Location for Quick Overnight in Georgia

[Air Cruiser]

I was wondering if anyone knows of a good spot to overnight in Georgia close to I-75, just south of Atlanta? (An easy-in and -out.) We'll be hot-footing it to the Sunshine State for some quick relief from the lack of sunshine in Ohio this winter.

Thanks in advance.

Deb

[montanablue]

Take a look at High Falls State Park on exit 198.
Address/Directions
High Falls State Park
76 High Falls Park Dr
Jackson, GA 30233
Butts County

GPS Coordinates:
N 33.178333 | W -084.020533
Located 1.8 miles east of I-75 exit #198 at High Falls Road.

I use to go there as a kid but didn't camp. It is close to highway and south of Atlanta.

Here is the link: High Falls State Park | Georgia State Parks

[Air Cruiser]

Thanks so much, I checked that out and it looks as tho it will be perfect! We wanted to get south of Atlanta hoping to be able to get to Sarasota, FL the next day.

Deb

[Silver Otter]

We also love Ft. Yargo.

[B00merang]

"Atlanta to Sarasota the next day"...pretty stout trip pulling a 25ft AS...you'll probably want to leave early and with little hassle. I'd find myself an I-75 rest area south of ATL, then hit the road early. Good thing you can stay on I-75 the entire way. Stay safe.

[xrvr]

There a KOA just south of Atlanta. Right on the interstate. Jim

[369goose]

All the Georgia State Campgrounds are exceptional state parks. Reed Bingham might be your best overnight. It's S of Atlanta. We've stayed there on our way back to the Sunshine State.

[ALANSD]

I have done the drive from ATL to Sarasota many times, Stop in Gainseville Fl for lunch.
I second High Falls for camping near ATL

[Air Cruiser]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

BOOmerang, you have something there. We may have reconsidered doing this. We knew it would be a whirlwind of driving, but then we discussed how tired we get driving from Columbus (OH) to south of Nashville for an overngiht when we're heading to Topsail -- this is usually an 8-9 hour drive for us. Then we realized without unforeseen problems, this drive will be around 22 hours total, and doing in 2 days would require 11 hour days driving. Just don't know that we need the sunshine that badly...............well, we do, but don't know if we can take those hours anymore. We had thought about driving three hours the first night, stop over, then drive the rest in two days, for a total of 2 nights out.

The other factor, which we researched is the weather in the mountains. We checked out the extended weather forecasts, but weather changes rather quickly at times, and since DH is not retired yet, we may not enjoy ourselves while down there due to worrying about the weather for our return. We wouldn't have a lot of flexibility on when to return since work will be calling him back, so to speak.

Thanks again to all and even if we don't make it this time, we'll certainly keep all of this info for our future trips.

Deb

[nvestysly]

Sounds like you may not be making this trip at this time but thought I'd add my two cents.

When it comes to quick in an out stops, i.e. pulling in after dark and leaving early, there's nothing like a Walmart or Cracker Barrel in my opinion. If Cracker Barrel is available that's our preference because they are closed at night so there is usually less traffic (in the parking lot) compared to a Walmart.

I'm not trying to cut out the campgrounds but sometimes it makes sense to pull in to the parking lot, go back to the trailer, and hop in bed. Get up in the morning, take a shower and you're on the road. At that point it's not camping - you're just trying to get some sleep. Save the campgrounds for rest and relaxation at the destination.

[kposey]

So far you are not missing anything, especially the sun! It has rained down here to the point of depression. Was hoping it would end soon, but nooooooo, more forecasted for Thursday through the weekend. Hate traveling in rain, especially pulling a trailer. UGH!!!

Glad we have friends to help get through the Jan-Febs!!!

[Air Cruiser]

nvestysly, you are right about the Cracker Barrels and Wal-Mart. We've done that many times, but for us it's always a little scary to choose which one on a new (to us) route. There was only one time when we did this, and I won't mention what type place it was because it might lead them to stopping the stops, that we were frightened and ended up leaving. We were sort of warned that we might not want to overnight there (in so many words) by a couple of the employees, but we didn't understand at the time what they were trying to say. As the evening grew later, the noise from individuals became louder and more and more of them came, until it became alarming to us. We had thought earlier that the employees were making the noise while finishing up their day, preparing to close. We looked out the window and saw that it had apparently become an after hours hangout, and saw people sitting on top of cars, yelling, banging on things, etc. We immediately understood what had been said to us, made a plan to quietly leave the trailer and get into our truck and pull out. We made it just fine, but we thought if we stayed later, things might have gotten ugly.

kposey, thanks for sharing that, that was one part of the weather forecast we didn't bother to check on -- we were so concerned about ice/snow in the mountains, we checked that out several times, but didn't even think about checking out the forecast for Florida. So, I guess we won't be missing out by not going -- that is except for the opportunity to be out in Lola (our AS), relaxing and not being expected to do anything but relax. Ahhhhhhh, thinking of Spring!

Thanks again.

Deb

[Bill M.]

Ponderosa Campground. At the Unidila exit near Perry. They keep a couple of in and out spaces open near the office. $20 cash last time I was there