3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping options near Franklin, Georgia include several established campgrounds along the Chattahoochee River and surrounding areas. Bush Head Shoals Park offers six well-maintained tent sites with picnic tables and fire pits on fine gravel plots. The Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground in nearby Alabama provides more remote tent camping experiences for those willing to venture slightly farther from Franklin.
Most tent sites feature minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency from campers. Bush Head Shoals Park provides fire rings and picnic tables but lacks running water and shower facilities, though vault toilets are available and lit at night. Tent campers should bring all necessary water and supplies, as services are limited throughout the region. Wildlife Management Areas like Joe Kurz require a valid Georgia hunting or fishing license to camp. Ground conditions vary from fine gravel at Bush Head Shoals to natural forest floor at backcountry sites, with most accommodating standard tent setups.
The camping experience near Franklin offers a mix of riverside relaxation and forest immersion. A visitor commented, "The sites are extremely spacious and clean. You could easily fit two 6-person tents, with plenty of trees around for hanging hammocks." Many campsites provide access to hiking trails and water activities, particularly along the Chattahoochee River. Bush Head Shoals Park features a public boat launch, making it convenient for kayaking and fishing. Tent campers often report seeing wildlife, including bald eagles flying over the river. While most sites are reasonably secluded, proximity to local roads can occasionally introduce some noise. The tent camping areas throughout the region generally maintain a natural setting with adequate tree cover providing shade during warmer months.
"They have Ice and firewood available. You just grab it and either venmo Raven or drop money in the drop box. There is a nice hiking trail right across from site 1."
"They have 6 camp sites that all have a picnic table, fire pit and a large fine gravel plot for a tent. All the components are extremely well kept."
from $20 / night
"Pit toilet, no water, critter proof trash cans. First come first serve. Cash box available to pay. We had cell service. Used 10' trailer/ camper. No hookups or running water."
"Only about a dozen sites, most to partial shade (it's in the forest), plenty of downed pine not far. Sites are positioned well and decent for tent or something like a motorcycle camper."
"One of the great backpacking loop within the Cheaha wilderness is the skyway trail and the Cheaha Falls Campground is my favorite place to stay while doing it."
"This walk in campsite is right next to the waterfalls. Tons of exploring can be done around camp or you could extend the trails and explore Devils Den Falls as well!"
"Ahead of my trip to Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area(WMA), I've gathered crucial details for anyone looking to explore this serene destination."
"Clean and cleared paths. All kinds of animals roaming about."
"I'll definitely be returning for a visit again soon when the weather is a bit warmer!"
from $25 / night
"Like many sites along this section of the Pinhoti it is right off the patch and provides a large space to set up your tent with a nice campfire ring in the center."
"This is one of my favorite trails to camp on in Alabama and living in Birmingham it is not too far of a trek to get here. We often take people on this hike if it is their first backpacking trip."
"Park at the Cheaha trailhead directly off of highway 281 and there find the beautifully built entry way. Hike in about 1 min then turn right and head up the hill."
"The site is pretty primitive and doesn’t have any hookups but it is fairly large and has plenty of space to cook. There are some premade rock fire pits that are perfect for an evening cook out."
"It burned years ago but the concrete pad is still here. Ultimately, Rangers may come by and ask you to move to prepared sites nearby. I think they are concerned about fires as always."
"Stay on Campbell rd until you are in the park on a gravel / dirt road and then keep driving. For being a gravel dirt road it’s pretty well maintained."
GuideWell, another review from Hank and I about three weeks ago in October we stayed at McIntosh reserve in Whitesburg Georgia. We stayed for a week. They have no power, but we have a solar generator and a regular generator they have water Spicket spread out sporadically throughout the park, they do have restrooms and a shower house. Very nice park. Very nice host.
TravelerI’ve camped here multiple times. Great spot near the falls, just a short walk down the ridge. About 100 yards from the creek for water. Big enough for at least 3 hammocks.
ScoutThis campground use to be a good hold over spot or a good spot for beginner campers. The homeless in the area have taken it over and have completely destroyed it. Trash all over the place and used needles and foils scattered about. The police routinely check this area as it has become a known hideout spot for wanted people. Would not camp here. Back when I was a kid we would ride our bikes and stay out there for days at a time. Not anymore. Would avoid
ScoutVery quiet,has porter potty in parking lot, cell service, free camping.
ScoutSite is a good size located on the shore of Lake Delano under trees. Great view. Fire ring and picnic table equipped. The temp is still hot and humid but there is a breeze which makes it bearable in the daytime, nights are cooler and comfortable. Plenty to explore with Pine Mountain Trail close by. Would stay here again. This site is water and electric only with dump station at entrance.
Scout35$ a night for a tent
ScoutStayed 4 nights at Cheaha State Park in the Upper Improved Campground, using sites 2 and 42. Overall, it was a solid stay with great scenery and convenient access, but a few things kept it from being exceptional. Check-in was easy and straightforward, and the staff were friendly and accommodating. Both sites were easy to access, though not perfectly level, which is worth noting if you’re in a van or RV and don’t carry leveling gear. The sites included full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), along with a fire ring and picnic table, which made setup simple and comfortable. However, the sites are fairly close together, and the campground has a lot of trees and hilly terrain, so privacy is somewhat limited. We had mostly good weather aside from one rainy day, and there were some bugs and flies, especially during warmer parts of the day. The bathhouse had restrooms and showers, but cleanliness was inconsistent and could use more frequent upkeep. On the positive side, the location is the highlight. The park has a camp store at the entrance, plus great overlooks and hiking trails. It’s also a nice area for biking and exploring the mountain scenery. Would I stay again? Yes—but probably with tempered expectations. It’s a beautiful park in a great location, but for the price, the campground experience itself feels just okay rather than outstanding.
