Best Campgrounds near Cherry Log, GA

Cherry Log, Georgia serves as a gateway to camping opportunities in the southern Appalachians with sites distributed throughout the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Campgrounds like Fort Mountain State Park, Amicalola Falls State Park, and Vogel State Park offer established camping with amenities including electric hookups and shower facilities. The area accommodates diverse camping styles with options for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, cabins, and even glamping experiences at select locations. Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area provides riverside camping for those seeking water proximity, while dispersed camping can be found at locations like Three Forks Campground.

Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with some facilities operating year-round while others like Morganton Point Campground have limited seasons (April through November). Primitive sites at locations such as Three Forks Campground offer free camping with minimal amenities, while state parks require reservations and provide more developed facilities. "We got to camp out on the spot right on the river and listened to the water trickling all night long," noted one visitor about the Toccoa River area. Road conditions can be challenging, especially after rain events, with several locations requiring vehicles with adequate ground clearance. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, particularly in valley areas and remote campsites.

Riverside camping represents a significant draw in the Cherry Log area, with multiple sites offering direct water access. The Toccoa River and other waterways provide opportunities for fishing, with several reviewers mentioning excellent trout fishing as a highlight. A recent review emphasized that "they had just stocked the river with trout and we caught a total of 32 fish divided among our group." Campers seeking solitude should consider visiting during weekdays or shoulder seasons, as popular waterfront sites fill quickly during summer months. While most campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities, visitors should be prepared for variable conditions depending on recent weather and seasonal maintenance schedules. Family-friendly sites with swimming areas can be found throughout the region, offering recreational opportunities beyond just camping.

Best Camping Sites Near Cherry Log, Georgia (515)

    1. Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Chatsworth, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 422-1932

    $14 - $55 / night

    "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."

    2. Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    60 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    18 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."

    3. Morganton Point Campground

    17 Reviews
    Morganton, GA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 374-1645

    $26 - $50 / night

    "We were right next to the camp host, which was pretty nice – we didn’t have to go far to ask for wood or ice!  Plus, there were trails leading right to the lake. "

    "Camped on lot 14 which was quite spacious with easy access to the water. Tent was located away from the fire pit and picnic table and the restrooms were close by."

    4. Vogel State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    26 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."

    5. Doll Mountain Campground

    22 Reviews
    Talking Rock, GA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 276-4413

    $26 - $100 / night

    "Doll Mountain Campground near Ellijay, Georgia is located on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake, and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. "

    "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."

    6. Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Morganton, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6928

    $16 / night

    "Great area to explore - very cool swinging bridge, good access to the river, fun watching kayaks, great picnic area, access to Benton McKay trail - no designated campsites"

    "Easy drive. There are only 4 campsites in this area and are first come first serve."

    7. Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    7 Reviews
    Morganton, GA
    8 miles

    $15 / night

    "The camp sites are far enough away from each other to get some privacy"

    "Campsites are very close to the road but the river is across the road. People do fly down the road. Make sure your kids and dogs are safe. Great fishing. Bathrooms available. 1 or 2 bars Verizon."

    8. Three Forks Campground

    10 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    14 miles
    Website

    "All of the sites are situated along a creek, and a fair distance from each other (most sites you drive between) and off the road."

    "Campground Review: Let me begin by specifying that there are two different Three Forks areas in Northh Georgia. One is on the Appalachian Trail and One is near Clayton, Georgia."

    9. Diamond Lure Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ellijay, GA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 273-3075

    $30 - $50 / night

    "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."

    10. Thunder Rock Campground

    20 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    $12 - $20 / night

    "Campsites are close to one another. If you camp at a site near the water, it is really nice, but everyone will walk by your campsite so they can go down the path to the river."

    "Easy access off Hwy 64, so close to stores for food and firewood. Well maintained campsite with clean bathrooms and very clean, nice showers. Alcohol prohibited as think county is dry."

