Best camp grounds/destinations in SE

We are at lake Lanier just north of Atlanta. As the kids are nearing summer break and weather getting nicer I am looking for other places to take family and boat. Mountain lakes, gulf, icw wherever let me know your favorite places.

Just a warning for going to *new* boating destinations, my buddy hauled his 24' boat to the Florida Gulf Coast a couple years back for his summer vacation. He said it was the single worst experience he ever had! 1st, he had issues with his trailer during the 8 hour haul. He was unfamiliar with the waters and navigation rules and was very surprised to see that the majority of the bay he was in was only 3' deep. His kids swam amongst some jellyfish and a shark at one point. He ran his boat aground on an oyster bed and caused $3K of cosmetic damage to his hull. To top it off, he lost his center snap-in carpet on the interstate. Needless to say, his boat hasn't left the inland lake since he got it back home.

I love to explore new lakes - just look at my signature - but I have watched countless videos on youtube and read many articles to ensure I'm doing so safely: towing, maintenance, navigation, etc... You're the Captain and you're always responsible for your boat, your wake, and your passengers.

Good luck and happy sails!

@Wisefam22 You should try the Bimini run.
It's kinda SE, right?



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Thanks for the response. It' always a concern and accounted for. I grew up on boats and was "first mate" last year I was responsible for a bearing drying out on previous trailer headed to my mom' house with boast in tow. The road conditions were rough and knocked off bearing cap. I was up until 1am chiseling the bearing off the axle. I replaced the caps with locking ones.

Part of reason I posted was to get ideas and possibly learn from locals in the areas. We are going to purchase a Garmin 54cv next week or so and I'm going to install it plus buy optional maps if an area isn' covered to help "somewhat"

Looking forward to meeting people from all over and visiting all different lakes/salt water areas

@swatski that is on list for 2019.. wife and I are ditching kids and gonna make it for our 10th anniversary trip.

We are gonna camp at Bahia Honda state park in next few years as well... it' about 12 hr drive from home so need to plan some ex tra time away from our company

TVA boasts that Norris Lake near Knoxville is their cleanest inland lake. The water is clear and gorgeous. I believe there's a state park there with a camp site on the lake.

Percy Priest in Antioch, TN has a least 2 different camp sites with electric as well as lots of islands you can camp on overnight.

Dale Hollow Is a great lake. Lots of campgrounds and lodges/etc to choose from. The wife and I got married at the KY state park back in '09. Crystal Clear water, and tons of space to roam around. They actually use this lake for scuba diver training due to the clarity of the water.

Green River Lake is not nearly as big, but one of our favorite spots. Holmes Bend campground gets our business a few times a year. Emerald Isle Marina has excellent home made ice cream and is at the other end of the lake from Holmes Bend. Probably a 30-45min cruise, and is a great way to cap off an evening after a day of shenanigans.

We have Henderson State Park here in Destin. Very popular destination and usually stays full in the spring, summer, and fall. Reservations recommended.

There is also Camp Gulf on the east side of Destin (actually SanDestin). It's also right on the Gulf. Used to be a KOA Campground. Don't have much details about it, but saw some posted a video of it on YouTube, haha.

Not sure if you were driving an RV or had other idea. Camp Gulf would be tough with the boat I believe. Unless they have parking you could use for it.

Thanks for all the advice I am sharing with wife so we can start planning trips!

We don't have the clear waters of Destin but Myrtle Beach SC has some of the highest rated campgrounds in the US in the Surfside SC area. Most don't consider this a boating destination but that's usually because they do not know what there is to do here on the water they just think beaches. Honestly though this is an awesome boating destination as well plenty to do and see on the water. @Ramblin Wreck and @Eric Ballard both made boating trips here last year and @veedubtek comes down several times a year with his skis in tow to hit these waters. Nice for you its only about a 5 hour tow as well. There are several beaches you can only access by boat, good fishing and you could visit a different restaurant every night by boat for dinner.

Sorry a little late on post. Head a little over an hour north to Hiawassee Ga/ Hayesville NC. There you will find a gem of a lake called Lake Chatuge. I grew up in the area and was always on the this lake. Very clean NC mountain lake. One of the best campgrounds on the lake is called Jack Rabbit Campground.. Once their you are close to so many cool areas to explore. With in hours drive of Helen Ga, Great Smokey's National Park, and the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Cherokee NC. So much to see and do.

Fairly close to you is Lake Jocasse ( super clear mountain lake), Keowee, and hartwell. (all part of the same chain.) Hartwell has been down for several years so it's a good time to go slow and learn the lake i fyou are careful for when it's full again. South from there is Lake Strom Thurmond... I'd avoid wylie and norman (near charlotte). Good lakes but super busy in the summer since charlotte is so close.

If you can get a reservation, check out Ft. Desoto campground near St. Petersburg, FL. http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/camping.htm

You'd have quick access to quite a few really scenic places such as Shell Key, Bunces pass sandbar, and Egmont Key

Reservations are tough to get though, so book early.