Home » Georgia » Reed Bingham State Park: A Hidden Gem on Our Georgia Road Trip

On a recent road-trip, we were looking for a peaceful place to park our RV overnight near the highway. A 1,613-acre paradise, Reed Bingham State Park, with its trails and calm waters, was our destination. Nestled in South Georgia between Adel and Moultrie, this underrated state park delivered big-time relaxation after a long drive on I-75 on our latest Georgia road trip. What makes it even better is how accessible it is—just a quick 6-mile detour off I-75, making it an ideal pitstop for travelers cruising between Atlanta and Florida.

On this trip, our final destination was Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Bryson City. We overnighted here in our motorhome as part of our Georgia tour — and what a refreshing stop it turned out to be! We stopped here as it was the midpoint for our next stop at Hard Labor State Park. It’s also close to two national parks — Andersonville and Jimmy Carter — for even more exploring.

Entrance sign for Reed Bingham State Park on a stone wall with surrounding greenery.

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Need to Know Before You Go to Reed Bingham State Park

  • Park Hours: 7 AM–10 PM daily.
  • Park Entrance Fee: $5 per vehicle for a Georgia State ParkPass (or covered with an annual pass)
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild weather and active wildlife; summer for water activities.
  • Pet-Friendly: Yes, but keep pets leashed.
  • Campground Reservations: Sites fill quickly on weekends — book early via Georgia State Parks Reservations
  • Hookups Available: Electric, water, and 20 full-hookup RV sites (including sewer)
  • Backcountry Option: Paddle-in island campsite available for adventurous groups
  • Boat Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and jon boats available seasonally at the lake
  • Wildlife Watch: Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and the occasional alligator — especially near the water
  • Amenities: bathhouses, laundry, dump station, picnic shelters, and a camp store
  • Cell Service: Verizon and AT&T had decent reception, though some areas were patchy
  • Location Tip: Just minutes off I-75 (Exit 39), great for a quick stop or weekend retreat
  • The park got its name from Amos Reed Bigham (1881-1969) because he played a key role in its creation.
a campsite at Reed Bingham State Park, featuring a parked "Four Winds" RV on a paved surface surrounded by a natural forest setting. The RV is positioned on the right side, with its front facing the viewer. Its white exterior contrasts with the surrounding greenery. The windshield has a reflective sunshade. To the left, there is an empty picnic table and two foldable chairs. A dog stands near the chairs on a rug, which is partially visible. The ground is scattered with dry leaves, and tall trees with abundant green foliage frame the background, filtering sunlight and creating dappled shadow patterns on the ground.

Motorhome Camping at Reed Bingham State Park

Reed Bingham State Park RV campsites are under tall pines, so it is easy to access the highway. The large, shaded sites have electric and water hookups, and some have full sewer hookups. They are perfect for motorhomes or trailers. We appreciated how quiet the campground was. It was just a short walk to the lake for morning paddles and near trailheads for easy hikes through the woods. At sundown, our fire ring was in the spotlight, so it was the ideal spot to set s’mores to roast while the star-studded evening sky was above us.

The facilities of the park include clean bathroom facilities, laundry facilities, and a camp store close enough to walk to from their campsite. The park is private enough so that you can relax, but close enough to everything that you require.

A wooden dock with metal railings extending over a calm body of water. The dock leads towards an adjacent small platform on the left. The water is reflective, capturing the overcast sky which is filled with gray clouds tinged with soft pink hues. Across the water, a line of dense trees stretches along the horizon. There is a structure visible in the distance on the opposite shore. The foreground includes some greenery floating in the water near the dock.

Top Things to Do at Reed Bingham State Park 

  1. Paddle the Little River & Lake: Glide through cypress-lined waters in a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard (rentals available seasonally). The 375-acre lake is perfect for fishing—cast a line for bass, catfish, or crappie.
  2.  Hike Scenic Trails: Coastal Plains Trail (3.5 miles): A loop through pine forests and wetlands—watch for armadillos and migratory birds. Wildlife Observation Boardwalk: Short, accessible path ideal for birdwatching or spotting alligators sunning near the water.
  3. Spot Unique Wildlife: This park is a sanctuary for gopher tortoises (a threatened species) and home to over 200 bird species. Bring binoculars!
  4. Family Fun & Picnicking: Let kids burn energy at the playground or tackle the park’s 18-hole miniature golf course (small fee). Picnic shelters with lake views are great for lunches.
  5. Join Ranger Programs: seasonal guided hikes, reptile meet-and-greets, and stargazing events add extra magic.
a forest pathway is narrow and covered with fallen leaves and small twigs, curving gently to the right. Surrounding the path are dense clusters of greenery, including small bushes and trees with lush green foliage. Tall trees with slender trunks rise on either side of the path, their branches arching overhead. Sunlight filters through the canopy, casting dappled light and shadows on the pathway. The sky is visible through gaps in the trees with hints of blue.

