Camping in Columbus, GA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
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Georgia
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Columbus

99% (410 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Columbus

Available this weekend

Top camping destinations

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Fort Yargo State Park

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not much better than a campfire, by the lake, in the middle of a forest. pass the jar. ;-)

Red Top Mountain State Park

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Under $50

97%

(37)

Blackbird Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Buena Vista, GA

We are a working aquaponics farm, located in Marion Co Georgia. From maps it shows that we are about 13 miles straight line distance from Columbus Georgia. That would be true if you could drive through Fort Moore, which you can't so in reality we are actually about 35 mins or 23 miles from Columbus. Luckily if you want to experience some of the activities there, the drive is pleasant with very little traffic. Our rush hour consists on average of about 20 cars until you get back in closer to the city. Our campsite sits beyond the gate in front of our small farm/general store. There are rustic bathrooms with hot water, wifi and plenty to do! We encourage you to hike, bike, and explore. Deer, coyotes, wild hogs, and other creatures roam freely. Any pets must stay fully leashed at all times (see below). Our day starts early in the summer as we harvest for market. We make every effort to be very quiet, but the field crops are close to your camp site. We will never run a tractor until after 11am. You may hear the greenhouse fans kick on starting around 9am when the system starts warming up. Pets - Are welcome if contained on a leash at all times. Due to wildlife and our own animals present, we can not allow dogs to roam freely. Even the best pooch can react uncharacteristically to baby goats, not to mention crazy chickens. Bathrooms - are located next to the store and a short walk from your tent site. Site - Is on level ground for tents campers RV vans and more. There is a fire pit, picnic table and water spigot. The water is not well water and comes from the county main water line. There is a main highway leading up to our gate so you do not have to off road to get to the property. We love to give tours and welcome you to explore. We also for full transparency mention we are a working farm, so roosters, tractors, and other chores start early. We however do not make noise up by your site until much later in the morning. We want you to sleep soundly and peacefully.

Trails End at Windsweep Farm

4 sites · RVs14 acres · Thomaston, GA

Trails End at Windsweep Farm is a small horse and mule farm just east of Thomaston, Ga, where the air is clean, the nights are quiet and the stars are bright. Trails End is a great base camp for the local activities. Check out the daredevil in you with Sky Dive Atlanta 4 miles away or take a relaxing kayak trip down the beautiful Flint River. You can also go for a picnic lunch at the Historic Auchumpkee Covered Bridge in Culloden or the Red Oak Covered Bridge in Woodbury. Whether you are traveling North to Atlanta or south towards Macon Trails End is an amazing place to rest.

Gullatte Acres

11 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Smiths Station, AL

Gullatte Acres is a 100 acre farm with meadows, forests, creeks, a pond, and a cotton field. The electric and sewer hookup is a quarter mile from the road and you’re welcome to set up dispersed camping in the general vicinity of the pond and campground….just let us know if you’d like a tour! We also have listings for RVs and a Cabin. Let us know if you have any questions!

Sweet Berry Orchard

3 sites · RVs17 acres · Hogansville, GA

We are a small you pick berry farm...but that's only during April - June.You will enjoy the view of 17 lovely acres with a view of a nice pond and loads of flowers most of the Spring and Summer

Piney Hills Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents106 acres · Mauk, GA

We purchased this property to have a homestead and a place to get away from the stress and demands of city life. We have over 100 acres here and lots of animals on our farm that you can see and visit from the campground. We also have hiking trails through approximately 80 acres in the back of the property with steep hills and ravines to hike or bring your mountain bikes! It’s very quiet here except for the sounds of the farm animals and roosters crowing in the morning. You can also hear the occasional train passing through nearby. If you enjoy seeing the stars you will really enjoy it here the sky is very dark at night. Don't forget to bring your flashlights. Lol! We have several spacious sites to choose from including~ 2 platform sites, 2 A-frame cabins with AC/heat, 3 primitive tent sites, 1 RV that is fully hooked up, and 10 RV sites with power and water and sewer available. Each site is set up with a fire pit, picnic table, and camp grill. All campers have access to our 2 bath-houses with hot/cold showers and flushable toilets. We just finished building our RV park with 10 sites with electric and water hook-ups that is NOW OPEN!- with a brand new 4 stall Bath-house, Laundry Facility and more sites to come later. You may also visit the farm animals, we have lots of them. Mini-ponies, zebu cows, ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, goat and a EMU!! We have over 60 acres of hiking/bike trails. We hope to have E-bike/golf cart rentals for our licensed guests soon. We can't wait to see you! Book your site today!

