RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Appling, GA
37 campgrounds and RV Parks near Appling, GA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
37 campgrounds
1952 campsites
102 RVs available for delivery
From $20/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Appling, GA
Mistletoe State Park
Appling, GA (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(96 sites)
+8
Heritage RV Park
Augusta, GA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area
South Carolina (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(150 sites)
+8
Lake Thurmond RV Park
South Carolina (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(43 sites)
+7
Ted & Tracy's RV Campground
Washington, GA (19 miles away)
Elijah Clark State Park
Lincolnton, GA (20 miles away)
$$$$$
(182 sites)
+9
Plantation Oaks RV Park
Augusta, GA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
Baker Creek State Park
McCormick, SC (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+6
Hickory Knob State Resort Park
McCormick, SC (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(44 sites)
+9
Carolina Hill Mobile Home and RV Park
Jackson, SC (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(18 sites)
Hesters Bottom Campground
South Carolina (29 miles away)
$$$$$
(44 sites)
+5
Hester's Bottoms Campground
Mount Carmel, SC (30 miles away)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Showers Tables Dump station Grills Internet Laundry Playground Fishing
Campgrounds near Appling, Georgia
Appling sits in Columbia County, Georgia, on the western shore of the 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta. The lake, also called J. Strom Thurmond Lake, straddles the Georgia and South Carolina border and is one of the largest reservoirs in the Southeast. RV renters use Appling as a base for lake-focused camping within roughly a 30-mile radius of Augusta.
Camping in the area splits across three systems. Georgia State Parks operates Mistletoe State Park and Elijah Clark State Park, both on the lake. South Carolina State Parks runs Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area on a peninsula across the water. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages additional lakefront campgrounds around Thurmond Lake, and private options such as Heritage RV Park and Lake Thurmond RV Park handle full-hookup stays.
Mistletoe is known as one of the finest bass fishing spots in the nation, and summer guests cool off at its sandy beach or on shaded nature trails. Most visitors plan trips around water access, so lakefront sites book earliest.
Things to do near Appling
Fishing, boating, and swimming drive most trips. Thurmond Lake supports largemouth bass, striper, crappie, and catfish, and boat ramps at Mistletoe State Park, Elijah Clark State Park, and Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area give direct water access. Canoe rentals are available at Mistletoe, and self-serve kayak rentals operate at Hamilton Branch.
On land, Mistletoe State Park has more than 15 miles of trails, including the 3.5-mile Cliatt Creek Nature Trail Loop. Elijah Clark State Park adds a swimming beach and a log cabin replica of the Clark home that displays furniture, utensils, and tools circa 1780 and is open weekends April through November. Hamilton Branch connects to the 12-mile Stevens Creek Bike Trail.
For day trips, Augusta sits about 30 miles east with restaurants, the Augusta Canal, and museums.
Camping spots and RV parks near Appling, GA
When to visit Appling
- spring
March - May
73° / 52°F 85 mmMild; Masters week fills Augusta-area parks in early April.
- summer
June - August
90° / 72°F 110 mmHot and humid; afternoon thunderstorms; lakefront sites fill fast.
- fall
September - November
75° / 54°F 75 mmDriest season; comfortable hiking; lake levels can drop late.
- winter
December - February
55° / 36°F 95 mmCool with occasional frost; state parks stay open, quieter loops.
The area has a humid subtropical climate. Augusta experiences hot summers and cool winters, with rainfall spread relatively evenly through the year, though summer often brings heavy downpours and afternoon thunderstorms; fall tends to be the driest season. That pattern shapes the camping calendar around Clarks Hill Lake.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable windows for RV travel. April and May bring warm days and lake temperatures climbing toward swimming range. September and October pair lower rainfall with easier trail conditions. Summer weekends fill fastest because families target the beach areas at Mistletoe and Elijah Clark, and afternoon storms are common.
Winter stays are viable. Mistletoe and Elijah Clark stay open year-round, and Hamilton Branch also accepts winter reservations, though loops may be quieter and some services limited. Paved access roads help, but red clay can become slick after heavy rains. Lake levels can drop in late season, sometimes affecting designated swim beaches. This region was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in fall of 2024, and some trails and facilities have needed extended recovery.
How to book campgrounds near Appling
Georgia state parks use one system. Reservations for Mistletoe State Park and Elijah Clark State Park run through the Georgia State Parks portal on ReserveAmerica, and campsites can be booked up to 13 months in advance. A daily ParkPass is required per vehicle in addition to the campsite fee, paid once per stay.
Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area is a South Carolina state park. Bookings go through the South Carolina State Parks reservation site up to 13 months in advance, with a two-night minimum for camping. Reservations requested less than one day before check-in must be made directly through the park. Check-in for camping is 2:00 p.m. and check-out is 12:00 p.m.
Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Thurmond Lake book through Recreation.gov. Private options such as Heritage RV Park and Lake Thurmond RV Park take reservations directly through the operator by phone or online.
What to expect on-site
State park campgrounds around Appling are geared for RV travelers. Mistletoe State Park has 92 single-family campsites with several sites right on the shore of Clarks Hill Lake; all developed sites have electric hookups and most also have water. Elijah Clark State Park offers more than 165 tent, trailer, and RV campsites plus walk-in sites. Hamilton Branch has 173 lakefront sites with water and electric plus 11 tent sites with water only, served by eight comfort stations and two dump stations.
Expect gravel or paved pads, fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, and hot showers at the state parks. Private parks near Augusta trade lake access for full hookups: Heritage RV Park offers 30-amp and 50-amp electric, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi throughout.
Cell service is patchy at lakefront loops. Grocery runs are easiest in Evans or Augusta, roughly 20 to 30 miles from most Appling-area campgrounds.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Appling, GA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Appling, GA?
RV rental in Appling is affordable compared to many Lake Country destinations. On RVezy, travel trailers near J. Strom Thurmond Lake typically start around $90 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $175 to $275 per night, and Class A motorhomes run about $250 to $400 nightly. Weekly bookings often unlock multi-night discounts, and shoulder-season trips in March or October tend to offer the best value. For cheap RV rental Appling deals, filter by travel trailers, book mid-week, and look for hosts offering local delivery to Petersburg or Ridge Road Campground. Booking six to eight weeks before peak summer weekends usually locks in the best Lake Thurmond pricing.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Appling,%20GeorgiaWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Appling?
A regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Appling. No commercial driver's license (CDL) or special RV endorsement is required in Georgia for the motorhomes and travel trailers listed on RVezy. Approved drivers are generally 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the platform during booking. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your home country's auto association alongside your home license. Verification is usually completed quickly so you can confirm your Thurmond Lake weekend with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs the RV protected if something happens during my trip?
Yes. Every RV rental in Appling booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head to Clarks Hill Lake with peace of mind. During checkout you (not the host) choose from multiple protection tiers so you can match the coverage level to your trip. The protection plan helps cover eligible damage to the RV during your rental. Take a quick walk-around video at pickup and drop-off, it makes any post-trip conversation simple and straightforward.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Appling RV rental?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every reservation (not individual hosts), and there is a money-back grace period right after booking so you can lock in your Appling RV trip with confidence. After that, refunds depend on how far out you are from your trip start date, and RVezy can also help when unusual circumstances like named storms affect travel. Full details are shown on the RVezy Help Center before you confirm. If plans change, contact RVezy support, the team is available seven days a week to help work through options.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV trip in Appling?
Yes. Pet-friendly RV rental Appling options are easy to find on RVezy, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to see motorhomes and travel trailers whose owners welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Once you arrive, Petersburg, Ridge Road, and Winfield Campgrounds on J. Strom Thurmond Lake all allow leashed pets, and Mistletoe State Park has shaded, pet-friendly trails through pine and hardwood forest. Many lakeside sites lead to swimmable coves, great for water-loving pups. Message your host before booking to confirm any pet fee, and note that veterinary clinics are available in Evans and Martinez, about 20 minutes south.
gastateparks.org/MistletoeCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Appling?
Yes. RV delivery Appling is one of the most popular options on RVezy and a great choice if it's your first time renting an RV. Many local hosts will tow the trailer or drive the motorhome directly to Petersburg Campground, Ridge Road Campground, Winfield Campground, or Mistletoe State Park, level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. You skip towing entirely and start your vacation with the awning already out. Use the Delivery filter to see hosts who offer this service and their delivery radius from Appling. Ask about a setup-and-pickup package, which often includes a propane top-off and a dump-station return.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232668How does mileage work and how far can I drive on an Appling RV trip?
Mileage allowances are set by each host and shown clearly on every listing, with options ranging from a daily mileage allowance to RV rental with unlimited mileage for road-trippers. For a typical Appling RV trip staying around J. Strom Thurmond Lake, you'll barely put on miles, Petersburg Campground is just a few miles from the Thurmond Dam, and downtown Augusta is roughly 25 miles south. Planning a bigger loop? Savannah is about 165 miles southeast, Atlanta is around 145 miles west, and Charleston, SC sits about 175 miles east. If you're planning an RV road trip from Appling along the Savannah River or up to the Blue Ridge Mountains, filter for unlimited-mileage listings before you book.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Appling,%20GeorgiaWhere are the best campgrounds near Appling for an RV?
