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.

## Overview

 Desoto Falls Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service Campground located approximately 2 hours North of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest.\_Desoto Falls offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, picnicking, and beautiful hikes to our nearby waterfalls. The campground is situated along Frogtown Creek with at an elevation of 2,080 feet above sea level, under a dense forest of deciduous and evergreen trees.\_23 campsites are neatly arranged in two loops(upper and lower), with each loop having creek sites. The climate here is fairly mild and generally offers all four seasons, so it is a wonderful place to relax and experience each of these throughout the year. North Georgia is a playground for wildlife watchers. An abundance of Deer, Turkey, Bear and, small furbearers can be seen as well as bird watching. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, come to Desoto Falls. 
## Recreation

 The primary attractions to this area are the two waterfalls along Frogtown Creek, which lead from the wooden bridge across from the Host Site. This hikes relatively short, kid-friendly distance and moderate elevation change make it one of North Georgias most popular waterfall hikes. .25 hike to lower falls and .75 to the upper falls. The trail hikes through several large exposed rock outcrops, beautiful rhododendron, and under the shade of several enormous old-growth pine trees with their wide trunks reaching high into the forest canopy above. The waterfalls newly built observation deck makes a great spot for a mid-hike rest or picnic, and a great place to soak up the waterfalls beauty. Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please dont climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall. 
## Natural Features

 Desoto Falls is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and is located in a 650-acre (2.6 km2) area designated as the Desoto Falls Scenic Area. This area of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia make up part of the Appalachian Mountain range stretching all the way to Canada. The hardwood coves, rushing waterfalls, creeks, and steep canyons are crisscrossed with abundant trails for hiking and fishing. During the Month of October, North Georgias trees put on a vibrant show. Summer's dark greens change to brilliant reds, oranges and yellows which makes the camping atmosphere amazing. Thousands make the yearly trek into the mountains near Desoto Falls for a front row seat. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Just 1.5 miles north on 19/129 is Neels Gap and the Appalachian Trail. Drive just a short piece down to Byron Herbert Reece parking area on the left, and the Appalachian Trail can be easily accessed there. Nearby water falls to visit are are Helton Creek Falls, Dukes Creeks Falls, and Raven Cliffs Falls. Just a short drive and located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Brasstown Bald Recreation Area & Visitor Center is a great place to visit. It is the highest point in Georgia, rising 4,784 feet above sea level with a 360 degree view of four states. Towns within a short drive to visit are Blairsville, Helen, and Dahlonega, GA\_

Desoto Falls Recreation Area

Suches, GA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Georgia camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Suches, GA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Suches

The Best Camping Near Suches, Georgia

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!

Location, Location, Location!

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! 


Sweet little spot

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. 

It’s So Worth It

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.

Short hike to falls

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.

Right Near the Main Attraction

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!!

Wonderful 

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.

Pretty But Cramped 

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

Clean and Quiet, Peaceful and Premitve

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

Peaceful And No Frills

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.

Great Campground With Downsides

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

50/50

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!



Photos of Desoto Falls Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers