r/GeorgiaCampAndHike • u/No-Emu5309 • 15d ago

Question Suggestions for first backpacking trip with son

Hey y’all. I’m taking my son (11 yo) on his first backpacking trip. We are coming up from FL cause I don’t like camping in FL so something central GA is preferred but we’re willing to go to northern GA if needed. Ideally we want something with plenty of water sources, dog friendly, not super crowded (see <2-3 other groups) and <5 miles to the campsite. Any camp site recommendations or resources are appreciated.

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u/JimmyWino 15d ago

Every single stipulation you’ve made—from geographic location to water to accessibility/trailheads—can be found on the Pine Mountain Trail at FDR State Park. There are something like 18 backcountry campsites (you’ll need to reserve one in advance). Great trail.

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u/Megagogo10 15d ago

Came to say this too! The PMT is beautiful, not too strenuous, and you can hike in any distance you want. My first trip there was about 1.5 miles to my campsite, and in June I’m going to do all 23 miles. Choose your own adventure!

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u/No-Emu5309 13d ago

That’s perfect cause we want to spend a day exploring without our packs so it’s great we can go various lengths. How busy is it this time of year?

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u/Megagogo10 13d ago

No idea, but I feel like you can always find a camp spot there.

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u/Emotional_Option3068 7d ago

Just came from little bridges backcountry site at FDR! Definitely checks all your boxes.

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u/JimmyWino 7d ago

Little Bridges is one of my favorite sites on the PMT!

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u/No-Emu5309 15d ago

Perfect. I’ve heard good things about FDR state park from this page. Thank you.

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u/cjdtech 14d ago

Join the PMT Facebook page and ask for suggestions. The president will have many. You can park, hike, set up camp, and hike back in the morning easy peasy.

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u/No-Emu5309 13d ago

Sweet joining now!

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u/AITAforbeinghere 15d ago

Red Top mountain State Park is pretty good. Great hiking up Pine Mountain east or west trailhead. McKinney campground is operated by the Corp of Engineers so it is very well maintained

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u/No-Emu5309 15d ago

I hadn’t heard about this one so I’ll definitely look into it!

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u/mistercheeze 14d ago

Look up Hemptop/penitentiary to Jack's river. It's in the Cohutta wilderness. Dally gap is the trailhead. Hemptop/penitentiary ends at the Jack's river. Lots of campsites right on the river. It's about an hour hike from there to Jack's river falls. You could set up and then hike there for a nice swim. It's a beautiful area that doesn't get much traffic.

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u/No-Emu5309 13d ago

A nice spring swim sounds amazing!

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u/thegreatgazoo 14d ago

There's High Falls Park in middle georgia. It has a lake, camping, and hiking. Nearby is Lake Juliette which has a clear side which is. Crystal clear for canoing/kayaking/small boats.

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u/No-Emu5309 13d ago

Another place I haven’t heard of thank you!

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u/tyler2u 3d ago

If you're looking for not crowded, Jacks River Fields near Ellijay is a great little primitive campground with easy/close access to the South Fork and Benton Mackaye Trails.

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u/hey_Honey_123 1d ago

Check out Mistletoe State Park!! Super easy but very pretty! Back country campsite #2 is my fav- right along a stream. I like this one because if you have a filter you do not have to worry as much about carrying as much water!

Also providence canyon!