598 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Helen spans full-service state parks with RV hookups and tent pads to primitive dispersed sites along forest service roads. Unicoi State Park, just two miles from Helen's Bavarian-themed downtown, serves as a central hub with over 130 campsites including RV hookups, tent pads, and unique "barrel cabins." The Chattahoochee National Forest encompasses much of the region, offering developed campgrounds like Andrews Cove and Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, both within 15 minutes of Helen. Dispersed camping options exist at Raven Cliff Falls and along forest service roads, while private retreats like Enota Mountain Retreat provide glamping alternatives with on-site waterfalls.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Helen area. Many state park campgrounds remain open year-round, though facilities like Moccasin Creek operate seasonally from March through November. As one camper noted, "When we visited in winter it was a solid basecamp with little frills, but not far from Helen for day trips into town." Summer brings higher humidity and temperatures in the 80s-90s°F, while fall offers comfortable days and cooler nights, coinciding with Helen's popular Oktoberfest celebrations. Weekends and holidays see campgrounds fill quickly, particularly waterfront sites. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, with state parks booking up to 13 months in advance for popular periods.
Water access represents a defining feature of camping in the Helen area, with creeks and rivers flowing through many campgrounds. "Our site was right on the creek. Anna Ruby Falls connects to the area," reported one visitor to Unicoi State Park. Trout fishing opportunities abound in the Chattahoochee River and Smith Creek, with several campgrounds positioned for easy angler access. Hiking trails connect many camping areas to waterfalls, including Anna Ruby Falls and Raven Cliff Falls. The proximity to Helen's attractions proves convenient for campers seeking amenities, with one reviewer noting, "It is remote enough to get away from the busy streets of Helen, GA. Small creek nearby so you can hear the water running at night." When searching for the best campgrounds near Helen, visitors will find top-rated camping sites offering the perfect combination of mountain views, water features, and proximity to town's Bavarian charm. Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region.
"Unicoi State Park is a large Park in north Georgia. The Park has a Lake, rope courses, a restaurant, lounge and beautiful Lodge."
"Unicoi State Park is just two miles from Helen GA. It is a convenient location for visiting there, particularly in fall during the town’s Octoberfest."
"Vogel State Park is hands down one of the nicest parks in Georgia. It has great hiking trails for every level of hiker, and a very beautiful lake that's great for fishing and paddling."
"There is also a small lake with a beach and a boat rental. You can walk around the lake and visit a waterfall. The area is very beautiful and a hikers paradise."
from $30 - $260 / night
Check Availability"Raven Cliff Falls is another popular spot in Northeast Georgia. Its on one one of the most scenic highways and s in a great location if you want to venture into Helen, Brasstown, Bald, or Hiawassee."
"There are two sides of the camp, the camp side and the trail side. It is very, very high traffic on the weekends. There is water and bathroom access."
"Many hiking opportunities in the park and surrounding areas. It is 1099 stairs to the bottom of canyon!Campground was nice. Sites are open and unlevel but most were a good size."
"Tallulah Gorge is located in the far north east corner of Georgia. The campground is pretty tight, and difficult to maneuver with a large RV."
from $36 - $45 / night
Check Availability"It was pretty close to the road but we were not bothered by the traffic. The tents needed to be set up on the gravel. There were also electricity and water hookups on each site available."
"We were at site 18 and had a lake view. There is a trout stream for kids that is periodically stocked and it was a quick drive to Helen."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Great campground surrounded by the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. Also a working horse farm so be sure and schedule a guided horseback ride. Full hookup sites that are private."
"Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."
"Awesome spot about 20 min from Helen GA. Back your vehicle right up to your spot for easy unloading and using your vehicle for extra space for whatever. We tent camped right along the river."
"We stayed at the adult tent site 74 which is really close to one of the waterfalls."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"Andrews Cove Campground is a small and peaceful campground located about 6 miles north of Helen, Georgia in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest."
"This is a great spot if you'd like to do some free camping in Helen! Decent-sized sites that are private and surrounded by trees."
from $12 - $18 / night
Check Availability"We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."
"The highest state park in Georgia has two general camping sections with power and water (and free cable if you're so inclined to hook up to watch TV)."
from $20 - $255 / night
Check Availability"Just outside Helen, this site offers great spots and plenty of area to hike and explore. Great for tent camping and even some RVs and pull-behinds."
"I love the seclusion of it, tucked deep in the Chattahoochee. There are a few campsites along the water. Facilities consist of a hand pump/flush toilet and water well, no showers."
from $12 / night
Check Availability
RangerWe drove up to check out a fishing spot. We didn’t drive across the concrete creek crossing to the main part of camp. The campsites at the entrance looked clean and the creek was nice. Did see a copperhead on the way out.
Ranger⛺️ We stayed at Site #10. It has two lantern poles, a fire ring with cooking grate, a wooden bench, and a long picnic table.
🌲 The entire campground felt incredibly calm and peaceful. The creek can be heard even from the campsites farther uphill, where the road noise also fades away. We stayed closer to the road and didn’t find the traffic bothersome—but we’re car people and actually enjoyed seeing the bikes and other cars joyriding around the curves. 😂
🏕️ This is a pack-in/pack-out campground, so plan to take all trash with you when you leave.