12 top campgrounds near Columbus

99%

(148)

Piney Hills Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents106 acres · Mauk, GA

We purchased this property to have a homestead and a place to get away from the stress and demands of city life. We have over 100 acres here and lots of animals on our farm that you can see and visit from the campground. We also have hiking trails through approximately 80 acres in the back of the property with steep hills and ravines to hike or bring your mountain bikes! It’s very quiet here except for the sounds of the farm animals and roosters crowing in the morning. You can also hear the occasional train passing through nearby. If you enjoy seeing the stars you will really enjoy it here the sky is very dark at night. Don't forget to bring your flashlights. Lol! We have several spacious sites to choose from including~ 2 platform sites, 2 A-frame cabins with AC/heat, 3 primitive tent sites, 1 RV that is fully hooked up, and 10 RV sites with power and water and sewer available. Each site is set up with a fire pit, picnic table, and camp grill. All campers have access to our 2 bath-houses with hot/cold showers and flushable toilets. We just finished building our RV park with 10 sites with electric and water hook-ups that is NOW OPEN!- with a brand new 4 stall Bath-house, Laundry Facility and more sites to come later. You may also visit the farm animals, we have lots of them. Mini-ponies, zebu cows, ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, goat and a EMU!! We have over 60 acres of hiking/bike trails. We hope to have E-bike/golf cart rentals for our licensed guests soon. We can't wait to see you! Book your site today!

Gullatte Acres

11 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Smiths Station, AL

Gullatte Acres is a 100 acre farm with meadows, forests, creeks, a pond, and a cotton field. The electric and sewer hookup is a quarter mile from the road and you’re welcome to set up dispersed camping in the general vicinity of the pond and campground….just let us know if you’d like a tour! We also have listings for RVs and a Cabin. Let us know if you have any questions!

Sweet Berry Orchard

3 sites · RVs17 acres · Hogansville, GA

We are a small you pick berry farm...but that's only during April - June.You will enjoy the view of 17 lovely acres with a view of a nice pond and loads of flowers most of the Spring and Summer

Blackbird Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Buena Vista, GA

We are a working aquaponics farm, located in Marion Co Georgia. From maps it shows that we are about 13 miles straight line distance from Columbus Georgia. That would be true if you could drive through Fort Moore, which you can't so in reality we are actually about 35 mins or 23 miles from Columbus. Luckily if you want to experience some of the activities there, the drive is pleasant with very little traffic. Our rush hour consists on average of about 20 cars until you get back in closer to the city. Our campsite sits beyond the gate in front of our small farm/general store. There are rustic bathrooms with hot water, wifi and plenty to do! We encourage you to hike, bike, and explore. Deer, coyotes, wild hogs, and other creatures roam freely. Any pets must stay fully leashed at all times (see below). Our day starts early in the summer as we harvest for market. We make every effort to be very quiet, but the field crops are close to your camp site. We will never run a tractor until after 11am. You may hear the greenhouse fans kick on starting around 9am when the system starts warming up. Pets - Are welcome if contained on a leash at all times. Due to wildlife and our own animals present, we can not allow dogs to roam freely. Even the best pooch can react uncharacteristically to baby goats, not to mention crazy chickens. Bathrooms - are located next to the store and a short walk from your tent site. Site - Is on level ground for tents campers RV vans and more. There is a fire pit, picnic table and water spigot. The water is not well water and comes from the county main water line. There is a main highway leading up to our gate so you do not have to off road to get to the property. We love to give tours and welcome you to explore. We also for full transparency mention we are a working farm, so roosters, tractors, and other chores start early. We however do not make noise up by your site until much later in the morning. We want you to sleep soundly and peacefully.

Trails End at Windsweep Farm

4 sites · RVs14 acres · Thomaston, GA

Trails End at Windsweep Farm is a small horse and mule farm just east of Thomaston, Ga, where the air is clean, the nights are quiet and the stars are bright. Trails End is a great base camp for the local activities. Check out the daredevil in you with Sky Dive Atlanta 4 miles away or take a relaxing kayak trip down the beautiful Flint River. You can also go for a picnic lunch at the Historic Auchumpkee Covered Bridge in Culloden or the Red Oak Covered Bridge in Woodbury. Whether you are traveling North to Atlanta or south towards Macon Trails End is an amazing place to rest.

