Situated on Georgia's border with South Carolina on the Savannah River, the town of Augusta is a picture-perfect destination for your next RV trip. Now the state's third-largest city with a population of more than 202,000, Augusta was founded by European settlers in 1736. The city served as the state's capital as well as an agricultural hub for the cotton trade and even a major resort destination in its early history. During the Civil War, Augusta notably was a major powder-works site for the Confederate Army.Â
Today, it continues to be a popular vacation spot thanks to its warm climate and wonderful mix of attractions. Strolling down the scenic Augusta Riverwalk is a great way to start exploring the city. A few of the many popular restaurants in the Riverwalk area are Southern Salad and Frog Hollow Tavern. The Riverwalk is conveniently located close to numerous marketplaces, the Augusta Museum of History, the Morris Museum of Art, and the Jessye Norman Amphitheater. You can also take in a live musical or theatrical production at the Imperial Theatre or the Sacred Heart Cultural Center.Â
Because of Georgia's wonderful climate, you can explore local flora and fauna at Grovetown Trails at Euchee Creek or admire the James Brown murals near Augusta Common Park throughout many months of the year. You can also hike or bike on the Augusta Canal Trail. Langley Pond is a popular location for paddle boarding, swimming, and watercraft activities. At Phinizy Swamp Nature Park, you can observe alligators, water birds, and river otters in the wild.Â
Augusta is also well-known for several popular festivals. If you plan to visit the area in May, spend time at the Augusta Craft Beer Festival. Held at SRP Park, this event features more than 100 craft beers on display. In late June, the Augusta Pride Festival at Augusta Commons offers live entertainment, vendor booths, and delicious food. The BBQ and Sweet Tea Festival runs in August at Perry Memorial Park, and it is known for its great selection of barbecue sauces and meats from various vendors.Â
Campgrounds Near Augusta, Georgia
Located just off Interstate 20 in Augusta, Heritage RV Park is an ideal starting point for exploring the area each day. The 105 RV sites offer free wireless internet connections, full hookups, and aluminum picnic tables. The daily rate is $35, or you can reserve your space for a week for $180. Numerous shops, restaurants, and gas stations are located within a few miles.Â
Made in the Shade RV Park and Campground has 77 RV sites with full hookups. This rustic yet well-maintained RV campground is located a short drive from Augusta in Waynesboro. The landscape is marked by towering trees and trimmed grass. In addition to offering a bathhouse and a laundry room, Made in the Shade RV Park and Campground is close to a few popular nature trails.Â
In nearby Keysville, Bob's RV Park is a small campground with six RV sites. This campground has a secluded, peaceful setting as well as on-site parking and security cameras. It also provides laundry service to its guests for a fee. The full-hookup sites are offered at $30 per night, and long-term arrangements are available as well.Â
State Parks Near Augusta, Georgia
Hamilton Branch State Park covers a peninsula that protrudes into Lake Thurmond. This 70,000-acre lake is conveniently located less than 40 miles from Augusta. With two boat ramps available, this is an ideal spot to fish for striper, bass, crappie, catfish, and other species. From swimming to canoeing and kayaking, the lake is a beautiful destination for cooling off on warm days. This park also connects to Stevens Creek Bike Trail, which runs for 12 miles.Â
Near Appling, Mistletoe State Park is a 1,920-acre nature area that is less than 45 minutes from Augusta. This park offers an expansive shoreline on Clarks Hill Lake, which covers 71,100 acres. In addition to boating and fishing on the lake, you can take a dip in the water at the park's sandy beach. Mistletoe State Park also offers biking, hiking on nature trails, musical events, guided walks, an astronomy program, camping, and more.Â
You can also reach Aiken State Park from Augusta via a short drive. This 1,067-acre park extends along the banks of the South Edisto River. It is suitable for non-motorized watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes. There are also four fishing lakes on-site. When you are not swimming and enjoying other water activities, you can search for native wildlife on the three-mile Jungle Trail Loop. The park also offers horseshoe pits, bird-watching, biking, geocaching, picnicking and playground equipment.Â
National Sites Near Augusta, Georgia
On your RV trip to Augusta, take time to learn more about the 39th U.S. President at the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park, which is located in Plains, Georgia. This venue includes numerous sites that offer a closer look at his childhood and teen years, such as Plains High School, his boyhood farm, and the area's train depot. There are also exhibits and artifacts on display from later in Carter's life.Â
The Fort Frederica National Monument explores a different side of the area's rich history. In 1742, a major battle between the Spanish and French took place here. As a result of the British troops' triumphant win, Georgia became a British colony. Because of this, the battle played a pivotal role in the state's early history. Remnants of the fort remain for you to explore during your visit.Â
At Fort Pulaski National Monument in Chatham County, Georgia, you can explore a garrison where Confederate troops secured themselves during the Civil War. However, the Union army used innovative rifling canons to penetrate the fort's defense and force a Confederate surrender. In addition to memorializing a famous battle, the monument highlights an important development in military science.Â
National Forests Near Augusta, Georgia
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest stretches across 26 counties in Georgia and covers almost 867,000 acres. This stunning area has a variety of scenes for you to explore, including waterfalls, streams, rivers, and hills. Across the vast wilderness, you will find 850 miles of trails that are suitable for hiking, biking, and backpacking. The endangered red wolf as well as foxes, deer, bears, beavers, and other species call this area home. Points of interest in the forest are Anna Ruby Falls, Brasstown Bald, and the start of the Appalachian Trail.Â
In South Carolina, you will find the beautiful Francis Marion National Forest. Named after a famous Revolutionary War hero, this 258,864-acre wilderness features a landscape largely comprising coniferous trees. Most of the trees in the forest were destroyed in 1989 by Hurricane Hugo, so the growth is relatively new. From hiking and biking on the Palmetto Trail to ATV riding on the Wambaw Cycle Trail, the opportunities for outdoor fun are considerable. The area also has several boat ramps and rifle ranges.Â
Also in South Carolina, Sumter National Forest is well worth exploring. The grounds cover 370,442 acres and partially run across the lower portion of the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to having a variety of tall trees, this natural area has 15 waterfalls. Some waterfalls are as high as 75 feet. The Chattanooga River also runs through the forest. Locals and visitors use Sumter National Forest for fishing, hunting, ATV riding, backpacking, hiking, target shooting, horseback riding, and more.
