- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Augusta
Top-rated campgrounds near Augusta
1. J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park
2. Aiken State Park
3. Elijah Clark State Park
4. Baker Creek State Park
5. Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Top-rated campgrounds near Augusta
1. J. Strom Thurmond Dam and Lake Park
2. Aiken State Park
3. Elijah Clark State Park
4. Baker Creek State Park
5. Hickory Knob State Resort Park
Augusta camping guide
Where to go
Mistletoe State Park
This recreation area, which is home to Clarks Hill Lake, is known for its bass fishing. But that’s not all this park entails. In fact, Mistletoe State Park, about 45 minutes from downtown Augusta, offers sandy beaches, shady walking paths, and cool creeks. There are also a number of cabins, cottages, and RV sites for campers, as well as backcountry and group campsites. You can also take out boats or canoes (available to rent for overnight guests) on one of the region’s largest lakes.
Diamond Lakes Regional Park
Diamond Lakes is situated in Georgia’s Sand Hills region—a rolling, green landscape with forests and water features that are ripe for exploring. This park is a great jumping point to explore the region, with its tennis and basketball courts, fishing ponds, sand volleyball pit, picnic areas, community center, public library, and campsites. With no shortage of options for activity, Diamond Lakes is great for both day use and overnight camping.
Lake Olmstead
This lake is right in Augusta and offers both motorized and non-motorized boating. The lakefront is great for picnicking and enjoying the day, while a gazebo and walking track offer additional activity options. Another way to enjoy this lake is to kayak the Augusta canal, a trip with the Savannah River Rapids Park that takes you on a journey through the local areas and ends at Lake Olmstead.
When to go
Like other places in the southern United States, the best time to visit Georgia is in the spring and fall. During these times, the weather is cooler but still warm, so you can camp and enjoy water activities without the freezing temperatures of winter nights, nor the scorching hot days of summer.
Know before you go
- Check the prices for parking and day use at the parks you plan to visit.
- For kayaking, consider making a reservation with Savannah River Rapids in advance.