100%

(2)

Southern Dreams Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent72 acres · Ellaville, GA

72 acre horse ranch with trail and arenas, beautiful sunsets, opportunities for Bon 🔥, corn hole, giant Jenga, biking, hiking, off roading, RVs or camping welcome. Trail rides, pony rides and lessons available, nice safe quite horses, easy trail. Located close to Jimmie Carter and Andersonville historic sites.

Booked 3 times

Pine And Oak Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Ladonia, AL

Escape to a private campsite in rural Alabama. The property is surrounded by forest and wildlife. There are several places to hang a hammock and plenty of room for outdoor games like cornhole. Enjoy making smores by the campfire and gazing at the stars. The city of Columbus is about 25 minutes away and offers white water rafting, zip lining, axe throwing, a river-walk, and other activities. There are plenty of lakes and rivers to go fishing. Auburn is about 40 mins away. The site offers an outhouse, fire pit, fire pit grill rack for cooking, platform (which can be used for small/medium tents, or to hold a table and chairs) and a hiking trail that is about 1/3 of a mile. Please use peat moss in the metal bucket next to outhouse to cover the waste in the outhouse. Please note, the site has a road but during very heavy rain the road can accumulate mud. Small cars are able to access campsite and park at site usually pretty easily. Please message me beforehand if you are worried about driving conditions. The property is surrounded by hunting land so please be mindful of property lines and do your best to stay on the trail. Also, expect gunshots every once in a while. Deer season has a lot more activity, and there may be more traffic a couple hundred feet from the campsite. This is normal and happens every year. Expect neighbors to practice shooting on occasion. Property also has natural wildlife like coyotes, snakes, spiders, ants, etc.. Alabama can also get very hot during June, July, August. Please prepare accordingly. My wife and I bought this property in 2021 with the goal of turning this land into a homestead. She is currently in the army. My mom and stepfather live at the front of the property and will be able to help accommodate you if needed. Meeting at the front of the property is not needed.

100%

(3)

Golden Goose Lodge And RV

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Reynolds, GA

Welcome to our quaint campground in Taylor County, Georgia! We offer 10 RV hookups complete with water and electric services at each site, along with convenient septic disposal facilities. Additionally, we have 7 additional sites currently equipped with water hookups only, providing a simple and serene camping experience.

100%

(22)

Camp in Camp Hill!

3 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Camp Hill, AL

This 130-acre farm has been used for grazing cattle for a long time, but is now under the watchful eye of owner and landscape architect, in process of becoming a sheep grazing operation with aspirations of ecological restoration. It has something for everyone - some exciting forests and beautiful thick grasslands to explore, apond for those looking to fish, lots of wildlife and excellent birding! Come explore!

100%

(5)

Old World Heritage Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Five Points, AL

Once a fully wooded lot, it was hand cleared by a gentleman that still lives nearby. He dug the pond, sunk the well and hand built the main residence. here are two verified Creek Indian burial sites on the grounds, and the creek provides comforting sounds year around. We are 2A friendly and have an 100 yard open air range with range boards at 25, 50 and 100 yards. Prior notification is required for range use. Photo ID is required. Learn more about this land: From inception, Old World Heritage Farm has been about community, sharing and being outdoors with others. It's about friends, old and new; it's about nature and enjoying the experience. Come share our little piece of heaven and make new friends, or hang out with old friends. Pitch your tent in the shade of mature oaks, or down in the meadow surrounded by pines and black berry bushes. Park your self sufficient RV and horse trailer and enjoy the sights and sounds of an organic working farm. Your site will be spacious and very natural. We make every attempt to stay as natural as possible. Sites are "pick as you like" on a first come, first picked basis. Groups can be accommodated and provided with a feeling of semi privacy. We have chickens (yes, and roosters), goats, sometimes lambs, and our family dogs. Breakfast eggs from our chickens can be provided on request. There are coyotes to be heard in the distance and Whippoorwills in the surrounding woods. Put your feet in the running brook behind the shallow pond at the back of the farm. Enjoy fishing, hiking, boating and biking all within minutes of the farm.

