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Best Campgrounds near Dahlonega, GA

1,780 Reviews

Campgrounds near Dahlonega, Georgia range from established state parks to primitive backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail. The area includes popular destinations like Amicalola Falls State Park with its tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations, as well as Vogel State Park Campground offering year-round accessibility. Many campgrounds in the North Georgia mountains provide a mix of developed sites with hookups and more secluded areas for tent camping, with several located along creeks or near mountain vistas.

Road conditions vary considerably throughout the region, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require travel on forest service roads that may become difficult after heavy rainfall. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though services like running water may be limited during winter months. Reservations are recommended during peak seasons, particularly fall when leaf-viewing crowds arrive and spring when Appalachian Trail hikers pass through. Cell service can be spotty throughout the mountain region, especially at more remote sites like Dockery Lake Campground. As one camper noted, "Nice campground on a beautiful lake. No cell service of any kind. Sites are decently spread out. Very remote."

The proximity to water features stands out as a highlight in many camping areas around Dahlonega. Campers frequently mention creeks, lakes, and waterfalls as defining features of their experience. Several campgrounds provide access to fishing opportunities, including stocked trout lakes. Hiking trails connect many camping areas to scenic destinations, with several sites positioned as convenient access points to the Appalachian Trail. More primitive camping options can be found along forest service roads and near trail crossings, offering greater solitude but fewer amenities. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "After one of my favorite stretches of hiking we got to this campsite along the AT. The creek was absolutely freezing cold in July, it was great to rinse some clothes and ourselves off. It was definitely one of our best nights sleep listening to the water!"

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Best Camping Sites Near Dahlonega, Georgia (492)

    1. Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    60 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 265-4703

    "It's proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better."

    "If you're taking off on the AT, then you need to get walking. However, if you want a small taste of the AT and would like to camp out near the starting point, then this is a great place to be."

    2. Vogel State Park Campground

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

    $30 - $290 / 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."

    "Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."

    3. Don Carter State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Lula, GA
    17 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. "

    4. Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    51 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    20 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."

    5. Bolding Mill

    21 Reviews
    Murrayville, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 534-6960

    $20 - $36 / night

    "It was a little longer walk to the water and when a camper was next to us we couldn’t see the lake. We already have our reservations for 2025 in the site we wanted."

    "Our site was near access to walk-in camping (which did not turn out to be a problem since we set up facing the water) and a long walk to the bathroom, which was reasonably clean with hot shower but no"

    6. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    17 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."

    7. Duckett Mill

    18 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 532-9802

    $26 - $36 / night

    "Almost all the sites have view of lake and many have access to the lake for swimming or paddle boarding or boating. Nice breeze off the lake. Will be back many times."

    "Great location on Lake Lanier. The sites are very large and trees between most sites. Lots of water view sites, some have easier lake access from your site than others for our kayaks."

    8. Desoto Falls Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6928

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This area of Georgia is chock full of great places to hike and explore."

    "We kept hearing this phrase from people out on the trails, it’s so worth it. Mildly tough trek, with stairs on the short path, but the end result is worth the struggle for the amateur hiker."

    9. Jenny's Creek Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cleveland, GA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 865-6955

    "The tent sites are all either beside a creek or next to the pond. Large campsites fo tents, we could have easily had 3 tents comfortably. Highly recommend them!"

    "We were trying to be close to Helen, GA without actually being IN Helen, GA. For our 2 night stay, this was nice. My family is used to staying in dispersed sites."

    10. Three Forks Campground

    10 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    15 miles
    Website

    "All of the sites are situated along a creek, and a fair distance from each other (most sites you drive between) and off the road."

