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Best Campgrounds near Helen, GA

1,912 Reviews

The North Georgia mountains surrounding Helen feature a range of camping experiences from full-service state parks to primitive forest sites. 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." Bear activity requires proper food storage throughout the region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Helen, Georgia (581)

    1. Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    50 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (706) 878-2201

    "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."

    2. Vogel State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2628

    $30 - $290 / night

    "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."

    3. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Tallulah Falls, GA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 754-7981

    $36 - $45 / night

    "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."

    5. Moccasin Creek State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tiger, GA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 947-3194

    $40 - $45 / night

    "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."

    6. Enota Mountain Retreat

    19 Reviews
    Hiawassee, GA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 896-9966

    $55 / night

    "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."

    7. Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    22 Reviews
    Blairsville, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2420

    "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."

    8. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Rabun Gap, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 746-2141

    $20 - $255 / night

    "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)."

    9. Andrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    5 miles
    +1 (706) 754-6221

    $12 - $18 / night

    "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."

    "Great little site outside Helen, only $12 to camp."

    10. Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    9 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    6 miles
    +1 (706) 754-6221

    $12 / night

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Helen, GA

829 Photos of 581 Helen Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Helen, GA

1912 Reviews of 581 Helen Campgrounds

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • s
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground

    Worst experience ever

    Absolutely the worst advertised campground I’ve ever been to in my life. They stated it was“riverside” ummmm nooooo!!! It’s basically a big open field with absolutely no privacy or shade. Picture Woodstock. The“barely there stream of water” was covered by trees at the campsite and there was basically just a huge mound of dirt where they told us to set up. We asked for a different spot and they said they were full. We paid SIXTY SIX dollars for this tent camping experience on the river!! We asked for a refund and they refused(otherwise, I wouldn’t have left a review at all. They should have made it right.) We luckily found a beautiful spot at Deep Creek Campground otherwise we would have had to drive two hours home!!! Do.not.be.scammed.

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Casey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    Great spot!

    The only reason I dinged it from five stars is because of the road noise. Other than that this place is beautiful! Great hike to a beautiful lake! Simple amenities. Great drive up tent spots surrounded by trees. Nobody else was here during the week so I had the place to myself! The rangers were incredibly helpful and friendly! I will be back!

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Best off grid camping

    This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.

  • Doug S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Persimmon Creek RV Park

    Beautiful Little Camp Ground

    Persimmon Creek is a beautiful and peaceful place. The owner is very friendly and helpful. It is centrally located to some great attractions.

  • SnakeEyes C.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Under The Hemlock Campground and Cabins

    Not what you think

    Great place for a one night visit DONT stay any longer than that! Your pets will go missing, the showers don’t work and are nasty! The owner Mike is only nice if you are there for one night. He has multiple people living there. There is a bear family that will destroy all of your belongings. There is NOTHING to do there no pools, no hiking, no visitors are allowed, nowhere to fish, LOUD chickens and a very LOUD annoying barking dog that is never on a leash, if you rent a cabin there is NO RUNNING WATER, it’s overpriced, there is ONLY a microwave. Your best bet is to go to Amicalola State Park

Guide to Helen

Camping near Helen, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer from Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground saying, "The hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it certainly worth it."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the water activities at Devils Fork State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "The lake was beautiful! So many fun things to explore with it being so big and all by boat."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have closely packed sites. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground noted, "There is no cell service with T-Mobile, so have a good book."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground advised, "Reserve way in advance."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at Oconee State Park Campground enjoyed, "The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick up twice a day is great!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids during hikes. One camper at Tugaloo State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."
  • Plan for Quiet Nights: Many campgrounds have quiet hours, making it easier for families to rest. A visitor at Devils Fork State Park Campground said, "It was pretty quiet and no loud, drunk people."

Tips from RVers

Camping near Helen, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

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.

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