The best camping near Providence Canyon State Park

Providence Canyon is often called “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” but this park has an entirely different backstory. Rather than being naturally formed via a powerful river, this canyon is the result of short-sighted, 19th-century agricultural practices that created deep gullies—up to 150 feet deep in some places. Today, these gullies are excellent places to explore. Stroll along the rim trail, or take a hike inside the deepest canyons. If one day isn’t enough, you can camp at one of the backcountry sites along the backcountry trail, which highlights portions of the canyon and winds through mixed forest.

1. Providence Canyon campsites are popular, especially in summer, so booking in advance is recommended.
2. Bookings can easily be done online and up to one year in advance.
3. Go ahead and book if you see a date you want—reservations can be changed one time without penalty (although additional changes will incur a fee).

Providence Canyon State Park is open year-round. Winter might be the best time to visit, as the absence of foliage makes the landscape even more dramatic and the dark night skies provide excellent stargazing. On the other hand, the rare plumleaf azalea grows only in this region and blooms during July and August when most other azaleas have lost their color. 

• A ParkPass is required for all vehicles and is not included with a reservation. Overnight guests pay only one ParkPass fee for the duration of their stay. 

• The hike-in distance to the closest campsite from the parking lot is two miles and is considered strenuous. 
• Visitors are urged to use caution on trails and to not go beyond fences or overlooks. Erosion can cause the canyon walls to collapse. 
• Campers must check in at the Providence Canyon visitor's center with sufficient time to hike to their campsite before dusk.