Bear Creek Marina offers waterfront RV camping on Jackson Lake, roughly an hour southeast of Atlanta near Mansfield, Georgia. Our campground has paved access to RV and camper sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups (30- and 50-amp service), scenic views of the lake, and direct access to the boat ramp, kayak rentals, and our lakeside restaurant. If you want lake-view RV camping near Atlanta without a long drive, this is one of the closest options in Central Georgia.
There is more to do here than sit by the water. Our guide to hiking near Jackson Lake lists nearby trails by difficulty, including several easy enough for a morning walk before breakfast.
How Far Is Bear Creek Marina from Atlanta?
Bear Creek Marina sits at 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055, on the shores of Jackson Lake. It is about one hour southeast of downtown Atlanta and roughly 20 minutes south of Covington, which makes it an easy weekend getaway for RVers across metro Atlanta and Central Georgia. Jackson Lake is one of the oldest reservoirs in Georgia, and its calm coves and wooded shoreline give the campground a quiet, away-from-it-all feel even though the city is close by.
What Kind of RV Sites Does Bear Creek Marina Offer?
Bear Creek Marina offers waterfront RV and camper sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Both 30-amp and 50-amp service are available, so you can confirm the right fit for your rig when you reserve. Many sites face the water, so you can wake up to sunrise over Jackson Lake and relax by your camper in the evening with the lake just steps away. We offer both short-term stays for a weekend on the water and long-term stays for guests who want to settle in for the season.
A few things to know about staying at our campground and RV hookups:
- Hookups: Water, electric, and sewer, with 30-amp and 50-amp service available.
- Site type: RV and camper sites only. Bear Creek does not offer tent pads or primitive camping — this is a hookup campground built for rigs and campers.
- Lake views: Waterfront sites with scenic views of Jackson Lake. Ask about current availability when you book.
- Length of stay: Short-term and long-term stays both available.
- On-site dining: Our lakeside restaurant and bar is temporarily closed for tornado repairs. Call (770) 787-9621 to confirm before planning a meal.
What Can You Do at the Lake During Your Stay?
The biggest draw of camping at Bear Creek Marina is everything waiting for you the moment you step out of your RV. Jackson Lake covers about 4,750 acres with roughly 135 miles of shoreline, so there is plenty of room to spread out on the water. Right at the marina you can:
- Launch your boat: Our public boat ramp gives you quick, easy access to Jackson Lake for boating, water skiing, and tubing.
- Rent a kayak: Kayak rentals are available on site if you want to explore the quiet coves without hauling your own.
- Store your boat: Dry boat storage is available for boats of all sizes, for both short-term and long-term needs.
- Go fishing: Jackson Lake is known for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. Bring a valid Georgia fishing license and fish from your boat or kayak out on the water.
- Catch live music: The marina hosts live music and events through the season — many campers plan their stay around the schedule.
For a fuller rundown of lakeside activities, see our guide to the Jackson Lake camping experience and our overview of the best lakes near Atlanta.
When Should You Book Your RV Site?
Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill up fast. The best way to lock in your spot — and to ask which sites have the best lake views and the hookup amperage your RV needs — is to contact Bear Creek Marina directly at (770) 787-9621. Booking ahead is the surest way to camp on the water rather than settling for an inland site.
What Should You Bring for Lakeside RV Camping?
- Standard RV hookup gear: A drinking-water hose, a sewer hose, and both 30- and 50-amp adapters so you are ready for whichever site you are assigned.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for long days on the water.
- Bug spray: Like any lakeside setting, evenings near the water can bring mosquitoes.
- Fishing license and gear: A valid Georgia fishing license is required to fish the lake.
- Life jackets: Required for boating and recommended for kayaking, especially for kids.
How Does Bear Creek Compare to Nearby Parks?
What sets Bear Creek apart is that camping, dining, boating, and live music all happen in one place, right on the water. You are not driving somewhere else for dinner or to launch a boat — it is all at the marina. If you want to round out your trip, the surrounding area has more to explore: High Falls State Park near Jackson features Georgia’s tallest cascading waterfall south of Atlanta, and Indian Springs State Park is one of the oldest state parks in the country. Many of our guests pair a few days of RV camping at Bear Creek with day trips to these nearby parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bear Creek Marina have full RV hookups?
Yes. Bear Creek Marina offers RV and camper sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups, with both 30-amp and 50-amp service available. Confirm the amperage your rig needs when you reserve.
How far is Bear Creek Marina from Atlanta?
The marina is about one hour southeast of downtown Atlanta and roughly 20 minutes south of Covington, at 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055.
Does Bear Creek Marina allow tent camping?
No. Bear Creek is a hookup campground for RVs and campers only. We do not offer tent pads or primitive camping sites.
Do you need a reservation for an RV site?
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Call (770) 787-9621 to check availability and request a waterfront site.
Can you fish and boat directly from the campground?
Yes. The campground has direct access to the marina’s boat ramp and kayak rentals, so you can launch a boat or paddle out to fish Jackson Lake for bass, crappie, and catfish. A valid Georgia fishing license is required.
Ready to plan your trip? Contact Bear Creek Marina at (770) 787-9621, or learn more about our campground and RV hookups. Bear Creek Marina — 60 Bear Creek Marina Road, Mansfield, GA 30055. Life is better at the lake.
