1 campground with availability this weekend
The Chattahoochee National Forest surrounding Cleveland, Georgia offers multiple tent camping options including both established and primitive sites. Tent campers can find spots at Raven Cliff Falls, which features campsites along a creek and trail, or explore the primitive tent sites at Low Gap Creek near Helen. These forest service campgrounds provide access to hiking trails and natural features while maintaining a rustic, natural setting.
Most tent sites in this area feature natural terrain with minimal development. At Raven Cliff Falls, tent campers can choose between sites near the parking area, along the trail, or down a gravel road marked "Dead End." Fire rings are common at established sites, but amenities are limited with vault toilets available only at the trailhead parking area. One camper shared, "There are quite a few campsites behind the parking lot. They're spread along the stream, in the shade and accessible by well worn paths." Bears are active in this region, so proper food storage is essential—several reviews mention bear encounters at Raven Cliff Falls campsites.
Tent camping near Cleveland puts you within reach of mountain streams and hiking trails throughout the area. Sites along Dodd Creek at Raven Cliff Falls provide the peaceful sound of running water, making them popular despite limited privacy on busy weekends. Tent campers frequently use these areas as a base for day hikes to nearby waterfalls, including the 5-mile round trip to Raven Cliff Falls itself. Walk-in tent sites offer more seclusion than drive-up options but require carrying gear from parking areas. During summer months, tent campsites with creek access provide natural cooling, while fall brings less humidity and fewer crowds. Primitive tent camping in this region typically requires self-sufficiency as most areas have no running water besides natural sources.
"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."
"We didn't stay in the shelter and instead set up our tent near an overlook nearby. Perfect place for sunrise and sunset."
"While most AT shelters have a bathroom nearby, this one doesn't. Also there isn't any water available."
"With that much room to move around in North Georgia there has to be something for everyone. Great clear cold water offers good trout grounds."
from $85 / night
"From there you can either walk or bike the Helen to Hardman Trail to Helen and skip the ridiculous tourist traffic."
"The location in Helen was awesome! It is remote enough to get away from the busy streets of Helen, GA."
from $50 / night
"If you’re anywhere near Helen, GA on an ADV Bike, this summit is for you. There are three routes up the mountain so you never have to double back."
"Great site, plenty of space, very private and peaceful."
"The wildlife was amazing and we saw two bald eagles. The just was very laid back made us feel totally comfortable. We will certainly go back"
"We were able to just pick a spot and camp, we moved around with our hammocks and had the best time. Showers were nice, fishing was fun, the scenery is breathtaking. Sunsets are awesome."
from $30 - $200 / night
"One of the best views on the GA Appalation trail. Plenty of camlong sites along the trail if yiu hike in past the view. Crowded for the first mile but is then very private."
"It is on the AT so primitive spots only."
"Your navigation might stop randomly, but keep going and you’ll find plenty of pull offs to set up camp."
"Half of the sites are on one side of the river and the other on the other half, to get to the other side you must drive through the river on the road that passes through it."
"The winding road to the few campgrounds along the way was beautiful but narrow."
"The further up you go, you have many spots to pull off to access the creek and a couple of trails to other set of falls. Very popular place in summer time."
"This is an iconic location early on the AT. The hostel is a row of bunk beds nestled into a long room. A shower and video collection are available."
from $25 / night
GuideSites are not level. Thousand trails is currently not investing. Any money in improving the sites. Half of the sites in the park are going back to nature. The roads are falling apart and the inclines are not big rig friendly.
ScoutI camped here with a friend last weekend and absolutely loved this place! It's a cute little site with a great host, clean bathrooms, free firewood, and super friendly dogs, goats, and people. I would for sure stay here again and recommend.
