Petersburg Campground

petersburg campground georgia, petersburg campground camping, petersburg campground photos

For Georgians seeking a peaceful and picturesque escape into nature, Petersburg Campground in Appling, GA, offers an ideal setting on the expansive J. Strom Thurmond Lake, also widely known as Clarks Hill Lake. This beloved campground provides a serene environment where the stresses of daily life simply melt away, replaced by the tranquil sounds of the lake and the beauty of stunning sunsets. Unlike bustling urban centers, Petersburg Campground offers a quiet refuge, making it a perfect spot for individuals, couples, and families to reconnect with the outdoors and each other, right here in the heart of Georgia.

What truly sets Petersburg Campground apart is its commitment to providing spacious and comfortable sites, many of which boast incredible waterfront views. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of water, sipping your morning coffee while gazing out at the shimmering lake, or unwinding in the evening as the sky explodes with vibrant colors. Visitors consistently praise the large, mostly level pads, allowing for easy setup whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent. The thoughtful layout of the campground, with sites often well-distanced from neighbors, ensures a sense of privacy and seclusion, even during peak seasons. This generous spacing means you can truly enjoy your peaceful surroundings without feeling cramped or overlooked.

The natural beauty of Petersburg Campground is undeniable, surrounded by tall trees that provide ample shade, contributing to cooler days even in the height of Georgia's summer. The quiet nights, occasionally punctuated only by the distant hum of a boat during the day, underscore the restful atmosphere that campers seek. This peaceful ambiance is a recurring theme in visitor reviews, highlighting the campground's ability to offer a genuine sense of escape and rejuvenation.

Beyond the tranquil setting, Petersburg Campground offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for every type of outdoor enthusiast. J. Strom Thurmond Lake, with its impressive 70,000 acres of water and over 1,000 miles of shoreline, is a mecca for water activities. Anglers will delight in the excellent fishing, with abundant populations of largemouth bass, bream, crappie, catfish, and striped bass. The lake's vastness also provides superb conditions for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, and swimming, ensuring that there's always an adventure waiting on the water. For those who prefer land-based activities, the campground boasts direct access to bike trails, which visitors have thoroughly enjoyed for exploring the scenic surroundings.

For families, Petersburg Campground is equipped with amenities designed to enhance the experience for all ages. There's a dedicated playground for children, allowing them to burn off energy and make new friends. Two swimming beaches provide safe and enjoyable areas for a refreshing dip on warm days. The presence of friendly gate attendants and regular visits from park rangers contribute to a welcoming and secure environment, giving parents peace of mind while their children explore and play. Even the bathhouses, while noted by some as older, are consistently described as functional and clean, ensuring essential comforts are met.

Petersburg Campground is open year-round, offering 94 sites, most with water and 50-amp electrical hookups, with some 30-amp options as well. Each site comes with a picnic table, lantern post, fire ring, and grill, providing everything you need for comfortable outdoor living. The convenience of an on-site laundry facility is an added bonus, especially for longer stays. Dump stations are also available for RVers. Overall, Petersburg Campground provides a comprehensive and highly enjoyable camping experience, making it a favorite for many Georgians seeking quality time in nature.

Location and Accessibility

Petersburg Campground is conveniently located at 3998 Petersburg Rd, Appling, GA 30802, USA. This prime location places it directly on the shores of J. Strom Thurmond Lake (Clarks Hill Lake), offering easy access to one of Georgia's largest and most popular recreational lakes. The campground is approximately 25 miles from Augusta, Georgia, making it a convenient drive for residents in the Augusta metropolitan area and surrounding communities. For those traveling from I-20, a common route is to take Exit 183 (Appling) and head north on Highway 221 for approximately 6 miles, then continuing straight at the 4-way stop for another 2 miles, where the campground road will be on the left. The well-marked roads and clear signage ensure a straightforward journey to this peaceful lakeside retreat. Its accessibility from major thoroughfares makes it a practical and desirable destination for Georgians seeking a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation.