    "Campground Review: Let me begin by specifying that there are two different Three Forks areas in Northh Georgia. One is on the Appalachian Trail and One is near Clayton, Georgia."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dahlonega, GA

778 Photos of 492 Dahlonega Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dahlonega, GA

1780 Reviews of 492 Dahlonega Campgrounds

  • tonya O.
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Lake Russell Recreation Area

    This campground has went down

    Weve always came here but our last experience wasn't great... since Rhonda has been gone this campground has gone down so bad. I was so disappointed in this... the bathrooms was so nasty and the camp host i went to wouldn't come to the door... I had to call police on a unruly camper and still didnt help..... we went to relax and had a weekend from hell.

  • j
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    Great central location.

    I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons. First, it is right in the middle of what I call waterfall country. There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You’re only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain and the Blood Mountain wilderness. Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun. There are some great German restaurants there. As to the park itself, I tent camp, and the campsites are excellent. Nice bathroom and shower facilities close by and regardless of the time of year it has never been crowded. Definitely worth $25 a night and I get a discount because I’m a senior (Remember you have to ask for the discount. They won’t tell you). If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you’ll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc. The Smith Creek pub is a nice little restaurant for a quick meal or a drink.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Fern Cove — Black Rock Mountain State Park

    Beautiful park but steep slope up

    Black Rock is beautiful but hard on some transmissions. There is a long steep slope up the mountain and it is common for transmissions to over heat. So much so that there is an auto shop at the base of the mountain. The road up is narrow and twisty. I have seen some larger rigs up here but most are smaller. If u can make it, it is worth the journey. Lots of hiking trails for different levels. Clean facilities, friendly hosts. WiFi is available at the trading post. Nice place to sit and rock.incredible views. Have visited in April, may, June, and October. Usually stay on site 6. Later spring into summer had more poison ivy on trails.

  • Alexander C.
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Riley Moore Falls Campsite

    Best night sleep

    Such a great place to spend the night. I took my hammock and spent the night listening to the waterfall and nature. Sky was clear and bright with stars. I risked it and chose no fly tonight just to take in the view. Perfect weather. Met alot of interesting and hopefully new friends.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Red top mountain state park

    Plenty of campsites, some on the lake. RV, tents, yurts. Spaces 1-12 are especially nice since they are spacious and can handle class A and 5th wheelers. All 12 have water electric and sewer. We have a class C and prefer 1-12 because there is plenty of space between sites.

  • Kayla D.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    It’s a NO from us

    I wanted to wait a few days before writing this review — truthfully, I wanted to wait until after we checked out. I dreaded the retribution of Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Farmer, the campground manager, which I was sure would follow.

    Our church group had been looking forward to this camping trip for nearly a year. I’ve personally camped at Bald Ridge Creek Campground many times and never had a single issue — until now. Our church typically takes two group trips a year at another Forsyth County campground, but this year, we decided to rent nine sites at Bald Ridge. Even Cindy seemed excited that we were coming!

    We’re a Baptist group — not exactly known for our wild nights. We sing, we fellowship, and we’re back in our campers by 10 p.m. But according to “Queen Cindy,” you’d think we were a pack of college kids throwing keg parties.

    Our crime? An evening of worship and fellowship — a small keyboard, a guitar, and around 50 people spread over three campsites for a couple of hours each night. Cindy declared it an “event” (apparently forbidden) and told us we couldn’t do it again and threatened to make us all leave. She also banned us from eating together — saying we could gather while serving food but had to disperse to our own campsites immediately once we got our plates.

    The only actual rule violation came from one site where a tent wasn’t put up right away. Cindy seized on that excuse to call dispatch and have three sheriff’s deputies sent to “deal with” our peaceful group of families, children, and worshipers.

    To their credit, the deputies couldn’t have been kinder, yet embarrassed that they even had to be there. They laughed at the situation, noting they’re called out to the campground frequently because of Cindy’s pettiness and made-up rules. They said our little keyboard — which Cindy had described like it was a baby grand piano — was no problem at all. They simply advised us to set up the tent and let her stomp it out.

