Little Ocmulgee State Park was originally built in the 1930s by the Conservation Civilian Corps. It is now home to the Wallace Adams Memorial Golf Course with a wonderful restaurant for you to dine in after a day on the course. While the main attractions are golf, swimming, and a mini-hiking trail, the area presents a lovely little escape from everyday life when you bring your RV for a camping trip.
Many of the park’s visitors enjoy walking along the shoreline of the 248-acre lake or strolling along the trails after a long day. The park provides a playground for the children and picnic areas for you to enjoy the great outdoors. Little Ocmulgee Lake has its own sandy shores, granting it the name “Beach Sand” by some of the locals. The park offers birding, geocaching, and nature hikes for all ages. It is located close enough to the local towns that most visitors get strong mobile reception here. If you have a TV in your trailer, then you may be able to connect to the television stations in the area.
If you are looking for a relaxing weekend or a week off from the hustle and bustle of the school year, then this is a great place to take the whole family in your RV. The park enjoys hot summers and cool winters, with moderate rainfall. There are 54 sites for RV and trailer camping with full hookups available, as well as those with only water and electric hookups. You can visit the other cities surrounding the park or just relax on the grassy areas as you watch the birds fly by in each season.
Little Ocmulgee State Park is less than three hours to all major cities in Georgia including Atlanta and Savannah. It’s located off US Highway 280 and runs along State Route 441. While the park is located in Helena, Georgia, your GPS may say that you need to head to McRae rather than Helena. The northern part of McRae connects to a small portion of the park, which is why your GPS may misinterpret the information.
You won’t have to go too far to find a grocery store or a small-town boutique shop. Helena, Georgia is a beautiful town with winding roads and valleys full of coniferous and deciduous trees. In the fall months, you will find the park filled with visitors who came to see the leaves changing colors. If you forgot to pick up groceries or just need a little re-connection to society, McRae or Helena are wonderful places to explore.
The park is right next to an airport, so you will hear small air crafts flying over the park every now and then. Some visitors may choose to fly into the park rather than driving and using the option of cabin accommodations. The entrance to the park can be spotted along State Route 441. When driving inside, please abide by the speed limit to keep everyone safe. It is recommended that you either walk or ride your bike around the park instead of lugging your RV. You may see golf carts driving by, but those are only allowed in specific areas.
The park may close due to inclement weather so call ahead of your arrival if the weather is predicted to be extremely rainy. If you are arriving later than you expect to, be sure to call ahead to let the rangers know to look out for your arrival. The park enjoys nice weather year-round with the rainy season reaching its peak from May to August. The warm summers and mild falls make the park’s atmosphere welcoming to all RV visitors.
Cordele is known as the watermelon capital of the world, and while you’re staying at Cordele KOA, you’ll also find plenty of impressive pecan and pine trees all around, making for a shady and peaceful environment. Venture out to nearby Lake Blackshear for some water recreation or get a dose of history at Andersonville National Historic Site. At Cordele KOA, enjoy the swimming pool, take the pups for a run in the dog park, or relax in the pavilion. Cable television and Wi-Fi are available and pull-through sites can accommodate rigs up to 95 feet long.
There are 54 sites available for RV and trailer camping at Little Ocmulgee State Park. Some sites come with full hookups (includes sewer connections), while others offer water and electric hookups only. Some sites even feature cable TV hookups. Make sure you check the amenities before you book your site. For sites that do not have a sewer hookup, there is a dump station available in the park to dump your black tank.
The campground is level and offers different amounts of shade from the sun. It is recommended that you bring either a bug spray or a mosquito net in the summer months. This campground is big rig friendly, and you can make a reservation online or call the park’s office. There are trees and shrubs between each campsite so you will have some privacy from your neighbor.
Amenities include a fire ring with a grill and a picnic table at each campsite, as well as restrooms with hot showers not far away. You are prohibited from bringing your own firewood, so ask the staff for which approved firewood you can get in the area. You are also prohibited from gathering firewood from the surrounding areas. You may stay a limit of 14 days at a time and can make a reservation up to 11 months in advance.
