Best Tent Camping near Flowery Branch, GA

Tent camping opportunities near Flowery Branch, Georgia include established campgrounds and more primitive sites around Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee National Forest. Laurel Park offers tent-specific sites in Gainesville with water and electric hookups, while Buford Dam Park Shelters provides lakeside walk-in tent locations with scenic views of the Chattahoochee River.

Most tent campsites in the Flowery Branch area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Hembree Park Campground provides drinking water and allows fires but lacks showers or hookups, making it suitable for traditional tent camping experiences. Sites are typically set on hard-packed dirt or gravel, with some locations offering picnic tables and designated fire rings. Toilet facilities exist at most established campgrounds, though several primitive areas require campers to pack out all waste. Access varies significantly—some sites like Laurel Park allow drive-in access, while others require boat-in or short walks from parking areas.

The region offers both lakeside and mountain tent camping experiences with different atmosphere and terrain. For more secluded tent camping, the Appalachian Trail corridor includes multiple options within an hour's drive, including Woody Gap Campground and Springer Mountain Shelter. These walk-in tent locations provide a more immersive outdoor experience with trails directly accessible from campsites. The tent pads at Springer Mountain Shelter accommodate standard tent setups with nearby water sources. According to one visitor, "Springer is an easy weekend backpacking getaway. The shelter is only 1 mile away from the nearest parking lot." Those seeking lakeside tent campsites will find them at Laurel Park and Buford Dam, though a camper noted these areas "can be heavily used at times" particularly during summer weekends.

Best Tent Sites Near Flowery Branch, Georgia (45)

    1. Buford Dam Park Shelters (GA)

    2 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 945-9531

    "This is a nice place to just come and stroll around for a bit. Parking is close to the street and paths go down to the lakeside."

    "Wonderful walks, good fishing most of the year. Can be heavily used at times."

    2. Laurel Park

    4 Reviews
    Gainesville, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 535-8280

    "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."

    3. James Shackleford Memorial Park

    1 Review
    Auburn, GA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 963-4002

    "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 hope other people"

    4. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    38 miles
    Website

    "I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping."

    "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."

    6. Springer Mountain Shelter

    5 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    35 miles
    Website

    "But when you come around the bend and see it for the first time, it's magical. Your first stop on the AT.

    It's a three sided, wooden cabin-like structure with a big stone step to get inside."

    "Bear box nearby, as well as latrines. Expect mice and other creatures if you stay at the shelter. Definitely a high traffic area."

    7. Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail

    8 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    39 miles
    Website

    "We didn't stay in the shelter and instead set up our tent near an overlook nearby. Perfect place for sunrise and sunset."

    "While most AT shelters have a bathroom nearby, this one doesn't. Also there isn't any water available."

    8. Woody Gap Campground - Appalachian Trail

    4 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    35 miles
    Website

    "One of the best views on the GA Appalation trail. Plenty of camlong sites along the trail if yiu hike in past the view. Crowded for the first mile but is then very private."

    "It is on the AT so primitive spots only."

    9. Panola Mountain State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Pine Mountain, GA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 389-7801

    $125 / night

    "We did an overnighter to check this out after doing a separate hike on the primary trails from the other side of the park in the morning. "

    "Camped overnight on a primitive site"

    10. Two Wheels of Suchess

    4 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 973-1671

    "I was up hiking in the area and the forest road was closed after a storm . Stopped at a gas station and they recommended I check with them."

