Best Tent Camping near Buford, GA
Looking for the best options for tent camping near Buford? Finding a place to camp in Georgia with your tent has never been easier. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Georgia tent camping excursion.
Best Tent Sites Near Buford, Georgia (41)
1. Shady Grove Campground
23 Reviews•58 Photos•148 SavesCumming, GeorgiaThis recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
2. Raven Cliff Falls
27 Reviews•128 Photos•397 SavesHelen, GeorgiaRaven Cliff Falls camping This trail is one of North Georgia’s most popular camping destinations. Trailhead campsites offer fantastic stream-side camping just steps from the car, and a fantastic base camp for hiking the Raven Cliff Falls Trail during the day. The trail is also dotted with many backpacking campsites on the creek’s level banks, offering a little more solitude for campers willing to backpack it in. Black bears frequent this wilderness area. Keep all food items and fragrant cosmetics out of reach in a bear canister: many years ago, we lost our camp stove, food and cookware to a trio of bears in a traditionally-hung bear bag along this trail. Campsites are free and first-come, first-claimed. Pack out everything you pack in: this is one of Georgia’s most beautiful Wilderness areas, so please, please leave no trace. (What is Wilderness, and why is it important? Read more in our guide to Wilderness areas in the South.)
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground
28 Reviews•121 Photos•271 SavesLithia Springs, GeorgiaSweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Buford Dam Park Shelters (GA)
2 Reviews•2 Photos•6 SavesCumming, GeorgiaOverview
Buford Dam Park lies just north of Buford Dam on Lake Sidney Lanier. The site features beautiful views of the lake as well as excellent access to swimming, picnicking and boating.
The lake, named for the poet, Sidney Lanier, is well known for its aqua-blue colored water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. Each year, over 7.5 million people come to visit.
Natural Features:
Lake Lanier boasts 38,000 surface acres, 690 miles of shoreline and over 100 small islands. Its location in the forested foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains, makes for a beautiful backdrop to any activity.
Recreation:
Visitors can access the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail from multiple locations and parks. The trail is a 3.5 mile loop that offers great views of the lake and Chattahoochee River. Fisherman can expect to catch a variety of species including bass, catfish and panfish. Activities include fishing, swimming, wake boarding, kayaking and hiking.
Facilities:
Bolding Mill Park offers access to a designated swim beach and the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail. The park also offers a basketball court, soccer field, playground, picnic areas and restrooms.
Nearby Attractions:
Nearby attractions include boat ramps, other USACE parks, and Lake Lanier Islands.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
5. Laurel Park
4 Reviews•4 Photos•20 SavesGainesville, Georgia- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
6. James Shackleford Memorial Park
1 Review•15 SavesAuburn, GeorgiaThis park is located at the intersection of Browns Bridge Road and Appalachee Church Road and was newly dedicated for the late Council member James Shackelford. Before its dedication and reopening, the park was renovated by Scout Troop 774. This park offers camping areas with shelters, and a beautiful nature trail that circles the park.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
7. Panola Mountain State Park Campground
6 Reviews•5 Photos•63 SavesPine Mountain, Georgia- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
8. Hembree Park Campground
2 Reviews•12 SavesRoswell, GeorgiaThe Hembree Park Campsite offers an area for individuals or groups to gather and enjoy nature within the safe environment of a City Park. The site can be used by individuals, families, civic groups, etc. The grounds include an open grass area, fire ring with log seating, 2 picnic tables, and 11 tent pads.
There are no water/electrical hookups, or firewood on-site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
9. Springer Mountain Shelter
5 Reviews•8 Photos•54 SavesChattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GeorgiaBear locker/box is provided, water is available but needs to be filtered/purified.
