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Best Campgrounds near Dahlonega, GA

1,769 Reviews

Camping areas around Dahlonega, Georgia, range from state parks to mountain hideaways. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground draws many visitors who want to hike along the dramatic canyon walls and trails. Tugaloo State Park Campground sits by the water, giving campers good spots for fishing and swimming. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground works well for people who like to fish or walk the wooded paths throughout the park. Fort Mountain State Park Campground sits high in the mountains with long-range views and several trail options for day hiking. Stone Mountain Park Campground tends to be busy with families because it has more activities and better facilities than most other parks. Weather really affects camping in this area - spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds. Summers get hot and sticky, so bring plenty of water and cooling options. Winter can limit access to some camping areas, with occasional closures after snow or ice. Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife, and store your food properly when camping here. Check if you need permits for certain activities, and always verify current fire rules before your trip. Making reservations is smart, particularly on weekends from April through October when campsites fill quickly. Always read the specific rules for each park to avoid problems during your stay.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dahlonega, Georgia (492)

    1. Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    58 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

    50 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."

    "Perched on the side of the beautiful Georgia mountains, I feel as if you're 1,000,000 miles away from the madness."

    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

1769 Reviews of 492 Dahlonega Campgrounds

  • Jacquelyn I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Chattooga River Lodge and Campground

    Connect with nature

    This was my first stop traveling and my converted short bus. I have been here before so I felt super comfortable being here. But I have never can’t. I am at campsite six which is perfect for a smaller rig or take camping. It’s right along the creek and very private with a short walk to the bathhouse. Through a fun trail you can make it to the lodge. This campground is surrounded by many places to hike and scenic waterfalls. It’s a must stay. The owners Mat and Teresa are amazing.

  • Sarah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Rules not enforced

    The sites are very small and very close together. The lake does have beautiful views. I give 1 star because no rules are enforced. There was no quiet time for us. People were partying, loud music, yelling, being loud up to 3/4am. Both Friday and Saturday nights. It was so bad Friday night that we went to the local Dollar Tree for EAR PLUGS so we could sleep Saturday night. The gate is locked at 10pm however the gate will let you out. A camper below us went to the gate about 11pm and let 2 other cars in. 1 vehicle went out, 3 come in. No rules are enforced. We do not recommend it. The host site is an eye sore. It needs to be cleaned up. It's such a mess! The lake is so beautiful, though.

  • A
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Margaritaville

    Best Campground Ever

    My wife and I went here for a week back in June 2025. I’ve been to many campgrounds in my day and I can say this one by far is the best. Clean campsites, fun amenities and great golf.

    We went to a Braves game one night since it is only an hour away and made may fond memories. I have already scheduled my week to go back again in 2026!

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • austin C.
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Great camping as of September 2025

    Very nice area to camp saw multiple sites throughout the road. Weather got a little cooler at night but the stars were a beauty to see. managed to fit 3 tents and 2 hammocks at the campsite near 34°50'26.3"N 83°40'44.6"W Wood was a little wet as it had rained 2 days prior so might be worth bringing your own.

    Also worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia.

    Did not see any signs of large predators but did see lots of spent 12GA shells and other casings.

  • Bobbi Jo P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Hickory Gap

    One of our favorite places!

    Nice small campground with 5 sites. Fills up during hunting season. Can't beat the peaceful sounds of the creek and nature at its finest!

  • Brittany B.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Great view of the Lake

    The campsite was right next to the swimming beach so little to no privacy and very loud. Although I slept very well in my tent because Quiet hours were observed. It was nice waking up to view of Lake Allatoona. Lady at the gate was rude when checking in so make sure to “READ the sign!” Other than that bathrooms were clean and they have laundry and hot water showers. Will most likely be back!

  • Suzanne-Will C.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Great Tent Camping

    I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road. The water was by the toilets at the entrance but easily walkable from the sites.

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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