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Recent Reviews near Cherry Log, GA

1778 Reviews of 515 Cherry Log Campgrounds


  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great Campsite, But Let’s Keep It Clean

    This campsite is a great little spot just across the road from the water—peaceful, scenic, and well-situated. I was lucky to grab the last open site, and it turned out to be a perfect place to unwind. The only downside was the amount of trash left behind by previous visitors; I nearly filled a bag cleaning up. A gentle reminder to future campers: please do better and respect this beautiful space. Despite that, it’s truly a gem, and I’ll definitely be coming back.

  • j
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    Great central location.

    I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons. First, it is right in the middle of what I call waterfall country. There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You’re only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain and the Blood Mountain wilderness. Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun. There are some great German restaurants there. As to the park itself, I tent camp, and the campsites are excellent. Nice bathroom and shower facilities close by and regardless of the time of year it has never been crowded. Definitely worth $25 a night and I get a discount because I’m a senior (Remember you have to ask for the discount. They won’t tell you). If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you’ll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc. The Smith Creek pub is a nice little restaurant for a quick meal or a drink.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Red top mountain state park

    Plenty of campsites, some on the lake. RV, tents, yurts. Spaces 1-12 are especially nice since they are spacious and can handle class A and 5th wheelers. All 12 have water electric and sewer. We have a class C and prefer 1-12 because there is plenty of space between sites.

  • Kayla D.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    It’s a NO from us

    I wanted to wait a few days before writing this review — truthfully, I wanted to wait until after we checked out. I dreaded the retribution of Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Farmer, the campground manager, which I was sure would follow.

    Our church group had been looking forward to this camping trip for nearly a year. I’ve personally camped at Bald Ridge Creek Campground many times and never had a single issue — until now. Our church typically takes two group trips a year at another Forsyth County campground, but this year, we decided to rent nine sites at Bald Ridge. Even Cindy seemed excited that we were coming!

    We’re a Baptist group — not exactly known for our wild nights. We sing, we fellowship, and we’re back in our campers by 10 p.m. But according to “Queen Cindy,” you’d think we were a pack of college kids throwing keg parties.

    Our crime? An evening of worship and fellowship — a small keyboard, a guitar, and around 50 people spread over three campsites for a couple of hours each night. Cindy declared it an “event” (apparently forbidden) and told us we couldn’t do it again and threatened to make us all leave. She also banned us from eating together — saying we could gather while serving food but had to disperse to our own campsites immediately once we got our plates.

    The only actual rule violation came from one site where a tent wasn’t put up right away. Cindy seized on that excuse to call dispatch and have three sheriff’s deputies sent to “deal with” our peaceful group of families, children, and worshipers.

    To their credit, the deputies couldn’t have been kinder, yet embarrassed that they even had to be there. They laughed at the situation, noting they’re called out to the campground frequently because of Cindy’s pettiness and made-up rules. They said our little keyboard — which Cindy had described like it was a baby grand piano — was no problem at all. They simply advised us to set up the tent and let her stomp it out.

    Cindy even claimed that someone had called the Corps of Engineers to report us — at 7:00 p.m., during the government shutdown, when the office wasn’t even open. 🙄

    For context, Cindy lives at the campground for free as part of her role as host. It’s time for someone new to take over. She also wears a body camera and records campers (which is legal, I know), but as a county employee, those recordings are public record.

    We’ll continue to pray without ceasing for her — that the Lord softens her heart. But until then, I can’t recommend Bald Ridge Creek Campground to anyone who values fair treatment, hospitality, or simple human kindness.

  • paul Z.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Harrison Bay State Park Campground

    Great place even with unlevel sites

    We had a great stay here. Luckily I brought extra leveling blocks after reading other reviews. Loop C site 26 was a great spot listed as water view but the lake was right there. Might as well have been called waterfront. Had to block up the rear wheels on our class A to get level but we brought those with us. Had our Canoe in the water right behind us and plenty of room for the car and dolly. Awesome hiking trails and a great little seasonal restaurant at the marina. We will come back here again

  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rough Creek Dispersed

    Only 2 Sites

    Gorgeous area at the end of the road. Only 2 sites and one intense drive to get here. It takes about 35 minutes to go 4 miles. Ground clearance and off road tires needed

