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Established Camping

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground, near Clayton, Georgia, is a fantastic spot for those who love being close to nature and the water. Located right by the river, it’s perfect for fishing, tubing, and just soaking up the scenery.

The campground offers a laid-back vibe with sites that provide easy access to the river, making it a popular choice for families and anglers alike. Visitors have raved about the fishing opportunities, with one group catching a whopping 32 trout during their stay. As one happy camper put it, “Great Trout fishing,” which says it all for those looking to cast a line.

While the campground doesn’t have electric hookups or showers, it does have basic bathroom facilities, so you can still enjoy the outdoors without too much hassle. Some campers have mentioned that the sites are close to the road, so keeping an eye on kids and pets is a good idea. But with a swimming hole and a rope swing nearby, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, Sandy Bottoms is a solid choice. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Overview

Whether you plan your trip during the rebirth of Spring or later in the year during the display of the prominent North Georgia Fall colors, this 13-site developed campground is sure to heighten the innate beauty of the season. Graced with various species of hardwoods and resting on the shore of Tallulah River, Sandy Bottoms provides a rustic experience for the outdoor enthusiast to camp, swim, fish, or just enjoy the scenery.__

Recreation

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground is in a unique area. You can enjoy walking along the Tallulah River. Fishing is a popular sport in the Tallulah River. If a hike is what you desire, take a short drive along the Tallulah River Road through Tate City to the end of the road, which not only has some great views but at the end of the road is Beech Creek Trail and Buck Creek Trail both are found in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area. Looking for an easier hike, you can go the other direction on Tallulah River Road for approximately 5 miles to bridge #1 where you will find a small parking area for the Coleman River Trail a 1.1 in and out trail that runs along a portion of the Coleman River that flows with the Tallulah River.

Facilities

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground is in a unique area. You can enjoy walking along the Tallulah River. Fishing is a popular sport in the Tallulah River. If a hike is what you desire, take a short drive along the Tallulah River Road through Tate City to the end of the road, which not only has some great views but at the end of the road is Beech Creek Trail and Buck Creek Trail both are found in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area. Looking for an easier hike, you can go the other direction on Tallulah River Road for approximately 5 miles to bridge #1 where you will find a small parking area for the Coleman River Trail a 1.1 in and out trail that runs along a portion of the Coleman River that flows with the Tallulah River.

Natural Features

Natural Features: Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, a place of exploration and wonder. This National Forest is rich in history and is said to be a hiker's paradise with its winding trails, scenic mountains, and rolling hills.

contact_info

For facility specific information, please call (706) 754-6221.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to the campground can enjoy scenic drives when going to visit nearby Rabun Bald the second-highest peak in Georgia at 4696 ft above sea level. Continue your exploring and you can find many waterfalls to see and trails to hike. One of the longest trails in the area is the National Recreational Bartram Trail. If some water activities are on your mind the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River has fishing, whitewater rafting, canoe, and kayak possibilities with outfitter and guide services available if you enjoy your time on the river. Tallulah Gorge State Park and historic Lakemont are also a close drive. Lake Rabun and Lake Burton are great places to put a boat in the water and enjoy those memories you are ready to make. Within an hour's drive, you can spend some time visiting the city of Helen a beautiful alpine village in White County if you find yourself there be sure and stop by Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, or Ravens Cliff Wilderness for more hiking fun. While in the neighborhood a short drive around will find you at Brasstown Bald the highest peak in Georgia rising to 4784 ft above sea level.

Fee Info

Camping is all First Come, First Serve in 2024. In 2025 it will be moved over to reservations only. A new option this year for payment at the campground Scan and Pay. Now if you have downloaded the recreation.gov app on your mobile device you have a choice for payment of your site: cash, check, or Scan and Pay with your pre-loaded credit card. Scan and Pay will go away in 2025 with the conversion to reservations.

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Location

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take U.S. 76 west from Clayton, Georgia for 8 miles; turn right (north) on Persimmon Road for 4.2 miles; turn left (northwest) on Tallulah River Road (Forest Service Road 70) for 4.6 miles to arrive at Sandy Bottoms Campground.

Address

4841 Tallulah River Road
Clayton, GA 30525

Coordinates

34.78675 N
84.23888 W

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7 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 24, 2021

Campground on the road

Campsites are very close to the road but the river is across the road. People do fly down the road. Make sure your kids and dogs are safe. Great fishing. Bathrooms available. 1 or 2 bars Verizon.

Site2
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2020

Closed early

This looked like a great campsite! The website said it closed October 31st. Unfortunately, it was closed early this year for some reason.

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2019

Go to place

Right on the river! Tubing, fly fishing, and bathroom access. Only downfall is people fly down that road at all hours.

  • Review photo of Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Chris R., July 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Chris R., July 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Chris R., July 23, 2019
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Reviewed Jul. 14, 2019

Great Family Campground

Busy during the summer months, but probably the least busiest out of the three campgrounds in the Tallulah River. Stays cool down there by the river. There’s a swimming hole and a rope to jump off a rock. Nice place in the fall to relax whenever you want to get away. The camp sites are far enough away from each other to get some privacy

Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

Angler’s dream

This was a beautiful campground that had tons of camp spots right in the river and near the river. They had just stocked the river with trout and we caught a total of 32 fish divided among our group of 11 people. PLENTY of great fishing and swimming spots

  • Review photo of Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Bethany M., June 3, 2019
  • Review photo of Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Bethany M., June 3, 2019
Reviewed Oct. 2, 2018

Trout

Drive up campsites with picnic table, fire ring, and bathroom right beside the river. Great Trout fishing. The campsite runs along a dirt road.

Reviewed Jun. 13, 2018

beautiful river!

We love coming here with our dogs to let the run and play in the water! digging for rubies is how I like to spend my time here. we always have so much fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

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