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
ScoutWhatever person or group of persons designed the campground were clueless as to how to develop a campground. Sites are packed in the most preposterous configuration to have tents, trailers motorhomes all jammed together nearly touching each other with zero privacy. Come for the hikes and views of the gorge but come with the lowest expectations for the campground and you’ll be fine
GuideA sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
ScoutVery pretty site but its right on the road
TravelerWay too many rules to have to abide by. It’s not a day use area, so you HAVE to camp over night or else they threaten to ban you from all FoCo campsites. Normally not a big deal, but there was supposed to be rain during our visit and that had me paranoid. We camped out, the rain held off, it was nice. Then day 2, I wasn’t feeling it anymore, but I didn’t want to be banned from camping 🙄 so we stayed the night and packed up at 5:45am the next day. No coffee or chilling. I just wanted to get out of there! I love camping out in the wilderness…no rules, no stress, no people, no RVs. Just nature.
GuideThis is our first time coming here. We booked online, which was simple The campground is very well kept. The sites aren’t any closer together than your average campground. It seems to me that the owners are conscientious about keeping everyone spaced out so you don’t have anyone right on top of you. (The campground was not full during our visit) The only con to this place is you don’t get to pick your site. It’s assigned to you. I will said that I asked specifically for a shady spot & they obliged me. (Very nice owners) Not all of the sites are level but hey, that’s was risers are for 🤷🏻♀️ We didn’t have any issues after a couple of well placed risers. Even though the highway is close you don’t notice the traffic noise. It’s very quiet at night. When you arrive & get checked in, someone escorts you to your site & helps get you backed in. They will pick up, fill & return your propane tanks. You just have to leave your tank @ the edge of your camp site. If you leave your trash at the edge of your site they pick it up for you. They will also deliver firewood as well as a fire pit if you don’t have one.
Primitive camping options near Cleveland, Georgia extend beyond established campgrounds to forest service roads and remote sites. The Chattahoochee National Forest encompasses elevations ranging from 1,200 to over 4,700 feet, with seasonal temperature variations creating distinct camping conditions throughout the year. Winter nights can drop below freezing while summer days typically reach the mid-80s.
Fly fishing opportunities: Smithgall Woods offers unique access to protected fishing grounds. According to R G., "With that much room to move around in North Georgia there has to be something for everyone. Great clear cold water offers good trout grounds... Dukes Creek is a destination for several fishing enthusiasts."
Hike to mountain viewpoints: The Appalachian Trail section at Blood Mountain Shelter provides challenging terrain with rewarding views. A camper noted, "Large flat rocks sloping sharply made up the trail to get here. Thankfully there were frequent markings on the rocks to show the way. At some points the trail appeared to go right off the edge of the mountain."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including black bears and bald eagles. At Owls Retreat Campground, William S. reported, "The scenery is breathtaking. Sunsets are awesome. I even got to see a bald eagle flying around!"
Motorcycle touring: For those exploring by motorcycle, Two Wheels of Suchess provides a specialized base. Brian F. explains, "Lots of awesome roads in the area available to ride. Inside the lodge is the restaurant and an area to lounge with a fireplace, big screen TV, couch, recliners and hundreds of motorcycle magazines to read."
Creek-side camping spots: Many campsites feature creek access for natural cooling and ambient sounds. At Nacoochee Adventures, Karina J. shared, "Small creek near so you can hear the water running at night. You can venture off trail, we found a spot on the chattahoochee river like that, which we got to enjoy with no crowd!"
Remote forest settings: Low Gap Creek offers true seclusion for tent camping near Cleveland, Georgia. Nick observed, "The views were amazing and it was far enough removed from everything that only nature sounds are heard at night. The way to get to the WMA seems like you're going through people's back yards, but it's the right way."
Off-grid experiences: Many campsites have minimal development, appealing to those seeking primitive experiences. At Woody Gap Campground, Nicolas B. noted, "Crowded for the first mile but is then very private," indicating how hikers can find seclusion beyond the initial trail section.
Bear safety requirements: Black bears are active throughout the region. At Raven Cliff Falls, DeWayne H. advises, "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."
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal or no amenities. At Low Gap Creek, Lindsey explained, "There are bathrooms, no showers, and a water pump, but I'm not sure if it was drinkable or not. Signs suggest that bear activity is a problem, but I was fortunate enough not to experience that."
