Jackson Lake is a 4,750-acre reservoir in north-central Georgia, about 44 miles southeast of Atlanta. It draws anglers, boaters, kayakers, and campers from across the metro area. For RV travelers looking for RV parks near Jackson Lake, Georgia, options range from full-hookup lakeside campgrounds to Georgia state park sites a short drive away.
The premier option for campers who want to wake up on the water is Bear Creek Marina Campground in Mansfield, GA. It is the only full-hookup RV park with direct lakeside access and an on-site boat launch on the north shore of Jackson Lake. Rates start at $75 per night with a 2-night minimum. This guide covers all the main options so you can pick the right base for your trip.
What Are the Best RV Parks Near Jackson Lake, Georgia?
Here is a comparison of the main options for RV campers visiting Jackson Lake in Georgia.
| Campground | Location | Hookups | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Creek Marina | Mansfield, GA (North Shore) | Full (water + electric + sewer, 30/50 amp) | Lakefront RV camping with boat launch |
| Sandy’s Hwy 36 Marina | Jackson, GA (South Shore) | Contact for details | South-shore lake access |
| High Falls State Park | High Falls, GA (~12 mi) | Water + electric | State park facilities, waterfall hikes |
| Indian Springs State Park | Flovilla, GA (~15 mi) | Water + electric | History, swimming lake |
1. Bear Creek Marina Campground (North Shore, Mansfield, GA)
Best for: Waterfront RV camping with full hookups, fishing access, and kayak rentals on Jackson Lake.
Bear Creek Marina Campground sits directly on the north shore of Jackson Lake in Mansfield. It is the only full-hookup RV park with genuine lakeside access on the lake. The campground has 20 sites, each with water, electric (30-amp or 50-amp), and sewer connections. Select sites have pull-through access, making them suitable for large Class A motorhomes, fifth wheels, and travel trailers.
Campers are walking distance from the marina’s public boat launch and kayak rental operation. The marina also hosts live music events on select evenings throughout the season.
- Sites: 20 total, pull-through access on select sites
- Hookups: Full (water, electric 30/50 amp, and sewer)
- Nightly rate: $75 with a 2-night minimum, plus 8% Jasper County tax
- Monthly rate: $650 (30-amp) or $750 (50-amp)
- On-site boat launch: Yes
- Kayak rentals: Yes
Summer weekends and holiday weekends fill quickly. Booking 2 to 3 weeks ahead is recommended. Contact: (770) 787-9621 or contact@bearcreekmarina.com.
2. Sandy’s Highway 36 Marina and Campground (South Shore, Jackson, GA)
Best for: Campers approaching from the south or looking for an alternative lakeside option near Jackson, GA.
Sandy’s Highway 36 Marina and Campground operates near the south shore of Jackson Lake off Highway 36. It offers waterfront access for campers and boaters. Contact Sandy’s directly for current rates, availability, and hookup details before booking.
3. High Falls State Park (High Falls, GA)
Best for: RV campers who want state park amenities and a short drive to Jackson Lake.
High Falls State Park sits approximately 10 to 12 miles from the western edge of Jackson Lake. The park offers over 100 RV sites across two camping areas (one along the Towaliga River and one near an interior park lake), with water and electric hookups at most sites. Hiking trails lead to scenic waterfalls. Book through the Georgia State Parks reservation system.
4. Indian Springs State Park (Flovilla, GA)
Best for: Families who want history, swimming, and nature with easy access to Jackson Lake.
Indian Springs State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest state parks. Located roughly 15 miles from the center of Jackson Lake, it offers tent and RV camping, a swimming lake, hiking, and the historic Indian Springs mineral spring. Book via the Georgia State Parks reservation system.
What Does Bear Creek Marina’s RV Campground Offer?
Bear Creek Marina Campground is designed for RV campers, not tent camping. All 20 sites have full hookup service (water, sewer, and 30-amp or 50-amp electric), so campers can run air conditioners, refrigerators, and other appliances during Georgia’s warm summers.
The setting is lakeside on the north shore. Sites are surrounded by mature trees that provide shade during summer months, and campers are a short walk from the water. Level pads make it easy to stabilize larger rigs. Select sites have pull-through access for motorhomes that cannot back in easily.
What sets Bear Creek apart from most campgrounds in the area is direct access to working marina amenities. Campers can launch their own boats from the on-site public boat ramp, or rent kayaks to explore the lake without hauling their own equipment. The marina hosts live music events on evenings and weekends throughout the season.
Pricing breakdown: $75 per night (2-night minimum, plus 8% Jasper County tax). Monthly stays are $650 (30-amp) or $750 (50-amp). Holiday weekend rates may be higher. Call (770) 787-9621 to confirm current rates before booking.
Where Is Jackson Lake Located in Georgia?
Jackson Lake spans three counties (Jasper, Newton, and Butts) in north-central Georgia, about 44 miles southeast of Atlanta. Most campers from metro Atlanta reach it via I-20 East in under an hour.
The lake was created between 1908 and 1911 when Lloyd Shoals Dam was built on the Ocmulgee River, making it one of Georgia’s oldest man-made reservoirs with more than a century of history as a fishing and recreation destination. Its 4,750 surface acres and 135 miles of shoreline make it one of the larger lakes in the region, and its deepest water sits in the old Ocmulgee River channel near the dam.