LegendThis is a typical park where not all sites are created equal. Some are paved, some are gravel. Some have 50 amp, some are 30-amp. Some are perfectly level and some have really steep grades. Some sites are pull-thru, some are back-in. Some are really long, some are much shorter. The roads in the campground are paved, free of potholes, and fairly easily navigable for big-rigs. All sites are pet-friendly and have water and electric. There are no sewer sites. Campsites 1-27 and 85-106 have 50-amp electric while the others are 30-amp. Some sites (40, 47, 50, 52, 65, 80, 84, 87, 89, 101) are “double-unit” (or buddy) sites which is reflective in the $60/night price. There are bathrooms scattered throughout the campground in each loop but there are only two shower houses in the entire campground. Sites 1-16 are perfectly level as are a few others. Reservations can be made online and the website has pictures and descriptions as well as length of site. The campground is very dark at night with the only lights being at the bathrooms. We love dark campgrounds where the moon and stars are bright. Unfortunately, numerous campers left their lights all night which we find really annoying. Our Verizon phone was very spotty and not reliable. We were able to use our portable Dish satellite to get television. There is a dump station located conveniently on your way out which is quite busy on Sundays at check out.
GuideBathhouses clean but worn. Our site was level but many are not. Construction at the entrance. Road into the park is up and down with curves and some steep grades. WiFi and ATT signal were nonexistent at our site. Hiking was really good.
Tent camping near Franklin, Georgia offers options for campers seeking seclusion in the foothills where the Chattahoochee River flows through western Georgia. The region sits at elevations between 700-1,200 feet with mild springs and falls, though summer temperatures regularly reach 85-95°F with high humidity. Most sites require a 1-5 mile drive on unpaved forest roads, with limited or no cell reception common throughout the area.
Kayaking access: Bush Head Shoals Park provides direct river access via its boat launch for paddlers. "We camped 3 nights and also rented a Kayak. The Chattahoochee Outdoors family are awesome. We floated and hiked and had an amazing time," notes one visitor who appreciated the combination of activities.
Wildlife observation: Morning hours at most sites offer optimal bird watching. "Almost every time I camp here I see a bald eagle flying over the river," reports a regular visitor at Bush Head Shoals Park, highlighting the area's bird diversity.
Trail hiking: Turnipseed Campground connects to the Pinhoti Trail system with moderate 2-5 mile day hikes available. As one reviewer explained, "There is a nice hiking trail right across from site 1," making it convenient to access trails directly from camp.
Affordable rates: Pinhoti Trail Backcountry Campground receives high marks for value. According to a visitor, "Beautiful camp sites well maintained and only $5 a night," making it one of the most budget-friendly options in the region.
Site privacy: Most campers appreciate the distance between sites. A Turnipseed Campground visitor noted, "There were only a few other campers at the campground and we were all spread out from each other. Even when the campground is full you will not be on top of other campers."
Flat terrain: Cheaha Falls Campground offers level spots for easy tent setup. "Great little spots for tents! Smooth surfaces, very shady, and clean low maintenance bathroom," according to a reviewer who appreciated the practical setup.
License requirements: Joe Kurz Wildlife Management Area has specific entry requirements. "Important to note is the requirement for a valid Georgia hunting or fishing license to camp, reflecting the area's primary use for hunting and fishing activities," warns one visitor who researched the regulations.
Limited amenities: Most sites near Franklin lack running water. "There are outhouses but no water, some sites have old picnic tables and/or a fire pit," explains a Turnipseed camper, emphasizing the need to bring all water supplies.
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds close during winter months or hunting seasons. A regular visitor noted, "I would definitely check online to make sure it is open before planning to camp here," after finding a site unexpectedly closed.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Hideaway Park offers accessible camping for families with children. One family's experience: "First off I would give this place a 4.5 if I could. They have 6 camp sites that all have a picnic table, fire pit and a large fine gravel plot for a tent... (Family of 4: 3 and 5 year old)."
Wildlife education: Morning hikes offer teaching moments for families. "We saw and heard a lot of birds and wildlife here!" reports an enthusiastic visitor to Turnipseed Campground, indicating opportunities for nature observation.
Water activities: Shallow sections of the Chattahoochee River allow for supervised play. "The lake, hiking to Bald Rock on top of the mountain, had a nice supper at the restaurant on the second night and captured a gorgeous sunset," shares a parent describing activities their family enjoyed.
Site limitations: Most campgrounds near Franklin have size restrictions. One RVer at McDill Point Backcountry advised, "I would not recommend this campground to anyone in a large RV," after attempting to navigate the narrow access roads.
Road conditions: Unpaved access roads can be challenging after rain. "The roads are gravel but well maintained. We had no problems getting in," reported a motorcycle camper, providing insight on accessibility for smaller vehicles.
Seasonal planning: Spring and fall offer the best camping weather for RVs without air conditioning. A summer visitor warned, "We camped right by the entrance when you first come into the campsite, all other spots were full," highlighting the importance of timing visits to find availability at the best tent camping near Franklin, Georgia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Franklin, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Franklin, GA is Bush Head Shoals Park with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Franklin, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Franklin, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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