The Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds Dillard, Georgia, sitting at elevations between 2,000-3,500 feet with cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Camping sites near Dillard offer access to over 850 miles of hiking trails, including segments of the Appalachian Trail. Winter camping temperatures can drop below 20°F, requiring proper cold-weather gear.
What to do
Trout fishing: Access prime spots at Sarah's Creek Campground, where the creek provides excellent fishing opportunities. "The creek is shallow for the most part but there is a trail marked by a bright green circle spraypainted onto a pine tree shortly before the first few sites where there are some small falls and a nice little swimming/bathing hole. Trout fisherman's delight," notes Twan M.
Hiking to waterfalls: Visit King Creek Falls with a 1-mile round trip from Burrells Ford. "The trail to the waterfall is over a half mile (my estimation), and you have to cross a log footbridge. There was a huge downed tree that you also have to cross, but you have to be careful since the log was slimy," advises Myron C.
Tubing: Float down the Tallulah River at River Falls at the Gorge campground. "Everyday the river changes because of the dam upstream. Sometimes it's almost a trickle and you can venture out on the huge rocks and other times it's almost a whitewater adventure although still safe for tubing," explains Ron K.
What campers like
Private sites with mountain views at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground, Georgia's highest state park. "The highest state park in Georgia has two general camping sections with power and water. Since this is literally on the top of a beautiful mountain, the sites are close in proximity to each other," writes Timothy H., who adds, "In the summer when there are leaves and green on all the trees, it's breathtaking with the views."
Easy access to mountain trails from Van Hook Glade, just 4 miles from Highlands, NC. "The campground is organized as a single loop consisting of around 10 or so primitive campsites each with a nice bit of privacy and a parking area," reports Asher K., who enjoyed "parts of Cullasaja falls that has rapid moving water and some small but dangerous pools that you can carefully dip in."
Year-round camping options for different seasons. "The temperature here in the hot summer is outstanding... it's 15-20 degrees cooler than elsewhere in the state due to high elevation," notes Jenni P. about Van Hook Glade, while at Black Rock Mountain, "Once the leaves fall off, it's a bit spooky (my interpretation) and can get windy without the leaves."
What you should know
Bear safety is essential throughout the region. At Standing Indian Campground, "Each site has a firepit, picnic bench, and leveled gravel space for pitching a tent," according to Asher K. At Sarah's Creek, "Most sites have bear proof food containers that you can utilize and very heavy well built picnic tables," reports Thomas R.
Cell service is limited or non-existent in many campgrounds. "There is absolutely ZERO Verizon service" at Sarah's Creek, according to Twan M., while at Van Hook Glade, there's "very limited cell phone reception but only if you have Verizon. Five minute drive into town and you are fine though," says Jenni P.
Winter camping requires preparation as temperatures can drop dramatically. "It dropped to 17 degrees and our plan to stay in 2 tents quickly changed to everybody in the 4-man / 3-season tent that we had just purchased. The wind was whistling down the river next to us," recounts Christy C. about her experience at Burrells Ford.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly fishing spots at Moccasin Creek State Park Campground, which offers special fishing areas. "This campground is very kid friendly. They have a stream they stock with trout for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. This park is a great place to allow kids to get into fishing and feel like they have accomplished something," says Joshua G.
Choose campgrounds with built-in activities like biking loops and playgrounds. "We take our son camping in a pop up and he loves it. Easy to bike around and the fishing piers are very nice for all ages," shares Kristy B. about Moccasin Creek State Park.
Plan for wet-weather alternatives since mountain weather can change quickly. "We noticed that the temps seemed to be dropping along our walk and there was actually a little snow/sleet falling on us.... uh oh!" Christy C. recalls about her family's backpacking trip to Burrells Ford, highlighting the importance of packing extra warm clothes.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully before booking. At Willow Valley RV Resort, "Some sites are paved, and some are gravel. They are rated Economy, Premium, or Super Premium, although it was difficult for me to see the difference between some of these sites," notes Lee D.
Consider seasonal access limitations for larger vehicles. At Black Rock Mountain State Park, "Any trailer longer than 25 feet is tight getting to back sites," warns Ted D., while at Standing Indian Campground, "The road to this campground is very narrow, the hill is very steep, and there is at least one very tight hairpin turn."
Look for hookup locations before setting up. "Only complaint was the sewer hook up went uphill to drain. It drained still but very slowly. Luckily there was some logs by it to help elevate the hose," mentions Todd L. about his experience at River Falls at the Gorge, demonstrating the importance of checking utilities before finalizing your parking position.
