Jackson Lake in Mansfield, Georgia, is one of the oldest reservoirs in the state — and one of the best-kept secrets for camping near Atlanta. Located approximately 1 hour southeast of the city in Jasper County, Jackson Lake offers 4,750 acres of water, scenic shoreline, and year-round outdoor recreation that draws campers, boaters, and families from across central Georgia.
Campers who want to stretch their legs between lake days have good options within a short drive. Our roundup of hiking near Jackson Lake covers trails ranging from easy lakeside loops to longer state park routes.
Whether you are looking for full-hookup RV camping with direct lake access or a relaxed weekend base camp on the water, this guide covers everything you need to know about camping on Jackson Lake, Georgia — with a focus on Bear Creek Marina, the lake’s premier access point since 1973.
Where Is Jackson Lake in Georgia?
Jackson Lake sits in Jasper County, Georgia, near the small town of Mansfield. It is about 60 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta, 20 minutes south of Covington, and within easy reach of Athens, Monticello, and Eatonton. The lake was created by Lloyd Shoals Dam on the Ocmulgee River and has been a central Georgia recreation destination for over a century.
Important: Jackson Lake, Georgia, is not the same as Jackson Lake in Wyoming or Lake James in North Carolina. This is a Georgia lake located squarely in the heart of the Piedmont region, managed by Georgia Power and supported by the Jackson Lake Association.
What Camping Options Are Available on Jackson Lake?
Jackson Lake offers several camping options, but the most convenient and well-equipped lakeside camping is at Bear Creek Marina in Mansfield, GA. Here is what campers can expect:
RV Camping with Full Hookups
Bear Creek Marina’s campground provides full-hookup sites with water, sewer, and electric service (30-amp and 50-amp connections) for RV and camper parking. Sites accommodate everything from small travel trailers to large Class A motorhomes. Every site offers scenic views of Jackson Lake, and the campground is within walking distance of the boat ramp, kayak rental area, and dry boat storage.
Bear Creek Marina offers RV and camper hookup sites only — it does not have tent sites or primitive camping. Nearby state parks such as High Falls and Indian Springs do offer tent camping if that is what you need.
Short-Term and Long-Term RV Stays
Bear Creek Marina offers both short-term nightly stays and long-term monthly rentals for RV campers. Whether you are passing through for a weekend or planning an extended lakeside stay, the marina accommodates both. Contact Bear Creek Marina directly at (770) 787-9621 for current availability and rates.
What Makes Bear Creek Marina a Great Camping Base on Jackson Lake?
Founded in 1973 as Factory Shoals Marina, Bear Creek Marina has been the premier access point to Jackson Lake for over 50 years. What sets it apart from other camping spots in the area:
- Full hookups with water, sewer, and electric — 30-amp and 50-amp sites with sewer connections make this campground ideal for self-contained RVs.
- Live music and entertainment — Regular live performances make weekend camping trips feel like a mini-festival.
- Public boat launch — The boat ramp gives campers direct access to Jackson Lake for fishing, cruising, and watersports.
- Kayak and canoe rentals — Kayak and canoe rentals are available for exploring the lake’s coves and shoreline without needing your own boat.
- Dry boat storage — Covered and uncovered dry storage is available for boats of all sizes, short-term or long-term.
- Private event hosting — The lakeside venue is available for weddings, reunions, and corporate events.
How Far Is Jackson Lake Camping from Atlanta?
Bear Creek Marina at Jackson Lake is approximately 60 miles — about 1 hour by car — southeast of downtown Atlanta via I-20 East. This makes it one of the closest lakeside camping destinations to Atlanta with full sewer hookups, a boat launch, and kayak rentals. Other nearby cities and their approximate distances:
- Covington, GA: 20 minutes north
- Athens, GA: approximately 50 minutes northeast
- Monticello, GA: approximately 20 minutes south
- Eatonton, GA: approximately 30 minutes southeast
What Can You Do While Camping at Jackson Lake?
Jackson Lake is a 4,750-acre reservoir with excellent fishing (largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bream), water recreation, and wildlife viewing. From your campsite at Bear Creek Marina, a typical weekend might include:
- Morning kayak paddle through the coves near the marina
- Afternoon bass fishing from the public boat ramp
- Golden-hour paddle across open water at sunset
- Evening live music at the marina
- Stargazing from your campsite with minimal light pollution
What Day Trips Can You Take from Bear Creek Marina?
One of the best things about camping at Bear Creek Marina is how many Georgia outdoor destinations sit within an hour’s drive. The marina makes a great home base for exploring central Georgia’s parks, towns, and natural areas.
- High Falls State Park — About 30 minutes southwest. Georgia’s largest waterfall, a fishing lake, hiking trails, and tent camping sites make it a natural day-trip pair with a Jackson Lake RV stay.
- Hard Labor Creek State Park — Roughly 30-35 minutes northeast near Rutledge, GA. Two fishing lakes, more than 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, a swimming beach, and an 18-hole golf course make this one of Georgia’s most versatile parks.
- Covington, GA — 20 minutes north of Bear Creek Marina. The “Hollywood of the South” was a filming location for The Vampire Diaries and several other productions. Its historic town square has shops, restaurants, and a walkable Main Street.
- Indian Springs State Park — About 40 minutes southwest. One of the oldest state parks in the United States, with a historic mineral spring, a small lake, and hiking trails.
- Historic Madison, GA — Roughly 45 minutes northeast. Known for its exceptionally well-preserved antebellum architecture, Madison is worth an afternoon for anyone who appreciates Southern history and architecture.
When Is the Best Time to Camp at Jackson Lake, Georgia?
Jackson Lake camping is best from late March through early November, with peak season running April through September. Georgia’s mild climate means the lake is enjoyable well into the fall. Spring (March-May) offers comfortable temperatures in the 60s-80s and excellent fishing as bass move to shallow water. Summer (June-August) is peak boating season with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s. Fall (September-November) brings cooler evenings, fewer crowds, and scenic views as the Georgia hardwoods change color.
Does Bear Creek Marina Have Showers or Public Restrooms?
Bear Creek Marina does not have public showers or shared restrooms at the campground. RV campers use the facilities built into their own units. Every site does include sewer hookups, so you can drain holding tanks directly on-site without a dump station. If you are planning a trip, make sure your RV or camper is self-contained before you arrive.
How Do You Book a Campsite at Bear Creek Marina?
To reserve an RV or camper site at Bear Creek Marina on Jackson Lake, contact the marina at (770) 787-9621 or visit the contact page at bearcreekmarina.com. The same number handles campground reservations, kayak and canoe rentals, boat storage inquiries, and general marina questions. The marina is located at 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