You have great options. The best campgrounds near Appling all sit on J. Strom Thurmond Lake (also called Clarks Hill Lake): Petersburg Campground offers water and 50-amp electric sites with a boat ramp and swim beach; Ridge Road Campground sits on a scenic peninsula with a dump station and boat ramp; Winfield Campground features waterfront sites with electric and water hookups on the Little River; and Mistletoe State Park has hookup sites plus a nature center. For RV camping Appling with a resort feel, Pointes West Army Resort is also nearby. Waterfront sites at Petersburg and Winfield book up months ahead for summer holidays, so reserve as soon as the six-month window opens on Recreation.gov.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232668When is the best time to take an RV trip to Appling, GA?
Appling shines almost year-round thanks to Georgia's Lake Country climate of hot, humid summers and mild winters. The sweet spot is mid-March through May, when daytime highs sit in the 70s and 80s and the dogwoods bloom around Thurmond Lake. Fall, from late September through early November, brings cooler 60s to 70s, fewer bugs, and beautiful hardwood color. Summer (June to August) regularly reaches the upper 80s and low 90s with afternoon thunderstorms, but the lake is warm and great for swimming. Even winter works, with daytime highs typically in the 50s. For your motorhome rental Appling booking, target the week after Labor Day, prices drop and the lake is still swim-ready.
weather.gov/ffc/I've never rented an RV before. Will I know what to do?
You'll be in good hands. First time renting an RV is what RVezy hosts in Appling do best. Every booking includes a hands-on orientation at pickup (or at your campsite if you choose delivery), where the host walks you through driving, leveling, slide-outs, water, propane, the generator, and dumping tanks. You can also message the host directly through the listing before booking with any question. Pair that with 24/7 roadside assistance included in your protection plan and you have real support all trip long. A travel trailer 20 to 25 feet long or a Class C is a great first choice, both are easy to maneuver into Petersburg and Ridge Road campsites.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You're covered around the clock. Every RV rental in Appling includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the RVezy protection plan, so a flat tire on Highway 221, a dead battery at Ridge Road Campground, or a warning light on I-20 is just a quick phone call away from help. Your host is also reachable directly through the RVezy app for questions about the RV itself, like how to reset the inverter or relight the water heater. Snap a photo of the RV's VIN, license plate, and propane and water hookup labels at pickup so you can share them quickly if you ever need to call for roadside service.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best road trip destinations from Appling?
Appling is a fantastic launch pad. Popular RV road trip from Appling routes include Savannah's historic district (about 165 miles, roughly 2.5 hours southeast), Charleston, SC (around 175 miles east), Atlanta (about 145 miles west on I-20), Hilton Head Island (around 190 miles southeast for beach time), and Helen, GA in the Blue Ridge foothills (about 180 miles north). You can also cross into South Carolina in minutes since Thurmond Lake straddles the state line. Cross-border travel between U.S. states is allowed on RVezy rentals; travel to Mexico is not permitted. Build in a stop at Congaree National Park in South Carolina, a stunning old-growth swamp-forest detour east of Appling.
nps.gov/cong/index.htmHow much should I budget for fuel on an Appling RV trip?
Fuel is one of the more predictable parts of your budget. Georgia consistently has some of the lower gas prices in the Southeast. Class C motorhomes typically get 8 to 12 miles per gallon, Class A coaches run 6 to 10 MPG, and a truck towing a travel trailer averages 10 to 14 MPG. For a typical 4-day, 200-mile loop around J. Strom Thurmond Lake, plan on roughly $80 to $150 in fuel depending on the rig and current pump prices. Fill up in Evans or Grovetown before heading north on Highway 221, stations right around Appling can be more expensive, and there are no large truck stops within the immediate Appling town center.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Appling?
For the popular U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds on Thurmond Lake (Petersburg, Ridge Road, Winfield) and Mistletoe State Park, book as early as possible. Corps sites open on Recreation.gov on a rolling six-month window, and waterfront sites for Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends often sell out within minutes. Mistletoe State Park reservations go through the Georgia State Parks system and can be booked up to 13 months ahead. For shoulder-season weekends (March, April, October), two to four weeks out is usually plenty. Set a Recreation.gov alert for cancellations, summer waterfront sites at Petersburg open up surprisingly often as plans change.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232668What are driving conditions like around Appling?
