Killebrew Park sits near Warwick in south-central Georgia, well away from the larger campgrounds and busy travel corridors. The campground occupies a shaded section of land below the Crisp County Power Commission’s hydroelectric dam on the Flint River.
It is a simple place with only ten campsites, but that simplicity became part of its appeal during my stay.
A Campground With Local History
The park stands near the former location of Burke’s Ferry, which once carried people across the Flint River between Worth and Lee counties. Before bridges and modern roads connected this part of Georgia, ferry crossings helped residents, workers and supplies move between communities.
Killebrew Park takes its name from Emmett Killebrew, the engineer who designed the Crisp County Power Commission’s hydroelectric dam. He also designed the Georgia Power hydroelectric dam in Albany.
That history still shapes the park. Campers stay beside the same river crossing that once supported local travel, only now a working dam controls the water moving past it.
Ten Shaded Campsites Beside the River
Large trees shade much of the camping area, and Spanish moss hangs from the branches overhead. The ten sites have enough separation to keep the campground from feeling crowded when several campers arrive.
Each campsite normally has access to water, but Killebrew Park does not provide electrical or sewer hookups. The park also has a separate picnic area, boat ramp, public fishing area and bathroom facilities.
Day visitors generally gather away from the campsites. That separation helped the overnight area remain settled during my stay.
Checking In at Killebrew Park
My arrival did not involve a traditional campground office. I selected an available campsite, called the number posted at the park and waited for an employee to meet me.
Current campground rules allow reservations within seven days of a planned stay. Campers should call the Plant Crisp Generating Facility at 229-273-3811, extension 485, to confirm availability and receive current arrival instructions.
The campground gate closes between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Visitors who are not registered campers must leave before the gate closes, so late arrivals require additional planning.
What Happened During the Cold Snap
Freezing temperatures arrived during my visit, so park employees temporarily shut off the campsite water. The bathroom facilities also remained closed.
Neither issue caused a serious problem because I carried my own water and had a self-contained camp setup. Still, the experience showed why an inexpensive campground should never replace basic preparation.
Winter travelers should arrive with enough drinking and cooking water to manage without the campground supply. Calling before the trip can also help confirm whether weather has affected the facilities.
Camping for $5 Per Night
Killebrew Park currently charges $5 per night, making it one of the least expensive developed campgrounds I have found. Campers must pay with cash or check at check-in, and the park does not accept bills larger than $20.
Stays can last up to ten nights. After reaching that limit, campers must leave the camping area for four days before registering again.
The low rate comes with a basic setup rather than resort-style amenities. For a traveler who carries power, water and a functional camp system, that tradeoff may work well.
Pay Attention to the Dam Warnings
The riverside location requires more awareness than an ordinary campground. Water levels below the dam can change quickly when weather conditions or power operations require the floodgates to open.
Warning sirens and posted information explain the risk. If campground staff order an evacuation, campers must leave immediately, even when they have already paid for additional nights.
I did not experience flooding during my stay, but I kept the possibility in mind. Staying organized and maintaining a quick departure setup makes sense whenever you camp downstream from a working dam.
Is Killebrew Park Worth the Stop?
Killebrew Park works best for travelers who appreciate small, inexpensive campgrounds and can operate without electrical or sewer hookups. The shaded campsites, river access and distance from heavier traffic create a comfortable place to pause for a few nights.
It is not a campground where I would arrive expecting every facility to work under every condition. Bringing water, confirming the current rules and keeping an eye on the weather make the experience far easier.
For $5 per night, the park offers something increasingly difficult to find: a straightforward place to camp without paying for amenities you may not need.
Find More Road Trip Stops
Planning a trip through Georgia? Explore the Travel section for more campsites, roadside stops and places worth adding to the route.
