THE TOP 10 GLAMPING & CAMPING SPOTS AT GEORGIA STATE PARK CAMPGROUNDS by Cindy Reid
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ummer is just around the corner and it’s time to get outside! Why stay in a hotel when you can pitch a tent or enjoy a cozy cabin? Campsites, cabins, lodges and now yurts are found at many of Georgia’s beautiful state parks. The campsites range from tent, trailer, and RV campsites to the more primitive “Pioneer” sites as well as several backcountry campsites that must be reached by hiking. Single cabins are available at nearly 30 state parks. Ranging from functional to historic, all cabins have heat and air conditioning, and most are equipped with stoves and refrigerators. Far from primitive, many have televisions, screened porches or decks and wood burning fireplaces or stoves. Lodges—with hotel like accommodations—can be found at five different Georgia State Parks. (Visit gastateparks.org/Reservations for availability.) Glamping in Yurts & Premier Cabins Camping plus Glamour= Glamping! Glamping has become very popular and bridges the gap between traditional camping and the comforts of home. Balancing comfort with adventure, it’s a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors without roughing it too much. The Georgia State Park system has embraced the idea and has added the glampers accommodation of choice—the exotic yurt—to six different state parks. Yurts are the newest addition to the state park system. An enclosed circular structure made of wood and canvas, they have rigid walls, large, screened windows and locking doors. The yurts at the state parks sleep six and are equipped with furniture, electrical outlets, ceiling fans and a small heater. Some even have air conditioning. At the park campgrounds, they feature a deck, picnic table, water spigot and a grill/fire ring outside—a perfect setting for a glamping trip. In addition to yurts, many parks have “Premier Cabins” and can be considered glamping destinations as well. With one exception, the campgrounds listed below are all Georgia State Parks, and the distance to each is calculated from Pooler. So load up the sleeping bags and s’mores and go enjoy the great outdoors!
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