100%

(2)

Circle E Ranch and funny farm

1 site · RV, Tent10 acres · Oglethorpe, GA

10 acres, gentle hills, young growth pine trees. Property is with in a hour of lots of central/south Georgia attractions. Nearest attraction would be Andersonville National Park, or Plains Georgia home of President Jimmy Carter. A map is also available of other close attractions. Come join us for a day or a week.

100%

(9)

20 acres for Private RV Camping

1 site · RV20 acres · Woodland, GA

20 acres, mostly wooded, for your private camping escape in a quiet, rural setting. The level site is beside a charming, old stone house on about 2 cleared acres. Full RV hookups: city water, 30 & 50 amp electric, and sewer are beside the vacant stone house. Trash pickup is provided. Nice "yard" area for the RV. The RV space is very close to level. Many great spaces for tent camping and hiking. Near FD Roosevelt State Park (15 min drive) and Callaway Gardens (20 minute drive). There is an additional set of full RV hookups available but it will not be occupied unless both sites are rented as a bundle. Two RVS can park and hookup, one behind the other, in the long driveway. Learn more about this land: Private, secluded campsites on 20 acre property. Full hookups include city water, 50/30 amp electric, sewer, and trash pickup on dirt/gravel driveway that can accommodate 40+ foot diesel pusher or smaller rigs. The site is beside a vacant stone house with well kept yard and 18 acres of natural wooded property. Easily accessible on a paved road. Covered parking for your tow vehicle. There are 2 sites available. The 2nd site is available only as an add-on to rental of this site. 20 minutes from Pine Mountain GA and Callaway Gardens, 30 minutes from Columbus, GA, 15 minutes from FDR State Park, 15 Minutes from Warm Springs, GA and the Little White House, close to Flint River.

Star Hosts in Columbus

99%

(148)

Piney Hills Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents106 acres · Mauk, GA

We purchased this property to have a homestead and a place to get away from the stress and demands of city life. We have over 100 acres here and lots of animals on our farm that you can see and visit from the campground. We also have hiking trails through approximately 80 acres in the back of the property with steep hills and ravines to hike or bring your mountain bikes! It’s very quiet here except for the sounds of the farm animals and roosters crowing in the morning. You can also hear the occasional train passing through nearby. If you enjoy seeing the stars you will really enjoy it here the sky is very dark at night. Don't forget to bring your flashlights. Lol! We have several spacious sites to choose from including~ 2 platform sites, 2 A-frame cabins with AC/heat, 3 primitive tent sites, 1 RV that is fully hooked up, and 10 RV sites with power and water and sewer available. Each site is set up with a fire pit, picnic table, and camp grill. All campers have access to our 2 bath-houses with hot/cold showers and flushable toilets. We just finished building our RV park with 10 sites with electric and water hook-ups that is NOW OPEN!- with a brand new 4 stall Bath-house, Laundry Facility and more sites to come later. You may also visit the farm animals, we have lots of them. Mini-ponies, zebu cows, ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, goat and a EMU!! We have over 60 acres of hiking/bike trails. We hope to have E-bike/golf cart rentals for our licensed guests soon. We can't wait to see you! Book your site today!

Sweet Berry Orchard

3 sites · RVs17 acres · Hogansville, GA

We are a small you pick berry farm...but that's only during April - June.You will enjoy the view of 17 lovely acres with a view of a nice pond and loads of flowers most of the Spring and Summer

Trails End at Windsweep Farm

4 sites · RVs14 acres · Thomaston, GA

Trails End at Windsweep Farm is a small horse and mule farm just east of Thomaston, Ga, where the air is clean, the nights are quiet and the stars are bright. Trails End is a great base camp for the local activities. Check out the daredevil in you with Sky Dive Atlanta 4 miles away or take a relaxing kayak trip down the beautiful Flint River. You can also go for a picnic lunch at the Historic Auchumpkee Covered Bridge in Culloden or the Red Oak Covered Bridge in Woodbury. Whether you are traveling North to Atlanta or south towards Macon Trails End is an amazing place to rest.