    "Fire wood and ice available 24 hours. The paved parking lot in front of the main lodge is for motorcycles only, however there is a gravel parking lot for 4 wheel vehicles."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Flowery Branch, GA

1270 Reviews of 45 Flowery Branch Campgrounds


  • Jeff E.
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Views - Near Atlanta and I-75

    Red Top Mountain State Park is beautiful and Lake Allatoona is large.  Campsite 50 is a premium tent only walk-in site (a few dollars more).  It sits on a point that sticks out in the lake.  There is no shade or tree cover, so it's not "private".  There are 3 other sites near by on the walk-in area and there are no boundaries or barriers between so your neighbors are in full view.  There is no electric near the tent pad, the electric pole is 150+ feet away near the parking area.  You probably could run 175 feet of electric extension cord... but it would have to run past the three other sites... so don't plan for electric.  There is water right by the pad with a ton of pressure.  The tent pad was large but extremely hard to drive tent stakes into... smaller stakes worked better.  The bathhouse was an uphill hike probably 300 ft away but was modern and clean with hot showers and good water pressure.  The park is clean and scenic.  The staff is very courteous, friendly and helpful.  There are plenty of opportunities to hike, fish and boat.

    This park is about 30-40 minutes outside of Atlanta right off of I-75.  If you are in a tent... you will hear I-75 traffic all night so keep in mind, that while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature... the drone of the highway will remind you.  There is a train that blows its whistle that will wake you up 3 times each night and also remind you that you are not deep in the woods.  The winding roads through the park outside the campground also seemed to be very popular with motorcyclists who like loud pipes.

    The name Red Top Mountain is derived from the red soil in the area that was popular for the mining of abundant iron ore.  But don't look for "mountains" here... you have to travel further north for more dramatic elevation.  

    Overall, a nice park, pretty scenery but not as secluded, quiet and relaxing as expected for tent camping.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2018

    Mountain Crossings - Neel Gap m- AT Camp and Store

    Great location, but prepare to sleep on a slant...

    This location is kind of famous. You read about it in the AT books and the owner has actually written a book about all the hikers he's met that happen through his shop. Neels Gap is not only a place to throw down for some sleep (they have a campground and a hostel), but it's a total resupply stop. We stayed at Neels Gap Camp because it fit our mileage plans and it was convenient for the night and it was a great place to catch up with folks we met on the trail and meet some new ones.

    The hostel here is mainly for through hikers. They charge $20/night and that includes a shower and a bed. We stayed at the campground behind the building. There's nothing wrong with the campground, other than the fact that it's on such a slant (building camps on the sides of mountains and rocks does this...) that you are going to end up sleeping on top of your tent buddy if you don't aim your tent the right direction, and there are not many pads that allow the "right direction". You are truly best off in a hammock at this campground.

    There are plenty of hammock trees, and it's kind of cool that the AT goes right past the tent pads so in the morning, you can watch the hikers filter out and head north on their journey. Old faces and new faces greet you as you sip your coffee and eat your oatmeal.

    There is a fire ring, and since the fire ban ends on the other side of the highway (Neels sits on the highway), we were on the right side of the road to have a fire! A welcome addition to the chilly night air. There is a fire pit made of stone and everyone shares.

    There were not many good spots to hang bear bags that were away from the tents, but we found one that sufficed. They do not have a bear box (and claim that bears don't really come to this campground, but can you really tell them not to?). They do, however, have mice, and one little bugger ate into my pack and buried a peanut inside. So best to put your pack in your tent, if possible. They're cute, but not that cute.

    Portable pottys were located out front of the store, and there were about 5 that were fairly clean and maintained. There is a water faucet out front with drinkable water (yay!) that didn't need to be purified and picnic tables for cooking your food. A beautiful overlook while you ate was awesome too! There is a road/highway that passes by, so there is road noise, but not unbearable. Just kind of annoying if you are used to the sounds of the woods.

    The store has anything you could possibly need for re-supply, which makes it totally awesome! Gear (packs, sleeping bags, shoes, socks, etc), cooking supplies (food, stoves, fuel), books, water bottles, you name it! They also accept resupply boxes that you have mailed to yourself and a system to hand them out that seems to work really well.

    Overall, not a bad spot for camping. Everything you need in one spot.

  • Katie H.
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Raven Cliff Falls

    Underrated Camping Spot

    I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping. You have the choice to walk in further but it accommodates all campers. Be careful of the bears and always leave no trace.