Springer Mountain Shelter (3700 ft) to trail east on side trail with privy and reliable spring. Established tent sites nearby.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
10. Two Wheels of Suchess
4 Reviews•21 Photos•23 SavesSuches, GeorgiaTwo Wheels of Suches Motorcycle Campground, Restaurant and Lodge offers riders, traveling in the North Georgia Mountains, a place to stop and grab a bite, camp, stay in the lodge or cabins, meet up with old friends and make new ones. The campground offers beautiful camp sites by Canada Creek or near the wooded areas backing up to the National Forest. There are charcoal grills, picnic tables and fire rings throughout the campground. The Bathhouse is newly constructed clean and spacious, heated with separate facilities for men and women. Both offer private dressing area and hot showers. Additional outlets provide for use of hair dryers and charging electronics.
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
Recent Tent Reviews near Buford, GA
1143 Reviews of 41 Buford Campgrounds
- aashley
Guide
Jenny's Creek Family Campground
Nice sites
They have a very nice set up and are very polite. Great prices. We did tent camping with water and electricity. The tent sites are all either beside a creek or next to the pond. Large campsites fo tents, we could have easily had 3 tents comfortably. Highly recommend them!
Natalie C.
Scout
Doll Mountain
Lovely views and great lake swimming
We had 3 couples who spent the long weekend for 4th of July (2016) on two sites in the walk-in tent camping area. There are (non-flush) potties at the tent camping area, but if you're grossed out by those, it's a couple of minutes drive to the closest bath house. The bath house was very satisfactory and pretty clean, plus plenty of hot water. There's a (steep!) trail from the tent camping area down to the lake with some good places for swimming. It would probably be tough to walk a kayak down to the water from tent sites, though. We found the gravel tent pads well maintained and clean.
The location near Ellijay is great. We visited a couple of area wineries, and there's a fun mountain bike trail at Woodring Branch rec area (directly across the lake from Doll Mtn. Campground, but no direct route to get there, so it's about a 45 minute drive.)
George & Patty C.
Ranger
Vogel State Park Campground
Beautiful Park
We spent our three-day Memorial Day weekend at Vogel State Park. We camped in a tent. The staff is very friendly/helpful and the facilities are pristine. Our campsite (#70) was located directly across from the bathhouse and was huge for a "tent" site...we have a 17'x9' tent and the site accommodated our tent, two vehicles and a 5'x8' utility trailer with room to spare! The park has beautiful views and is only a short distance from Brasstown Bald and Helton Creek Falls. The park store had most of the supplies that you would need for camping but, if not, there is a Dollar General located just a few miles away. This is our favorite of the GA State Parks so far!! There are kayak, pedal boat, paddle board and bicycle rentals available!
- K
Kim
Traveler
Payne Campground
Good for boaters.
If you are into boating and have a 30’ or less camper or like to tent camp this is the place for you. There are several lake front sites, both with power/water hookups and primitive tent sites. If you have a larger RV (35’ or bigger) your choice of sites is limited. There are only 2 sites (59 & 60) with full hookups (which are not near the water) but are very spacious. Many of the sites that are advertised as fitting larger rigs would be very challenging to get into and some would be impossible. The bathhouse was in good shape but dated as would be expected for an older COE. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful. We probably won’t be back as we are not lake type folks but will leave space open for other to enjoy.
Joel R.
Legend
Unicoi State Park & Lodge
Nice camping close to Helen GA
Unicoi State Park is just two miles from Helen GA. It is a convenient location for visiting there, particularly in fall during the town’s Octoberfest. Unicoi is in North Georgia Mountains & includes a campground, cabins, “barrel cabins” and Lodge with a nice lake for fishing and canoeing. There are 51 RV sites with water and electricity that can accommodate 30-foot and 40-foot RVs, 82 tent sites, family tent campsites, walk-in sites and primitive “Squirrel’s Nest” sites. The park has numerous hiking trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest, plus a trail into Helen. Nearby is Anna Ruby Falls, administered by the US Forest Service. Smith Creek, a tributary of the Chattahoochee River flows from the falls to Unicoi Lake. It is a good trout fishing stream. Other activists include archery and target shooting, fly fishing, paddle boarding, boat rentals, zip lining, mountain biking and a beach.
