Bear Creek campground sits on the northern shore of Jackson Lake in Mansfield, Georgia — one of the few lakefront RV camping spots in Jasper County where you can pull your rig right up to the water. If you have been searching for a Bear Creek campground near Atlanta with full hookups, a private boat launch, and direct lake access, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
What Kind of Campground Is Bear Creek Marina?
Bear Creek Marina operates a small, lakeside campground geared primarily toward RV campers. It is not a tent camping destination. There are no primitive campsites, walk-in sites, or sheltered tent pads. If you are looking for a traditional car-camping or backpacking experience, this is not the right fit.
What Bear Creek does offer is a quiet lakefront setting with full hookup sites for self-contained rigs. The campground is part of a working marina, which means you share the property with dry boat storage customers and boaters using the on-site launch ramp. For most campers, that atmosphere is part of the draw.
The campground sits on the north end of Jackson Lake, a large reservoir that spans Butts, Jasper, and Newton counties. Bear Creek’s portion of the lake falls in Jasper County, giving you access to some of the least-trafficked water on the lake.
What RV Hookups Are Available at Bear Creek Campground?
Bear Creek campground offers full hookup sites with water, sewer, and electric. Both 30 amp and 50 amp electric connections are available, making the campground compatible with most modern RV rigs, from smaller Class B vans to large Class A motorhomes and fifth-wheels with high-draw appliances.
Full hookups mean you do not need to manage gray or black water tanks on short visits. Water, sewer, and electric service all connect at the site.
There are no dump station-only or primitive electric-only sites. If you are looking to boondock or want a dry-camping setup, Bear Creek is not arranged for that.
One thing to plan around: Bear Creek campground does not have public shower facilities or restrooms available to campers. Your RV’s onboard bathroom is your facility for the stay.
Are There Waterfront Camper Slips at Bear Creek?
Yes. Bear Creek offers camper slips, which are lakefront RV sites positioned directly at the water’s edge. Rather than pulling into a gravel pad in a wooded row, your rig parks at the shoreline with an open view of Jackson Lake.
Waterfront sites are among the most requested at the Bear Creek campground. They book up quickly on summer weekends and holiday periods, so calling ahead is a good idea if a water-side site matters to you.
A note on terminology: a camper slip is a lakefront campsite, not a place to keep a boat. Bear Creek does not offer in-water docking for a motorboat overnight. The marina provides dry storage for boats, covered and uncovered, and there is a boat launch on the property. But there is no floating-dock in-water rental for overnight marina guests.
What Amenities Does Bear Creek Campground Offer?
Bear Creek is a marina-based campground, not a resort with a full amenity package. Here is what is available:
- Full hookup sites with water, sewer, 30 amp and 50 amp electric
- Waterfront camper slips for direct lakeside positioning
- Boat launch ramp with access to Jackson Lake
- Kayak and canoe rentals from the marina: kayaks $25 half-day or $40 full-day, and one canoe $45 full-day
- Dry boat storage, covered and uncovered options
- Live music events on a seasonal schedule
- Private event space on the marina property
- Coin laundry on site
What is not available at Bear Creek campground:
- Public showers or restrooms
- A camp store or general store
- A swimming pool
- Cabins or glamping tents (a furnished lakefront camper rental is opening soon)
- A bait and tackle shop
If you are coming from a larger campground with a full facilities suite, set your expectations accordingly. Bear Creek is a smaller, marina-integrated property. The trade-off is direct lake access in a setting that does not feel overcrowded.
What Activities Can You Do From Bear Creek Campground?
Jackson Lake is one of Georgia’s better freshwater fishing lakes, and access to the water is the main reason many campers choose Bear Creek campground as their base.
Fishing is the top draw. Jackson Lake supports largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and bream. The northern end of the lake where Bear Creek sits has shallower coves and structure that attract bass in the spring and fall. Campers can kayak out to nearby coves or launch their own boat from Bear Creek’s ramp. Georgia requires a valid Georgia fishing license for anyone 16 and older.