💧 The creek was cold and refreshing! We loved walking through it, and our dog did too.
🎣 We fished the creek and had just as much fun looking for creek critters—we found crawfish and salamanders.
🪶 Oddly enough, we didn’t see or hear many birds during our stay, but the sound of the creek more than made up for it.
🚽 There is one pit toilet restroom with a hook for hanging a lantern or bag and a hand sanitizer dispenser. There was enough natural light that we didn’t need a lantern during the day. I’d suggest packing extra toilet paper—it was stocked, but the roll was running low by the end of the weekend.
🪵 We bought firewood from Southern Legacy Wood Products — 1605 Helen Hwy, Cleveland, GA — on the way in.
✨ After five campgrounds, Andrews Cove is officially our favorite so far. Quiet, shaded, beautiful mountain creek, and the kind of campground where simply hanging around camp was enough entertainment.
ScoutThis camping park is very well maintained, clean quiet and just beautiful. Even the restrooms are air-conditioned in the summertime.
ScoutSince Google reviews are being removed, prospective tenants deserve to know the reality of living here.
The manager of 16 years up and left within days of a tenant's RV catching fire. This manager would threaten tenants and slap a fine on anyone who spoke up or stood up to his tyrannical behavior. He was a hot head with a criminal history. Multiple tenants attempted to contact management about a number of documented incidents with him. Now that he has left, they put another hot headed manager in charge who has threatened NEW TENANTS literally parking their RVs. Long term residents sent in multiple emails in favor of another resident to be manager as he helps everyone and can do everything. Management does not care about the tenants or property. The property is not maintained nor look like the images they post online.
ScoutThis rv park is limited in some ways. There's a club house that's more like a small child's play room, and the play ground has a basketball hoop but no court. However it does offer a small laundry room. The bath house is great! Always clean and stocked, it has good AC/heat, a big spacious shower, hooks for towels and a little table to put your shower stuff on. My least favorite about the park is that pretty much ALL of the sites are under constant sun until it drops behind the trees in the evening which makes the RV super hard to keep cool during the day
RangerThe campground is VERY remote with challenging access. We have a 4x4 pickup and still not sure how comfortable we would be attempting to take our 21' travel trailer to it.
I'll estimate that the access road is a very rough 4-5 miles and while it starts out as paved the road becomes packed dirt (red clay) and quickly narrows and winds through the hills at a sometimes steep incline. The opportunities to pull over should someone approach from the other direction are few and would mean a lengthy backup for someone. Not sure I would recommend the road in a passenger vehicle.
The campsites we visited were nice and well trimmed, many were creekfront and there were bear-proof trash receptacles and vault toilets. Each site also had a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole.
During our visit it was peaceful and mostly empty.
RangerWe stayed on site #25 in early August but due to the elevation the weather was mild.
There were plenty of activities to keep us busy at the park and the staff was friendly and helpful.
One thing that surprised us and worth mentioning is that even though the park is massive, the campground appears to have been an afterthought as it, and the sites are generally very small. It would be nice to see them expand it and make the changes to increase the size of sites.
Also, as we have seen at other parks kids on e-bikes is becoming a real problem and safety concern. Young children, many not wearing helmets, continually racing around the campground with no regard for speed limits or traffic signs. It is a recipe for an injury or an unfortunate fatality.
Hopefully parks will begin addressing this issue.
RangerOur campsite: #9
⛺️ First site on the left. It’s a shaded, pull-through site, and I believe it’s the most private site in the campground. Only about half the sites were occupied during our visit, and it was incredibly peaceful and quiet.
⛺️ Very level and stayed dry with no puddling during our visit.
⛺️ The creek can be seen from the picnic table, and listening to the water was so relaxing. We even spotted a pileated woodpecker and a couple of herons across the creek.
⛺️ Direct creek access—it’s steep, but doable!
⛺️ The fire ring had quite a bit of ash left in it, although we didn’t need to use it.
⛺️ Farthest site from the fishing area and kayak launch, but it’s still an easy, short walk!
⛺️ Close to the restrooms, but we didn’t notice any unpleasant smells from our site or elsewhere in the campground.
⛺️ Trash cans are located along the way to the fishing area.
Kayak Ramp & Fishing Area:
🛶 Concrete ramp makes creek access easy. It was muddy and slightly slippery during our visit, so watch your step!
🥾 The creek was cold and refreshing in August. Wear water shoes for grip on the smooth stones—and protection from any lost fishing hooks hiding on the creek bottom. Ouch!
🎣 The fishing area is next to the kayak ramp and has two wooden benches.
🦦 We saw an otter playing along the creek while we were fishing!
Restrooms:
🚽 Bring a lantern or flashlight—even during the daytime, it’s DARK inside!
🚽 There are hooks to hang your lantern or bag.
🚽 No running water at the campground, so bring soap and water for washing your hands at your campsite.
🛒 Cooper’s Creek Store is nearby and worth a stop! Firewood, ice, bait, snacks, souvenirs, Wi-Fi, food, and plenty of fishing/camping essentials you may have forgotten.
🌲 If you’re looking for a quiet, shaded creekside site with privacy and water access, Site #9 is an excellent pick.
GuideThe spot I found wasn’t the same site I heard in the reviews. It was a peaceful stay near a creek. It looked like an opening on the other side of the creek if you crossed it but I wasn’t about that life that night lol it was late.
The Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds Helen, Georgia at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 4,700 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates throughout the year. Nights in higher elevation campgrounds like Vogel State Park can drop 15-20°F cooler than nearby valleys, even during summer months. Many local campgrounds feature both developed sites with hookups and walk-in tent sites with proximity to trout streams.
Waterfall hikes: 5 miles round trip to Raven Cliff Falls. The trail follows a creek the entire way, providing access to multiple cascades. "The trail has some great views and different terrain from small creek crossings to some steep hills and valleys," reports a camper at Raven Cliff Falls.
Fish for trout: Stocked waters available for specific age groups. "They have a stream they stock with trout for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. This park is a great place to allow kids to get into fishing and feel like they have accomplished something," notes a visitor to Moccasin Creek State Park.
Mountain biking: Multiple trail systems within minutes of campsites. A visitor at Unicoi State Park mentions, "A lot of activities to do! Mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, etc. Will definitely be returning in the future!"
Creek-side sites: Natural white noise for sleeping. At Andrews Cove Campground, campers appreciate that "a creek runs through the middle so you hear water all night and it covers up how close you are to the road."
Secluded options: Walk-in sites offer more privacy. "There are two sides of the camp, the camp side and the trail side. It is very, very high traffic on the weekends," explains a Raven Cliff Falls visitor, noting that trail side sites are "harder to access but maybe a better alternative to the main camping area."
Proximity to town: Quick access to supplies and attractions. Campers at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground value that "you're only a short drive from town, food, and shopping. A great way to spend part of your day while otherwise isolated in the woods for some unplugging."
Cell service is limited or non-existent in many areas. A visitor to Enota Mountain Retreat observed, "My favorite thing about this place is that there is no cell service (I have Verizon so it may be different for others)."
Bear activity requires proper food storage. "We were visited by a bear two of the nights. The bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out. So pack out all food items and trash or hang a bear bag," warns a Raven Cliff Falls camper.
Primitive sites often lack amenities. "This is a primitive campground with a picnic table, lantern pole and a firepit with a grate. It is pack in-pack out as there are no trashcans or dumpsters," explains an Andrews Cove camper.
Weekend crowds can be intense. "This campground is small, with only 53 Tent & RV Sites. And most people have extra trailers for boats which makes getting around a challenge sometimes," notes a Moccasin Creek visitor.
Consider barrel cabins for novice campers: "My kids and I went camping at Unicoi Park in the summer and there is plenty to keep them busy. They played in the creek, on the swing set and walked the trail to the swimming section of the lake," shares a visitor to Unicoi State Park.
Check for kid-friendly amenities: "This park is very kid friendly. They have a stream they stock with trout for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older," reports a Moccasin Creek State Park camper.
Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities: A visitor to Tallulah Gorge State Park notes, "You can also walk to the day use area from campground which has a trail and beach picnic area."
Assess site size before booking: At Vogel State Park, "Sites are spaced reasonably, but with tall, mature trees, although you do see and hear your neighbors. In fact, you see and hear your neighbors half a dozen sites away."
Higher elevation parks have tight turns: "The road is a steep grade up to the campground. There are several overlooks on the way," warns a camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park.
Consider site leveling needs: "Sites are gravel with table, grill, water, and electric. Campground is very hilly," reports a Tallulah Gorge visitor.
Plan for limited dumping facilities: Many smaller campgrounds near Helen don't offer sanitary dump stations, so plan accordingly. "The campground hosts are awesome. As soon as campers leave they swoop in and clean it like it's a hotel room," notes a Moccasin Creek camper about site maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tent camping options are available near Helen, Georgia?
Unicoi Gap Dispersed offers free primitive tent camping just minutes from Helen and local wineries. These secluded sites provide creek-side camping with privacy from neighbors. For a more unique experience, Nacoochee Adventures offers tent camping in a remote location away from Helen's busy streets. While you may occasionally hear neighbors, the sites remain private, and you'll enjoy the peaceful sound of a small creek running nearby at night.
What are the best campgrounds near Helen, Georgia for families?
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is ideal for families, located just 2 miles from Helen. The park offers zipline adventures, hiking trails, swimming, playgrounds, and paddle boats on its lake. Families can easily visit Helen for tubing, shopping, and dining. Another excellent family option is Don Carter State Park Campground, situated on Lake Lanier. This clean, well-maintained park provides easy access from Atlanta and features water recreation opportunities for kids and adults alike.
Where can I find riverside camping in Helen, Georgia?
Appalachian Campground offers excellent riverside camping with a stream running alongside multiple campsites. It includes bathrooms and showers, and is conveniently located near trout fishing spots. For a more secluded experience, Enota Mountain Retreat provides riverside tent camping about 20 minutes from Helen. You can back your vehicle right up to your spot along the river, making for easy unloading and extra space.
Keep Exploring
