Best Campgrounds near Dahlonega, GA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Dahlonega, Georgia (491)

    1. Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    57 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 - $260 / 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."

    "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 Reviews near Dahlonega, GA

1762 Reviews of 491 Dahlonega Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    Best off grid camping

    This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back.

  • Doug S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Persimmon Creek RV Park

    Beautiful Little Camp Ground

    Persimmon Creek is a beautiful and peaceful place. The owner is very friendly and helpful. It is centrally located to some great attractions.

  • J
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Hickey Gap (Cohutta WMA)

    Beautiful and Quiet

    My girls group and I wanted to do a quick weekend glamping trip. One long rocky road and an active bear warning later we were rocking it by the creek. Bring a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes. There’s a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek. There’s no cell service or security so make sure you’re making safe decisions :)

  • SnakeEyes C.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Under The Hemlock Campground and Cabins

    Not what you think

    Great place for a one night visit DONT stay any longer than that! Your pets will go missing, the showers don’t work and are nasty! The owner Mike is only nice if you are there for one night. He has multiple people living there. There is a bear family that will destroy all of your belongings. There is NOTHING to do there no pools, no hiking, no visitors are allowed, nowhere to fish, LOUD chickens and a very LOUD annoying barking dog that is never on a leash, if you rent a cabin there is NO RUNNING WATER, it’s overpriced, there is ONLY a microwave. Your best bet is to go to Amicalola State Park

  • Cassondra P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    River Falls at the Gorge

    Not a $96 a night Campground

    We have traveled all across the country and are willing to pay for premium sites when we get our moneys worth with site and campground. This campground feels like it was nice at one time but really starting to show its age and wear. Our site was beautiful on River but our sewer hook up was not where we could access it so only had water/electric. Staff was not very friendly, I had asked about moving and they weren’t having it. The laundry room only had 2 working machines. The pool was cloudy and not very clean. The showers I could make eye contact with the neighbor.

    If this was a 40-50 a night campground I would have different expectations.

  • Alisha L.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Morganton Point Campground

    Great spot!

    We had a great time and loved this campground. Our site had a view of the water with the leaves off the trees and a little trail down to the water. A little close our neighbors but not terrible, for the most part felt private. Would go again!


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.