Located in central Georgia, Columbus borders Alabama and lies on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. Columbus is the second most populous city in the state and is just a two-hour drive from Georgia's capital, Atlanta. Columbus was founded in 1828 and named after the famous explorer Christopher Columbus.
Columbus, Georgia is a well-known military hub, and Fort Benning is one of the most famous landmarks near the city. It is a military base known for training infantry, Army Rangers, and snipers, and it is one of the largest military bases in the world. Fort Benning has been training military personnel for more than 100 years since its opening in 1918, and much of what happens in Columbus centers around the military base. You can find the National Infantry Museum there as well.
If you are interested in museums, Columbus has more than just the National Infantry Museum. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center has something for every family member, including simulators, film screenings, and a planetarium. In addition, the Columbus Museum focuses on artifacts from within the city itself. At the same time, the National Civil War Naval Museum is famous for its life-size model of the USS Water Witch.
Columbus is an excellent spot for people who enjoy the outdoors. There are numerous parks and recreational areas highlighted by the Chattahoochee River Walk. The River Walk is a 22-mile walking and biking area along the Chattahoochee River. It is paved throughout the park, making it accessible to almost anyone, and it was chosen as one of the most bicycle-friendly communities in America. In addition, you can find a whitewater rafting company near the city, the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari, Callaway Gardens, and the Columbus Botanical Garden.
Campgrounds Near Columbus, Georgia
The Pine Mountain RV Resort is one of the more excellent campgrounds and RV parks in the area. You can stay in your RV, rent a cabin, camp out in a tent, or even rent a "yurt." A yurt is a circular, framed, "tent-like" structure with wood floors, comfortable beds, and climate control. Some amenities include a swimming pool, splash pad, cabin rentals, a fitness room, fire pits, picnic tables, and a concierge. In addition, pine Mountain RV Resort is close to some great restaurants, Callaway Gardens, Great Wolf Lodge, and Fort Benning.
Lake Pines is a family-owned campground and RV park and sits on about 20 acres of pine forest land just north of Columbus. Lake Pines has some tent camping and recreation areas, but it is mainly known as an RV park. You will find a few dog parks, full hookups, a fitness room, restrooms/showers, on-site laundry, and more. The scenery is beautiful and far enough away from the city to be quiet and remote.
Americus KOA is a campground and RV park with a Scottish-style links golf course. You can walk 18, play disc golf, or even play foot golf to pass the time while you are camping a few miles south of Columbus in Americus, Georgia. You will find restrooms and showers on site, a dog park, available firewood, a snack bar, picnic tables, a pavilion, and more. Aside from playing golf, fishing, hiking trails, and paddle boats are also on site.
State Parks Near Columbus, Georgia
Florence Marina State Park features campgrounds, RV hookups, cottages, cabin rentals, tennis courts, and Walter F. George Lake. If you enjoy water sports, this 45,000-acre lake is a great place to ski, tube, fish, and swim, and you may see a bald eagle or heron while doing it.
Chewacla State Park is located in Alabama but is less than 40 miles away from Columbus. Lake Chewacla is the primary draw to the park as tourists come to participate in fishing, swimming, and other water sports in the summer. There are numerous hiking trails throughout the park, and mountain biking has become a popular activity at Chewacla park as well. The park is full of RV hookups and camping areas, while just outside Chewacla, you will find good restaurants and shopping.
Located just north of Columbus in Newnan, Georgia you will find Chattahoochee Bend, State Park. This park encompasses almost 3,000 acres that are great for hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, and boating. Chattahoochee Bend State Park is close to Atlanta, LaGrange, and Peachtree City, so there is plenty to do and see when you are ready to come back to civilization.
National Sites Near Columbus, Georgia
The Jimmy Carter National Historic Site is located in Plains, Georgia the birthplace and home of the 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter. There are artifacts throughout the city commemorating Carter's life, some sightseeing, and a couple of hiking trails. Plains is just south of Columbus, and it is worth the trip to see how Carter, the only President from the state of Georgia, got his start.
The Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is just 45 miles west of Columbus in Tuskegee, AL. During World War II, this was the site of the "Tuskegee Airmen Experiment," a program that helped to desegregate the U.S. military by training more than 10,000 African American and minority men and women to serve in the military. This site was made to honor the contributions of the men and women who participated in the Tuskegee Airmen Experiment.
Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site preserves the legacy of Booker T. Washington, George W. Campbell, Lewis Adams, and many more who created this institute of higher learning to help bring education to African American boys and girls who were not able to attain it otherwise. You can tour buildings built by Tuskegee Institute students and see how the school progressed from its humble beginnings to one of the most well-known educational facilities in the world.
National Forests Near Columbus, Georgia
Talladega National Forest is at the southern end, or the beginning, of the Appalachian Trail. Talladega National Forest is great for hiking, fishing, camping, and other activities. There are a few different bodies of water in the almost 400,000-acre park, with Payne Lake and Coleman Lake being two of the most popular. Talladega Speedway is just north of the forest, and there are plenty of restaurants and shopping centers in nearby cities.
Tuskegee National Forest is a great place to hunt, fish, take your RV, camp under the stars, and much more. Some wildlife you can expect to see include black bears, foxes, coyotes, deer, and turkeys. There are three hiking trails totaling 25 miles, and you must bring a valid fishing and hunting license if you plan on doing either.
The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest is in the northern part of the state, so the drive from Columbus is a little longer than the other two forests mentioned here. This national forest features RV parking, campgrounds, incredible scenery, and more. You can even go whitewater rafting close by. When you get to the top of Brasstown Bald, the panoramic view features some of the best scenery you will find. At almost 900,000 acres, it is one of the most extensive national forests in America.
