Georgia Power claims it's "the largest non-government provider of recreation facilities in the state." It's easy to believe when you consider that this large utility company responsible for providing the Peach State with electricity controls a number of lakes in Georgia. Some of these lakes have Georgia Power boat ramps, campgrounds and other recreational facilities open to the public. This includes eight camping areas -- six full-facility campgrounds and two first-come, first-served primitive spots. Reservations are made by calling the campgrounds directly.
The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia are a natural vacation playground with high, forested peaks, verdant valleys and cool, shimmering lakes. The Terrora Campground at Tallulah Gorge State Park is operated by Georgia Power. This full-facility campground is a short walk along a footpath from Tallulah Gorge and Tallulah Falls Lake. On Lake Seed, Seed Campground provides primitive campsites, as does Tugalo Park at Lake Yonah. The latter two camping areas are a bit off the beaten path and a good option if you're looking for a quiet spot by the water to pitch your tent.
In central Georgia, Georgia Power operates Dames Ferry Park on Lake Juliette. This recreation area has a full-service campground that feels a world away from civilization, except for the large power plant on the north side of the lake. Nearby, the tiny town of Juliette was a primary setting for the hit 1991 film, "Fried Green Tomatoes." While the campground and lake are scenic and the fishing is good, you may want to practice catch-and-release and bring bottled drinking water. According to ongoing reporting from national and local news sources such as CNN and the Macon Telegraph, many local residents claim the power plant has contaminated their drinking water.
Lake Oconee in eastern Georgia has the most Georgia Power campgrounds of any lake in the state: Lawrence Shoals, Old Salem and Parks Ferry. All three have full-service facilities to accommodate RVs and tent campers, as well as swimming beaches and boat ramps. Hikers will want to set up camp at Lawrence Shoals for the miles of wooded trails near the campground. Old Salem is close to golf courses and plenty of shopping and dining options. Anglers will be interested in staying at Parks Ferry on the less-crowded and less-developed northern end of the lake.
Straddling the Georgia state line with Alabama, Lake Harding is home to Blanton Creek campground on the Georgia side. Along with a full-service campground on the lake, Blanton Creek is also a large park with hiking trails. Some of Georgia's top attractions, such as Callaway Gardens and historic sites associated with Franklin Delano Roosevelt in Warm Springs and Pine Mountain, are a short drive away. The city of Columbus just south of Lake Harding is worth a stop for a stroll along the Chattahoochee Riverwalk.