Kayaking and canoeing are easy from the campground. Bear Creek rents kayaks and canoes directly at the marina, so you do not need to haul your own. The lake’s coves just off the northern shore stay calm on most mornings, making them accessible for beginner paddlers.
Boating is well-supported. If you tow a boat, you can store it in Bear Creek’s dry storage area and launch from the marina ramp each day. This saves you from trailering to and from a public ramp on each outing.
Day trips are worth planning into your stay. Hard Labor Creek State Park, about 25 minutes away, offers hiking, golf, and a lake swimming beach. Covington and Monticello are the nearest towns for groceries, fuel, and restaurant options.
For campers interested in dining on the marina property: the Bear Creek Restaurant, a lakeside bar and grill, is currently closed due to tornado damage. Check directly with the marina for the latest status on reopening.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Bear Creek Campground?
A few practical things to keep in mind before arriving at the Bear Creek campground:
No tent camping. The campground is for self-contained RVs only. Do not arrive planning to pitch a tent.
No on-site showers or public restrooms. Your RV’s facilities are your facilities. Plan accordingly.
The boat launch is shared. The ramp is open to marina customers and campers alike. On busy summer and holiday weekends, launching early avoids a wait.
Lakefront sites go first. If a waterfront camper slip matters to you, book or call ahead. Interior sites stay available longer.
The restaurant is temporarily closed. The Bear Creek Restaurant is not currently operating due to tornado damage. Plan your meals around town options or prepare in your rig.
Contact for current rates and availability. Pricing and site availability change seasonally. Reach the marina directly at (770) 787-9621 or contact@bearcreekmarina.com for the most current information.
How Do I Book a Site at Bear Creek Campground?
Reservations at Bear Creek campground are handled directly through the marina. You can view current campground details and hookup options on their site, but bookings are completed by contacting the marina.
Phone: (770) 787-9621
Email: contact@bearcreekmarina.com
Address: 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055
When navigating by GPS, this address takes you to the correct entrance on the north shore of Jackson Lake. The marina is in Jasper County.
What Is There to Do Near Bear Creek Campground?
Beyond the marina itself, the wider Jackson Lake area offers plenty of options.
The northern end of the lake near Bear Creek has sheltered coves that stay calm on most days, making it a good area for early-morning fishing from a kayak or small boat. For a deeper look at the lake’s access points, water characteristics, and seasonal conditions, the complete Jackson Lake guide covers the full picture.
If you brought a boat or are considering dry boat storage at the marina, you can cover the full length of the lake in a day. The southern end opens into wider, deeper water that produces well for bass fishermen.
For campers who want to compare options before committing to Bear Creek, the full Jackson Lake campground guide covers the other campgrounds on the lake and how they differ in hookup availability, amenities, and access.
And if this trip is part of a broader Georgia lakes run, the guide to lakes near Atlanta covers what else is within a reasonable drive of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Creek Campground
Does Bear Creek campground have tent camping?
No. Bear Creek Marina’s campground is for self-contained RVs only. There are no tent sites, primitive campsites, or walk-in spots.
Are there showers at Bear Creek campground?
No public shower facilities or restrooms are available on site. Campers use their own RV’s bathroom.
What amp service does Bear Creek campground offer?
Both 30 amp and 50 amp electric service are available, along with water and sewer hookups.
Does Bear Creek have lakefront camper sites?
Yes. Select sites called camper slips are positioned directly at the waterline. These book quickly on busy weekends.
Can I fish from Bear Creek campground?
Fishing at Bear Creek is done from a boat or kayak on the lake, not from the marina shoreline or docks. Launch your own boat from the marina ramp, or rent a kayak for $25 a half-day or $40 a full day to reach nearby coves.
Is the Bear Creek Restaurant open?
Not currently. The restaurant is temporarily closed due to tornado damage. Contact the marina at (770) 787-9621 for the latest update on reopening.