Services Offered

• RV and Tent Campsites: Offers 94 sites suitable for RVs and tents, with most having a mostly level pad.
• Water and Electrical Hookups: Most sites provide both water and 50-amp electrical hookups; some sites offer 30-amp only.
• Picnic Tables, Fire Rings, Grills, Lantern Posts: Each campsite is equipped with these essential amenities for comfortable outdoor living.
• Flush and Vault Toilets: Clean and functional restroom facilities are available throughout the campground.
• Showers: Provided in the bathhouses for camper convenience.
• Drinking Water: Accessible potable water sources.
• Dump Stations: Two dump stations located within the campground for RVers.
• Laundry Facility: A complimentary washer and dryer are available in one of the bathhouses for registered campers.
• Two Swimming Beaches: Designated areas for safe and enjoyable swimming.
• Playground: An on-site play area for children.
• Boat Ramp and Courtesy Dock: Provides direct access to J. Strom Thurmond Lake for launching boats.
• Fishing Dock/Pier: A large pier makes land-based fishing easy and accessible.
• Fish Cleaning Stations: Convenient facilities for preparing your catch.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Access to shaded trails that wind through the campground and connect to larger trail systems like the Bartram Trail.
• First-Come, First-Served Picnic Shelter: A pavilion perfect for gatherings, often with grills.
• Friendly Gate Attendants and Park Rangers: Staff are on-site to assist campers and ensure a positive experience.

Features / Highlights

• Waterfront Sites: Many sites offer stunning views of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, with some directly on the water.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers frequently praise the large size and good spacing between sites, contributing to privacy.
• Beautiful Sunsets: The campground is known for its picturesque sunset views over the lake.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Ideal for relaxation and escaping the noise of city life.
• Excellent Lake Access: Direct boat ramp, fishing pier, and swimming beaches provide ample opportunities for water-based recreation.
• Proximity to Bike Trails: Great access point for enjoyable bike trails in the area.
• Year-Round Operation: The campground is open all year, allowing for camping in any season.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Playground and swimming beaches cater to families with children.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite some bathhouses being older, they are consistently cleaned and functional.
• Abundant Wildlife: Opportunities for bird watching and spotting other local wildlife.

Contact Information

Address: 3998 Petersburg Rd, Appling, GA 30802, USA

Phone: (706) 541-9464

Mobile Phone: +1 706-541-9464

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Petersburg Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Georgia locals, offering a wealth of benefits that cater directly to their desire for accessible, high-quality outdoor recreation. Its prime location on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, a beloved body of water for countless Georgians, means that a serene lakeside retreat is never far from home. This convenience allows for spontaneous weekend trips, extended family vacations, or even just a quick overnight escape, all without the hassle of long-distance travel.

For Georgians who cherish the outdoors, Petersburg Campground provides a truly immersive experience. The abundance of spacious, often waterfront sites means that accessing the lake for fishing, boating, or simply enjoying the view is incredibly easy. The lake's reputation for excellent fishing makes it a draw for local anglers, while the extensive waterways offer endless possibilities for all types of water sports enthusiasts. Whether you own a boat or prefer to fish from the pier, the direct access ensures that your favorite lake activities are always within reach.

Furthermore, the campground's family-friendly amenities, including the playground and two swimming beaches, make it an ideal spot for creating lasting memories with loved ones. Children have safe and engaging spaces to play, while adults can relax by the water or explore the well-maintained hiking and biking trails. The peaceful and quiet atmosphere, as consistently noted by visitors, offers a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a much-needed sense of tranquility and rejuvenation that Georgians truly appreciate.

The combination of well-maintained facilities, the attentive presence of park rangers, and the overall sense of security contributes to a comfortable and worry-free camping experience. The year-round operation further enhances its appeal, allowing locals to enjoy the beauty of Petersburg Campground across all seasons, whether it's for a summer splash, a fall foliage retreat, or a mild winter fishing trip. For any Georgian seeking a beautiful, peaceful, and amenity-rich lakeside camping experience that feels like a home away from home, Petersburg Campground in Appling is an undeniable top choice.

Petersburg Campground

3998 Petersburg Rd, Appling, GA 30802, USA