The best camping near Andersonville National Historic Site

The contrast between the beauty of this land and the horrors that happened to prisoners of war here makes a visit to this national historic site a somber one.

Start your visit with the re-enactment film showing the conditions at the Camp Sumter military prison. Almost 13,000 men died here during the Civil War. Don't miss the videos from POWs and their families. This museum covers not just the Civil War, but POWs from all of America's history. It's arranged by themes rather than chronologically.

As you walk through the grounds, you may notice a small stream. This was the only water source was the only water source for up to 45,000 men. You can't help but be moved at the realization of the sacrifice many have paid for freedom. A National Cemetery abuts the historic site if you want to pay your respects. If you have ancestors who were imprisoned here, you can search for their names in the camp records.

Hipcamp can direct you to plenty of campsites within an easy drive of Andersonville. Pitch your tent by the shores of a lake or opt to stay in a cozy trailer.