Oconee River Campground
4.1233 reviewsOconee River Campground
$3.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping costs $5 per site per night, and day-use fees for boat ramp parking and picnic areas are $3 per vehicle.
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About this campground
Tucked away along the gentle curves of the Oconee River, this intimate campground offers a true back-to-nature experience with just five thoughtfully placed campsites. Each site comes equipped with the essentials—sturdy tables, level tent pads, and fire grills perfect for evening cookouts under the stars. The paved main road ensures easy access, with select sites designed to welcome all adventurers, including those with mobility needs. This is rustic camping at its finest, where you'll need to bring your own water but gain the peaceful solitude that only a riverside retreat can provide.
Campground offers rustic camping suitable for tents, car camping, and small RVs. No reservations are available, with fees payable through an honor system.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the trees here, with the nearby Skull Shoals Historic Site serving as a testament to the area's rich past. Though nature has reclaimed the historic trail, temporarily closing this window to yesteryear, the very waters that flow past your campsite have witnessed centuries of human stories—from Native American settlements to early colonial enterprises that once thrived along these banks.
Weather and SeasonsYear-round adventure awaits at Oconee River, where spring wildflowers and fall foliage create stunning seasonal backdrops for your camping experience. The mild temperatures during these seasons make for ideal hiking and relaxation weather. While the campground welcomes visitors in every season, savvy campers keep an eye on weather forecasts during rainy periods, as the river can rise and remind everyone of nature's powerful presence. Winter brings crisp air and peaceful solitude, while summer offers warm days perfect for riverside relaxation.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Oconee River serves as both the campground's centerpiece and its soundtrack, with gentle waters creating a natural symphony that lulls campers to sleep each night. Towering hardwoods and pines create a verdant canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns across the forest floor. The riverside location offers ever-changing views as the water levels rise and fall with the seasons, creating sandy beaches in drier times and dramatic rushing waters after storms. Wildlife thrives here, with deer often spotted at dawn and dusk, while the patient observer might glimpse river otters playing in the shallows.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this riverside gem sits where ancient geological forces carved the Oconee River's path through Georgia's piedmont region. The riverbank location showcases the dynamic relationship between water and land, where centuries of flowing water have sculpted the landscape into the peaceful retreat campers enjoy today. This protected forest setting ensures that the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the river corridor remain preserved for generations of outdoor enthusiasts to discover.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySome campsites and restrooms are noted to be accessible to people with disabilities in official sources. However, reviews suggest that maintenance may be lacking.
Sites SizeUser reviews conflict on site sizes, with some describing them as small and others as large and spaced out. Sites are gravel-padded for tents.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies; sites are noted to be close together and near a road by some reviewers. Others describe them as spaced out and quiet.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the river offer better views, but noise and proximity to other campers may impact the overall experience.
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFive campsites equipped with tables, grills, tent pads, and lantern hooks.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve basis; payment is expected on the honor system.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, and short hiking trails, although some trails and areas have been washed out due to flooding. Wildlife viewing, including sightings of bald eagles, is possible.
Hiking
While day hiking is an option, user reviews consistently mention the lack of visible trails or overgrown paths. There are reports of encountering 'no trespassing' signs after short hikes. The trail to Skull Shoals Historic Site is washed out.Fishing
Fishing is possible along the riverbank, although options are limited without a boat. A user highlighted its suitability during fish runs.Boating
Motorized boating is supported, and the campground features a boat ramp. Users note limited shoreline access for fishing, making boating a better option.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with reports of bald eagle sightings enhancing the experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities have not been mentioned.Water Sports
Motorized boating and fishing are supported. Other water sports have not been noted.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No fireworks allowed; fire rings are available at campsites.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsFlooding risks due to proximity to the river; widow-maker trees are mentioned in reviews.
Weather forecast
77
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are not specified.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingBear-proof trash cans provided but frequently full, according to reviews. Trash scattered around seems to be an issue.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is located along the Oconee River; a boat ramp is nearby.
Common complaintsLoud highway noise, barking dogs, lack of hiking opportunities, poorly maintained facilities, and trash buildup are notable complaints.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom I-20 exit 130, drive north on GA-44 into downtown Greensboro Ga. Turn left onto US-278 west travel approximately one-third of a mile and turn right onto GA-15 north for 11.8 miles; entrance is on the right.
Main road through campground is paved.Nearby places
Greensboro is approximately 12 miles south, roughly a 15-20 minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are not specified.
Camper Reviews
4.1
33 reviews
Oconee River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, highlighting the peace and natural beauty of the campground but criticizing the lack of maintenance, small site sizes, and limited activity options.
Review Summaries
Based on 33 reviews
What Campers Love
Users enjoy the quiet atmosphere, scenic views, opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing, and low camping fees. One reviewer noted, 'We got good pics of a bald eagle while there, which made the...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include poorly maintained vault toilets, trash scattered around the campsite, limited trails, and proximity to a noisy highway. One user stated, 'No visible trails for hiking. Not ideal...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own potable water, prepare for rustic conditions, and consider bringing a boat for better fishing access. Lightning bugs and starry nights are seasonal highlights...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring reviews mention lightning bugs and beautiful night skies. Summer reviews emphasize oppressive humidity and mosquitoes at dusk. Winter reviews note the campground’s closure due to hazardous...
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Camper Quotes
1) 'Beautiful! Well maintained, quiet, and peaceful. The campsites have a fire pit with grill attachments, a gravel area for tents, picnic tables, a lantern hook, and drive-up parking.' - Jade...
Based on 33 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews note limited availability with only 5-7 sites. Some praise spacing and privacy, while others mention sites as cramped and close to the road.
Based on 33 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are available but poorly maintained, potentially hindering accessibility. Official descriptions highlight disability-friendly features; however, reviews suggest maintenance issues.
Based on 33 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and one reviewer confirmed that dogs are welcome at the campground.
Based on 33 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025