Blackbird Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Buena Vista, GA

We are a working aquaponics farm, located in Marion Co Georgia. From maps it shows that we are about 13 miles straight line distance from Columbus Georgia. That would be true if you could drive through Fort Moore, which you can't so in reality we are actually about 35 mins or 23 miles from Columbus. Luckily if you want to experience some of the activities there, the drive is pleasant with very little traffic. Our rush hour consists on average of about 20 cars until you get back in closer to the city. Our campsite sits beyond the gate in front of our small farm/general store. There are rustic bathrooms with hot water, wifi and plenty to do! We encourage you to hike, bike, and explore. Deer, coyotes, wild hogs, and other creatures roam freely. Any pets must stay fully leashed at all times (see below). Our day starts early in the summer as we harvest for market. We make every effort to be very quiet, but the field crops are close to your camp site. We will never run a tractor until after 11am. You may hear the greenhouse fans kick on starting around 9am when the system starts warming up. Pets - Are welcome if contained on a leash at all times. Due to wildlife and our own animals present, we can not allow dogs to roam freely. Even the best pooch can react uncharacteristically to baby goats, not to mention crazy chickens. Bathrooms - are located next to the store and a short walk from your tent site. Site - Is on level ground for tents campers RV vans and more. There is a fire pit, picnic table and water spigot. The water is not well water and comes from the county main water line. There is a main highway leading up to our gate so you do not have to off road to get to the property. We love to give tours and welcome you to explore. We also for full transparency mention we are a working farm, so roosters, tractors, and other chores start early. We however do not make noise up by your site until much later in the morning. We want you to sleep soundly and peacefully.

Gullatte Acres

11 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Smiths Station, AL

Gullatte Acres is a 100 acre farm with meadows, forests, creeks, a pond, and a cotton field. The electric and sewer hookup is a quarter mile from the road and you’re welcome to set up dispersed camping in the general vicinity of the pond and campground….just let us know if you’d like a tour! We also have listings for RVs and a Cabin. Let us know if you have any questions!

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(37)

Blackbird Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Buena Vista, GA

We are a working aquaponics farm, located in Marion Co Georgia. From maps it shows that we are about 13 miles straight line distance from Columbus Georgia. That would be true if you could drive through Fort Moore, which you can't so in reality we are actually about 35 mins or 23 miles from Columbus. Luckily if you want to experience some of the activities there, the drive is pleasant with very little traffic. Our rush hour consists on average of about 20 cars until you get back in closer to the city. Our campsite sits beyond the gate in front of our small farm/general store. There are rustic bathrooms with hot water, wifi and plenty to do! We encourage you to hike, bike, and explore. Deer, coyotes, wild hogs, and other creatures roam freely. Any pets must stay fully leashed at all times (see below). Our day starts early in the summer as we harvest for market. We make every effort to be very quiet, but the field crops are close to your camp site. We will never run a tractor until after 11am. You may hear the greenhouse fans kick on starting around 9am when the system starts warming up. Pets - Are welcome if contained on a leash at all times. Due to wildlife and our own animals present, we can not allow dogs to roam freely. Even the best pooch can react uncharacteristically to baby goats, not to mention crazy chickens. Bathrooms - are located next to the store and a short walk from your tent site. Site - Is on level ground for tents campers RV vans and more. There is a fire pit, picnic table and water spigot. The water is not well water and comes from the county main water line. There is a main highway leading up to our gate so you do not have to off road to get to the property. We love to give tours and welcome you to explore. We also for full transparency mention we are a working farm, so roosters, tractors, and other chores start early. We however do not make noise up by your site until much later in the morning. We want you to sleep soundly and peacefully.

95%

(120)

Sweet Berry Orchard

3 sites · RVs17 acres · Hogansville, GA

We are a small you pick berry farm...but that's only during April - June.You will enjoy the view of 17 lovely acres with a view of a nice pond and loads of flowers most of the Spring and Summer

99%

(148)

Piney Hills Campground

17 sites · RVs, Tents106 acres · Mauk, GA

We purchased this property to have a homestead and a place to get away from the stress and demands of city life. We have over 100 acres here and lots of animals on our farm that you can see and visit from the campground. We also have hiking trails through approximately 80 acres in the back of the property with steep hills and ravines to hike or bring your mountain bikes! It’s very quiet here except for the sounds of the farm animals and roosters crowing in the morning. You can also hear the occasional train passing through nearby. If you enjoy seeing the stars you will really enjoy it here the sky is very dark at night. Don't forget to bring your flashlights. Lol! We have several spacious sites to choose from including~ 2 platform sites, 2 A-frame cabins with AC/heat, 3 primitive tent sites, 1 RV that is fully hooked up, and 10 RV sites with power and water and sewer available. Each site is set up with a fire pit, picnic table, and camp grill. All campers have access to our 2 bath-houses with hot/cold showers and flushable toilets. We just finished building our RV park with 10 sites with electric and water hook-ups that is NOW OPEN!- with a brand new 4 stall Bath-house, Laundry Facility and more sites to come later. You may also visit the farm animals, we have lots of them. Mini-ponies, zebu cows, ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, goat and a EMU!! We have over 60 acres of hiking/bike trails. We hope to have E-bike/golf cart rentals for our licensed guests soon. We can't wait to see you! Book your site today!