If you are an angler, be sure to pack your fishing gear in the camper before heading to the park. With a 256-acre lake, you know there are some hungry fish out there just waiting for you to toss out a line. Whether you are fly fishing for trout, deep-water fishing for catfish, or topwater fishing for bass and crappie, you are liable to find something out there that’s hungry. Fish from a boat, the fishing dock, or just hang out on the bank of the lake with a chair and cooler full of snacks and drinks. Just don’t forget to get a Georgia fishing license and keep it with you while fishing.
Hiking trails remain open year-round for RV visitors to enjoy. There is one main trail that spans a distance of nearly 2.5 miles. If you are up for a challenge, then hike the Oak Ridge Trail. Pets are allowed on the trails, but just remember to clean up after them and always keep them on their leash. Pack a pair of sturdy hiking boots and don’t forget your water bottle when you are on the trails. You can pick up a map from the park office. If you see any trash on the trails, be sure to pick it up to help keep the park beautiful.
There are over 300 species of birds in Georgia. A few of them are considered rare, while others can be considered as newly introduced to the area. On the trails around the park, you can spot the Brown Thrasher, the state bird, and a wide range of cardinals. It depends on the season, but you may be able to see several Bluejays and sparrows. Each bird has a different call which can be heard in the early mornings and evenings throughout your stay. Bring a pair of binoculars and a sturdy pair of walking boots in your motorhome if you want to go birding during your stay.
Thinking about leaving the rig in the lot and staying indoors for a change? Little Ocmulgee State Park has 10 cabins right on the lake from cozy efficiency one-bedroom cottages for you and four guests to spacious two-bedrooms that sleep up to eight people. All cabins have full kitchens, TV with cable, and bedding. They even have two that allow your furbabies to join you so they can come too. Just make sure you reserve your cabin in advance because they are limited and popular.
Located right on the lake, several have balconies that look out over the water. The fishing dock is right next door as well as the picnic shelter, playground, Visitor Center, and trading post to the north with the beach and boat ramp on the southern end. A short walk from your cabin, you can find the golf course, miniature golf, volleyball courts, and a splash pad for the kiddos.
For those who did not bring a furbaby and are in need of some pampering for a night or two, the Little Ocmulgee State Park Lodge is the perfect place to go. There are only 60 rooms though, so you need to book your room in advance. For a family of four, you can choose from two queen beds, one king bed, or one of the two-room suites. The two-room suites have a bedroom, as well as a living area with a pull-out sofa, dining room set, wet bar, mini-fridge, microwave, and most, have balconies.
The kids (and you) will enjoy the plush beds with silky sheets, fluffy pillows, and soft comforters. Lay around and watch cable television, use the free Wi-Fi, or hit the gym before cooling off in the pool. The lodge even provides free bicycles to their guests in case you want to take a ride on one of the trails or park roads. Play golf, do some fishing, or get some sun on the sandy beach before heading back to the room where you can enjoy room service or eat in the dining room.
Little Ocmulgee State Park has a 200-foot long beach along the shoreline of Little Ocmulgee Lake. The beach area opens in late-May and closes in early-September. Remember to follow all beach rules and to only swim in the designated areas. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in the swimming area, but they are allowed on the trails. There is a beach house near the beach area and bathrooms for you to change into your bathing suit. Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your children when they are in the water. Remember to bring your sunscreen and snacks with you in your campervan.
The Fairway Grill Restaurant is located on the overlook between the sixth and seventh hole. You can stop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The menu serves southern cuisine, which is popular in Georgia with an added flare. They offer both buffet and dining services. If you like southern cooking, then you can get some of the grits and cheese that can be found on the buffet line.
There is a 19-hole championship golf course available for all visitors. You will have to bring your own clubs and ball, so don’t forget to pack them in the RV. If you decide to go golfing, then remember to put on sunscreen and bring some water while you are on the course. Golf carts are available to help you get around the course if you’d like one. You are not allowed to drive them around the park unless otherwise instructed to do so.