- George & Patty C.Ranger
Victoria Bryant State Park Campground
Georgia’s Hidden Gem!
Until this weekend, Hard Labor Creek State Park was our favorite GA campground! Sorry HLC, you’ve been bumped to #2 (still great)!
Victoria Bryant is hidden on Hwy 327, near Royston and, although a small campground, almost EVERY SITE IS PERFECT!
The park offers bicycle rentals, a swimming pool, plenty of picnic areas, multiple spots to play in the creek and some great hiking trails!
The campsites are HUGE and there are several extra amenities for campers to use! There’s a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, picnic pavilion and a central fire pit!
The park staff is great and the camp hosts are helpful! When we first arrived and began to set up, there was an electrical issue at our site but the park maintenance man had it resolved quickly!
The sites do not offer full hookups but there are multiple gray water dump sites in the campground (we used a five gallon bucket for our outdoor sink). We walked across the road from our site and dumped our bucket!
The park has the usual stuff to purchase (ice, firewood, etc.) but you can also head to Hartwell and hit the local Wally World if need be.
If you're camping in a tent, the tent sites are AMAZING! (see attached image) We've never seen these shelters before! You can even hang your hammock(s) underneath the shelter for a true outdoor camping experience!
We enjoyed every minute of our stay here, from the time we arrived to the time we left!
One more thing; if you're a golfer, there is a BEAUTIFUL golf course here as well!
We camped in our pop up but we'll probably be back to try out the tent shelters!!
FYI: Verizon Wireless has full 4G LTE service in the campground...we brought our MiFi Jetpack and streamed Netflix with zero issues!
- AAnnaTraveler
Unicoi State Park & Lodge
Tent camping
The tent camp site was good, bathrooms and water were a close walking distance.
We picked this state park for all the activities. We took archery lessons and did the zip line course. A must is to do all 3 zip line courses. Many go over water and the last of which is 1/2 a mile long. So much fun! It was great to have Helen close by but great to get away from the crowds. The 2 mile Lake Hike was beautiful! 
Brittney D.Scout
Fort Yargo State Park Campground
Manicured but nice!
This place is great if you still want some of the comforts of home. Water spouts are dropped around the sites and there is a bathhouse with showers and hot water accessible to all who camp there! The sites for tent camping are fairly close together-you can definitely see the next site because there aren’t a whole lot of trees but still far enough away to feel comfortable. The tent spots have gravel that is hard to get tent states into but also include a picnic table and a fire pit. Wood can be purchased for $5 from the host but you can also forage from the fallen trees on site. You may have to search around a bit but it worked well enough for my crew.
The lake was so beautiful even in the middle of winter and was such a great spot to camp. Some hikes are close by but none are big for elevation changes or waterfalls or anything like that. Still lots of places to go and get off your campsite. Maybe the best part of this park is the disc golf! My crew enjoyed the course and spent a few good hours there!
I would definitely come back and maybe try out one of the tent sites in the woods for a bit more privacy.
- SShanice C.Traveler
Bolding Mill
Awesome views of the lake, very clean facility.
We had a great experience. We camped in a tent on the lakeside and had a lot of room, the facilities were clean and the campsite was amazing. Great for beginner campers :)
- George & Patty C.Ranger
Don Carter State Park Campground
HOT, HOT, HOT!!!
This is Georgia's newest state park (2013) and it is a beautiful park! The staff is great and there is plenty to see/do! The park is located on Lake Lanier with plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming and boating! There's even a fish cleaning station (located near the main boat ramp entrance).
There are hiking trails, geocaches, a beach area, picnic shelters, cottages and a brand new equestrian trail system!
As far as camping goes, there are primitive tent/hammock sites and an RV campground. The RV campground features all paved campsites so it would be tough camping in a tent (no way to stake your tent).