Weather preparedness: Mountain elevation creates variable conditions. When camping at Blood Mountain Shelter, Renee B. warned, "It definitely cooled down at night even in the summer due to the wind so make sure you set up in a spot with a windbreak or bring layers!"
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires navigation of forest service roads. Nick shared about Low Gap Campground: "I would also recommend not going after it has rained or snowed, or if you do, leave your vehicle on the trail and unpack from there. I may or may not have gotten stuck and needed a hand to push my car out."
Alternative lodging options: For families transitioning to tent camping near Cleveland, Georgia, consider starting with structured accommodations. Smithgall Woods offers cabins with conveniences while maintaining nature access. R G. notes, "There are cabins as well, some with hot tubs. There is a visitor center with educational programs, geocaching, picnicking."
Accessible nature activities: Mountain Crossings Hostel provides an interesting stop along the Appalachian Trail with amenities. Art S. explains, "This is an iconic location early on the AT. The hostel is a row of bunk beds nestled into a long room. A shower and video collection are available."
Water safety considerations: Many camping areas feature creeks and rivers that vary seasonally. Lindsey described Low Gap Creek's water crossing: "To get to the other side you must drive through the river on the road that passes through it. When I went it was about 2-3 inches deep and moving quickly."
Beginner backpacking routes: For families new to backpacking, Blood Mountain offers manageable challenges. Renee B. shared, "We are beginner backpackers and had a great time—definitely recommend this for a quick one night trip if you're new to backpacking! The payoff of hiking uphill for ~2 miles is worth it."
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent camping areas near Cleveland have minimal RV accommodation. Abraham B. noted about Raven Cliff Falls: "We stayed in the parking lot in our small rig. (Under 26 ft) we had our super quiet generator running and had no issues."
Alternative base camps: Consider staying at nearby developed campgrounds and taking day trips. Eric G. found Two Wheels of Suchess unexpectedly: "I was up hiking in the area and the forest road was closed after a storm. Stopped at a gas station and they recommended I check with them. Glad I did very quiet bunch of people with there very nice motorcycles hanging out. $15 to stay."
Off-season advantages: Winter and early spring camping offers more solitude but requires preparation. Some primitive camping areas remain accessible year-round, though facilities may be limited or closed during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best tent camping sites in Cleveland?
The Cleveland area offers excellent tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Raven Cliff Falls provides a primitive camping experience with the convenience of car camping, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced campers. Located on one of the most scenic highways, it offers secluded backwoods camping spots and proximity to popular attractions. For a more secluded experience, Blue Valley Dispersed Camping provides peaceful sites with minimal traffic and beautiful creeks or rivers nearby, perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
What are the tent camping rules and regulations in Cleveland National Forest?
Tent camping in Cleveland National Forest requires adherence to specific regulations. At Burrells Ford, you must backpack approximately one-third of a mile from the parking area and carry all necessary supplies. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and use proper food storage due to bear activity. For backcountry camping at locations like Deep Gap Shelter on the AT, bear boxes are provided for food storage. Generally, campfires are permitted only in established fire rings, and group size may be limited. Check with the Forest Service for current fire restrictions and permit requirements before your trip.
How much does tent camping cost near Cleveland?
Tent camping costs in the Cleveland area vary widely. Ammons Branch Campground is an affordable option suited for tents and small RVs, typically charging modest fees for basic amenities. For a unique experience, Hickory Flatts Cemetery offers an open camping area with basic toilet facilities at minimal cost. Many National Forest dispersed camping areas like those along forest roads are free but lack amenities. Developed campgrounds with facilities generally range from $10-30 per night, while private campgrounds may charge $25-45 depending on amenities and season.
What is the best time of year for tent camping in Cleveland?
Late spring through early fall offers the best tent camping weather in the Cleveland area. May through October provides comfortable temperatures with spring wildflowers or fall foliage depending on timing. Summer months can be warm but offer refreshing options like Your Toccoa River Cove where water activities provide cooling relief. For those prepared for cooler conditions, Panther Creek Recreation Area can be enjoyed in early spring or late fall when crowds thin out. Winter camping requires extra preparation as temperatures can drop into the 30s, especially at higher elevations.
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