Best Campgrounds near Clarkesville, GA

The Clarkesville area in northeast Georgia features several established campgrounds within a short drive of town, including Moccasin Creek State Park directly on Lake Burton and Tallulah Gorge State Park approximately 15 miles east. The region supports diverse camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and cabin rentals. Black Rock Mountain State Park, situated at Georgia's highest elevation point, offers cooler temperatures and scenic mountain views about 20 miles northeast of Clarkesville. Lake Russell Recreation Area provides additional waterfront camping options with both tent and RV sites available seasonally from May through October.

Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during peak summer months and fall color season when tourism increases throughout north Georgia. Elevation changes significantly impact camping conditions, with higher elevation sites at Black Rock Mountain offering relief from summer heat but closing during winter months. Panther Creek Recreation Area provides more rustic camping with vault toilets and no hookups, while state parks like Moccasin Creek offer modern amenities including showers and electric sites. Cell service varies throughout the mountainous terrain, with coverage gaps common in more remote areas. One visitor noted that "the campground is secluded and quiet. So many stairs down to the gorge but worth it! The waterfalls are beautiful and the park staff are all very nice."

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Lake Burton sites at Moccasin Creek State Park filling quickly during summer months. Campers frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails as a significant advantage, with Tallulah Gorge and Panther Creek Falls being popular destinations. Several visitors noted that campgrounds in the region tend to be relatively close together, with one camper commenting that "the camp sites are too close for our liking. It feels like everyone is in your business here." For those seeking more seclusion, primitive camping options can be found along trails like Raven Cliff Falls, where sites are described as being "right next to Dodd Creek so we had the peaceful sounds of running water to put us to sleep at night." The region's combination of mountain and lake access makes it popular for multi-activity trips including hiking, fishing, and water recreation.

Best Camping Sites Near Clarkesville, Georgia (484)

    1. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    Tallulah Falls, GA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 754-7981

    $36 - $45 / night

    "You are in between Clayton and Clarkesville where there are good local places to eat. The campground is up the road a bit so you don't really hear the highway noise."

    "Tallulah Gorge is located in the far north east corner of Georgia. The campground is pretty tight, and difficult to maneuver with a large RV."

    2. Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    50 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    13 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."

    "Nestled in pristine North Georgia mountains. Good for single, family or even group campers. Close to a wonderful Bavarian town know as Helen Georgia."

    3. River Falls at the Gorge

    22 Reviews
    Lakemont, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 754-0292

    "Located right on the River in Lakemont GA. This campground is in a perfect location next to lots of trails, waterfalls and amenities. The campground itself has an indoor and outdoor pool."

    "Full hook ups in A section and then plenty more around the camp ground that offer all but sewage.
    1 video of the gorge which is really close by and a nice hike"

    4. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Rabun Gap, GA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 746-2141

    $20 - $255 / night

    "We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."

    "The highest state park in Georgia has two general camping sections with power and water (and free cable if you're so inclined to hook up to watch TV)."

    5. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    16 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."

    6. Vogel State Park Campground

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

    $30 - $260 / 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."

    7. 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. "

    8. Lake Russell Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Mount Airy, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 778-8427

    $24 - $48 / night

    "Loop A is in walking distance to the beach area/day use area. It was so peaceful! There’s one bathroom in Loop A. With 2 stalls and one shower in the women’s portion."

    "It feels pretty secluded from the city because of the long drive in. Beautiful sites and plenty of trails nearby. My friend and I brought our hammocks and enjoyed a very peaceful weekend."

    9. Moccasin Creek State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Tiger, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 947-3194

    $40 - $45 / night

    "We stayed in site 5 which is close to bathrooms but not too close. We had a beautiful view of the lake and our site was right next to the river."

    "Its right next to the trout hatchery and Lake Burton so you have great access to recreation on the water."

    10. Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping

    9 Reviews
    Turnerville, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6221

    $4 / night

    "Panther Creek Trail and I go back about 30 years. The campground is on the other side of 441 from the trail head."

    "It offers a 3.5 mile trail to Panther Creek falls and if you want to hike all the way through to Yonah dam it is roughly 5.8 miles. Be warned, the trail after the falls is challenging."

