Tallulah Gorge camping offers rustic to luxurious options in northeast Georgia's mountainous terrain at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet. The area receives approximately 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests and powerful waterfalls. Camping season extends year-round with fall colors peaking in mid-October, though summer temperatures can reach 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Raven Cliff Falls provides access to multiple cascades within a 5-mile round trip. According to one hiker, "Raven Cliff Falls trail is a 2.5 miles hike that ends at a breathtaking waterfall, but the trail doesn't quite end there. Once you arrive at the falls there's plenty of room to roam the dozens of rock structures."
Mini-golf and lake activities: Bald Mountain Camping Resort offers on-site recreation. One visitor notes, "For a small fee you can play mini golf or rent a paddle boat or kayak for use in the private lake."
Mountain biking: Unicoi State Park & Lodge has dedicated trails for cyclists. A camper mentioned they enjoyed "Mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, etc. Will definitely be returning in the future!"
Swimming holes: The Tallulah River offers natural spots for cooling off. A visitor to River Campground stated, "Incredible river to fish and swim in," making it perfect for hot summer days.
Geocaching: Several parks in the area participate in this modern treasure hunt. As one visitor noted, the area offers "Ziplines, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, Geocaching, etc!"
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Many glamping sites near Clayton feature waterfront locations. A camper at Raven Cliff Falls shared, "We camped along the creek at one of these sites. We absolutely loved being by the creek, and a lot of the sites are spread out to give a good bit of privacy."
Covered tent shelters: For a glamping experience with protection from the elements, River Campground offers unique accommodations. One camper reported, "My five night stay was wonderful very laid-back rustic looking perfect for my situation lots of rain but the covered tent sites made it fun and able to deal with the elements."
Off-grid relaxation: The lack of connectivity helps visitors disconnect. At Enota Mountain Retreat, a camper appreciated that "there is no cell service (I have Verizon so it may be different for others). It was so peaceful and it seemed like a great place to bring kids."
Clean facilities: Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground maintains high standards. A camper noted, "It was a really sweet, quiet, clean campground... The restrooms were clean, the showers were clean, and all the people we came across were so friendly."
What you should know
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Pack accordingly when glamping in Clayton, Georgia's more rustic locations. At Raven Cliff Falls, "There's no running water other than the creek, and NO CELL SERVICE."
Campsite availability: Popular spots fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. One camper advised, "If you want a walk-in campsite and it's the weekend, you better get there early. We arrived at dusk on a Friday and got the last walk-in site available."
Wildlife encounters: Oconee State Park Campground and surrounding areas are home to bears and other wildlife. A camper at Raven Cliff Falls reported, "We were visited by a bear two of the nights. The bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out. So pack out all food items and trash or hang a bear bag."
Outdoor shower options: Some glamping sites offer unique bathing facilities. River Campground provides "indoor and outdoor showers," giving campers different experiences.
Traffic noise: At some campgrounds, you'll hear nearby roads. A camper at Terrora Park noted, "You are never out of earshot of traffic in the campground. The traffic noise does die down at night, but you can hear semi truck engine brakes at all hours."
Tips for camping with families
Look for multi-generational activities: Sites with varied recreation options work best. At Vogel State Park, families enjoy "Two separate children's playgrounds... One near a small kids ball field...the other near a very nice volleyball court, permanent corn hole pit and state of the art outdoor exercise machine area."
Consider cabin alternatives: For glamping in Clayton, Georgia with young children, cabins provide comfort. At Vogel State Park Campground, "Numerous very nice cabins are available for rental, from efficiency to 3 bedroom interspersed throughout the park...and appear moderately priced."
Select sites near bathrooms: With children, proximity to facilities matters. One family at Tallulah Gorge appreciated their "site 13, was centrally located, relatively easy to back our trailer into, and a perfect partial shade site."
Check for age-appropriate trails: Some hikes are too challenging for young children. A visitor warned about Tallulah Gorge: "The hiking is fun but intense. Be prepared for lots of stairs, a bridge over the water, and rock hopping across the water."
