ALL ROADS LEAD TO YOUR NEXT CAMPSITE

Whether making memories or taking a trip down memory lane, you will

never forget the hundreds of incredible experiences that a camping trip across

Georgia has to offer. My name is Bobby Smith and I am the Executive Director of the Georgia Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (GARVC). I, along with Georgian RV park/campground owners and operators, are excited to share what we love about the versatile districts of Georgia. We hope you'll come for a visit real soon!

 

I journeyed through Georgia this year, and encourage you to seize the many opportunities (and plentiful RV park and campground accommodations near every attraction) our great state has to offer. Traversing the mountain roads of North Georgia, on the way to the tranquil trails along the coast, brought back many memories. As a Georgia native, I have traveled the state for over 50 years and enjoyed so many wonderful experiences that I'm elated to share with you.

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THE MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

I have fished just about every trout stream and hiked hundreds of miles along the twisting trails of the foothill of the Appalachians’. I have always enjoyed driving the winding roads and taking time to stop to see the sights on the way to my next adventure.  If you have the kids with you, you'll want to stop at Babyland General Hospital in Cleveland and pick out your own Cabbage Patch Doll. From there, it is a short drive to Dahlonega.  My wife, Kathy, and I are always captivated by the spring blooms or the beautiful fall colors along the way.  Once there, make sure to visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum and if you want to do some gold mining, you will see how the gold on the dome of the State Capital was extracted from the hills nearby.  Seeing a concert at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee is special, as the artist perform right in front of you, in a 3,000-seat auditorium.  My wife and I really enjoy these, as well as an October stay near the alpine village of Helen. If you are an explorer, you will not want to miss the opportunity to visit Cloudland Canyon or see Tallulah Falls - they are amazing.   For the less adventurous, pay a visit to some of the local Wineries and Apple Orchards.  For an enjoyable family outing, make plans to attend the Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Fire and Ice Festival in Blue Ridge and Celebrate Clayton Art Festival.  Just know that an incredible RV park or campground is just over the next hill. 

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SUNSHINE DISTRICT

My cousins lived in Valdosta, where my brother and I visited when we were kids. Our folks drove us there every summer as we traveled down I-75 in a 1965 Ford Fairlane with no air conditioning.  It was there that my uncle introduced us to golf and my love for the game has taken me to courses across the entire state.   Under the warm sunshine of South Georgia, we would pick watermelons, eat boiled peanuts, take boat rides through the Okefenokee Swamp and go on dove shoots and quail hunts. It was a paradise for two kids from the city back then and you can still experience all these adventures today. There are so many things to do down south, so look for a “pick your own” farm for a great family outing and pick up locally grown Georgia peaches and pecans from the farms around Fort Valley and Perry. You may also want to visit the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon and see Plains, the home of Jimmy Carter.  From peanuts to Vidalia onions to mouthwatering BBQ, South Georgia offers great eats throughout one of the most famous agricultural regions in the country. If you want to take it slow and experience the spirit of small-town America, get off the highway and scout out the local festivals, as you travel the backroads, to your next campground.

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LAKE AND RIVER DISTRICT

I no longer have a boat, but I have water skied and fished most of the lakes in the state and was able to land a 27-pound, 42-inch striper for Lake Allatoona, the second-largest striper ever caught at that time.  From Lake Lanier to Hartwell and Oconee to Clarks Hill, our year-round fishing is some of the best in the south. Bring your boat or rent one and enjoy your favorite water sports, just a few feet from your campsite. You may even want to take a guided canoe trip down the rivers if you are more adventurous. 

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THE CAPITAL CITY DISTRICT

Closer to home, our family enjoys attending Braves’ games and tailgating at UGA football games. Fans from across the south come to Atlanta and Athens to cheer our team to victory!  We have visited the state capital, Underground Atlanta, Six Flags, Kennesaw Mountain and Stone Mountain for the Yellow Daisy Festival and enjoyed the Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park. Whether attending an event at Mercedes Benz Stadium or experience true southern hospitality, while enjoying a great meal at Pittypat’s Porch, there are many things to do near the bright lights of the city and your excellent RV park and campground sites are not far away!

 

THE COASTAL DISTRICT

Along the coast, Savannah is a charming city, home to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on River Street. The horses of Cumberland Island are a must-see, as are the beautiful beaches of Jekyll and Tybee.  My favorite for most of the last 40 years, has been spending the weekend of the Georgia/Florida game in St Simons. From the huge oak trees to the revelry on frat beach, it is beautiful, and everyone enjoys taking time to just stroll through the village. You will enjoy the local seafood and uncrowded beaches near any campground you choose.

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It was while visiting the RV parks and campgrounds throughout the state that I enjoyed recalling these memories and began to look forward to making new memories on my next road trip. The best news is, whether you are looking for a peaceful lifestyle or a place to relax on vacation, there is an RV park or campground in every district of the state, waiting for you. 

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Just remember, “All Roads Lead to Your Next Campsite”!