  • Everette G.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Victoria Bryant State Park Campground

    Great Camping in any Season

    Victoria Bryant State Park is probably one of my most frequented camping spots in the last few years. All of the tent sites are sheltered platforms, with electricity, potable water and an overhead light. Rain or shine, you can have a good time (and stay dry) at Victoria Bryant. There are only about 8 platforms, and one is ADA only, so they book up quick. They are all spaced pretty far apart, privacy isn't too hard to maintain (except maybe site 7&8). 1-4 are down a hill, 4 being the furthest away at about 40 feet, down the steepest incline. There are facilities right across the parking lot, that have always been clean and well maintained, and heated in the colder months. Camp hosts and office have firewood. There are several miles of trails that are lower difficulty, save for some hilly spots. In October, the park does a pretty cool little haunted trail. There's obvious reasons we enjoy VBSP, staying dry in the rain, nice, dense forested areas, and awesome campgrounds make it an easy choice.

  • B+J S.
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Hearthstone Cabins and Camping

    Ever Evolving Wonderland

    Less than a mile from the heart of Helen, Georgia. This campground is a one woman show. Liz, the owner, has done it all and theres no sign of stopping her - to the cabins, the decor, and expanding campsites. 

    Cabins: 

    There are three cabins on this property that are fully set up(everything provided) and ready for you. Two cabins are nice couple cabins while the third is a beautiful three bedroom home with a full yard and outdoor space with room for an RV or tenting, perfect for a group or reunion. 

    RV spaces: 

    Five spaces are towards the front of the property and are all large. When we were there each space was filled with 30+’ trailers there for Oktoberfest. Each site has water and electric, picnic tables, fire rings and some have hammocks. 

    Further on the property are 5 more sites. Each with water, electric, and tables. The three furthest are a bit smaller, but are being expanded upon each day. We stayed in the smaller of the spaces in the back as we have a small trailer. The spot had a perfect mix of shade and sun for our solar panels to charge if we had needed them, but the electric was clean and ample. The wifi was strong and our T-Mobile service also worked. Since we are a small trailer, we do not have our own facilities, so we did have to walk to the bathroom. 

    Tent camping: 

    Think primitive. They’re dirt spots with fire rings. I can see in the future they’ll be expanded upon and significantly improved. The owner has really amazing ideas for these spots and I’ll be very interested in seeing them say a year from now. 

    Bathroom facilities: 

    There is a portapotty and an outhouse- no flushing toilets. In the bathhouse, there are two shower stalls with very high pressure hot showers. While the facilities left a bit to be desired, they did the job and remember, this is a one woman show renovating the entire property! If you have your own facilities in your RV or trailer this isn’t an issue.

     The property overall: 

    The property overall is fun to explore! Theres a natural spring that runs down the hill to a little pond where you can swim or fish from your own sandy beach. We were there after one of the last storms really destroyed the GA, SC, and NC general area so the pond was a bit cloudy and a lot of timber/branches have fallen around the property. There are tons of hang out spaces with hammocks and hammock chairs, so if you’re into reading, theres a spot for you. 

    One of the most interesting things about this property is the“Makers Space”, an arts and crafts area where you can paint, create, and share what you’ve made. Hidden throughout the property are amazing little details. From a mini fairy village to faces in the trees, and beautifully painted rocks hidden in nooks and crannies. 

    You can see the creativity and love Liz has put into making this place her vision. Remember to leave no trace, lend a helping hand, and to stay and chat for a while.

  • Amar P.
    Aug. 13, 2017

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Ranger Review: Tensile Flite + at Red Top Mountain, GA

    Campground Review:

    Red Top Mountain State Park is located in Acworth, GA. The park is located around 12,000-acre Lake Allatoona, which made it perfect for summer camping. The park has about 15 miles worth of shaded trails for hiking and mountain biking. The park also has RV, yurt, and cottage options for camping. We rented a first come first serve RV/Tent campsite during our visit, and the price was $35 for one night. The campsite was gate access and had electric/water hookups with 2 car spaces, a BBQ grill, picnic table, and a lot of trees. We had access to a public restroom, showers, and laundry. There were also primitive campsites available to rent, which were closer to the lake. Our group decided to stay at this park because we wanted to utilize the lake. The lake is beautiful; however, it was very crowded the weekend we went. The park overall has a lot of “things to do” and is family friendly, but it was given 4 stars because of how busy and crowded it was during our visit.

