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Desoto Falls Recreation Area

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Desoto Falls Recreation Area, near Cleveland, Georgia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, all set against the backdrop of the beautiful Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

The area is known for its clean facilities and friendly hosts, making it a welcoming place for campers. Many visitors have enjoyed the spacious sites, particularly those near the creek, which provide a perfect setting for relaxing and swinging hammocks. As one camper noted, “Site 23 is perfect if you’re looking for a huge, private, creekside site.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the campground is just a short hike from stunning waterfalls, with trails that offer breathtaking views. While some campers mentioned the proximity to the road can lead to some noise, the overall experience is enhanced by the serene surroundings and the sound of flowing water. Whether you're here for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, Desoto Falls has plenty to offer.

Fee Info

DURING NON-PEAK SEASON THE FEES CHANGE TO HALF PRICE Standard Non Electric $10.00 __Standard Non Electric Double Site $20.00 __Tent Only Non Electric $10.00

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Location

Desoto Falls Recreation Area is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Blairsville, GA take U.S. Highway 19/129 South for 17.0 miles and the campground entrance is on your right. From Dahlonega, GA take Highway 19 North for 18 miles and the entrance in on your left. From Cleveland, GA, take 19/129 North for 16 miles and the entrance to the camprground is on your left.

Coordinates

34.705706 N
83.914975 W

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2024

Perfectly Rainy Summer Night

Site 23 is perfect if you’re looking for a huge, private, creekside site. It was just a short walk to the outhouse and water pump, but a longer trek to the bathhouse, but the other features of this site were worth it. This huge site has the perfect trees for swinging your hammock over the creek, lots of shade, and easy access to wade in the creek. The campground was clean and well maintained, the hosts were friendly, and the weather was pleasant for late June. I can’t wait to go back!

Site23
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Meaghan G., June 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Meaghan G., June 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Meaghan G., June 29, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Mar. 27, 2024

50/50

The sound of the river is nice to fall asleep to until the sound of the traffic drowns it out the camp site is very close to the main road

Site1
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Jacob F., March 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Jacob F., March 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Jacob F., March 27, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2022

Great Campground With Downsides

This campground was great! The sites were very clean and nestled perfectly in the woods but there are some downsides… The traffic noise is very loud. If you’re wanting a relaxing weekend in the woods, this isn’t the place to do it. The road noise is very loud and doesn’t really calm down until 9pm or so. Also, the bathrooms weren’t the cleanest but if you’re a backpacker or just a outdoorsmen, just having a bathroom or toilet is a plus compared to squatting behind a tree. Overall this campground was great and I’ll definitely be back….but not if I want a quiet weekend away.

Site21B
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Justin S., October 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Justin S., October 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Justin S., October 26, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2022

Peaceful And No Frills

Serene and vey peaceful. Not many children and not a souls bothered us. Web were camped by a small runoff cream and it just peaceful to sleep there. Bathhouse was clean as were bathrooms no electricity but we didn’t mind at all. Primitive to most people but a real nostalgic experience. The camp hosts were so nice and very accommodating. Will go again soon! Ya

Siteupper loop #7
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Mandy , July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Mandy , July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Mandy , July 8, 2022
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2022

Clean and Quiet, Peaceful and Premitve

We arrived early and were able to pull right into our campsite and set right up. There were few campers near our site: #7, and we had a little stream wrapping around so the sound of water was lovely at night. The place has a lively 1/4 mile hike to the waterfall and not too bad even for me who is disabled. The other is 3/4 mile and it know my limitations. Shower and bathrooms were clean. There is not electricity so renter beware. It was really nice to just unplug. If you need close to a bathroom try camp site 1. It’s right by it. They curvy mountain road is close so you do hear it when someone has to lick it down around a sharp curve. All in all we will be back. The couple running the place were so nice, very friendly and cool as hell. Kids were very sparce and the area were located didn’t have any place to really swim but you could get your feet wet anyway. All in all it was a very satisfactory time, not bells and whistles but a great place to make as cohort visist

Siteupper loog at site #7
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Mandy , July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Mandy , July 8, 2022
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Mandy , July 8, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2021

Pretty But Cramped

This campground was pretty and had an easy hike to a scenic waterfall. My only complaints are that the sites are on top of each other and are extremely visible, and the road noise is surprisingly loud.

Site18B
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Jesse D., August 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Jesse D., August 3, 2021
Reviewed Jul. 14, 2021

Wonderful

The park was very neat and clean. The information board well organized and everybody was so nice. Very quiet and clean. Loved the hike to the water falls!!

SiteB 10
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 2, 2021

Right Near the Main Attraction

Shaded area with very nice enclosed fire pits. So close to the trails, as well as the river/creek. Would likely be fun for young kids. It was a decent price but could stack up if you stayed while. The outdoor showers were neat but really cold. Depends on how bad you need one that you might take one.

