Map showing campground location near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia

Camper submitted image from Desoto Falls

Desoto Falls

This US Forest Service campground sits along Highway 129 in the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering reservable sites with access to two waterfalls via maintained trails. The campground operates with basic amenities including vault toilets and a hand pump for water, while a camp host maintains the facility during peak season.

Dense trees provide natural privacy between sites, with the upper loop positioned closer to the creek that flows through the area. Several campers note the sound of running water creates consistent background noise, though this comes with a trade-off. Traffic from Highway 129 remains audible throughout the day and night, with motorcycle groups particularly active during holiday weekends. The proximity to the road makes this location convenient for access but less isolated than deeper forest campgrounds.

Two waterfall trails begin from the campground, with well-maintained bridges and viewing platforms along the routes. The upper falls requires a longer hike through what one reviewer describes as dense woodland. A Lane in the Woods notes that "all the bridges and viewing platforms were well taken care of and felt very sturdy." Black bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage practices.

Sites fill quickly during peak seasons, making reservations advisable for weekend visits. For additional camping options in the region, see places to camp near Suches.

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Location

Public Campground

Desoto Falls is located in Georgia

Coordinates

34.71000085 N
83.91200067 W

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Connectivity

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Verified by 1 user
AT&T
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Verified by 3 users
Last on 12/11/25

Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
AT&T
No Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 12/11/25

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

47 min from Gainesville, GA
1 hr 24 min from Athens, GA
1 hr 43 min from Cleveland, TN

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the beautiful, well-maintained sites with friendly hosts and clean facilities. Road noise from Highway 129 was a recurring concern, though most found the spacious, private sites worthwhile for weekend visits.

Francine G.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2021

Wonderful time

Had a fantastic time!! Very quiet and clean. The hike to the water falls is definitely worth it!

Site10 B

Month of VisitJuly

Phil K.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2020

Dense and green

This was my first camping trip with the girlfriend, and as far as first impressions go, Desoto Falls did a fine job. The sites are packed with dense trees and a stream that turned every corner of the upper loop into a white noise machine fit for a sleepy, woodsy king. The falls are beautiful: the walk to the upper falls was like a verdant Grimm’s fairy tale. Just with less death, I mean.

I’d recommend the upper loop specifically, if you have a choice, as there’s a much better chance to find the stream in your backyard; we spent mornings drinking coffee next to it. The lower loop felt absolutely cramped with daytime hikers and tourists.

The proximity to the road was the only overall downside to the location of Desoto Falls. We spent Labor Day weekend there, and apparently that’s the time every biker below the Mason-Dixon Line chooses to play out their Hunter Thompson Mint 400 fantasy, tearing ass up and down the breakneck curves of the mountain highway at any given hour.

This isn’t the fault of Desoto Falls, of course, but being that close to a major (majorish?) road can really tar and feather the illusion of being at peace with nature.

Beyond that, however, it’s a lovely spot: terrific for a weekend visit. We liked the Reece Farm and Heritage center up the road. We fed a donkey. We gave it a name, too, but it escapes me now.

I’d say that’s a positive, though. If you’re having such a nice time that you forget the name of a donkey you only recently learned that you’d take a bullet for, it must be a pretty good locale.

(9) View All

Bobby A.

Traveler

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2019

Forest Service Campground

One thing I disliked was road noise, other than that nice place.

(4) View All

Haley H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 9, 2019

Peaceful swimming!

Ive been swimming here since I was a little kid I have not been is a while but it is one of the prettiest places on that mountain!!

Anna W.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 23, 2017

Breath taking

I camped 4 days with a group of friends at this park. The park is breath taking. Plenty of helpful amentities in the campsite like showers, barhrooms, picnic areas, etc... i was blown away by all the beautiful hiking trails in the area. Would deffinetly vist here again

SitePrimiative campisite

Month of VisitJanuary

(6) View All

Alex K.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2017

Awesome Water Fall & By Ravens Cliffs!

Ravens Cliffs is one of my favorite spots in Georgia. Great camping at the base of Ravens cliff and also camping at Desoto Falls. Lots of nice hikes near by. Hike to the top of Ravens cliff and climb the roots to the top!!

A Lane in the Woods

Guide

Reviewed May. 10, 2017

5 Star Primitive Campgound

This is a first come first serve primitive campground. They have outhouses and a water pump. The out house is clean and well stocked and surprisingly free of creepy crawlies. The campgrounds are very clean which actually made finding fire wood a little hard. The sights are very private and large, and the camp host were very friendly.

The trails to both falls were very well kept and felt safe. All the bridges and viewing platforms were well taken care of and felt very sturdy. The signage to the dangers were clear and the graffiti was kept to carving names in the wood.

If I had to pick a negative to this sight it would be he how close to the road it was. At night you could hear motorcycle traffic going up the mountain. Will defiantly be back!

http://www.alaneinthewoods.com/adventures/desoto-falls-helen-ga-2017/

Savannah C.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2016

Desoto Falls

This campground is beautiful and well maintained and has a lovely host couple. It is right next to the a pretty busy road (129) so you hear the traffic. This was a big turn off for me. I also read before visiting that you could fish...however I was surprised to even see that the water was flowing in some parts considering how small the creek was and all the debris from the woods that was laying in it. There are two waterfalls you can walk to and they are nice, but they aren't that far from the camping area and that is about it as far as trails go. I wouldn't recommend an overnight visit (unless you are just trying to stay around your campsite most of the time), but it's nice for a short day visit. They also have some active black bears which we saw within the first few hours of being there...not a huge deal considering we are in their area...just don't leave Any food out.

(8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at DeSoto Falls Campground?

DeSoto Falls Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis for primitive camping. There is no advance reservation system in place, so it's best to arrive early, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to secure your spot. The campground has a self-registration process once you arrive. Plan accordingly and have backup options in mind during busy periods.

What recreation facilities are available at DeSoto Falls Recreation Area?

DeSoto Falls Recreation Area offers a variety of facilities and activities. The campground features clean outhouses, a water pump, picnic areas, and shower facilities. For recreation, there are several beautiful hiking trails, including the path to the waterfalls which is highly recommended by visitors. Swimming opportunities are available in the area. The dense forest provides a natural playground, though gathering firewood might require some effort as the grounds are well-maintained and clean.

Where is DeSoto Falls Campground located in Georgia?

DeSoto Falls Campground is located in northern Georgia, situated along Highway 129. The campground is nestled in a wooded area with a stream running through it. It's positioned near Ravens Cliffs, making it a popular base camp for exploring multiple hiking trails in the surrounding area. The location offers convenient access but does come with some road noise from the nearby highway.

What do visitors say about their experience at DeSoto Falls Recreation Area?

Visitors consistently praise DeSoto Falls for its natural beauty, describing it as breathtaking and among the prettiest places in the mountains. Campers appreciate the well-maintained, clean facilities and the private, spacious sites surrounded by dense trees. The stream running through the campground creates a peaceful white noise effect that enhances the sleeping experience. The hiking trails, particularly to the waterfalls, receive high marks. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, some visitors mention road noise from Highway 129 as the only notable drawback to an otherwise excellent outdoor destination.

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