Tugaloo State Park — Attraction in Lavonia

Ok so me and my husband want to take our kids 5 and 9 camping for the frist time we researched it for weeks finally decided on tugaloo state park i called and made the reservation they said it was first come first serve we set up camp which included a 12 person tent and chairs and everything else could think of. We got there checked in and again was told it was first come first serve by employee of the campground. She gave us a red ticket and a map said have a nice weekend fri. At 1230pm ok great so we find a nice site on the lake site up camp total 3hrs then went to Wal-Mart for food come to campsite there was a note saying we're at wrong site talked to host and they told us we had to move or pay extra money. Ok i thought oh was i wrong found out the office closes at 5 they said we would have to move or maybe see if we could stay the night if we talked to the park ranger . He arrived not too long after that said we could stay but if someone showed up with a reservation for waterfront then we would have to leave Immediately in the middle of the night . Nobody showed thank god went looking around for another site the next morning the only two left was on loop 98-108 with my family and my very large tent really far from the water no view of the lake or anything but rvs so close you could hear what they Were talking about without leaving the tent . Ok so after driving for over 2 hrs and setting up camp then being told we had to move to a dismal campsite . We asked if we could just get a refund for the nights we didn't stay NO Big Deal Right oh no that was Met with Condescending tones and her stating the refund policy of between 24 to 48 hr cancelling or changing the booking. After i reminded her that we where here on time and even early if they took the time to explain there system works we would of stay through our reservation but there lack of communication to the guests at check in would have solved this problem before it occurred. Finally she refunded my card i said thank you sincerely but was not met with the same. All in all the park is very nice the beach is great but please know the difference between standard red tag and waterfront bluetag for...

We arrived around 4:15pm (office closes at 5:00) to be informed that our cabin currently had no water. The young woman behind the counter proceeded to process the final payment. When asked when the water problem might be resolved, she stated “should be soon.” She offered no explanation as to why the water supply was unavailable or what to do after hours if the problem was not resolved. We checked into the cabin but waited to unpack groceries, just in case we had to leave. Around 4:50 my husband returned to the office to ask if we could be moved to a different cabin. The request was not considered. He was told they were waiting for glue to dry on the pipes before turning on the water. Again, no timeline or solution as to what to do if this wasn’t resolved. Eventually the water was turned on. Later that evening, upon flushing the toilet, the bowl filled with brown, dirty water - not sewage, no smell. With each flush it got darker. Next morning, I called to report. The lady said she would let maintenance know. Upon putting water in a saucepan we noticed how cloudy it was, with sediment floating about. Since the park officials seemed unconcerned and basically refused to communicate and address our concerns, we made the decision to forgo showering, washing, cooking, etc as we did not want to chance any contamination. We used bottled water to brush our teeth and drink. Fortunately we were only there two nights and were headed home from there. The cabin itself was in okay condition. Nothing fancy. Pretty old; could use some updating. In addition, they ask that you purchase firewood there due to insects. The wood was awful. We had no luck in starting a fire in the fireplace. Next day we tried starting it in the outdoor ring. We even had lighter fluid and briquets, but that wood would only scorch, not actually burn to have a fire. It just smoked a lot. So, with the water problem, the outdated conditions, and the poor quality wood to be able to enjoy the fire options, the cost of $165.00 a night was outrageously ridiculous. We could have stayed in a resort with amenities included for that price. It all looked appealing on the website. Perhaps another Georgia State Park will be...

Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia, GA 02/03/2018 Thur 01/12/2018

Online reservation was easy. Last minute change by phone went very well. Arrived and was greeted by a very friendly ranger who seemed really glad we were there. I also met a number of rangers / maintenance people who were all just super.

Just started full timing recently and this was my first stop after leaving my home of 21 years with my 35’ 5th wheel. When I got to the camping area, I was a bit nervous by the tight roads with tight turns, and tree root bumps. The most friendly campground host suggested I just stop and take my time walking around and pick a spot. I did just that and found a beautiful place. The drive and park was a bit intimidating, but here I am, happy as can be.

When I made the reservation, I didn't’ realize that there were no sewer hooks up, my fault. So after a short time I had to pull out, dump, pull back in. Actually a blessing since I got more experience driving around the tight park. So we just used the park bath rooms and showers which were very clean.

Our site was on a hill in a pine forest overlooking the lake, absolutely beautiful. Given the time of year, my wife, my dog, and I had the park mostly to ourselves. A few miles of hiking trails gave me views of a number of different birds (I love finding new birds) to running into deer many times.

Being my first stop, I know little but I do know this. My wife, my dog and I really loved this place. Perhaps If lucky, I will return to camp...