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At this campground, I had the opportunity to test the Tentsile Flite +, which is a tent and hammock fusion. I was super excited to use this product because I am a hammock camper and there are times I wish I had the option of tent camping. The design and uniqueness of Tentsile Flite + is amazing, and I would consider it more of a tent instead of a hammock, because of how flat it lays when suspended in the air.

    Pros:

    • Comfortable to lay in and no need for sleeping pads or cushions.
    • If you are a hammock camper, you can share this tent with another person comfortably.
    • The rainfly is clutch and depending on preference it can be attached to the tent, staked to the ground, or tied to the trees.
    • The Tensile Flite + is light and can be ideal for backpacking.
    • The tent roof is all netting which is great for having ventilation during the summer, keeping bugs out, and also good for sky gazing.

    Cons:

    • Setup time and the difficulty of getting the right angle and tension.
    • It was difficult finding the right trees suspend to.

    Overall the Tentsile Flite + is perfect for someone who loves hammock camping, but want to enjoy some of the features tents have. I love the design and the wow factor it has on people. Also the company’s mission is very noble and how they help people in need and the environment.

    Here is a video of setting up the Tensile Flite +

  • A
    Aug. 19, 2024

    Andrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

    Nice primitive camping

    This is a primitive campground with a picnic table, lantern pole and a firepit with a grate. It is pack in-pack out as there are no trashcans or dumpsters. Water is available via a hand water pump across from site#8 and the toilets are vault toilets but were well kept and did not smell horrible. The stream is gorgeous stream and loud enough to drown out most road noise. There are some hazardous trees and one 6inch tree did fall while we were there this weekend during a thunderstorm. At the back of the campground is a~2 mile trail that connects to the AT. Most sites have a tent pad that will accommodate a 10’x10’ tent. Sites 2, 4, and 8 driveways can really only accommodate 1 car and there are no extra parking spots. Driveways for sites 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 can accommodate 2 cars. Site 1 is adjacent to the road and is going to be impacted by road noise. There is no campground host so be prepared to either scavenge wood or buy it in town, same goes for ice.

  • Michael C.
    Apr. 12, 2025

    River Forks Park & Campground

    Great views but...

