Andrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

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. Water is available via a hand water pump across from site#8 and the toilets are vault toilets but were well kept and did not smell horrible. The stream is gorgeous stream and loud enough to drown out most road noise. There are some hazardous trees and one 6inch tree did fall while we were there this weekend during a thunderstorm. At the back of the campground is a~2 mile trail that connects to the AT. Most sites have a tent pad that will accommodate a 10’x10’ tent. Sites 2, 4, and 8 driveways can really only accommodate 1 car and there are no extra parking spots. Driveways for sites 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 can accommodate 2 cars. Site 1 is adjacent to the road and is going to be impacted by road noise. There is no campground host so be prepared to either scavenge wood or buy it in town, same goes for ice.

I returned to Andrew’s Cove in late June for a night in the woods. I had site 3 this time, and it’s my favorite site so far. It’s the most removed from the other sites, but just a quick walk down the campsite driveway to the bathrooms. I really like the privacy of that site despite the street noise. The bathrooms were disgusting, as usual. I highly recommend bringing an alternate option for bathroom use. The temperature was pleasant even in late June, and a rainstorm passed through overnight. It was a glorious way to sleep. I highly recommend Andrew’s Cove.

I’ve been visiting Andrew’s Cove most of my life, and I call it the “family campground” because we’ve spent many long holiday weekends there. This past weekend was my first trip back in since COVID, and I was not disappointed. They’ve installed fancy new fire pits with grills and have updated the site markers. It looked great. I did notice lots of trees had been cut which made it less shady than usual. I’ll be brining a tent to put over the picnic next time. The bathrooms were disgusting, but the creek running through the camp ground makes the trip to the loo worth it. There were lots of folks driving through on Saturday afternoon, but the “traffic” slowed down around dust leaving us with a calm and quiet experience. I can’t recommend Andrew’s Cove enough! Of note is that there were signs around the camp ground saying that reservations will be taken on recreation.gov soon, so no more first come first serve.

Great little site outside Helen, only $12 to camp. There's a trail that leads 2 miles sand then you're on the AT, a creek food through the middle so you hear water all night and it covers up how close you are to the road. There's a basic toilet just hold your breath. All in all nice place for $12

Very nice little camp site, not crowded, spaced out, and plenty of shade. We car camped and couldn’t have been happier.

About 8 shaded camp sites scattered around a creek. Just off the main road passing thru Helen. Easy to get to

Just off of 75, this camping area is easy to get to, no hiking in. Campsites are flat and level. Some sites have creekside access. Bathrooms and water are at the site. Campsites are pay by envelope.

Andrews Cove 2 mile out-and-back hike leaves from this campground. It’s moderate for about half, then becomes a strenuous climb at the end. Good workout.

Camping here you’re close to a lot of great hikes , and short drive from the town of Helen.

I’ve come to hike here a few times and seen campers leave a ton of trash so please clean up after yourself.

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.