Our First Toddler Camping Trip at Sprewell Bluff Park
This Labor Day, we took our toddler Bryson on his very first camping trip to Sprewell Bluff Park, about 4.5 hours from Jacksonville. We weren’t sure how he’d handle sleeping outdoors, being in nature, or just the overall adventure—but he loved every minute!
Source: upsoncountyga.org
Sprewell Bluff Park, one of Georgia’s best-kept secrets and a local hidden gem, is known for its breathtaking views, diverse ecology, and family-friendly campground along the Flint River. Visitors can picnic, skip rocks, float, kayak, or wade in the shallow areas—perfect for toddlers. With over 12 miles of trails, rocky bluffs, and abundant wildlife like bald eagles and osprey, there’s plenty to explore. The River Ridge Campground offers cabins, RV sites, and primitive campsites, and the Trading Post provides supplies, souvenirs, and info on park events.
From the moment we arrived, Bryson was all about exploring: throwing dirt, chasing sticks, and just soaking up the outdoors. The campground itself is absolutely stunning, with the Flint River winding through, plenty of picnic tables, grills, and hiking trails. Best of all, there were hardly any crowds, so it felt peaceful and safe for little ones.
One of our favorite parts was playing in the river. The shallow shores are perfect for toddlers, while nearby rocks offered spots for older kids or adults to jump in. You can also float or kayak—though we stuck to a short float this time, as the minimum 4.5-hour river float was a little intimidating for our first trip.
On our way back, we stopped at Lane Southern Orchards, and it was a delight. From homemade peach and pecan cobbler to a full lunch spread, everything was delicious. Bryson especially loved exploring the old tractors and wide-open spaces.
Overall, it was such a fun, memorable trip. From riverside play to tasty treats, Sprewell Bluff Park and Lane Southern Orchards are perfect spots for families looking for a little adventure with toddlers. We can’t wait for our next Tiny Adventure!