19 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Carters Lake in northern Georgia features several developed campgrounds operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, with Doll Mountain Campground serving as a primary destination for lake access. The peninsula-shaped Doll Mountain offers both tent and RV sites with various amenities including electric hookups, water access, and picnic tables. Nearby alternatives include Woodring Campground, which provides more primitive camping options primarily for tents, and Fort Mountain State Park, which adds cabin accommodations to its camping inventory. Most campgrounds in the region cater to both tent and RV campers, though amenities vary significantly between locations.
The terrain around Carters Lake presents navigation challenges with steep roads and significant elevation changes. "Be 100% positive in your ability to handle your rig and you have the correct vehicle to pull your rig. This campground has severe grades and hard switchbacks," noted one visitor about Doll Mountain. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with many closing from late October through early April. Water access is a key consideration, as some sites provide direct lake access while others are positioned on bluffs or ridges with views but no immediate water entry points. Cell service varies throughout the region, with AT&T generally providing better coverage than other carriers according to camper reports.
Waterfront camping represents the most sought-after experience at Carters Lake, with campers frequently highlighting the lake views and swimming opportunities. Some sites feature built-in wooden platforms ideal for tent camping, while others include concrete pads designed for RVs. A camper described their experience: "We stayed at a site that had water and electric. However, there was a septic dump site leaving the campground. At Doll Mountain there are all types of campsites." Privacy between sites varies by location, with many campers noting the generous spacing between sites at Doll Mountain compared to other regional campgrounds. For those seeking seclusion, several reviews recommend sites 9-13 at Doll Mountain Campground or exploring the more primitive options at Woodring Branch, which limits RV access and provides a quieter atmosphere.
"Its usually a good bit cooler due to the elevation, and the private wooded campsites make tent camping in Georgia’s summer heat much more enjoyable. Good hiking and things to do nearby."
"There's nice trails in the park one around the lake & one to a small waterfall across the street. There is no cell service."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $55 / night
"The sites are tucked into the trees, lots of great spots for your hammock! We stayed at a walk-in site, but were still close to a pit toilet and our car."
"My site #38 had no sites on either side and a nice tent platform overlooking Carters lake. The bathrooms were clean but old and right across from my site. No access to the lake is the only drawback."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $31 - $120 / night
"Easy access sites but some are close together with lots of trees on beautiful Carters Lake in the north Georgia mountains."
"Carters Lake is a great deep lake, clean and private. Bring your kayaks cause y’all wanna explore the lake plenty of little swimming holes."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $50 / night
"It's proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better."
"If you're taking off on the AT, then you need to get walking. However, if you want a small taste of the AT and would like to camp out near the starting point, then this is a great place to be."
"The Doll Mountain campground sits along side Carters Lake in North Georgia. It is an Army Corp of engineer's lake and has no homes along it's banks. It's a great place to get out into nature."
"Camped at Doll Mountain on Carters Lake again this past weekend. Perfect weather and a great trip. The lake is not developed and very quiet so perfect for kayaking."
"It was hard to find a place that allowed 1 night that still had reservations but based on positive feedback on the Georgia RV FB group I found this place."
"Very close to the highway, but quite and well maintained."
from $30 - $60 / night
"The cement pad was plenty long enough to position the rig for the sewer connection at the back of the pad, while still allowing us to put the patio down and park our F450 fully on the site."
"They have plenty of pads for pull behinds or the fancy RV. Plenty of hookups for all your needs. 2 pools, weight room, live music, restaurant, bar, dog park, dog bath, and close to all local stores."
from $95 - $130 / night
"The campground entrance is 10 miles on the right off the Redbud Rd exit. Only con is not a lot of shade in the campsites."
"The campground is situated on a hill with the campsites tiered one above(or below) the next. Not much in shade or privacy but well kept and clean."
"Upon driving up, you see the office and the big lake behind it and it’s breathtaking. There’s a little beach to swim in or go fishing, etc."
"We found this place by mistake looking at another location close by. This is a wonderful little place. Sites are adequate and bath houses are clean. We already booked another trip."
from $30 - $50 / night
"Stayed in the upper loop away from the lake but could still see the water from where we stayed. We walked the trail up to the lookout tower it was challenging and pretty."
"It almost feels like you're not in Georgia because a lot of reviews look very different compared to the typical Blue ridge mountain camping trip."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $8 - $15 / night
GuideWell Hank and I stayed at McKinney site 125 one week and 123 the second week we had some work to do in the area. We had a really great time. The neighbors brought us some taco soup and cornbread to go with my roast and broccoli the hose were really helpful and friendly. Oh and all I highly recommend Mc Kinney campground for people to come here.
GuideJust so beautiful and awesome. Camp host was lovely and our site could not have been more perfect. Internet said it was a walk up but it was a drive up. Site 52, I’m convinced it has to be the best one there. It adjoins via a mild staircase to 53 and would be perfect for two families to have. It’s right on the water and the sunset was phenomenal. Love it a lot. Electric and water, picnic table and fire ring.
TravelerIt is a beautiful campground and very friendly. The sites are spacious and it is was a great time with my family and my truck camper.
ScoutI love this run down old campground. They are slowly fixing up the amenities, but the sites probably haven’t been fixed up in decades. That’s honestly the charm of itv
GuideLeft Pigeon Forge Tn. GPS took us on an adventure, route 129 The Tail of the Dragon 318 curves switchback and hairpins I was nervous but slayed it. Lol. Peachtree Cove RV Park is perfect for quiet camping. Dog run area stream or river at most sites. I had a reservation at Andrew’s Valley Railway Tour highly recommend both of these
ScoutI camped here with a friend last weekend and absolutely loved this place! It's a cute little site with a great host, clean bathrooms, free firewood, and super friendly dogs, goats, and people. I would for sure stay here again and recommend.
ScoutA great find to hang your hat for the evening. New owners look like they are doing amazing up grades. Our site 57 didn’t have a picnic table or fire ring but I’m sure they are working on it. Fairly quite and we would for sure come back and give it a 5 star when their done on the remodel.
GuideParksville Lake RV Campground is an absolute gem! I had a fantastic stay here. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the sites are nice, spacious, and wonderfully shaded by the trees. We loved the layout of the RV loop, especially the outer section where a peaceful creek flows right past the sites—the sound of the water at night was perfect. The restrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-kept. I had Starlink connectivity at my site and my WeBoost cell signal booster gave me up to three bars on AT&T. The campground host was incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful. It's a wonderful, relaxing spot, and I will definitely be back!
TravelerWater was very low and poor quality. Host was friendly but don’t buy his wood - it doesn’t burn well. County water tasted funny, probably minimal treatment. We had quite a hike to the restroom, which wasn’t regularly cleaned.
Carters Lake spans over 3,200 acres and is the deepest lake in Georgia with depths reaching 450 feet. Unlike many lakes in the region, Carters Lake has no private development along its shoreline, creating a pristine camping environment surrounded by undisturbed forest. Seasonal water temperatures vary dramatically, with summer surface temperatures reaching 80°F while depths below 50 feet remain consistently cool.
Fishing opportunities: Carters Lake offers exceptional fishing with several species available year-round. At Diamond Lure Campground, you'll find "a tranquil lake on the property" with easy access for anglers of all skill levels. According to one camper, "The lake is full of bass and brim and is perfect for kayak fishing" at Lake Conasauga.
Hiking trails: The area features numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. At Fort Mountain State Park Campground, "there are awesome trails and varied trails with lots of elevation. The Gahuti is the most known hiking trail here and we never saw another hiker on the trail except each other when our solo hiking excursions crossed paths." Another visitor notes that "Wonderful hiking trails with many mountain views" are available.
Water recreation: Beyond swimming, many campgrounds offer additional water activities. Woodring Campground features "a lake to fish in, and we walked the trail around it every day." One visitor explained, "The lake is clear and scenery is awesome. If you have a boat, there is a boat dock and several of the sites you can tie your boat up right next to them."
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites for added privacy. At Woodring Campground, "Sites are spaced out and it is hard enough to reach that it keeps all the big fifth wheels and buses away." One visitor to Doll Mountain noted their site was "separated from the other groups of sites. It was fantastic, the views of the lake were great."
Waterfront access: Direct lake access is highly valued. At Doll Mountain Campground, "If you don't mind a little hike campsite 20 is the best you will find. It was right off the water." Another camper shared, "Our campsite was large with a fire ring, BBQ grill and picnic table. Also, had a lantern post. We stayed at site A which was down a steep slope but, we had a nice view of the lake and even went for a swim right from our campsite."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and amenities are consistently mentioned. A camper at 411 River Rest Campground praised "the bathhouses are exceptional. A very nice playground for the kids and a splash pad is in the plans for the near future." At Woodring Campground, visitors appreciated that the "bathhouse was clean, has 2 showers available."
Seasonal operations: Many smaller campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Woodring Branch operates from "April 4 to October 26," while Salacoa Creek Park runs from "April 1 to November 1." Make reservations well in advance for peak summer months.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. At Lake Conasauga, "you have to drive over an hour down a gravel road to the campground" and "4x4 is not needed but a vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended." Consider your vehicle's capabilities before booking remote sites.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the region. One visitor to Fort Mountain State Park noted, "We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival." Lake Conasauga advises campers to "keep your camp very clean, it has bear-proof trash cans and toilets."
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Salacoa Creek Park has "a playground in the campground and a beach with another playground in the near by day use area." One visitor noted it's "great for relaxing. Kids playing during the day. Quiet nights."
Swimming areas: Dedicated swim beaches make for safer family fun. Diamond Lure Campground features "a little beach to swim in or go fishing" and even has "a dog beach" for four-legged family members. Another camper mentioned they have "things for dogs! (Dog bath, dog beach, dog park, etc)."
Platform camping options: For a unique family experience, Fort Mountain offers platform sites. A visitor describes: "We chose Fort Mountain for the variety of camping options they had, specifically the platform sites. As one of our primary requirements for camping is privacy and a place our kids can run around without bothering anyone else, having a place slightly off the main road sounded perfect--and it was."
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your specific needs. At Amicalola Falls State Park Camping, "We have a 27' airstream and there are a couple campsites that are hard to get into. Number 18 does not look hard, but the layout is very difficult to get into. The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper."
Electrical service: Verify power requirements before booking. At 411 River Rest Campground, "Sites are very level and we didn't have to level the axles at all. Sites are roomy and well laid out." Another visitor confirmed they had "electric water AND cable hookups."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Salacoa Creek Park, there are "30 and 50 amp service with water. No sewers but has a easy access dump station before the camp sites." Plan accordingly or select a site with sewer hookups if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds on Carters Lake?
The top campgrounds on Carters Lake include Doll Mountain Campground and Woodring Campground. Doll Mountain offers diverse camping options including tent platforms with lake views, plus sites with water and electric hookups. The campground sits on a peninsula stretching into the lake with clean bathhouses and shower facilities. Woodring Campground, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, features easy-access sites among trees with friendly staff. Both campgrounds provide excellent access to Carters Lake's clean, deep waters - perfect for kayaking, fishing, and swimming in a natural setting with beautiful mountain views and no private development along the shoreline.
Are there RV rentals available at Carters Lake, Georgia?
There are no on-site RV rentals directly at Carters Lake campgrounds. However, the area is RV-friendly with several campgrounds accommodating recreational vehicles. Talona Ridge RV Resort near East Ellijay provides full RV facilities close to Carters Lake. For RV rentals, check with outdoor recreation companies in nearby towns like Ellijay or Chatsworth. Diamond Lure Campground near Ellijay is also big-rig friendly and may have information about local rental options. Most visitors bring their own RVs to Carters Lake, where campgrounds like Doll Mountain offer water and electric hookups with a dump station available at the exit.
Is island camping allowed at Carters Lake?
Island camping is not permitted at Carters Lake. This undeveloped Army Corps of Engineers lake has strict regulations to preserve its natural beauty and ecosystem. Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds such as Doll Mountain Campground and other established sites around the lake. The lake's undeveloped shoreline makes it ideal for kayaking and exploring, but overnight stays must be at official campgrounds. For those seeking a more remote experience, Raven Cliff Falls in the general region offers a more backcountry feel while still providing established sites. Remember that rangers actively enforce camping regulations throughout the Carters Lake area.
How do I make camping reservations at Carters Lake?
Reservations for Carters Lake campgrounds can be made through the Recreation.gov website or by calling their reservation line. For Doll Mountain, you should book well in advance during peak seasons as sites fill quickly. Pay close attention to park hours as late arrivals may not be permitted entry. The campground offers various site types including those with water and electric hookups. When making reservations, note that some campgrounds like Fort Mountain State Park Campground in the vicinity require separate reservations through Georgia State Parks. Reservation windows typically open 6 months in advance, and holiday weekends book especially quickly.
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