Hiking the Trails in the State Park

Much like many other state parks around Georgia, we noticed that the trails at Reed Bingham are well-marked, making navigation quite simple. This allows one to enjoy the beautiful views while moving about. Calling all birdwatchers and photographers: there is an abundant variety of spectacular birds, including woodpeckers and warblers. As such, ensure that you have your camera ready. The great thing here is you can take a picturesque stroll or a more extended expedition into the wilderness. These trails offer breathtaking variety. (ReedBingham_TrailMap.pdf)

We started our late afternoon walk by exploring the Gopher Tortoise Loop. This short 0.3-mile trail was a great way to discover the park’s amazing variety of plants and animals. Our dog Sage enjoyed the flat, sunny pine woods with plenty of spots to sniff rabbits and squirrels. The 0.3-mile Turkey Oak Trail takes you through a scrub oak and a unique area with pitcher plants.

A view of tall pine trees in Reed Bingham State Park under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.

Early the next morning, we enjoyed the quiet of the 1.1-mile Little River Trail, walking past tall cypress trees and spotting turtles and herons from observation points. The boardwalk led us through swamp and aquatic river habitats. We combined this with the Birdwalk Trail, making it a loop. The 0.8-mile trail takes you through a more deciduous forest of southern magnolias, hickory, and American holly. It felt like exploring different environments all in one hike. The network of trails is called the Coastal Plains Nature Trail. Much of the park protects the endangered gopher tortoise and indigo snake habitat.

PRO Tip: Visit in the early morning or golden hour for the best wildlife activity and soft, beautiful light perfect for photography.

lake at Reed Bingham State Park during what appears to be dawn or dusk. In the foreground is the nose of a red kayak, partially visible. The kayak is positioned in the calm waters, pointing towards the horizon. The water reflects the soft pastel hues of the sky, which is painted in gentle shades of pink, orange, and blue. To the right, the shoreline is lined with a dense treeline, showing lush greenery. The distant shore stretches across the image, with trees and possibly other brush visible. The scene evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty that is typical of lakeside landscapes.

Kayaking on the Lake: Reed Bingham Park

On a peaceful afternoon, we took to the waters of Reed Bingham. Our kayak glided effortlessly across the calm water of the 375-acre lake. The lake perfectly reflected the sky above. As we entered the Little River, we passed by cypress stumps, lily pads, and a couple of sunbaked turtles. A couple of passing dragonflies landed on my paddle resting. Today on the 3-mile paddling trail we only see two alligators sunning on the banks.

Close-up of a dragonfly with green eyes perched on a finger.

The park offers both single and tandem kayak rentals. The lake is also a great place to catch bream and bass. This lake can be very busy on weekends and during the summer. However, on this early spring day, we have the river all to ourselves.

PRO Tip: Pack waterproof binoculars for birdwatching and aim for weekdays when the lake feels most secluded.

a serene park scene at Reed Bingham State Park. A well-paved road runs through the center, flanked by tall pine trees on both sides. The trees on the left are slender and dispersed, while those on the right are denser and form a canopy of lush green leaves. The sky is a striking blue with fluffy white clouds scattered across it, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. A gravel path branches off to the right, leading into the trees. Near the intersection of the road and the path is a wooden sign.

Kid-Friendly Activities at Reed Bingham State Park

Reed Bingham State Park is teeming with excitement for kids! Two fantastic playgrounds are available where little ones can climb, swing, and play. It’s the perfect place for some exercise time while parents get to sit back and take it easy. One is near the campground, and the other is near the swim beach.

Mini-golf hole with a red tunnel obstacle and blue barriers, surrounded by trees and a wooden fence.

On the shoreline opposite the campground, there is a designated swimming area. In summer, families will find the sandy beach is an excellent way to cool off after a day of hiking or fishing. The park also has a small pond stocked with fish, where they occasionally host children’s fishing rodeos. You can check for announcements about this at the visitor center/camp store. And there’s also an 18-hole mini golf course to be played beside the campground, and you can even rent clubs at the camp store.

A small olive green building with a white trim, wooden ramp, and white doors.

What We Bring on Our Adventures in the Park

When preparing for a hike in any of Georgia’s state parks, being prepared is essential. We always carry enough water to stay hydrated, especially in the warmer months. To keep our energy levels up while we roam the trails, we also take snacks like trail mix or energy bars. I cannot emphasize enough how essential it is to wear comfortable shoes to go over those uneven paths. In addition, do not forget to bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun in Georgia, even if it seems to be cloudy. We bring bug spray along with us to ward off the mosquitoes. Carrying a small first-aid kit, is very useful for any minor cuts or blisters.

Lastly, I remember to bring a trash bag. It’s important to practice Leave No Trace principles to keep the park clean for the next adventurer. Our opinion is that we can experience all the natural beauty that Georgia has if we are prepared well!

Serene lake scene at Reed Bingham State Park with a pier, greenery, a white bird, and a cloudy sky.

Final Thoughts: Reed Bingham State Park

As we left the park and hit the highway, we couldn’t help but grin. I was thinking that while Reed Bingham State Park might not be the most well-known of Georgia’s state parks, it swiftly became one of our top picks. It’s the sort of place that encourages you to take it easy. This park was a great reminder of why we travel the way we do—slowly, enjoying the scenery, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of America’s public lands. If you’re RV camping in Georgia or planning a trip through the South, be sure to check out this hidden gem in South Georgia.

Have you visited Reed Bingham State Park or any other hidden gems in Georgia? Share your favorite spots or experiences below!