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Camping near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

1,911 Reviews

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests spread across Georgia with different camping options throughout. Unicoi State Park near Helen has tent and RV sites with restrooms and showers available. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground lets you camp near hiking trails with good views of the gorge itself. Don Carter State Park Campground sits at Lake Lanier's north end, with big campsites that work well for fishing trips. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground has higher elevation sites where temperatures stay cooler and you can see mountains for miles. Most campgrounds connect to good roads, though you might need a higher-clearance vehicle for some areas. The weather can change a lot between daytime and nighttime, so pack accordingly. Make sure to follow Leave No Trace practices while camping to help keep the forests in good shape. These campgrounds work well as starting points for day trips, whether you're with family or camping solo.

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Best Camping Sites Near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (588)

    1. Vogel State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2628

    $30 - $290 / night

    "Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."

    "Vogel State Park is hands down one of the nicest parks in Georgia. It has great hiking trails for every level of hiker, and a very beautiful lake that's great for fishing and paddling."

    2. Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    50 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 878-2201

    "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."

    "Perched on the side of the beautiful Georgia mountains, I feel as if you're 1,000,000 miles away from the madness."

    3. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    6 miles
    Website

    "There are two sides of the camp, the camp side and the trail side. It is very, very high traffic on the weekends. There is water and bathroom access."

    "Raven Cliff Falls is another popular spot in Northeast Georgia. Its on one one of the most scenic highways and s in a great location if you want to venture into Helen, Brasstown, Bald, or Hiawassee."

    4. Desoto Falls Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6928

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This area of Georgia is chock full of great places to hike and explore."

    "We kept hearing this phrase from people out on the trails, it’s so worth it. Mildly tough trek, with stairs on the short path, but the end result is worth the struggle for the amateur hiker."

    5. Trackrock Campground & Cabins

    22 Reviews
    Blairsville, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-2420

    "Great campground surrounded by the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. Also a working horse farm so be sure and schedule a guided horseback ride. Full hookup sites that are private."

    "Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."

    6. Jenny's Creek Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cleveland, GA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 865-6955

    "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!"

    "We were trying to be close to Helen, GA without actually being IN Helen, GA. For our 2 night stay, this was nice. My family is used to staying in dispersed sites."

    7. Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    58 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 265-4703

    "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."

    8. Don Carter State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Lula, GA
    19 miles
    +1 (678) 450-7726

    $25 - $225 / night

    "Situated at the far north end of Lake Lanier, this Georgia state park is awesome! One of the best things about it for RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites!"

    "This Georgia State Park is in Gainesville on the Chattahoochee where it meets up with Lake Lanier.  It was very easy to get to from the Atlanta area. "

    9. Lake Winfield Scott Campground

    9 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 747-3816

    $26 - $125 / night

    "This is a nice sprawling campground sort of hidden away in the north Georgia mountains. The lake is great for swimming and there is plenty of shade and greenery."

    "Gorgeous little lake with nice walking trails. Clean bathrooms and super nice campground host."

    10. Desoto Falls

    8 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6928

    "The falls are beautiful: the walk to the upper falls was like a verdant Grimm’s fairy tale. Just with less death, I mean."

    "Ravens Cliffs is one of my favorite spots in Georgia. Great camping at the base of Ravens cliff and also camping at Desoto Falls. Lots of nice hikes near by."

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Recent Camping Photos near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

821 Photos of 588 Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

1911 Reviews of 588 Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Campgrounds

  • A
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Margaritaville

    Best Campground Ever

    My wife and I went here for a week back in June 2025. I’ve been to many campgrounds in my day and I can say this one by far is the best. Clean campsites, fun amenities and great golf.

    We went to a Braves game one night since it is only an hour away and made may fond memories. I have already scheduled my week to go back again in 2026!

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Bobbi Jo P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Hickory Gap

    One of our favorite places!