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Recent Reviews near Clarkesville, GA

1887 Reviews of 484 Clarkesville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • SnakeEyes C.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Under The Hemlock Campground and Cabins

    Not what you think

    Great place for a one night visit DONT stay any longer than that! Your pets will go missing, the showers don’t work and are nasty! The owner Mike is only nice if you are there for one night. He has multiple people living there. There is a bear family that will destroy all of your belongings. There is NOTHING to do there no pools, no hiking, no visitors are allowed, nowhere to fish, LOUD chickens and a very LOUD annoying barking dog that is never on a leash, if you rent a cabin there is NO RUNNING WATER, it’s overpriced, there is ONLY a microwave. Your best bet is to go to Amicalola State Park

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    River Falls at the Gorge

    Not a $96 a night Campground

    We have traveled all across the country and are willing to pay for premium sites when we get our moneys worth with site and campground. This campground feels like it was nice at one time but really starting to show its age and wear. Our site was beautiful on River but our sewer hook up was not where we could access it so only had water/electric. Staff was not very friendly, I had asked about moving and they weren’t having it. The laundry room only had 2 working machines. The pool was cloudy and not very clean. The showers I could make eye contact with the neighbor.

    If this was a 40-50 a night campground I would have different expectations.

  • Alisha L.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Morganton Point Campground

    Great spot!

    We had a great time and loved this campground. Our site had a view of the water with the leaves off the trees and a little trail down to the water. A little close our neighbors but not terrible, for the most part felt private. Would go again!

  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    Lake Lanier

    Want a beautiful place to camp for cheap? Try Lake Lanier! Gorgeous campground, concrete pads, water and electric at site. We paid 30 a night! Nice and quiet too.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Springfield - Hartwell Lake

    Gorgeous view

    I believe every site is lake front. The view of the lake is amazing and perfect. Some sites have little beaches for access to the water. Others have rocks if you want to make your way down those. Mine had rocks covered with wire thats been cut or broken so wasn’t taking my chances there. This place is huge! There is no sewer at sites but water and electric up to 50amp

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Don Carter State Park Campground

    Great weekend

    Nice bath and shower facilities. Water pressure is low. There are two dump stations and dumpsters. The campground sits above Lake Lanier. Finding sites are a little confusing.


Guide to Clarkesville

Camping near Clarkesville, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Nice trails with beautiful scenery," while another noted, "The hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it certainly worth it."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Vogel State Park Campground, families can enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake. A reviewer shared, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."
  • Rafting: For those seeking thrills, nearby rivers offer rafting opportunities. One camper at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping mentioned, "We had a great time rafting in the nearby river."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground. A visitor stated, "The campground was clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers have praised the helpful staff at Devils Fork State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Ranger staff was super friendly."
  • Scenic Views: The breathtaking views at Tugaloo State Park Campground are a highlight. A camper noted, "We had a decent view of the lake through the tall pines that provided some shade."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds, like Vogel State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. A camper mentioned, "The sites are a little closer than I'd like, but positioned well."
  • Road Conditions: If you're bringing a larger RV, be cautious of the narrow roads at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground. One reviewer advised, "Research the roads if you have a large camper."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oconee State Park Campground, may have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "The sites are notoriously NOT level."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Fort Yargo State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The playground with a sweet stream and lake access was great for the kids."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. One family at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping enjoyed hiking and exploring the falls.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along essentials like snacks and games to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Tugaloo State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the sites. A reviewer at Devils Fork State Park Campground mentioned, "The tent pads were a bit on the small side."
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: If you're driving a big rig, be cautious of the roads at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground. One camper advised, "The roads are steep and kind of narrow."
  • Bring a Good Flashlight: Many campgrounds have limited lighting. A visitor at Oconee State Park Campground suggested, "Make sure you bring a good headband light or strong flashlight."

Camping around Clarkesville, Georgia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Clarkesville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Clarkesville, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 484 campgrounds and RV parks near Clarkesville, GA and 42 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Clarkesville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clarkesville, GA is Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 67 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarkesville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 42 free dispersed camping spots near Clarkesville, GA.

What parks are near Clarkesville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Clarkesville, GA that allow camping, notably Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.