The North Georgia mountains create ideal glamping conditions near Dahlonega, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet providing cooler summer temperatures than Atlanta's urban heat. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods. During fall, the dense hardwood forests surrounding most glamping sites create spectacular color displays from late October through mid-November.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Amicalola Falls State Park, the 730-foot cascade offers accessible viewing platforms with a moderate difficulty trail. "This 730ft cascading waterfall is accessible by stairs and bridge from top to bottom. It's proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better," notes Fain H.
Trailside swimming: Desoto Falls Recreation Area provides natural swimming spots perfect for cooling off during summer glamping trips. "I've been swimming here since I was a little kid I have not been in a while but it is one of the prettiest places on that mountain!!" says Haley H. The area has vault toilets but no showers, so plan accordingly.
Winter camping excursions: The region offers viable glamping opportunities year-round. "It was January and basically had the place to ourselves," reports Soren B. about camping at Amicalola Falls during the off-season. Winter camping offers significantly less competition for premium glamping sites and often more privacy.
Boating and paddling: The 22-acre lake at Vogel State Park provides kayak and paddleboat rentals during summer months. "During the summer they offer a beach area with peddle boats and kayaks. The lake is 22 acres with trails that go along the lake," says Kelly W. Rental prices run approximately $15 for half-day paddleboat rentals.
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Many glamping sites offer direct water access. "Our site backed up to one of the hiking trails and our little guy loved it!" says Cameron G. about Don Carter State Park, which features lakefront glamping options with water views and swimming access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests surrounding glamping sites host diverse wildlife. "They found all kinds of insects they had never seen even a Luna moth," notes Traci C. about her teens' experience at Amicalola Falls. Deer, raccoons, and small mammals are commonly spotted in early morning and evening.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Most glamping locations maintain clean restroom facilities. "The bathrooms were so clean and so nice! They are air conditioned with three stall and three showers," reports Sarah S. about her stay at Jenny's Creek Family Campground. The park also offers a climate-controlled clubhouse that provides relief during hot summer days.
Historical significance: Several glamping areas showcase Civilian Conservation Corps history. "One of F D Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps masterworks so important to this parks existence that they have a museum on site describing in great detail the transformation of this particular valley," Timothy B. explains about Vogel State Park's distinctive heritage.
What you should know
Bear activity: Black bears inhabit the forest around glamping sites near Dahlonega. "We were visited by a bear two of the nights. The bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out," warns D & Jess W. about their stay at Raven Cliff Falls. Always store food in vehicles or hang food bags 14 feet above ground in bear country.
Road noise considerations: Some glamping locations experience road noise despite forest settings. "From about 4am to 10pm you hear the constant traffic on the nearby highway. This highway is curvy and goes down the mountain, so when I say traffic I mean the air brakes of the trucks and the whine of all the motorcycle riders who love these curvy roads," notes Maggie C. about her glamping experience at Vogel State Park.
Steep access roads: Several glamping sites require navigation of challenging roads. "Roads are extremely steep getting to the campground," cautions Kevin B. about Amicalola Falls State Park. RVs larger than 27 feet may struggle with access at certain sites, particularly during wet conditions.
Limited cell service: Most glamping locations have restricted connectivity. "This park is pretty remote - we couldn't even get cell service from our campsite," reports Jeffrey S. about Lake Winfield Scott, where glampers should plan to disconnect during their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Creekside camping: Sites along flowing water provide natural entertainment for children. "We played in the creek, on the swing set and walked the trail to the swimming section of the lake. The trail isn't too far and it has just enough woods to feel like an old school camp," shares Diane G. about her family's experience at Unicoi State Park.
Playground proximity: Several glamping sites feature play areas. "There is a nice playground that is walking distance from our favorite camp sites that the kids really love," notes Chris H. about Shady Grove Campground. Unicoi State Park also maintains swing sets and play equipment near glamping accommodations.
Educational wildlife encounters: Families appreciate opportunities for nature study. "I read a lot before my trip, so I knew to except the 25% grade incline going up to the campground. I wasn't however expecting the challenging parking in the campsite. Beautiful area, my teens loved it. They found all kinds of insects they had never seen," describes Traci C.
Miniature golf access: Vogel State Park offers an affordable mini-golf course near glamping sites. "Two 9 hole miniature golf courses next to the visitor center are reminiscent of the old Putt-Putt courses of yesteryear," explains Dave V. The course provides family-friendly entertainment when taking breaks from hiking.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Many glamping sites have restrictions for larger RVs. "We have a 27' airstream and there are a couple campsites that are hard to get into. Number 18 does not look hard, but the layout is very difficult to get into. The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper," advises Soren B.
Paved parking challenges: Some state park glamping locations feature fully paved sites. "Who ever decided that every campsite needed to be asphalt should be hung! This is a newer State Park in Georgia and it could be nice, but it's been paved over. They classify them as RV sites, but they are parking lots," notes Joel R. about Don Carter State Park, which offers water and electric hookups but limited natural surfaces.
Tent platform considerations: Several glamping sites feature raised tent platforms. "Our site had an elevated pad for the tent which was great," shares Jennifer T. about Lake Winfield Scott. These platforms keep tents dry during rain but require appropriate non-staking tent setups.
Narrow interior roads: Maneuvering larger RVs through campgrounds requires caution. "This was our first time in our travel trailer and it required lots of skills to backend to the sites. Not a lot of room because the roads are slim," explains David Glenn M. about Jenny's Creek Family Campground, where sites accommodate smaller trailers more comfortably.
