Primitive camping opportunities around Ellijay, Georgia sit between 1,200 and 2,500 feet elevation in the Chattahoochee National Forest. This region features numerous tent camping options accessible via forest roads that wind through oak-hickory woodlands and pine forests. The area receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually, creating numerous water features for campers seeking creekside sites.
What to do
Trout fishing in mountain streams: At Your Toccoa River Cove, campers can access fishing spots directly from their campsite. "There is a community area a short drive from the campsite that offers swimming and fishing; access is included in your reservation," notes one visitor.
Waterfall hiking: Several campsites offer proximity to cascades within a mile hike. At Hickey Gap, "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek," according to Julia B.
Stargazing at night: The minimal light pollution makes tent camping near Ellijay ideal for astronomy. Ney N. describes visiting Woodring Branch: "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."
Mountain biking trail access: Forest roads connect to established trail systems. A camper at Bear Creek Campground shares that "The Bear Creek MTB and hiking loop is a further 1/4 mile up the dirt road."
What campers like
Natural water sources: Many primitive camping spots feature reliable springs or creeks. At Hickory Flatts Cemetery, "There is a water source, just look for trail leading out to left side, about halfway to the pavilion. If you walk upstream, there's a pipe where Spring comes out of ground," explains William W.
Secluded site placement: Many tent camping areas offer privacy even when other campers are present. A visitor to Fort Mountain State Park Backcountry Campsites reports: "The site is private and pretty large. There were plenty of trees for hammocks and a few flat spots for small tents."
West-facing overlooks: Several camping areas provide sunset viewing opportunities. Meaghan G. notes that at Fort Mountain backcountry site #4, "The best part of site #4 is that it's about 0.2 miles from a beautiful west facing overlook where I enjoyed the sunset."
Free camping options: Multiple tent sites around Ellijay require no fee. "As one of the caretakers of Hickery Flatt Cemetery, I can tell you its a hidden gem in the forest. There are no camp sites, its an open area about the size of a football field," shares one reviewer.
What you should know
Vehicle access limitations: Many tent camping spots require specific vehicles. For Bear Creek Campground, one camper warns "the final stream crossing should only be attempted with a high clearance and possibly 4x4 vehicle or duel sport motorcycle."
Wildlife precautions: Bears are common in the Ellijay region. At Woodring Branch Primitive Campground, campers appreciate the tent-only environment where "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."
Seasonal water availability: Stream levels fluctuate dramatically between seasons. At Fort Mountain, one camper mentions "A small creek flows through the site for easy water access (but I was told that it doesn't flow all year)."
Steep access roads: Forest roads can present challenges even for appropriate vehicles. Mike H. warns about Hickey Gap: "Lastly, the road up there is all rock/dirt with a several hundred foot drop-off on the right side and no guardrail. There were a few hairpin turns."
Tips for camping with families
Bring water containers: Most tent sites near Ellijay require water treatment. At Woodring Branch, "The water was by the toilets at the entrance but easily walkable from the sites."
Pack rain gear: The North Georgia mountains receive significant precipitation. One camper at Toccoa River Cove shares: "It rained off and on the whole time we were there but it was ok. We made do. Sad there wasn't any firewood already in the shelter, but there were plenty of fallen trees around we were able to cut up."
Consider trail difficulty: Some campsites require carrying gear across uneven terrain. At Bear Creek Campground, "Once in the parking lot, you will need to shuffle your gear another 150-250 feet across a small wooden bridge to reach the dispersed camping sites."
Check cellular coverage: Most tent camping spots have limited service. One Toccoa River Cove visitor notes: "If you have AT&T cell service you're out of luck (or a blessing) because it will not work here... but it does work once you go back out into the road some."
Tips from RVers
Measure road width before arrival: Forest roads often narrow unexpectedly. William W. cautions about Hickory Flatts: "If you're pulling a camper, I'd suggest you check out FS251 before you drive into the site, its roughly TWO miles. I'd not bring in a big 5th wheel, etc... and PLEASE don't drive out into the grassy areas, you will get stuck."
