or two pup tents.
Vogel State Park
This park has 18 walk-in sites to choose from, and you are able to select your site at booking. While all these are considered walk-in some sites are close to the road, and others are up to 100 yards away. Sites A and B are great for families camping together and are near the parking area and bath. They are maybe 200 feet from parking but are right beside each other so you may get stuck with loudmouth campers right next door. Site C is also close to the parking area and is off the road 100 feet or so all alone. Our family had 2 spots this trip G and H. Shane, and I camped in site H which was the furthest away and straight up a mountain path, a football field doesn’t seem so long until you are carrying all your camping gear uphill. 5 trips back and forth to and from the car up and downhill. We should have packed light for this site, and path gradients aren’t listed on the park’s website soooo we had no idea until we got there. Once we were settled though, it is the most secluded and quiet. We could barely hear children playing in the far off distance. So NICE! Campsite G, where our adult children slept is nestled almost to the top of the hill just below H. It is 2/3rds of the way up the mountain save the steepest climb to H. Site E and J are not ideal as they are along the road with cars shining headlights in the camp and minimal tree cover. The map on the booking website is misleading as it makes it appear that the road doesn’t circle in front of E and J, but it does, as you can see in the updated map below
Sites F, K and I are tucket about 100 feet off the road and not uphill. You will hear your neighbors here but if you don’t want a climb, want to be under the canopy, not on the road, one of these should be your spot. You’re not secluded, but also not exactly on display either.
Keep the Lust for Wandering Y’all!
Fran
Wanderluster 