  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Little Gassaway Creek

    1 Campsite off 4 x 4 Road

    Found this site on the way to another. Only one campsite and requires either off-road tires or 4 x 4


Guide to Cherry Log

Camping near Cherry Log, Georgia, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "The park is very clean and well maintained... Several trails and waterfalls, for example the AT, are nearby" at Vogel State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the serene waters at Doll Mountain Campground, where one visitor said, "The lake is beautiful! There are so many mountain bike trails within 20-45 mins from this location."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Fort Mountain State Park Campground noted, "Bears were active in the area," adding an exciting element to your stay.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. One reviewer at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping mentioned, "The campground was neat, clean, and quiet."
  • Secluded Sites: Many enjoy the privacy of the campsites. A visitor at Chilhowee Recreation Area shared, "Large private sites throughout... The F loop is very quiet during the week."
  • Friendly Staff: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. A camper at Thunder Rock Campground said, "Friendly camp host that regularly checks the grounds and bathrooms."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell reception. A camper at Gee Creek Campground noted, "The nearest town is about 15 minutes down the hill but has everything," indicating that you might want to plan ahead.
  • Narrow Roads: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground mentioned, "Roads are smooth but narrow in some places," so drive carefully.
  • Weather Variability: Be ready for changing weather conditions. A camper at Raven Cliff Falls advised, "If you arrive in the dark while it’s pouring rain, the campsites are located in a few places," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A family at Gee Creek Campground enjoyed, "The kids loved the playground, and the fairytale story walk."
  • Spacious Campsites: Choose sites that offer room for kids to play. A reviewer at Doll Mountain Campground mentioned, "The sites are private and not on top of each other, which is nice."
  • Plan for Rain: Bring extra gear for wet weather. A camper at Chilhowee Recreation Area noted, "The roads are narrow, but in good repair," which can help during rainy days.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A visitor at Fort Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "There are really nice bathhouses located in each loop," which can be a plus for RVers.
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends. A camper at Thunder Rock Campground advised, "Make reservations online as it fills up on the weekends."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds do not sell firewood. A camper at Chilhowee Recreation Area noted, "There’s no camp store and no firewood, so bring your own if you plan on making a campfire."

Camping near Cherry Log, Georgia, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cherry Log, GA located?

Cherry Log is a small community nestled in the North Georgia mountains, situated between the towns of Blue Ridge and Ellijay in Gilmer County. This picturesque mountain area sits approximately 90 miles north of Atlanta along Highway 515. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Chattahoochee National Forest and nearby Doll Mountain Campground, which stretches into Carter's Lake. Cherry Log is also conveniently located near Fort Mountain State Park, offering visitors easy access to higher elevation recreation areas. The community's strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of North Georgia's mountains, lakes, and forests.

What are the best things to do in Cherry Log, GA?

Cherry Log and its surroundings offer abundant outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. Hiking is popular, with excellent trails at Vogel State Park, perfectly situated along Highway 19 in the North Georgia mountains. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy Lake Chatuge at Jackrabbit Mountain, which offers paddleboarding, swimming, and boating opportunities. Cherry Log is also known for antiquing, apple picking (seasonal), and visiting local craft breweries. The Benton MacKaye Trail passes nearby for serious hikers, while families might enjoy the scenic drive to nearby Blue Ridge for the mountain railway experience. Don't miss exploring the area's waterfalls, fishing in mountain streams, and experiencing local Appalachian culture through festivals, music, and crafts.

What cabins are available to rent in Cherry Log, Georgia?

Cherry Log offers several cabin rental options for visitors seeking a mountain getaway. Enota Mountain Retreat provides well-maintained cabins on beautiful property featuring waterfalls and streams. For those wanting proximity to water activities, Nacoochee Adventures offers camp houses with private settings and the relaxing sound of a nearby creek. Many cabins in Cherry Log feature rustic charm with modern amenities, wooded privacy, and spectacular mountain views. Additional options include luxury cabins with hot tubs, pet-friendly accommodations, and romantic retreats for couples—all providing convenient access to the natural beauty and outdoor recreation of North Georgia.