    "SITE# 47, Pull-Thru, Not FHU, 50A, Water, Dump LENGTH OF STAY: Stayed 9 Nights, RATE:$30.56/ Night with No Discount/ 0% Discount BATH HOUSE: Clean but Outdated LAUNDRY: Not Recorded STAFF: Friendly PARK IMPRESSIONS: Nice, We would stay here again RV PAD: Concrete, ESTIMATED RV PAD LENGTH: 40 Feet, Tow Vehicle Could NOT Stay Connected and Parking was away from site SITE SLOPE: Door side Tire Blocks needed ROADS: Adequate, MANEUVERABILITY: Narrow PEDESTAL PLACEMENT: Center of site length, SHADE: 30% GRASS AREA: At-Site, DESIGNATED PET AREA: Not Recorded PICNIC TABLE: Yes, FIRE RING: Yes, VERIZON Signal(bars): 5G-3, SPEED: 394 Mbs Download, 47 Mbs Upload T-MOBILE Signal(bars): 5G-5, SPEED: 714 Mbs Download, 124 Mbs Upload No WiFi, OTA TV CHANNELS: 75, CABLE TV: No, PLAYGROUND: Yes POOL: No, WATER FEATURE: Lake, FIREWOOD: Yes, STORE: No CLUBHOUSE: No, PROPANE AVAILABILITY: No Original site was# 46(back-in) but was VERY small. Moved to site 47(Pull-Thru) but due to road slope pull-thru is un-usable. Lower numbered sites(less than 30) appear somewhat better. Empty camp ground host side byhind 47 cannot be used unless site 47 is emprty due to sloping road. One single use dump station. One campground host presently in the park- their site was not marked. Appears that most sites are back-in and set sideways to a hillside and lakefront leaving very little level space for chairs. Fire rings are frequently located 12-20 feet away from picnic table and 3 to 9 feet below site level on a slope. Reservation Software used by office was down upon Saturday arrival with no IT help until Monday- two days away leaving office staff frustrated and using their own phone to access the reservation system customers use instead of management side of software. Staff stated it goes down frequently with no IT support on weekends. Six bathhouses in park. Bathhouse nearest beach closed awaiting replacement of fixtures after renovation. Shower has outdated fixtures- several shower heads had significant mineral deposits restricting flow. Men's side closed at another bathhouse. Many shower stalls had no hook or fixture to hang a towel or clothing. Several showers had broken shower valves making them unusable. Stayed 9 nights and did not see anyone working on bathhouses. Beach area parking is limited to 6 or 7 spaces and one handicap space however, there is a larger parking lot a little further away. Bathhouse showers have a pull string valve next to the shower head that had to be held down to get water with many strings broken, missing and too short to allow shorter people, children, or handicaped wheel-chair use. Some sites have precarious/dangerous sloping driveways for RVs to get into. Newly installed sites are near completion but they make sites very close together. Many sites do not have a fire pit and many do not have a grill. Many sites arer too small to park a second vhicle even if the camper is small. Parking on dirt or grass is prohibited by rules but appears to be selectively enforced. The campground has a boat ramp and reasonably large parking area. Extra careful site selection is warranted. Four docks in River Forks Park. Firewood is available at the office. CHECK-IN: 01:00 PM CHECK-OUT: 12:00 PM RIG: 42ft- 17,000 lb 5th Wheel"

  • John W.
    Aug. 8, 2017

    Raven Cliff Falls

    Basecamp Tucked Away from Civilzation

    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. Most visitors cone for a day hike to the falls but there are a ton of secluded backwoods camping spots tucked off the forestry road that connects you to the trail.

    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. There was plenty of room for multiple tents and hammocks, and we had a nic3 stone fire ring to cook on.

    If you are going to camp here, rem2mber to Leave No Trace even if the campers before you did, and keep in mind that this is b3ar country. Its always a good idea to keep food out of tents, in a bear proof container, and hung up at least 14 feet off the ground. also make sure you bring everything you need , this is rustic camping, and while its not too terribly far to town its always better to have what you need to begin with.


Guide to Flowery Branch

Tent camping near Flowery Branch, Georgia, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With well-maintained facilities and access to beautiful landscapes, these campgrounds are perfect for a weekend getaway.

Tent campers should check out Shady Grove Campground

  • Located in Buford, Shady Grove Campground features tent sites nestled among trees, providing ample shade and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • The campground is known for its cleanliness and well-kept bathrooms, making it a comfortable choice for families and solo campers alike.
  • With easy access to Lake Sidney Lanier, campers can enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming right at their doorstep.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Laurel Park, families can enjoy a splash pad during the summer months, along with plenty of grilling areas for cookouts.
  • The Buford Dam Park Shelters offer wonderful walking trails and fishing opportunities, perfect for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • For a unique experience, Two Wheels of Suchess caters specifically to motorcyclists, providing a vibrant community atmosphere and access to scenic rides through North Georgia.

Tent camping amenities to enjoy

  • James Shackleford Memorial Park offers a range of amenities including picnic tables, firewood, and clean restrooms, making it a convenient spot for campers.
  • At Smithgall Woods, visitors can take advantage of reservable cabins and glamping options, along with hiking trails that lead to stunning views and fishing spots.
  • Hickory Flatts Cemetery provides a unique camping experience with a large open area, picnic pavilion, and basic restroom facilities, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Flowery Branch, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Flowery Branch, GA is Buford Dam Park Shelters (GA) with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Flowery Branch, GA?

TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Flowery Branch, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.