    Cindy even claimed that someone had called the Corps of Engineers to report us — at 7:00 p.m., during the government shutdown, when the office wasn’t even open. 🙄

    For context, Cindy lives at the campground for free as part of her role as host. It’s time for someone new to take over. She also wears a body camera and records campers (which is legal, I know), but as a county employee, those recordings are public record.

    We’ll continue to pray without ceasing for her — that the Lord softens her heart. But until then, I can’t recommend Bald Ridge Creek Campground to anyone who values fair treatment, hospitality, or simple human kindness.

  • Liz M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rough Creek Dispersed

    Only 2 Sites

    Gorgeous area at the end of the road. Only 2 sites and one intense drive to get here. It takes about 35 minutes to go 4 miles. Ground clearance and off road tires needed

Guide to Dahlonega

Camping near Dahlonega, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "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."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the lake at Tugaloo State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The lake is right across the way from us for some beautiful views, nice beach swimming and parking the boat."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The campground is quiet with well laid out sites," making it a great spot to relax and fish.

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Vogel State Park Campground noted, "The campground is very clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground hosts. At Fort Mountain State Park Campground, a camper said, "Campground staff was friendly and helpful."
  • Activities for kids: Families enjoy the various activities available. One review for Oconee State Park Campground highlighted, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."

What you should know

  • Site spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Access fees: Be prepared for additional fees at some parks. For example, at Stone Mountain Park Campground, a camper noted, "On top of the $70 a night, you must pay a $20 parking fee."
  • Limited cell service: Some areas may have poor cell reception. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "If you have a big RV it may be hard to get in and out of the park."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. One review for Vogel State Park Campground mentioned, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."
  • Plan for meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A family at Tugaloo State Park Campground enjoyed the "great cement benches and huge fire pits on site."
  • Pack for activities: Bring gear for swimming, fishing, or hiking. A camper at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground said, "There are a lot of hiking trails as well as the lake where you can rent paddle boats."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Fort Mountain State Park Campground noted, "The roads are narrow and challenging towing."
  • Book in advance: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly. A visitor at Oconee State Park Campground advised, "It's crowded. Reserve way in advance."
  • Use leveling blocks: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Tugaloo State Park Campground mentioned, "Only a little off level, which we fixed easily."

Camping near Dahlonega, Georgia, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available in Dahlonega for different budgets?

Dahlonega offers camping options across all budget ranges. For budget-conscious campers, Raven Cliff Falls provides gorgeous free camping with water and bathroom access, though it gets crowded on weekends. Mid-range options include state parks like Vogel State Park Campground, offering both tent sites and modern cabins for those wanting more comfort, plus amenities like a lake for fishing and paddling. For those seeking a more private experience, several campgrounds in the surrounding mountains offer secluded sites with varying fee structures. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons, so booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred camping style and budget option.

Are there any waterfront camping sites near Dahlonega?

Yes, several excellent waterfront camping options exist near Dahlonega. Don Carter State Park Campground sits at the northern end of Lake Lanier with spacious sites up to 35 yards from the shoreline, offering clean facilities and plenty of privacy between campsites. For a more intimate water experience, Payne Campground provides secluded primitive sites with rocky lake access perfect for launching kayaks. Water enthusiasts should also consider Jackrabbit Mountain on Lake Chatuge, where you can paddle directly from lakeside sites, though RVers should note there are no hookups available. These waterfront options typically fill quickly during warm months, so advance reservations are recommended.

Where are the best campgrounds near Dahlonega, GA?

The Dahlonega area boasts several exceptional campgrounds worth exploring. Fort Mountain State Park Campground is particularly popular for its cooler temperatures due to elevation and private wooded campsites that make summer camping more comfortable. The park also offers good hiking trails and nearby attractions. Another standout option is Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground, which features friendly hosts and beautiful surroundings. For those willing to venture slightly further, Doll Mountain Campground near Ellijay provides sites on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake, though be prepared for steep hills and switchbacks upon entry.

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