camping near Athens GA

Not real close but we have always enjoyed Victoria Bryant State Park. Some of the Georgia State Parks north of there would be a bit farther distance but might not be too far for you to consider.

They would have better (a bit cooler) hiking and Hart or Hartwell would be on the lakes.

Some private parks are closer but I also use Victoria Bryant

There are no RV parks in Athens, but a state park is within an easy drive, and one commercial park within commuting distance. There is one co-op condominium park in Athens, but I don't think rentals are allowed.

Fort Yargo State Park, Winder, water electric sites on a lake or lake view. Well managed facility with wide sites, convenient bath houses with laundry, and gated entrance with 24 hour access. About a 15 to 20 minute drive into Athens on a 4 lane divided highway.

Pine Lake RV Park, Bishop, water, electric, sewer, and wifi available at office. One bath house. Crowded commercial park located about 15 to 20 minutes away from Athens via a congested road.

The condminium RV Park in Athens is the Bulldog Park, Athens. They are a luxury park designed mostly for game weekend tailgaters. It is well designed with about 150 sites. The management company 706-4773-0990 may be able to help with a rental.

We prefer state parks but if you're not spending much time at the park, Pine Lake is closest to Athens.
http://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds-details/17988.htm

About 20 minutes away is a CG in Bishop, GA. Tucked into the pines with a nature walk around including ponds etc. REAL nice CG. Wonderful owners. One of the nicest CG's I have stayed at when I started full timing.

I stopped there for the night and ended up staying there 2 months!

Pine Lake RV Campground
5540 High Shoals Road
Bishop, GA 30621-1629
(706) 769-5486

Also take some time and go to Madison just down the road an old time town lined with 100 year old Magnolia Trees with giant dinner plate size flowers.

Bulldog Park in Athens will rent sites outside of football season. I had checked on staying there a couple of years ago. I don't remember the price as we ended up in Savannah instead. I think there are some restrictions on age, size or something. My 28ft TT that is less than 5 years old made the grade, so I didn't worry about it much.

I am usually a state park person, but would suggest you consider staying in Athens, if you are going to be with your son most of the time. It will be nice not to drive back to RV late after dinner and other activities in Athens.

Edited to add "Go Dawgs! woof woof woof"

Bulldog is a nice park with nice people in a terrible part of town. I worked in law enforcement for 27 years there in Athens-Clarke County and there is no way I could in good conscience recommend anyone to stay in the area. During a game weekend is fine - hundreds of people throughout the park. Off season with few others around? Not a good idea as the area is ROUGH