The Salem Camp Ground is a unique piece of history that is located in Covington Georgia. Salem Camp Meetings began in 1828 and the campground the meetings were held on is now one of the oldest, still-used campgrounds in the nation. Southern Protestants in Kentucky founded the Salem Camp Meetings in 1800; campgrounds for meetings then began to spread throughout the south – resulting in the Salem Camp Ground in Covington.
The meetings were held frequent in the 19th century and are still held annually today. During the 19th century, families would travel from around the state of Georgia to attend a week long revival at the Salem Camp Ground. All who traveled came in search of salvation. They attended four Protestant services, which began at dawn, each day of the week.
The revivals at the Salem Camp Ground in the 1800’s consisted of families camping around the grounds. This tradition still exists today! Families can choose to camp around the grounds of the Salem Camp Ground; however, there are camper hook up’s and a hotel available for those not privy to camping. The Salem Camp Grounds are more than just grounds – in 1854 the tabernacle that currently stands today was built, turning the Salem Camp ground into a recognizable, historical landmark.
The Salem Camp Ground, for its first 100 years of existence, was a Methodist institution, though it was never tied to the actual Methodist Church. Around the 1930’s, the Salem Camp Ground became an interdenominational institution that alternates Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian preachers. The Salem Camp Ground is a unique piece of southern history that is still standing in our modern world.
