Best Campgrounds near Dahlonega, GA

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!"

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."

    "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 Reviews near Dahlonega, GA

1789 Reviews of 492 Dahlonega Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2025

    Georgia RV Park

    Very nice and clean

    Commerce Station RV Resort Relaxation is this campgrounds new name. Have some full timers in back but all is clean and well maintained.

  • M
    Nov. 15, 2025

    Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area

    Closed for camping

    No where on any review or website did it say it was closed

    Rocked up after 6 and gates closed and so is seed creek down the road so leaves with not many options.

  • Kimberly C.
    Nov. 14, 2025

    Talking Rock Motorcoach Resort

    Spacious Luxury Resort with Stunning Mountain Views

    This brand-new luxury RV resort doesn't disappoint. A large, spacious site, big rig friendly, with full hookups and stunning mountain views, creates a serene and peaceful park. Located in the heart of wineries, biking and hiking trails, and a multitude of things to see and do, not to mention an abundance of places to eat and shop, all close by. The park features a beautiful clubhouse, perfect for groups or individuals looking to socialize, chat, or participate in activities sponsored by the resort. Live music on the weekends and other social events, several pickleball courts, a nice pool and hot tub, on-site laundry, and more round out the amenities in the resort.

  • Shea D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2025

    COE Lake Sidney Lanier Sawnee Campground

    Beware site 57

    Our site was one of the few tent camping sites where you could pull up however the site itself was sloped and difficult to get the kids up and down. The staff was friendly and helpful.

  • Shea D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2025

    Shady Grove Campground

    Wildlife everywhere

    We tent camped for about a week, wildlife especially deer was abundant. Playground was close to site. Area was huge and well spaced between sites.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Mckinney Campground

    Nice spot for urban camping

    Nice for the fall as the lake is relatively quiet this time of year. My guess is that this campground is popping in the summer. 2 marinas flanked the campground sites - they are a lot closer than they appear in the map when booking. Summer boat traffic would be intense for the water front sites. You can also hear traffic from the nearby train tracks and roads. That said, it’s a decent campground not too far out of Atlanta. A COE campground but maintained by Bartow County. Those folks are super easy to deal with. We had sites 25, 26, and 27. Site 27 has a short pad and is downhill. Site 26 is a handicap site and 100% level. Site 27 is uphill for parking, with steps leading partially down to the lake.

  • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road

    perfectly scenic

    The winding road to the few campgrounds along the way was beautiful but narrow. We didn't see any potties and it ends with a sandy area at the water where about 6 cars were parked (perhaps they were all kayaking or hiking but we only saw two people. We backtracked a bit to a site along the stream with ample space for at least two or three tents. It was along the road and there were a few cars driving past during the night but not enough to bother us or make us feel unsafe at all. There was a trail at this site as well just on the other side of the water which went a few miles around to the road and looped back but it hadn't been maintained in a bit so there was a decent amount of climbing and exploration on our part to stay on it. Wouldn't advise without good trail maps on your phone.


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.