I’m developing TrailerTraveler.net’s new campground rating system — all the information I wanted but didn’t find in other ratings when looking for a campground. Find a campground by state on the map page (at the bottom click All Listing Types: Campground then select a location in the All Locations drop down and click Filter. The map will show all the listings for campgrounds in that state. Cool huh? Reviews will feature contact info first, then ratings for Showers, Laundry, Scenic Value, Mosquitos/Bugs, Noise Levels, Campsite, Claustrophobia Quotient, Access to Essentials & Price. Starting now!
Website: Fort Yargo State Park
Campground/Park Map: Fort Yargo State Park Campground Map
Reservations: Yes, 2 days to 1 year in advance, click here: Fort Yargo Campsite Reservations
Local Park Telephone Number: 770-867-3489
Camped at Fort Yargo State Park, Site #9.
Showers *** Adequate hot water, which is good, no hooks and no real privacy which is not so good. But for a state park, not bad.
BONUS POINTS! Washer & Dryer ***** Maybe state park campgrounds have washers & dryers in the shower facilities routinely, but not in my experience so far.
Laundry in a state park? And right at the showers? Cool!
Scenic Value: *** Average scenery — Georgia tall pines on a pretty lake with a 1790’s “fort” – which is actually a stout log home that settlers would hide in during Indian attacks.
Mosquitos/Bugs: **** None so far, despite the lake, even at sunset! Got to sit outside & not sip wine (since no alcoholic beverages are allowed in GA state parks) at sunset.
Our view from campsite #9 at Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, GA
Noise Levels: **** — very quiet on this evening in mid-October. Supposedly the campground is jammed on weekends, so I imagine it could be a bit noisier, but the sites are so spread out, it shouldn’t be noisy. NO road noise, despite being so close to Winder. There is some train noise from time to time as Winder must be a popular place for trains.
Campsite: **** Level, nicely landscaped, tiny gravel, steps trimmed with railroad ties and steps down to a nice picnic table and fire grill. You can buy firewood from the camp host. Hiking trails, mountain bike trails, a beach in season. Overall very nice campground.
Claustrophobia Quotient **** Campsites are nicely laid out & spaced reasonably apart – no claustrophobia for me here!
Fort Yargo is actually a substantial log dwelling made to house 14-20 frontier dwellers from Indian attacks in the late 1790’s.
Access to Essentials: **** Within a couple of miles, Winder, GA is a small town where 5 US highways converge — hence the amazingly heavy traffic and lots of stuff — WalMart, CVS, Walgreens, grocery stores, Ruby Tuesdays (yes, among my favorite chain restaurants) and other restaurants, a big laundromat, even car dealerships and a couple of RV dealers.
Campsite Price: $29 incl tax – $24 for campground w/ senior discount and $5 park admission for car (Oct 2014). Ask for the 20% senior citizen discount if you’re over 62! A bit pricey, but nice. If you’ll be camping often in Georgia State Parks, ask (or click this link) about the Friends of Georgia State Parks member benefits.
Anything more I should add to the TrailerTraveler.net campground ratings listings? Please leave a comment and let me know!
