How much does camping cost at Ridge Road?

Camping fees at Ridge Road range from $22-$64/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ridge Road first-come first-served or reservation?

Ridge Road accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ridge Road before I book?

Yes! Ridge Road has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ridge Road?

Ridge Road is open March 27 to September 10. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ridge Road?

Yes, Ridge Road has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Ridge Road?

Cell phone service at Ridge Road is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Ridge Road have?

Ridge Road has 63 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ridge Road?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ridge Road. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ridge Road?

Ridge Road offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Ridge Road

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ridge Road?

Fire policies at Ridge Road: Keep your campsite and campground clean. Keep your trash contained and frequently remove trash from campsite (dumpsters located within campground). Do not leave litter in fire ring or on campsite upon check out.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.63

467 reviews

5886 Ridge Road, Appling, GA 30802, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Georgia

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

371 ft

Price

$22 - $64/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

371 ft

Price

$22 - $64/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Ridge Road

$22.00 - $64.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC-132385: $28.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-132423: $64.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $32.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $22.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$22.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

706-541-0282

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5886 Ridge Road, Appling, GA 30802, USA

Ridge Road

5886 Ridge Road, Appling, GA 30802, USA

Nearby places

Appling, GA: approximately 6 miles

Weather at Ridge Road

Current alerts(13)

Alcohol is prohibited
All pets must be penned, caged, or on a leash no longer than 6 feet; pets are prohibited on swim beaches, playgrounds, and in restrooms. You MUST clean up after your pet!
All shorelines adjacent to campsites are public property.
Check-out time is 2 p.m. Starting January 1, 2025 check-out time will be 1 p.m. Check-in time is 3 p.m. Please call ahead to confirm early check-in.

Best Time to Camp at Ridge Road

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery — expect daytime highs generally between about 55–75°F with crisp mornings and much lower humidity than summer. Lake views and mixed pine/hardwood forests put on a show of color in late October into November while fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are at their peak with fewer afternoon storms and smaller crowds than midsummer. Weekends can still be busy, but midweek stays reward campers with quiet campsites and great Peak months: October, September, November, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called the best season: cooler temps, lower humidity and hardwood color in Oct–Nov.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 27 to September 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season runs from late March to early September with non-reservable off-season periods.

About Ridge Road

Ridge Road sits on J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Appling, Georgia, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. Spacious sites with lake views draw visitors during the seasonal months, particularly in fall when the mixed pine and hardwood forests show color and humidity drops.

Ridge Road Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, offering options for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. It also includes primitive sites for those seeking a more rugged experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather and scenery — expect daytime highs generally between about 55–75°F with crisp mornings and much lower humidity than summer. Lake views and mixed pine/hardwood forests put on a show of color in late October into November while fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing are at their peak with fewer afternoon storms and smaller crowds than midsummer. Weekends can still be busy, but midweek stays reward campers with quiet campsites and great Peak months: October, September, November, May

Elevation371 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMixed pine and hardwood forest covers the peninsula at 371 feet elevation, creating shaded sites with lake views through the trees. The forest opens to the water in places, and the tree canopy provides decent cover even in summer heat. Fall brings color to the hardwoods in late October and November. Bald eagles, wild turkeys, whitetail deer, and migratory waterfowl use the area. Expect deer near the water at dawn and dusk. The peninsula geography puts campers close to the lake from multiple angles.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than 12 campers allowed per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThere are wheelchair-accessible facilities, but some reviews noted that these could be improved. For example, one user stated that the 'wheelchair-accessible bathroom in Bathhouse #1 is definitely not accessible.

Site SizeMost campsites are described as large and spacious, accommodating even larger RVs and motorhomes, with room for additional vehicles.

PrivacyThe campsites are well-spaced, providing privacy to campers. Many reviewers appreciated the separation between sites and the availability of tree cover and buffers.

Total Campsites63 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from the main road for reduced golf cart traffic. Waterfront sites offer better views but may be affected by low water levels.

Best CampsitesSites 012, 025, and 049 get praise in reviews for lake views and water access. Some campers warn that sites 21 and 22 have no cell service. Check site dimensions before booking if you have a large rig. A few sites get tight for bigger motorhomes despite the campground's generally spacious layout.

