Campgrounds near Crandall, Georgia span across the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet. The area experiences mild spring and fall temperatures between 60-80°F, while summer months often reach 85-95°F with higher humidity. Most campsites in this region close during winter storms but several remain open year-round with electric hookups for heating.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Chilhowee Recreation Area offers a 3-mile round trip hike to Benton Falls with moderate terrain suitable for most skill levels. "Fall color was just peaking 🍂" noted one visitor who appreciated the "several hikes for all levels." For a less crowded option, "head to the Rainbow falls" which provides "a more secluded waterfall experience."
Whitewater rafting: Parksville Lake RV Campground provides convenient access to the Ocoee River rafting activities. A camper mentioned, "We stayed here for the weekend when we were rafting the Ocoee. Small Campground but perfect if rafting." The campground is "convenient to the Ocoee River, the Ocoee Whitewater Center, Parksville Lake beaches and boat ramps."
Seasonal blueberry picking: Hiking trails near some campgrounds feature wild blueberry bushes during summer months. One visitor at Chilhowee Recreation Area highlighted "the hiking trail that we walked with fresh blueberry bushes on our side," describing it as a "fairly easy trail to see beautiful waterfall."
What campers like
Quiet camping locations: Despite proximity to popular attractions, several campgrounds maintain peaceful settings. A visitor at Parksville Lake RV Campground described it as "exactly what I was looking for -- easy to get to, quiet, and dark." Another camper called it a "peaceful, only the occasional car on the nearby road."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms across several parks. At Diamond Lure Campground, visitors note "everything is clean and nice and beautiful" and appreciate how "the grounds are clean and maintained with water and power at all or nearly all spots." One reviewer specifically mentioned "bath houses are clean."
Family-friendly amenities: Multiple campgrounds cater to family needs with dedicated spaces. At Diamond Lure Campground, "there are walking trails, a lake, a beach, and they even have things for dogs! (Dog bath, dog beach, dog park, ect)." Another reviewer appreciated the "tranquil lake on the property."
What you should know
Cell service variations: Service strength depends heavily on campground location and provider. At Hawkins Pointe RV Park, guests report consistent coverage due to proximity to population centers. In more remote areas like Chilhowee Recreation Area, "there is NO AT&T in spite of what this site says. You may get a weak signal on the other side, but it's spotty at best. There appeared to be a Verizon tower on the mountain, so that will probably work."
Difficult access roads: Mountain roads present challenges for larger vehicles. One camper at Chilhowee noted "to get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road." Another specified "coming up the mountain has some steep grades and a few switch backs that you can't see around. There are often oncoming vehicles who are often driving to fast and not considering those of us in large vehicles."
Limited RV hookups: Many rv sites near Crandall, Georgia offer partial rather than full hookups. At Chilhowee, "there are no water hookups at the sites, only power (30A). You'll need to fill your fresh water tanks before you set up." Sites often have "water spigots shared throughout the campground, not dedicated to each site."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Diamond Lure Campground provides "a little beach to swim in or go fishing" with one visitor describing it as "a hidden gem at the foothills of the N. GA mountains." Another camper mentioned the "great view of the lake and staff is so helpful and nice!"
Playground access: Several rv sites near Crandall offer dedicated play areas. Battlefield Campground includes "a nice playground, a pool, and a camp store/clubhouse" though a visitor noted during their stay that "we could not get close to the pool or playground as they were closed due to COVID-19."
Wildlife viewing: Evening firefly displays create memorable experiences for children. At Chilhowee Recreation Area, one family shared that "the lightning bugs were breath taking!!" noting the campground was "perfect to see millions of lightning bugs."
Tips from RVers
Best big rig sites: Talona Ridge RV Resort in East Ellijay accommodates larger motorhomes with level concrete sites. "The pull throughs in this part of the CG were plenty long enough for our 40' toy hauler and F450 to include being able to put the patio down," noted one reviewer. They added, "The utilities are at the middle of the pad so you can adjust according to your needs."
Dump station considerations: Consider where you'll empty tanks before departing. At Chilhowee Recreation Area, "there is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground. From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it." One camper with a fifth wheel "decided not to try it and opted to pay to dump somewhere else."
Site selection strategy: At Talona Ridge RV Resort, one camper advised choosing sites based on wind exposure: "There are 3 levels/areas to this CG with the more premier sites on the top level however the downfall is if there's wind there's no wind block." For the best views, another recommended booking "an 'Eagle Crest' sight because they have the best views."
