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Established Camping

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, near Helen, Georgia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature. Tucked away in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this campground offers a serene environment with a focus on tent and RV camping.

The campground features a handful of sites that provide a rustic experience, perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive setup. Visitors have noted the beauty of the area, with one camper calling it "one of the prettiest places" they've ever camped. While there are no electric hookups or showers, the charm lies in its simplicity and the opportunity to connect with nature.

For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby that lead to stunning waterfalls and scenic views. The proximity to Helen means you can easily pop into town for food and shopping after a day of exploring. As one reviewer mentioned, “It’s secluded, peaceful, and just what we needed!”

If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is a solid choice. Just remember to pack in your essentials, including drinking water, and get ready for a memorable camping experience.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Overview

The drive up through the winding misty roads of North Georgia leading to this 19-site, developed campground is almost as breath-taking as the site itself. Although the drive leaves one feeling as if civilization has been left far, far behind, the ever-popular and beloved alpine village of Helen, Georgia is less than an hour away. Camping here, visitors can enjoy the pleasure of Georgia's number one vacation spot with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the City of Helen and many recreational activities.__

Recreation

At the rear of the campground, visitors will find the short walking trail for the beautiful Horse Trough Falls. It is just a mile downstream from the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Recreational activities in this area include hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. Right outside the campground, there is a Day-use picnic area for a nice break with the creek running just a few feet away. For those wanting to take the 7-mile drive along Upper Chattahoochee Road (FS 44 Road), you will find yourself outside of Helen, Georgia with many other recreational opportunities including rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and some great hiking trails.__

Facilities

At the rear of the campground, visitors will find the short walking trail for the beautiful Horse Trough Falls. It is just a mile downstream from the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Recreational activities in this area include hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. Right outside the campground, there is a Day-use picnic area for a nice break with the creek running just a few feet away. For those wanting to take the 7-mile drive along Upper Chattahoochee Road (FS 44 Road), you will find yourself outside of Helen, Georgia with many other recreational opportunities including rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and some great hiking trails.__

Natural Features

Upper Chattahoochee River 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 it's winding trails, scenic mountains, and rolling hills.

Nearby Attractions

You don't have to stroll far from your campsite to see the first of the nearby attractions with the Horsetrough Falls at the back end of the campground. Take a drive along the beautiful scenic Upper Chattahoochee River Road (FS 44 Road), and you can see many other waterfalls along the way while you are making your way to the many nearby attractions. Brasstown Bald is the highest peak in the State of Georgia at a height of 4784 feet above sea level is a 45-minute drive. Along the way you pass Unicoi Gap, one of the many areas of the National Scenic Appalachian Trail (A.T.) where hikers will cross Hwy 75 North coming out of Mark Trail Wilderness and heading into Tray Mountain Wilderness. Other attractions in the area include Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, Ravens Cliff Wilderness, and many things of wonder in the alpine village of Helen, Georgia.____

Charges & Cancellations

If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel? Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. You can make changes to your reservation ahead of your arrival date in My Reservations. Changes If your new stay dates are completely different from your original stay dates, there is a $10 change fee (per reserved site). There are no additional fees for: ___ Adding or removing nights to your stay. ___ Changing to a different campsite. Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate. Cancellations You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a refund for your stay, minus the following fees: ___ $10 cancellation fee ___ Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking) ___ Any previous change fees Late cancellation penalties may also apply: What is ___Late___? For individual campsites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 1 calendar day before your scheduled check-in. For cabins and group sites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days or fewer before your scheduled check-in. Late Fee In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed. As of the expected check-in day, cancellations or changes to your stay are not possible through My Reservations. It is at the facility's discretion to support additional Late Cancellations, No Show, or Early Departure updates ___ on-site personnel may not be able to assist. These changes carry penalties and may forfeit recreation use fees. For additional details, please visit here:

Fee Info

All camping is by Reservation only and needs to be completed online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777.

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Location

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hiawassee or Clayton Georgia travel on Hwy 76 to Hwy 75. Turn south on Hwy 75 towards Helen, Georgia for approximately 13 miles. Turn right on Forest Service 44 Road, aka Upper Chattahoochee River Road just past the Unicoi Gap parking lot of the A. T. Travel approximately 5 miles on the dirt road to the entrance to the campground and day-use areas.__ From Helen travel north on Hwy 75 North for approximately 7 miles and turn left on Forest Service 44 Road, aka Upper Chattahoochee River Road. Travel approximately 5 miles on the dirt road to the entrance to the campground and day-use areas. The physical address is: 48 Forest Service Road 44.

Address

48 Forest Service Road 44
Helen, GA 30545

Coordinates

34.78694 N
83.78287 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 11, 2023

Glad it's reopened and looking good.

Makes more sense for this to now be 19 campsites. You can see the improvements that are ongoing. Will be happy when it reopens in mid-March for the 2024 season.

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2022

Hidden Gem

Literally one of the prettiest places I have ever camped, if not the prettiest. It is a 30 minute drive off of the paved road, but the road is well maintained and easy to follow. There are currently four porta-poddies at the campground. No running water, however, it looks like there once was.  The number of sites has been reduced from what it once was due to damage from past storms.

Site8
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jesse D., November 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jesse D., November 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jesse D., November 2, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2020

Plenty of Space, Close to Town

Just outside Helen, this site offers great spots and plenty of area to hike and explore. Great for tent camping and even some RVs and pull-behinds. The hidden magic is when you explore the upper area and find the waterfalls and walkable area. One of the other great features is the proximity to Helen. You’re only a short drive from town, food, and shopping. A great way to spend part of your day while otherwise isolated in the woods for some unplugging.

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Mar. 15, 2017

Dispersed Camping above Upper Chattahoochee

I admit, I'm not a fan of most established campgrounds - the "official" campground is $16/night. It has potable water. Opens April -October. Sites vary from tent-walk-in, to some spots that are spacious and more private to others tiny, out in open with little shade in summer. Some sites are along the creek. I walked thru the closed campground to access Horse Trough Falls in March - a lot of trees had come down, so the FS had been chopping up the trees - many sites had lots of wood piled up!

However, if you are a bit more rustic, there are a number of dispersed sites before you get to the Upper Hooch. Bring your own tables, water - but there are large (free!) spaces to camp.

Regardless, be bear aware. I saw 2 cubs and fresh scat on my last visit. They ran from me - but no need in tormenting them.

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Hiking Diva .., March 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Hiking Diva .., March 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Hiking Diva .., March 15, 2017
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

Get away from it all!

Found this wonderful spot and was lucky enough to get in because it was a weeknight. The only reason I gave rating of 4 is because some persons may not like this nearly primitive camping - but I love it! You can actually get away! We saw 2 other persons the night we camped in passing. WE are light packers from long time experience backpacking and found the perfect spot. Was a little buggy in the woods so we stayed closer to the water - but wow! Best midweek camping ever for us!

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jeanene A., August 29, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2016

Dispersed Camping in Upper Chattahoochee River Area

I hope that writing this is ok - we had to work really hard when we moved to GA to find camping like this. This is supposed to be for the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, but we have spent quite a few weekends discovering all of the wonderful dispersed camping in that area. All along the river and its branches are some neat dispersed camping opportunities if you like that kind of camping. We usually have to clean up a bit before we set up camp - as always, some people don't appreciate the amazing gift of being able to camp in places like this.

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Sarah N., July 16, 2016
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Sarah N., July 16, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2016

Awesome!!

My fiancé and I LOVE it here! We try to camp here every couple of months! We were there this past weekend and had the most amazing time! It's secluded, peaceful, and just what we needed! 🏕

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jill H., July 12, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2016

So cool!

It was interesting to see a little bit of history that occurred on the Appalachian Trail we got to see some petroglyphs as well as many other historic sites along the way very cool place to visit if you are into American history and natural history

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

This campground is a first come, first camp campground, no reservations. I love the seclusion of it, tucked deep in the Chattahoochee. There are a few campsites along the water. Facilities consist of a hand pump/flush toilet and water well, no showers. You can also find hiking trails, including a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. The campground will fill up on holidays and summer weekends. If you manage to get up there early enough, there are several free campsites along the gravel road going down to the official campground. These sites are a gem for people who love secluded camping. You'll have to pack everything in though, including your drinking water.

Don't expect any cell service once you pass Helen and head up the mountain.

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Kim O., June 30, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest has water hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest?

    There are 19 campsites at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts