Tent camping near Flowery Branch, Georgia offers diverse terrain from hardwood forests to lakefront settings. The area sits at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, creating moderate temperatures with highs in the 80s during summer months and lows in the 40s during spring and fall camping seasons. Many campsites require advance preparation as water sources can be seasonal, particularly at wilderness sites during late summer.
What to do
Explore waterfront activities: At James Shackleford Memorial Park, campers can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating directly from their campsites. One visitor noted, "Not much to say about it pretty much all the sites around the lake area the same in Hall county Gwinnett it was very peaceful nice people was able to find plenty of outdoor stuff to do."
Hike mountain trails: The nearby Raven Cliff Falls offers extensive hiking opportunities on varied terrain. A camper explained, "The trail has some great views and different terrain from small creek crossings to some steep hills and valleys." Another mentioned it's "a 2.5 miles hike that ends at a breathtaking waterfall, but the trail doesn't quite end there. Once you arrive at the falls there's plenty of room to roam the dozens of rock structures."
Watch wildlife: The forested areas provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, especially at dawn and dusk. At Raven Cliff Falls, campers should "pack out all food items and trash or hang a bear bag," as one visitor warned after "a bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out."
What campers like
Natural water features: Raven Cliff Falls draws campers with its water attractions. A visitor shared, "We camped here in June with a group of our close friends. It was a bit humid and warm, which is no surprise for a North Georgia summer, but still well worth the peace and relaxation. Our spot was about a quarter mile from the parking area which has public restrooms available, and we were right next to Dodd Creek so we had the peaceful sounds of running water to put us to sleep at night."
Family-friendly amenities: Laurel Park offers facilities specifically designed for families with children. According to one camper, "It has a splash pad that's operating from late spring through summer. It has plenty of access to lake Lanier, and plenty of room for grilling out."
Accessibility to trails: Campers appreciate sites with direct trail access. At Blood Mountain Shelter, "We didn't stay in the shelter and instead set up our tent near an overlook nearby. Perfect place for sunrise and sunset."
What you should know
Water availability varies: Many campsites have limited or seasonal water sources. At Woody Gap Campground, there's "Water near by" but requires planning to access. Raven Cliff Falls campsites have inconsistent water access, with one visitor noting that "water is no problem with the entire trail being directly on a solid flowing stream."
Bathroom facilities: Toilet facilities differ significantly between sites. Buford Dam Park has bathrooms but "were locked when we went so make sure you keep that in mind when coming here."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially on weekends. At Woody Gap, a camper mentioned, "Crowded for the first mile but is then very private." Similarly, for Raven Cliff Falls, "If you want a walk-in campsite and it's the weekend, you better get there early. We arrived at dusk on a Friday and got the last walk-in site available."
Tips for camping with families
Concrete camping pads: Panola Mountain State Park Campground offers tent sites with firm, level surfaces. One visitor mentioned, "Getting to the campsite was simple enough and it is the quoted 3/4 mile walk in. It was great to see some families utilizing the space."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer guided nature programs. At Panola Mountain, "We took the guided tour of the Mountain and it was awesome. We ate Pine Trees and they explained about likenand the red fungus. Highly recommended."
Water play options: For summer camping with children, look for sites with water features. Laurel Park "has a splash pad that's operating from late spring through summer" making it ideal for families with young children looking to cool off.
Tips for RVers
Site limitations: Most tent-focused campgrounds have significant RV restrictions. Hembree Park Campground has limited RV options as one camper discovered: "It's not an RV park, they said there's is a little section of the park for rv but non hookups of any kind."
Power considerations: When electricity is available, it may require additional equipment. At Two Wheels of Suchess, a camper noted they "placed 2 or 3 posts for electricity and never complained about me stinging my 100' extension cord through the creek so we could enjoy the fire pits as well as the electricity for phones and tent heaters."
Road conditions: Access roads to many camping areas have size restrictions or challenging conditions. At Buford Dam Park Shelters, "Parking is off of the main road and there is not a lot of room for oversized vehicles."
