Best Campgrounds near Gainesville, GA

Gainesville, Georgia has several good camping options within driving distance. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground lets you stay near hiking trails where you can see waterfalls and canyon views. Tugaloo State Park Campground sits right on Lake Hartwell, which is great if you want to swim or boat during your stay. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground gives you access to Lake Allatoona and has some nice fishing spots if you bring your gear. The campsites vary in how spread out they are - some give you more privacy than others. Most of these parks have basic amenities like bathrooms with showers and tables for eating. If you're bringing kids, look for the campgrounds that have playground equipment. You should book ahead of time, especially in summer when these places fill up fast. Make sure to check if there are any fire bans before you go. The parks usually limit how long you can stay at one time. Each campground has different terrain - you might find spots under trees or more open areas where you can see the stars at night. The area is good for different outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and just hanging out by the water. Always clean up your site before leaving to keep these places nice. Both new and experienced campers will find something that works for them near Gainesville.

Best Camping Sites Near Gainesville, Georgia (341)

    1. Don Carter State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Lula, GA
    8 miles
    +1 (678) 450-7726

    $25 - $28 / night

    "This Georgia State Park is in Gainesville on the Chattahoochee where it meets up with Lake Lanier.  It was very easy to get to from the Atlanta area. "

    "Situated at the far north end of Lake Lanier, this Georgia state park is awesome! One of the best things about it for RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites!"

    2. Bolding Mill

    21 Reviews
    Murrayville, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 534-6960

    $20 - $36 / night

    "It was a little longer walk to the water and when a camper was next to us we couldn’t see the lake. We already have our reservations for 2025 in the site we wanted."

    "Our site was near access to walk-in camping (which did not turn out to be a problem since we set up facing the water) and a long walk to the bathroom, which was reasonably clean with hot shower but no"

    3. Duckett Mill

    18 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 532-9802

    $26 - $36 / night

    "Almost all the sites have view of lake and many have access to the lake for swimming or paddle boarding or boating. Nice breeze off the lake. Will be back many times."

    "Great location on Lake Lanier. The sites are very large and trees between most sites. Lots of water view sites, some have easier lake access from your site than others for our kayaks."

    4. Old Federal

    19 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 967-6757

    $20 - $36 / night

    "Our site was walking distance to the bathhouse, playground and swimming."

    "Grounds were great with easy access to the lake."

    5. Shady Grove Campground

    23 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    13 miles
    Website

    "This site was a nice distance away from the RV focused campsites at the same location."

    "If you love large wooded spots with great lake views and lots of deer to watch....this is your park. Located in a very nice part of Georgia with so many places to go and see."

    6. River Forks Park & Campground

    11 Reviews
    Oakwood, GA
    4 miles
    Website

    "The bathrooms were close to the site. We had a great family time here!! Deer were roaming thru the campsite.. so many!! I loved the fresh Georgia air and the atmosphere was just so relaxing!!"

    "Overall a nice and quite campground on Lake Lanier that’s not a COE campground. Easy to navigate and locate the sites. All have water views, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills."

    7. Shoal Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Buford, GA
    14 miles
    Website

    "There was a nice flat area to set up food, bonfire, chairs, games and to lounge around with family and the dogs. Bathrooms were nice and close to campground, within walking distance."

    "Communication with the main number for the campground went through the Margaritaville Campground nearby. Separate direct lines to the camp office and security were provided after arrival."

    8. Bald Ridge Creek

    20 Reviews
    Cumming, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 889-1591

    $26 - $36 / night

    "Our sites have all been lake-side and very large with a paved drive. There is hiking around the shore line and lots of ducks in the lake to feed (Shh!)"

    "It was right on the lake with a beautiful view. It has a path that goes down to the lake. A lot of the sites are on the lake and most sites offer ample shade."

    9. Fort Yargo State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Winder, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 867-3489

    $27 - $275 / night

    "Fort Yargo is in the Winder Ga area and is close to Helen, Jefferson, Athens and Atlanta. Entering the campground is a nice paved road and leads to tent camping, cabins, yurts and RV sites."

    "This is one of the few state parks in Georgia with yurts and also has a great flat biking trail. The lake allows for kayaking and boating and some yurts are actually right on the lake."

    10. Laurel Park

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

    "It has plenty of access to lake Lanier, and plenty of room for grilling out."

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Recent Reviews near Gainesville, GA

1478 Reviews of 341 Gainesville Campgrounds



Guide to Gainesville

Camping near Gainesville, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it, certainly worth it."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the lake at Tugaloo State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "There are a lot of hiking trails as well as the lake where you can rent paddle boats, swim or fish."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground said, "The campground is very clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpful staff. One reviewer at Fort Mountain State Park Campground remarked, "Campground staff was friendly and helpful."
  • Activities for Kids: Families enjoy the various activities available. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick up twice a day is great!"

What you should know

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Road Conditions: Be cautious of narrow roads, especially for larger RVs. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "If you have a big RV it may be hard to get in and out of the park."
  • Payment Methods: Some campgrounds may require cash for certain transactions. A visitor at Stone Mountain Park Campground mentioned, "You can pay for 1 night, but you need to do it by cash only."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground said, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check for scheduled events. One family at Tugaloo State Park Campground enjoyed, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and activities. A camper at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping mentioned, "The campground was neat, clean, and quiet."

Tips from RVers

Camping around Gainesville, GA, has something for everyone, from beautiful parks to fun activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Gainesville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gainesville, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 341 campgrounds and RV parks near Gainesville, GA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Gainesville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gainesville, GA is Don Carter State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 34 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gainesville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Gainesville, GA.

What parks are near Gainesville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Gainesville, GA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.