- Surface area: 4,750 acres
- Shoreline: 135 miles
- Counties: Jasper, Newton, and Butts
- Nearest towns: Mansfield (north shore), Jackson (south shore), Covington (northeast)
- Drive from Atlanta: 44 miles via I-20 East, approximately 50 to 60 minutes
Bear Creek Marina is on the north shore in Mansfield, GA 30055, Jasper County. Campers from Atlanta take I-20 East toward Covington, then head south toward Mansfield.
What Can RV Campers Do Near Jackson Lake, Georgia?
Fishing
Jackson Lake is one of Georgia’s most productive freshwater fishing lakes. The water holds largemouth bass, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Crappie fishing is particularly strong, with fish commonly exceeding 10 inches. Daily limits are 10 bass and 30 crappie per angler, with no limit on channel or flathead catfish. See our top fishing spots on Jackson Lake guide for a complete breakdown.
Kayaking and Paddling
Bear Creek Marina rents kayaks on site, so campers can explore the north shore coves and inlets without a car rack or trailer. The calm coves near the campground are well suited for beginners. More experienced paddlers can cover larger sections of the 135-mile shoreline.
Boating
The public boat launch at Bear Creek Marina gives campers who bring their own boats direct access to Jackson Lake. At 4,750 acres, the lake has plenty of room for waterskiing, tubing, and extended cruises. Georgia boating regulations apply (life jackets, registration, and navigation lights are required).
Nearby State Parks and Trails
- Hard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge, GA, about 30 min north): horseback riding, golf, and a 275-acre lake
- Indian Springs State Park (Flovilla, GA, about 25 min west): historic mineral spring, swimming lake, and hiking
- High Falls State Park (High Falls, GA, about 30 min southwest): scenic waterfall hikes and swimming
- Dauset Trails (Jackson, GA, about 25 min south): free nature center with Georgia wildlife exhibits and 20-plus miles of trails
When Is the Best Time to Camp Near Jackson Lake?
Spring (March to May) is the best all-around window. Water temperatures rise through the 60s into the 70s by May, triggering strong bass and crappie feeding. Crowds are lighter than summer, sites are easier to book, and Georgia’s wildflowers are at their peak.
Summer (June to August) is peak season. Water temperatures reach the low-to-mid 80s, making swimming and paddling ideal. Book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead for summer weekends. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends fill Bear Creek’s 20 sites within hours of availability opening.
Fall (September to October) brings cooler air temperatures, renewed fishing activity as the lake cools, and quieter campgrounds after Labor Day. October offers comfortable camping weather and fall color along the forested shoreline.
Winter (November to February) keeps the campground lightly attended. Nights can drop into the 30s and 40s, so a well-insulated rig is needed. A small group of year-round campers targets catfish and bass during this window. Rates and availability are more flexible outside of holiday weekends.
How Do I Reserve an RV Site Near Jackson Lake, Georgia?
For full-hookup RV camping directly on the lake, Bear Creek Marina Campground is the primary option. Contact:
- Phone: (770) 787-9621
- Email: contact@bearcreekmarina.com
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Tax: 8% Jasper County tax added to the nightly rate
For Georgia State Park campgrounds (High Falls, Indian Springs, Hard Labor Creek), book through the Georgia State Parks and Trails reservation system. Most sites open for reservations 11 months in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions: RV Camping Near Jackson Lake, Georgia
How much does it cost to camp at Bear Creek Marina on Jackson Lake?
RV sites at Bear Creek Marina are $75 per night with a 2-night minimum, plus 8% Jasper County tax. Monthly rates are $650 for 30-amp sites and $750 for 50-amp sites. Holiday weekend pricing may be higher. Call (770) 787-9621 for current rates and availability.
Are there full hookup RV parks directly on Jackson Lake?
Yes. Bear Creek Marina Campground in Mansfield, GA offers the only full-hookup RV sites (water, electric, and sewer) with direct lakeside access on Jackson Lake. The campground has 20 sites with 30/50-amp service and pull-through access on select sites.
How far is Jackson Lake from Atlanta, Georgia?
Jackson Lake is approximately 44 miles southeast of Atlanta via I-20 East. The drive takes 50 to 60 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Bear Creek Marina on the north shore is about 20 minutes south of Covington.
Is Jackson Lake Georgia good for RV camping?
Yes. Jackson Lake’s 4,750-acre reservoir offers quiet waterfront camping within an hour of Atlanta. Bear Creek Marina’s campground on the north shore provides full hookups, a public boat launch, and kayak rentals directly on the lake, making it one of the best close-in camping destinations in north-central Georgia.
What fish can I catch at Jackson Lake, Georgia?
Jackson Lake holds largemouth bass, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, black crappie, white crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, and flathead catfish. Crappie fishing is especially productive, with fish commonly exceeding 10 inches. Daily limits are 10 bass and 30 crappie, with no limit on catfish. See the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division for current regulations.
When was Jackson Lake in Georgia created?
Jackson Lake was created between 1908 and 1911 when Lloyd Shoals Dam was built on the Ocmulgee River. This makes it one of Georgia’s oldest man-made reservoirs, with more than a century of history as a fishing and recreation destination. The lake spans parts of Jasper, Newton, and Butts counties.
Commuting to the Rivian plant at Stanton Springs North? The marina is about 35 minutes from the site. Our guide to long-term RV rentals near Stanton Springs covers monthly stays for project workers.
