Visiting Fats, cheap places to stay?

[sirpeanuts]

Hey all, i am heading down with my girlfriend this weekend to visit FATS and i am wondering if you have any suggestions on where we can stay. We are thinking about camping but the weather is going to be mighty cold so we wanted to check into good places (cheap) to stay as well. Anyone have any thoughts comments or suggestions on this? Thanks in advance

Sir Peanuts

[Ross D]

Ck out Exit 199 off I-20, there are tons of places there..

[ted]

This is a past Drawdy suggestion...thanks again!
How 'bout Savannah Lakes Resort and Marina, which is just a stone's throw from HKSP. The other spots that I think of are the new hotel/motels just off I-20 and Riverwatch, but you kicked that area to the curb fast!

www.savannahlakesresort.com/resort.php

I take it you have called HKSP and asked about the Guillebeau House? Talk about sweet!

www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/1109/lodging.aspx

www.southcarolinaparks.com/files/State%20Parks/HK_GuillebeauHouse.pdf

You could also bring a tent and stay at one of NUMEROUS campsites up and down Hwy 28. HKSP, Modoc, Petersburg, Hamilton Branch, Baker Creek, Hawe Creek, Elijah Clark. Since they have hookups, a fan is only a click away.

If you really want to rough it, go to www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/Lake-Thurmond-Georgia.html

Michael

[sirpeanuts]

Ok here is a question, what small towns on I-20 are near FATS that i can look up to find accommodation's? I havn't totally mapped the trip yet all i know is we head down I-20 to just before augusta. Thats all i got for the time being. In reality we are looking to spend less than 100$ for two nights but we aren't expecting to find it. Might just hang out in the car overnight

[nitro]

If you want cheap' motel-like' accommodations near I-20, looking in Augusta and N. Augusta are your best bets.

[azdrawdy]

If you only want to stay a couple of nights and don't have a tent/camper, then staying somewhere on the I-20 and Riverwatch Road (or Washington Road) exit is probably your best bet. I punched up Travelocity and quickly came upon a pretty new place called the Microtel off Riverwatch. Watched them build it a couple of years ago. That puts you within roughly ten miles of the trailhead. They are listing 2 beds for $65 per night. Quite often a direct call to a motel can net you a little better deal.

Not much at all in North Augusta. Nothing on the "FATS" exit (Exit 1) except a Circle K and a Waffle House. Gonna be awfully cold this weekend to think about staying in the car!

MD

[Virginia Bill (fka Jax Bill)]

You may want to check out Hickory Knob State Resort Park just west of McCormick - beautiful place but 30 minutes north of FATS. They have hotel rooms available now off season for $47.25 a night and have a wonderful restaurant right there that serves 3 delicious meals a day very reasonably. There are even several nice mountain bike trails right there in the park. And you are staying on Lake Strom Thurmond. If you go to the restaurant and see Sarah the server, please be nice to her but tell her Bill from Jacksonville, Florida sent you; she will hook you up with great SC cooking (I am getting hungry just thinking of the bacon, eggs and grits even though I just ate a delicious dinner!).

There you are also about 30 minutes from the Long Cane trail, whose Fell Camp to Big Rock portion of trail was built by the same people who built FATS and is, in my opinion, arguably the best piece of single track I have ever ridden. Only Razorback in Reddick, Florida, FATS and Tsali come close in my book considering my personal tastes.

[sirpeanuts]

well you all make think we are crazy but right now we are leaning towards camping. However if the forecast gets much colder our plans will change.

[azdrawdy]

If you are considering camping, then Bill from J'Ville gave you an excellent alternative. Hickory Knob State Park is 40 minutes from FATS, has great food at the lodge, pizza delivery to your campsite (Michelle's Pizza) and also boasts over ten miles of really nice singletrack.

If you are coming to primarily enjoy FATS, and FATS is all that is on your agenda, and you want water/electricity at the campsite, then I encourage you to camp at Petersburg Campground, Appling, GA. That CG is 20 minutes from the trailhead. Full amenities, and the sites are extremely level and tent friendly.

MD

[Sasquatch]

I camp/drunken slumber in the back of my car all the time, just make sure you plan ahead so you don't freeze. I sleep like a rock in the old bravadabego (its what you call an olds bravada when you treat it like a one man winebago). I usually lay the back seats down, pump up an air mattress, and when its cold I bring the electric blanket and plug it in at the site or in the old power converter. If you do go with the power converter option you better have an optima battery or a survival jump kit (http://www.campingsurvival.com/2amp12vosmba5.html).

[sirpeanuts]

All i want to know is, i heard a rumor that there is an old abandoned camp ground near the trailhead/bathrooms. I was told that as long as we call the parks department and ask permission and it was cool. True? or no?

Also, all we want is a warm shower and maybe a place to start a fire. Where is the closest place we can find that

[azdrawdy]

Jan 16, 2009 9:19:10 GMT -5 sirpeanuts said:

All i want to know is, i heard a rumor that there is an old abandoned camp ground near the trailhead/bathrooms. I was told that as long as we call the parks department and ask permission and it was cool. True? or no?

Also, all we want is a warm shower and maybe a place to start a fire. Where is the closest place we can find that

The simplest answer is Petersburg Campground for the warm shower. Like I said before, nice sites, only 20 minutes away.

There is primitive camping available at the trailhead I believe. Call this number and inquire: 803-637-5396. No showers, no electricity, there are toilets.

MD

[sirpeanuts]

can we have fires there or don't u know? thanks for the help!

[JIMMYC]

MD knows the truth, if you are camping you won't go wrong with Petersburg Camp ground (706-541-9464), you can have a fire.
FATS during the day and Bartram at night, Bartram starts at Petersburg camp ground.
just to add a little more to the mix.

JC

[sirpeanuts]

Fantastic, that sounds like the way to go.

[seenvic]

check your email for info on the permit.