  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Hannah F., April 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Hannah F., April 2, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 15, 2020

Short hike to falls

Very nice little campground with a just a short hike to the falls. Some sites on lower loop were creek side, but not as private as upper loop. Lots of road noise at night.

  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Elizabeth W., November 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Elizabeth W., November 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Elizabeth W., November 15, 2020
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2020

It’s So Worth It

We kept hearing this phrase from people out on the trails, it’s so worth it. Mildly tough trek, with stairs on the short path, but the end result is worth the struggle for the amateur hiker. Glorious views. Amazing campground. Clean bathrooms. A lot of the sites seemed pretty close but we got Campsite #9 and that by far is the best spot. You’re up and away from everyone. We didn’t hear much at night aside from occasional traffic and the the beautiful sound of the falls all around. Be bear aware and put your stuff up at night.

  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Kristin R., November 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Kristin R., November 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Kristin R., November 3, 2020
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2020

Sweet little spot

DeSoto Falls is a sweet little spot to camp with basic necessities such as toilets and outdoor showers! It’s a quick jaunt to the trailhead of DeSoto Falls from the campsite.

Pros: Shaded serene creek setting Toilets Showers Easy walking trails Pet friendly

Cons: Loud road noise especially motorcycles!

  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Leann C., September 21, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

Location, Location, Location!

This area of Georgia is chock full of great places to hike and explore. We were just meandering through Georgia and happened upon Desota Falls Recreation Area...located the campgrounds nestled down off the road and set up camp along Frogtown Creek.

The sites are spacious, even though they are very open. As you will notice in most of my reviews...I tend to pick popular spots during the week to avoid the crowds...and this one was no different.

Frogtown Creek kept me busy foraging for crawdads and building rock dams to afford me deeper water to relax in. Slung the hammocks alongside the creek and caught a few Z's as the gurgling brook lulled me to sleep.

The trails in the campground are excellent and once crossing over the creek go in either direction...one to upper falls and one to lower falls. We thoroughly enjoyed them both and enjoyed innumerable photo opportunities.

The whole area is relaxing even with the hilly terrain...the pace quiets your soul.

Nearby is a super sweet outdoor store...Mountain Crossings...which I wholeheartedly encourage you to frequent. They have the basics and then some. AT hikers make their first stop there to either unload or stock up, so you'll see a great deal of foot traffic for it being in the middle of nowhere.

After we shopped there (and bought there) one of the sales people recommended we walk across the road and climb Blood Mountain. Taking him up on the advice, we donned our hydration day packs, grabbed our trekking poles and started off. What a beautiful climb. Plan on taking the entire day, bring some lunch and eat it at the stone cabin or perched on one of the bare rock faces and revel in the views! I cannot help but linger on mountaintops.

The entire time spent there in Desoto Falls area was priceless!

  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Dave V., September 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Dave V., September 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Desoto Falls Recreation Area by Dave V., September 26, 2016
  • (15) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What are visitor reviews saying about DeSoto Falls Recreation Area?

DeSoto Falls Recreation Area offers a peaceful camping experience with spacious sites nestled along Frogtown Creek. Campers appreciate the clean facilities, including toilets and outdoor showers. The campground features enclosed fire pits and shaded sites, with some creek-side options. The short hiking trail to the waterfall is consistently praised as worthwhile and accessible for amateur hikers. While the natural setting and waterfall views are highlights, the most common drawback mentioned is road noise, which can be noticeable especially at night. The campground is particularly appealing for those seeking a serene forest setting with easy access to scenic trails.

How do I make reservations at DeSoto Falls Campground?

DeSoto Falls Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis for many sites. Arriving early in the day increases your chances of securing a preferred spot. For specific reservation information or to check if any sites can be reserved in advance, contact the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest office or visit the USDA Forest Service website. The campground offers various sites including some creek-side options, with sites numbered (references to sites #7 and #23 indicate a numbering system).

Is there a map available of DeSoto Falls Campground?

Yes, maps of DeSoto Falls Campground are available at the information board located within the recreation area. The campground is organized into upper and lower loops, with the lower loop featuring creek-side sites and the upper loop offering more privacy. For detailed trail maps and campground layouts, check the information board on-site or contact the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest office before your visit. The short trail to the falls is well-marked and approximately 1/4 mile from the campground.

Where is DeSoto Falls Recreation Area located and how do I get there?

DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is located in northern Georgia within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The campground is situated off a main road, nestled in a wooded area along Frogtown Creek. The recreation area is in a region known for excellent hiking opportunities and natural beauty. To get there, follow directions to Blairsville/Dahlonega area in North Georgia. The campground entrance is accessible from the road, though it sits slightly below road level. For precise directions, consult the US Forest Service website or use GPS coordinates for the Chattahoochee National Forest's DeSoto Falls Recreation Area.