Best Tent Camping near Clayton, GA

Tent campers exploring the mountains near Clayton, Georgia have access to several primitive campgrounds in the surrounding national forests. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping in North Carolina offers drive-in and walk-in tent sites within the Nantahala National Forest, while Burrells Ford provides tent camping along the Chattooga River in South Carolina. Raven Cliff Falls and Wildcat Creek campgrounds in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest offer additional options for tent campers seeking forest settings.

Most primitive tent sites in the Clayton area feature basic amenities like fire rings, but limited services. Burrells Ford has vault toilets and trash collection, while many dispersed camping areas like Blue Valley lack facilities entirely. Sites typically have dirt or gravel tent pads with varying degrees of levelness. Water access is inconsistent - some campgrounds like Panther Creek and Raven Cliff Falls provide drinking water, while others require campers to filter from streams or bring their own supply. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with some sites providing bear boxes or hanging systems for food storage.

The tent camping experience near Clayton offers genuine wilderness immersion with access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and fishing opportunities. Campsites along creeks and rivers provide natural white noise and fishing access. A visitor to Blue Valley Dispersed Camping commented, "We were very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road. Love hearing all the wonderful sounds of nature and nothing else." Many sites feature tree cover for shade and hammock options. Campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, as mountain temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months. Several campgrounds connect directly to trail networks, making them ideal basecamps for day hiking or backpacking trips to nearby attractions like Raven Cliff Falls or Panther Creek Falls.

Best Tent Sites Near Clayton, Georgia (105)

    1. Burrells Ford

    18 Reviews
    Highlands, SC
    17 miles
    Website

    "Campground Review:

    In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."

    "Trail/Campground Review:

    The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "

    2. Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping

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

    $4 / night

    "Leave no trace!"

    "Panther Creek was honestly my trip into the world of hiking and backpacking (aside from my military experience). But mice wife got me into hiking again and now we are backpacking a lot!"

    3. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    14 miles
    Website

    "Some have picnic tables but all have fire rings and lantern posts. There's only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in."

    "Location is actually about 1.5. Miles further than shown on map. Just keep going. Stayed for a week. About 7 campsites with fire rings. Great trails and people camping near were respectful."

    4. Grapevine

    6 Reviews
    Long Creek, SC
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (803) 561-4000

    "It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."

    "Vault toilet was clean and maintained. Most campsites are River side"

    5. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    25 miles
    Website

    "I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping."

    "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. Wildcat Creek Campground #2 Upper

    5 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    13 miles
    Website

    "Makeshift fire rings and tent spots are at most sites. No water so get some on the way in. No cell service either. Great stargazing, lots of trees/shade and hammock spots."

    "This area is great for 2 reasons- it tend to be cooler in temps in the summer because of the shade and higher elevation."

    7. Blue Valley Camp

    3 Reviews
    Highlands, NC
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 257-4200

    "Drive in sites are spaced a really nice distance from one another. Challenging to fit a larger rv."

    "You couldn’t see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek."

    8. Persimmon Falls Campground

    1 Review
    Rabun Gap, GA
    7 miles
    Website

    "This is another small campground down the road from the nearby summer camp. I prefer this site to the one up the road since it is a little smaller and closer to a beautiful swimming hole/waterfall."

    9. Wildcat 1

    3 Reviews
    Sautee Nacoochee, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 782-3322

    "this place was a great place for fishing, exploring and hiking, great place to back pack into and tent camp."

    "I’ve stayed at this location plenty of times."

    10. Woodall Shoals

    1 Review
    Long Creek, SC
    8 miles

    "Primitive camping. One portapotty at the parking lot. Numerous paths to hike down to the wild and scenic Chattooga River. No RV sites or dump sites."

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Showing results 1-10 of 105 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Clayton, GA

2125 Reviews of 105 Clayton Campgrounds



Guide to Clayton

Tent camping near Clayton, Georgia offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from serene riverside spots to more rugged backcountry sites, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Raven Cliff Falls

  • The Raven Cliff Falls area features beautiful hiking trails leading to stunning waterfalls, making it a great spot for those who enjoy both camping and exploring nature.
  • This campground allows pets and has amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, enhancing the camping experience for families and groups.
  • The hike to the campsites is approximately 2.5 miles, providing a peaceful trek through the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $12

  • Camping at Burrells Ford is free, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers looking for a primitive experience.
  • The Panther Creek Recreation Area charges a nominal fee for parking, but offers well-maintained sites with access to drinking water and fire pits.
  • At Low Gap Creek, the nightly fee is $12, providing a remote camping experience with beautiful views and a tranquil atmosphere.

Explore local attractions while camping

  • The Smithgall Woods area is known for its excellent trout fishing and scenic hiking trails, perfect for those looking to combine camping with outdoor activities.
  • Nearby, the Ammons Branch Campground offers access to stunning waterfalls and is close to several hiking trails, making it a great base for exploration.
  • For those seeking solitude, Bearpen Gap Backcountry Site provides a peaceful setting near the Appalachian Trail, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature away from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clayton, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clayton, GA is Burrells Ford with a 4.2-star rating from 18 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Clayton, GA?

TheDyrt.com has all 105 tent camping locations near Clayton, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.