Need help booking Ridge Road?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Ridge Road Campground offers a rich array of amenities for both rustic and modern campers. The campground features 63 campsites, with 57 designed for RVs or campers that include water and 50-amp electric hookups. Additionally, there are 6 primitive tent-only sites for those seeking a more traditional camping experience. The laundry facilities in the first bathhouse, which include both washers and dryers, are exclusive for registered campers. For convenience, there are vault toilets strategically placed at the boat ramp, primitive island, and playground. Two dump stations and dumpsters are also available. Recreational amenities include a swimming beach, a fish cleaning station, a playground, boat ramps, and a dock.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ridge Road Campground offers a wide range of activities, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and birdwatching. The proximity to J. Strom Thurmond Lake enhances opportunities for water-based recreation.

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyKeep your campsite and campground clean. Keep your trash contained and frequently remove trash from campsite (dumpsters located within campground). Do not leave litter in fire ring or on campsite upon check out.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground features dumpsters for trash disposal and encourages campers to keep their sites clean and free of litter, with clear rules about proper trash management.

Cell CoverageAT&T users report excellent service at the campground, but coverage for other carriers may vary. Some reviews mention challenges with signal strength in certain campsites, such as sites 21 and 22, where no service was available.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

467 reviews

Top-Rated

Ridge Road is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's spacious sites, well-maintained grounds, and friendly staff. However, opinions on facilities such as bathrooms and accessibility features are mixed.

Review Summaries

Based on 467 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 467 reviews.

Site 12Loved
Site 12 is noted for its private beach and lake views.
Site 33Loved
Site 33 is described as spacious with a beautiful lake view.

What Campers Love

Common praise includes the 'spacious campsites,' 'beautiful lake views,' and the 'friendly and helpful staff.' One user described it as 'the best campground on the lake' due to its privacy and scenic...

Based on 467 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users expressed concerns about the cleanliness of facilities, particularly the bathhouses. Other complaints included issues with ants and inadequate beach maintenance. A few reviewers noted that...

Based on 467 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing ant repellents due to the prevalence of sugar ants. It is also suggested to check site-specific details before booking, as some campsites are more suitable for certain...

Based on 467 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is most popular in spring and summer, with campers enjoying the lake's activities. However, wet weather during these seasons can lead to muddy campsites and water...

Based on 467 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is clean and well-maintained. The lake views are stunning, and the staff is very helpful.' 2. 'I love how spacious and private the campsites are. It’s the perfect place to relax...

Based on 467 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some wheelchair-accessible facilities need improvement, as noted in reviews.

Based on 467 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but they must be leashed or caged. Dogs are not permitted in certain areas, such as the swimming beach and playground.

Based on 467 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lake views and elbow room during the seasonal months, especially fall when the foliage peaks and humidity drops.

Skip if

You need open gate hours after dark or can't tolerate sugar ants and occasional mud after rain.

Nearby Campgrounds

Petersburg sits on the Georgia shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Appling, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers spacious, wooded sites with electric and water hookups, flush toilets and showers, and a dump station. Campers come for lakeside views, boating, fishing, and fall foliage, with free laundry and well-maintained trails adding convenience for longer stays.

$18.00 - $50.00 / night

Modoc sits on the South Carolina shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, flush showers, and direct lake access for fishing, swimming, and boating. Spacious sites overlook the water, and spring brings migratory waterfowl, nesting bald eagles, and wildflowers along the shoreline.

$22.00 - $64.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.2

(81)

Bussey Point Campground

510 Clarks Hill HWY, J. Strom Thurmond Project Office, Clarks Hill, SC 29821

Bussey Point Campground sits on J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Lincolnton, Georgia, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small, wooded campground offers primitive tent and RV sites with lake access for fishing and boating. Campers use vault toilets and pack out their own trash, and the area includes trails shared with horseback riders.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

3725 Mistletoe Road, Appling, Georgia, 30802, United States

Mistletoe State Park sits on a peninsula jutting into 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake, about 10 miles north of Appling. The campground has 84 sites for tents and RVs, plus primitive walk-in sites, group areas, and cabins. Fees range from $5 to $50 per night. Lakefront sites offer direct water access, though privacy varies widely depending on which loop you choose.