    Nice small campground with 5 sites. Fills up during hunting season. Can't beat the peaceful sounds of the creek and nature at its finest!

  • Zoey W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great campsite, you guys are pansies though

    great spot, can see the stars super clearly and its pretty much just open woodland once youre there.

    you dont need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, i did it fine in my honda civic, just dont have anything with worse clearance than that, and be ready to get some branch scratches which is kinda expected for wood roads

  • Suzanne-Will C.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Great Tent Camping

    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. The water was by the toilets at the entrance but easily walkable from the sites.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Best off grid camping

    This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.

  • Doug S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Persimmon Creek RV Park

    Beautiful Little Camp Ground

    Persimmon Creek is a beautiful and peaceful place. The owner is very friendly and helpful. It is centrally located to some great attractions.

Guide to Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Camping near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something to offer.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails in the area. At Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Nice trails with beautiful scenery," making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: Enjoy some fishing at Don Carter State Park Campground. A camper noted, "A great place to camp with lots of hiking trails; there’s even a canoe trail!"
  • Water Activities: Spend time on the water at Moccasin Creek State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "The dock and the fishing was very nice and great areas to go boating close by."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Vogel State Park Campground stated, "The campground is very clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground, a visitor said, "The staff attending the lodge store were welcoming and knowledgeable."
  • Scenic Views: The stunning landscapes are a big draw. One camper at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping remarked, "Beautiful area with hiking trails and plenty to do in general."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A review for Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Road Conditions: Be aware that some roads can be narrow or steep. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground noted, "The roads are smooth but narrow in some places."
  • Limited Privacy: Many sites may lack privacy. One review for Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "While privacy of sites varied, we spotted a few with really lovely mountainside views."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Unicoi State Park & Lodge, a reviewer highlighted, "Great playground with a sweet stream and lake access."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. One family at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping enjoyed the "zip line, archery and plenty of other activities."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes. A camper at Raven Cliff Falls mentioned, "The hike itself was beautiful," but snacks can help keep energy up.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for River Falls at the Gorge warned, "The camp site they rented us was too small for our RV."
  • Utilize Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. One RV camper at Don Carter State Park Campground appreciated the "grey tank hookup which is nice."
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. A visitor at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "Research the roads if you have a large camper."

Camping near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of campgrounds to choose from. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are permits required for camping in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest?

Camping permits vary by location within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Most developed campgrounds like Doll Mountain Campground require payment of camping fees rather than formal permits. For dispersed camping in general forest areas, a free permit is typically not required, but campers must follow forest regulations including camping at least 150 feet from water sources and using established sites. Don Carter State Park Campground, while technically a state park within the forest region, requires reservations and fee payment. Always check with the specific ranger district before your trip, as requirements can change seasonally or by location.

What are the best camping areas in Chattahoochee National Forest?

The Chattahoochee National Forest offers exceptional camping experiences across diverse settings. Fort Mountain State Park Campground stands out for its elevated location providing cooler temperatures and private wooded campsites that make summer camping more enjoyable. For those seeking free camping options, Raven Cliff Falls provides a gorgeous setting with water and bathroom access, though it gets very busy on weekends. Other excellent options include Desoto Falls Recreation Area and Lake Winfield Scott for their scenic beauty and amenities. When camping in designated sites, be aware that rangers actively enforce regulations against setting up in non-established areas.

What hiking trails are available in Oconee National Forest?

The Oconee National Forest features several scenic hiking trails catering to different skill levels. Near the Georgia-South Carolina border, Chau Ram County Park offers hiking trails alongside waterfall and river rapid views. For a more challenging experience, Black Rock Mountain State Park provides extensive hiking opportunities with impressive mountain vistas. The Appalachian Trail also cuts through portions of the forest, connecting to numerous side trails. For water-oriented hiking, trails around Lake Chatuge at Jackrabbit Mountain connect to mountain biking paths. Most trails are well-marked and maintained, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more strenuous mountain ascents.

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