As Covid-19 restrictions continue to be in effect, many people are turning to Clarks Hill Lake and McDuffie County’s campsites to escape the house while still maintaining a safe distance from others. McDuffie County is home to two campgrounds, both with lake access, and though many of us find ourselves slowing down because of the pandemic, the campgrounds continue to attract visitors throughout the year. Though closed for a while at the beginning of the pandemic, Raysville and Big Hart campgrounds are a hit for those looking to safely escape cabin fever and explore the outdoors.

According to McDuffie County tourism director, Elizabeth Vance, interest has spiked since the pandemic started back in March, building on the longstanding popularity of the campsites. Home to not only campsites, Big Hart also has a playground and a swimming area that can be used during the day, so you can have your fun before retreating back home into the air conditioning for the night. Raysville Campground is home to one of the four access points on Georgia’s Little River Water Trail. Visitors can use this access point to put in their own kayaks or kayaks they rent from the campground before exploring the river. If you own your own kayak, explore all of the Little River Water Trail. For a map of the trail visit www.galittleriver.com.

Local leaders are interested in improving these resources for residents of McDuffie County as well as visitors from out of town and are working with a team from the University of Georgia College of Environment + Design to explore possibilities. The county is currently applying for grants that will allow them to expand the water trail and make it more accessible, for example, adding parking and a boat ramp to the access point just off Highway 80 while improving the existing parking lot and boat ramp on Highway 78 towards Washington. Local stakeholders are also interested in developing multi-use trails around both Big Hart and Raysville campgrounds. These trails could be for walking, as well as for cyclists and equestrians.

Though these improvements are in the planning phase, residents can still enjoy a day at the lake and time at a campground. These are not the only outdoor activities that McDuffie County has to offer. If you are hoping to enjoy a peaceful walk through nature this summer, the Public Fishing Area in Dearing offers 3 trails in addition to 7 excellent fishing ponds. If you are looking for a sweeter-smelling pastime, the lavender farm in Dearing, White Hills Farm, offers tours of the grounds Fridays from 10am-6 pm and Saturdays from 10am-3pm.

To help promote lake access in McDuffie County, the Thomson-McDuffie County CVB will also be selling T-shirts promoting the lake and campgrounds this summer. For more information, check out @VisitThomsonGa on Facebook and Instagram.

Contributed by Georgia Kate Kent

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