$5.00 - $50.00 / night

7701 WINFIELD ROAD, APPLING, GA 30802, USA

Winfield sits on the shores of J. Strom Thurmond Lake near Appling, Georgia, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This large campground offers electric and water hookups alongside tent sites, with direct lake access for boating and fishing. Shaded sites provide privacy, and the facility includes showers, flush toilets, and a dump station.

$32.00 - $32.00 / night

1505 Chamberlains Ferry Rd, McCormick, SC 29835, USA

Hawe Creek is a mid-sized Army Corps of Engineers campground on J. Strom Thurmond Lake near McCormick, South Carolina. The campground offers electric and water hookups, hot showers, and a dump station during its seasonal operation. Reviewers praise the spacious, private sites with lake views and direct water access, though steep banks and overnight gate closure are common notes.

$28.00 - $32.00 / night

Less Visited

4.1

(48)

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area

Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests

Lick Fork Lake Recreation Area sits on the shores of a 12-acre lake in Sumter National Forest, about 20 minutes from Edgefield. The campground has 10 tent-only sites and charges $7 per night, cash only at the self-serve station. Cell service is essentially nonexistent here. Reviewers love the quiet and the price, but maintenance has been spotty: trails are overgrown, some bridges are broken, and there's no potable water on site.

10 campsites

Tents

20.848 km

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Frequently Visited

4.5

(253)

Elijah Clark State Park

2959 MCCORMICK HIGHWAY, LINCOLNTON, Georgia, 30817, United States

Elijah Clark State Park sits on 447 acres along Clarks Hill Lake's western shore, a 71,100-acre reservoir near Lincolnton. The park has 169 campsites plus cabins and walk-in tent sites, with fees ranging from $5 to $70 per night. Launch a boat, fish the lake, hike forest trails, or spend the afternoon on the sandy beach.

$5.00 - $70.00 / night

3.9

(87)

Baker Creek State Park

Baker Creek State Park sits on the western shore of Lake Strom Thurmond at 354 feet elevation, offering 32 campsites with electric and water hookups. The park opens March through October and draws visitors for its direct lake access and reliable sunset views. Sites are generally close together with uneven or sloped terrain, so large rigs and tent campers should scout their spot in advance.

Hickory Knob State Park

Hickory Knob State Park sits on the western shore of J. Strom Thurmond Lake in South Carolina's lake country, about 7 miles south of McCormick. The park offers RV sites and cabin lodging spread across a wooded property at 433 feet elevation, with waterfront sites elevated roughly ten feet above the water. Friendly staff and clean accommodations get consistent praise, though internal campground roads are notoriously rough.

RVs

27.232 km

No fees available

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1505 Chamberlains Ferry Rd, McCormick, SC 29835, USA

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7701 WINFIELD ROAD, APPLING, GA 30802, USA

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Leroys Ferry Campground

J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Leroys Ferry Campground sits on the shores of J. Strom Thurmond Lake near McCormick, South Carolina, offering primitive lakefront camping managed by the Corps of Engineers. This intimate campground features vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, with direct access to fishing and boating. Reviewers praise the tranquil setting and scenic sunsets, though the no-frills experience means dealing with occasional generator noise and basic facilities.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Frequently Visited

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Bussey Point Campground

510 Clarks Hill HWY, J. Strom Thurmond Project Office, Clarks Hill, SC 29821

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campgrounds

J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Ridge Road

About J. Strom Thurmond Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Ridge Road, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Thurmond Lake is the largest Corps of Engineers lake east of the Mississippi River. The lake encompasses 1,200 miles of shoreline, 70,000 acres of water and 80,000 acres of land. The Corps operates 10 Class A campgrounds, five major day use areas and many other recreational facilities. Thurmond Lake provides excellent striper and largemouth bass fishing and its large wildlife management program provides excellent hunting and wildlife observation opportunities.

Directions

Located on the Georgia/South Carolina state border just north of Augusta, GA. From I-20 take Exit 199 at Washington Rd. Drive north on Washington Rd. Turn right onto Highway 28 and drive approximately 20 miles to Clarks Hill, SC. Turn left onto Highway 22