Tent camping options near Buford, Georgia range from primitive backcountry sites to water-adjacent locations with basic amenities. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the area sits at elevations between 1,000-4,400 feet with a humid subtropical climate that provides mild winters and hot summers. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more comfortable camping conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 5-mile round trip at Raven Cliff Falls offers multiple cascades along the journey. A camper noted, "Raven Cliff Falls trail is a 2.5 miles hike that ends at a breathtaking waterfall, but the trail doesn't quite end there. Once you arrive at the falls there's plenty of room to roam the dozens of rock structures."
Mountain summit views: Blood Mountain Shelter provides panoramic vistas after a moderate climb. "It was a little buggy until the wind picked up -- it definitely cooled down at night even in the summer due to the wind so make sure you set up in a spot with a windbreak or bring layers," advises one visitor.
Wildlife observation: Early morning and dusk provide opportunities to spot deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Bears are active throughout the camping areas, requiring proper food storage. At Laurel Park, campers can enjoy "plenty of access to Lake Lanier, and plenty of room for grilling out" while watching for water birds.
What campers like
Natural water features: Most campers appreciate sites positioned near creeks or lakes for both recreation and ambient sounds. At James Shackleford Memorial Park, visitors report being "able to find plenty of outdoor stuff to do" with sites positioned around the lake offering consistent recreation options.
Motorcycle-friendly base camp: Two Wheels of Suchess provides specialized amenities for motorcyclists exploring North Georgia roads. "TWO has tent sites, trees to hammock and small cabins for rent. The property is well planned and maintained. On site is a main barn house for gathering with a restaurant, a flowing creek and picnic area."
Accessibility to trails: Many campers value locations with direct trail access. Woody Gap Campground provides easy access to the Appalachian Trail with "plenty of room to camp and fires are allowed. It is on the AT so primitive spots only."
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water sources vary dramatically by season and recent rainfall. At Springer Mountain Shelter, a camper reported that "last July it was just a small trickle but still filled our bottles."
Vehicle access considerations: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles, particularly after rain. For Two Wheels of Suchess, "the campground and cabin areas are accessible via a bridge that is purposely not wide enough for a car to cross, but motorcycles and trikes can."
Facility limitations: Understand what amenities are available before arrival. At Buford Dam Park Shelters, "the bathrooms were locked when we went so make sure you keep that in mind when coming here. There is not a convenience store for miles, the nearest is 20-30 mins drive away."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Panola Mountain State Park offers guided interpretive programs. "We took the guided tour of the Mountain and it was awesome. We ate Pine Trees and they explained about lichen and the red fungus. Highly recommended."
Beginner-friendly options: Choose sites with minimal hiking required for first-time backpackers. Blood Mountain provides a good starting point where "we are beginner backpackers and had a great time—definitely recommend this for a quick one night trip if you're new to backpacking."
Entertainment alternatives: During wet weather, have backup plans ready. Laurel Park offers a "splash pad that's operating from late spring through summer" providing alternative entertainment when hiking conditions are poor.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-suitable locations: Most tent camping areas near Buford are not designed for larger vehicles. At Hembree Park Campground, a visitor noted "It's not an RV park, they said there's is a little section of the park for RV but non hookups of any kind."
Smaller rigs only: For those with compact RVs under 26 feet, some locations can accommodate overnight stays. At Raven Cliff Falls, campers report staying "in the parking lot in our small rig. (Under 26 ft) we had our super quiet generator running and had no issues."
Parking challenges: Most tent-focused areas have limited parking space for larger vehicles. At Buford Dam Park Shelters, "parking is off of the main road and there is not a lot of room for oversized vehicles."