Now, the ASPHALT is part of the reason for the review's title, coupled with the fact that this is a new park and tree coverage is a bit sparse for the time being. Once the canopy fills out, it will be shady.
We camped in our trusty pop up camper so direct sun is always an issue (non-insulated bunk ends) but a travel trailer/RV would probably fare well (as far as temp goes).
We'll be back but in the Fall when it is a bit cooler!
The campground hosts were friendly and they kept the bath houses/laundry facilities spotless!
This is a beautiful park and we highly recommend it, in the proper weather or camper!
Amar P.GuideRed Top Mountain State Park Campground
Ranger Review: Tensile Flite + at Red Top Mountain, GA
Campground Review:
Red Top Mountain State Park is located in Acworth, GA. The park is located around 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, which made it perfect for summer camping. The park has about 15 miles worth of shaded trails for hiking and mountain biking. The park also has RV, yurt, and cottage options for camping. We rented a first come first serve RV/Tent campsite during our visit, and the price was $35 for one night. The campsite was gate access and had electric/water hookups with 2 car spaces, a BBQ grill, picnic table, and a lot of trees. We had access to a public restroom, showers, and laundry. There were also primitive campsites available to rent, which were closer to the lake. Our group decided to stay at this park because we wanted to utilize the lake. The lake is beautiful; however, it was very crowded the weekend we went. The park overall has a lot of “things to do” and is family friendly, but it was given 4 stars because of how busy and crowded it was during our visit.
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I had the opportunity to test the Tentsile Flite +, which is a tent and hammock fusion. I was super excited to use this product because I am a hammock camper and there are times I wish I had the option of tent camping. The design and uniqueness of Tentsile Flite + is amazing, and I would consider it more of a tent instead of a hammock, because of how flat it lays when suspended in the air.
Pros:
- Comfortable to lay in and no need for sleeping pads or cushions.
- If you are a hammock camper, you can share this tent with another person comfortably.
- The rainfly is clutch and depending on preference it can be attached to the tent, staked to the ground, or tied to the trees.
- The Tensile Flite + is light and can be ideal for backpacking.
- The tent roof is all netting which is great for having ventilation during the summer, keeping bugs out, and also good for sky gazing.
Cons:
- Setup time and the difficulty of getting the right angle and tension.
- It was difficult finding the right trees suspend to.
Overall the Tentsile Flite + is perfect for someone who loves hammock camping, but want to enjoy some of the features tents have. I love the design and the wow factor it has on people. Also the company’s mission is very noble and how they help people in need and the environment.
Dana P.Guide
Van Pugh South Campground
Nice but Noisy
Enjoyed tent camping. Nicely maintained facility, but partiers (or a bar?) across the way on the lake played loud music both nights I was there.
- TTravis D.Scout
Lumpkin Campground
Maybe not open?
i arrived looking for tent camping. Looks like cabins and it was not open. 8:11pm on June 14th, 2021. Maybe its just closed? 1 star.
ReBeCcA F.Guide
River Forks Park & Campground
BEAUTIFUL! I love the views and the deer!
We tent camped here..we were up on a steep hill, but it was beautiful!! The bathrooms were close to the site. We had a great family time here!! Deer were roaming thru the campsite.. so many!! I loved the fresh Georgia air and the atmosphere was just so relaxing!! I do know there is a whole other area for RV camping.. looks fun and nice in that area as well!!
- Virginia W.Guide
Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground
Tent Camping
Beautiful campground with great hiking. I wish there were more tent sites. Very friendly staff.
- Jason R.Scout
Yonah Mountain Campground
Ok not great
Everything was good except the tent sites were on top of each other... way too close
- MMike N.Guide
Don Carter State Park Campground
Very relaxing
My wife and I did the walk-in tent camping. We had a nice, relatively secluded spot. This area of Lake Lanier is pretty quiet. Great for kayaking or paddle boarding.
- DDwightScout
Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground
All types of camping
They have water Front camping on the weather and Forrest for RV’s of all sizes pull through and back in . Full hook-ups and dump station to boot . Also tent camping .