Driving an RV around Appling is genuinely relaxed, one of the easier places in Georgia to get comfortable behind the wheel. Highway 221 (the main route north from I-20 to Petersburg Campground) is a two-lane country road with gentle curves and light traffic. I-20 connects you quickly to Augusta (about 25 miles) and Atlanta (about 145 miles). Summer brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so plan driving for mornings, and tropical systems can occasionally cause flooding in low-lying areas near the Savannah River. Watch for whitetail deer at dawn and dusk, especially around Mistletoe State Park Road. Campground roads on Thurmond Lake have low-hanging branches, so confirm the RV's exact height with your host before squeezing into a wooded site.
511ga.org/What hookups and amenities will I find at Appling campgrounds?
Appling-area campgrounds are well-equipped for any RV. The Corps of Engineers parks on J. Strom Thurmond Lake, Petersburg, Ridge Road, and Winfield, offer water and 50-amp electric hookups at most sites, on-site dump stations, bathhouses with hot showers, boat ramps, and swimming beaches. Mistletoe State Park has electric and water hookups at most RV sites plus a nature center and laundry. The lakeside Corps campgrounds do not have sewer at individual sites, but the dump stations are free for registered campers. Fresh water is available at every site or via campground spigots. Pack a 50-to-30-amp adapter and at least 25 feet of drinking-water hose, some Thurmond Lake sites have pedestals set back from the pad.
gastateparks.org/MistletoeWhat's inside the RVs I can rent in Appling?
You'll be impressed by how well-equipped these RVs are. Listings for RV rental in Appling on RVezy typically include real beds (queen or king masters, bunks, and convertible dinettes), a full kitchen with fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, and sink, an indoor bathroom with shower and toilet, climate-controlled heating and air conditioning, and seatbelts for travel passengers. Many also include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor speakers, an awning, and a generator for off-grid stays. Wi-Fi is a host-specific add-on, just check the amenities list or ask. For a campervan rental Appling experience, look at Class B vans with smaller footprints that fit anywhere on Thurmond Lake. Filter by Sleeps to match your group, lake weekends fill up fast with 6-to-8-person family rigs.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Appling,%20GeorgiaWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Appling offer a mix of add-ons to customize your trip. Common extras include linens and towel packages, camp chairs and outdoor rugs, kayaks and paddleboards (great for Thurmond Lake), generators, propane top-offs, bike racks, and pet packages. Pickup usually happens at the host's location near Appling, Evans, or Grovetown, and many hosts offer delivery to Petersburg, Ridge Road, Winfield, or Mistletoe State Park for a flat fee based on distance. Mileage allowances (set by the host) range from a daily limit with overage fees to truly unlimited. Bundle delivery, setup, and pickup so you can roll into your campsite with the awning out and the fridge cold, no setup learning curve required.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Appling,%20GeorgiaHow do payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and fully handled through the RVezy platform, no cash, no checks, no awkward handoffs with the host. You'll pay with a credit card at booking, and a refundable security deposit is placed as a hold (not charged) on your card before pickup. Deposit amounts vary by RV class and host. As long as you return the RV on time and in the agreed condition, the hold is released after your trip. Do a thorough walk-around video with the host at pickup and another at drop-off, it's the single best way to keep your deposit release smooth and fast.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat's a great local insider tip for an Appling RV trip?
Here's a local tip: most visitors flock to the Georgia side of J. Strom Thurmond Lake, but the South Carolina shoreline (just minutes across the dam from Appling) has equally scenic Corps of Engineers parks like Modoc and Hawe Creek with less weekend competition. From Petersburg Campground, you can also access the Bartram Trail, a National Recreation Trail named for naturalist William Bartram, perfect for an early-morning hike before the Georgia heat sets in. Stop by the Thurmond Lake Visitor Center near the dam, free, often overlooked, and great for kids. Pair a family RV trip Appling weekend with a day at Augusta's Riverwalk, about 25 miles south and beautiful at sunset.
sas.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-and-Offices/Operations-Division/J-Strom-Thurmond-Dam-and-Lake/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Atlanta, GACharlotte, NCGreenville, SCAsheville, NCDallas, GABlairsville, GATyrone, GADunean, SCVilla Rica, GAFlowery Branch, GABuford, GALoganville, GAMarietta, GAWilliamson, GAJackson, GAGarden City, GAHuntersville, NCFairmount, GATravelers Rest, SCGreensboro, GAHiram, GAMountain Park, GAYork, SCPine Ridge, SC