99%

(38)

Gullatte Acres

11 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Smiths Station, AL

Gullatte Acres is a 100 acre farm with meadows, forests, creeks, a pond, and a cotton field. The electric and sewer hookup is a quarter mile from the road and you’re welcome to set up dispersed camping in the general vicinity of the pond and campground….just let us know if you’d like a tour! We also have listings for RVs and a Cabin. Let us know if you have any questions!

Trails End at Windsweep Farm

4 sites · RVs14 acres · Thomaston, GA

Trails End at Windsweep Farm is a small horse and mule farm just east of Thomaston, Ga, where the air is clean, the nights are quiet and the stars are bright. Trails End is a great base camp for the local activities. Check out the daredevil in you with Sky Dive Atlanta 4 miles away or take a relaxing kayak trip down the beautiful Flint River. You can also go for a picnic lunch at the Historic Auchumpkee Covered Bridge in Culloden or the Red Oak Covered Bridge in Woodbury. Whether you are traveling North to Atlanta or south towards Macon Trails End is an amazing place to rest.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(7)

F.D. Roosevelt State Park

Georgia

On wet days, barefoot running in the clay is truly a memorable experience

100%

(3)

Providence Canyon State Park

High Falls State Park

Florence Marina State Park

Georgia

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Columbus guide

Overview

Columbus is set right along the Alabama-Georgia border with the Chattahoochee River and Lake Oliver marking its northwestern border. Camping here means quick access to national forests, fishing lakes, and endless hiking trails. Less than an hour away, F.D. Roosevelt State Park is Georgia’s largest state park, with well-appointed, year-round campgrounds that include restrooms and showers. Meanwhile, RV campsites with full hookups (and access to amazing bass fishing!) are available in Florence Marina State Park. A little farther off the beaten path, try primitive hunting campsites in Tuskegee National Forest. Near Columbus, serene escape into the American South awaits every type of Hipcamper.

Where to go

Florence Marina State Park

About 40 minutes south of Columbus, Florence Marina State Park offers terrific opportunities to fish for bass, bream, and catfish in Walter F. George Lake and Chattahoochee River. The accessible pier and boat ramp can accommodate anglers of all types who hit the bait shop in the visitor center from spring to fall. After a day on the water, spend the night glamping in a cottage, camping in a tent, or settling in at a back-in or pull-through RV campsite with full electricity and water hookups. Picnic tables, fire rings, and a children’s playground are among the amenities in this quiet Georgia park.

Tuskegee National Forest

Cross over to Alabama, less than an hour east of Columbus, to visit Tuskegee National Forest, home to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails that vary in difficulty. Check with the Tuskegee Ranger District office for camping permits at one of the year-round designated primitive campsites. For big-game hunters, Tuskegee is the only national forest in Alabama without a wildlife management area (WMA), but licenses are still required.

F.D. Roosevelt State Park

Less than an hour north of Columbus, near Pine Mountain, sits F.D. Roosevelt State Park—the largest state park in Georgia covering 9,000 acres. Hikers and backpackers can daytrip in or reserve a pet-friendly campsite next to a small fishing pond. Cast a line from the shore or head out in a kayak to catch catfish, bream, and largemouth bass. Back-in and pull-through RV campsites are open year-round with up to 50-amp electrical hookups, water hookups, picnic tables, and firepits. Shared amenities include laundry facilities, restrooms, and showers.

When to go

The hot and humid summer in Georgia is also the peak tourist season for campgrounds in Columbus. For a milder, quieter escape into nature, reserve a campsite in the spring or fall. In spring, daytime temperatures hover around 70°F. During this time, many campers hike among the blooming wildflowers. Fall temperatures are a bit chillier, around 60°F, with picturesque foliage creating a colorful backdrop for year-round hiking trails in the region. Spring and fall tend to be the best times for fishing near Columbus, as well, particularly for bass.