Rachel T.Traveler
Mckinney Campground
We camped here!
We camped here via tent camping, we really enjoyed our stay beautiful views and showers at site were decent getting ready to go view the beach side! But definitely a spot I’d revisit!
- EErnest H.Scout
Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground
Once again - Awesome
Second time tent camping here, but easily my tenth time coming here for the scenery. I bring all out of town visitors here for a great hike and dip in the rapids. Great amenities and wildlife to boot.
- HHanna P.Guide
Shady Grove Campground
Deer everywhere!
This is a very well maintained and popular campground on Lanier. I’ve come here since I was a kid. Tent sites are down some stairs, keep that in mind.
- Jessica D.Guide
Victoria Bryant State Park Campground
Glamping
Tent sites have outlets, water and a light! Really beautiful easy hiking near by and a nice place to swim. Great for an easy family trip.
David Glenn M.TravelerJenny's Creek Family Campground
Happy 4th
This was the first stop on our 10 day July 4th trip. This is a campground that we had visited many times in the past with our kids. In those days we tent camped and it is perfect family tent camping campground.
This was our first time in our travel trailer and it required lots of skills to backend to the sites. Not a lot of room because the roads are slim.The staff is second to none and will go out of there way to make your stay pleasant.
Facilities are great. We use them sometimes to reduce our blank/gray water. They do have a honey wagon for $15, which was very helpful. This is close to Helen where there is lots to do. Lots of wineries to visit and downtown Cleveland is some nice restaurants and an awesome creamery.
J B.TravelerVan Pugh South Campground
Nice secluded site on the lake
The site we stayed at was a tent site with no power or water. But it was a large site and right on the water. We were able to swim all weekend.
Taylor D.Scout
Amicalola Falls State Park Camping
Beautiful campgrounds nestled on top of a mountain
Beautiful area with hiking trails and plenty to do in general. Not far from the lodge with restaurant. Folks camping next door were super nice and even offered me hot food when tent camping in -0 degree weather. Overall pleasant experience and plenty to do and see.
- Stephanie J.Scout
Mckaskey Creek Campground
Tent and RV campground
Very nice, clean and quiet place. Clean restrooms with showers and sinks. Beautiful beach and forest view. Table, geill and fire ring at every site. Tent sites right on the water. Plenty of shade. Will definitely be back soon!!! Highly recommend!!
- JJennifer T.Scout
Mckinney Campground
Not good for tent camping
The guy at the gate was nice I guess. It’s definitely not quiet unless you’re in an RV. And I guess we camped on the wrong morning too because they started mowing the lawn at around 8:30-9 am after listening the highway all night. 10/10 do not recommend tent camping here
Guide to Buford
Tent camping near Buford, Georgia, offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40
- The Shady Grove Campground provides a well-maintained environment with tent sites nestled among trees, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
- At Laurel Park, campers can enjoy access to a splash pad and grilling areas, making it a family-friendly option.
- Hembree Park Campground offers a clean and spacious setting, ideal for families looking for a relaxed camping experience.
Tent campers should check out Shady Grove Campground
- Shady Grove Campground is known for its abundant shade and well-kept facilities, making it a popular choice among campers.
- The Buford Dam Park Shelters provide stunning views of the Chattahoochee River, perfect for those who enjoy fishing and scenic walks.
- James Shackleford Memorial Park features reservable sites and amenities like picnic tables and firewood, enhancing the camping experience.
Local activities for tent campers
- Campers at Panola Mountain State Park Campground can enjoy hiking trails and guided tours, making it a great spot for outdoor adventures.
- The Springer Mountain Shelter serves as the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, attracting hikers looking to start their journey.
- Lance Creek Campsite is a popular stop along the Appalachian Trail, offering beautiful scenery and a chance to spot wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Buford, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Buford, GA is Shady Grove Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Buford, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Buford, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring