Primitive tent camping options surround Carters Lake in North Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest. This area sits at elevations between 1,200 and 2,500 feet, offering moderate temperatures even during summer months. Forest roads leading to camping areas often require high-clearance vehicles, with several creek crossings necessary to reach the more secluded sites.
What to do
Paddling adventures: At Ridgeway Park, kayakers and canoeists find excellent put-in access for exploring Carters Lake. "If you paddle go to ridgeway recreational area. Put in, go right short paddle to Waterfall. Go left into the unknown," reports Rogue Y., noting a $5 parking fee but warning about "churning, burning, stinky jet skiers" arriving later in the day.
Waterfall hiking: The Long Creek Falls area provides excellent day hiking options with swimming opportunities. "There are nice flat sections of the Appalachian Trail that can be accessed by forest road 42 and offers an easy 1 mile hike to the falls," notes Anna R. The surrounding dispersed sites follow the creek with "ample water all around" and side trails that "lead to steep drop offs that allow you to scramble around and find some good swimming holes."
Trout fishing: Three Forks area near Long Creek Falls offers productive fishing opportunities. Kayla S. reports, "Three different trout streams come together here and the fishing is fun. There are rules about what kind of lures/hooks you can use, so be sure to do your research."
What campers like
Creek-side camping: At Hickey Gap in Cohutta WMA, campers appreciate the stream-adjacent sites. "This was a beautiful little spot next to a creek. There are 5 sites in all," shares Mike H., noting that "the road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail." Julia B. adds, "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek."
Tent-only environments: Woodring Branch Primitive Campground offers a tent-focused experience that many appreciate. "I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road," reports Suzanne-Will C.
Backpacking options: Fort Mountain State Park's backcountry sites provide accessible first backpacking experiences. Meaghan G. describes site #4: "The hike to the site is downhill from the stone wall parking lot, so it was pretty easy to get to at only 1 mile. The site is private and pretty large. There were plenty of trees for hammocks and a few flat spots for small tents."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many of the best tent camping near Carters Lake requires appropriate transportation. At Bear Creek Campground, "the campground is located off a dirt road, requires a stream crossing to reach and further hiking from the parking area to the dispersed camping area. Generally, Bear Creek Road is drivable for passenger vehicles but the final stream crossing should only be attempted with a high clearance and possibly 4x4 vehicle."
Water access considerations: Streams may not flow year-round at all sites. At Fort Mountain's backcountry site #4, "A small creek flows through the site for easy water access (but I was told that it doesn't flow all year)," warns Meaghan G.
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report active wildlife. At Hickey Gap, Bob P. spotted "3 copper heads at the creek." The area also has bear activity, with Mike H. noting "There was a pit toilet with plenty of toilet paper and it was quite clean. There's also a bear box and signs clearly indicating there are bears around and that you should keep all food in your vehicle or use the box."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: When camping with children at Hickey Gap, take proper precautions. Julia B. recommends: "Bring a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes. There's no cell service or security so make sure you're making safe decisions."
Kid-friendly sites: Choose locations with manageable terrain. At Woodring Branch, Suzanne-Will C. appreciates that "the water was by the toilets at the entrance but easily walkable from the sites," making it accessible for children.
Educational opportunities: Springer Mountain Shelter offers families a chance to experience the Appalachian Trail's southern terminus. Maria A. suggests "setting up, eating dinner, then heading back to the terminus to watch the sunset there!" The shelter is "only 1 mile away from the nearest parking lot" making it accessible for families with younger hikers.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most primitive sites near Carters Lake aren't suitable for RVs. At Hickey Gap, Mike H. notes "the driveway to and from the camp area is quite steep. Our 2WD (front wheel drive) Honda Passport struggled to get back up it on our way out, and we had to hit the steepest part with some speed to make it out." While they "saw a van/bus dweller there," he cautions to "just know what you're getting into."
