For those who want to experience Gainesville, but still want the creature comforts of home, consider glamping for your trip. Glamping offers the perfect opportunity to explore Gainesville and stay off the beaten path. Search nearby glamping or find top-rated spots from other campers.
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
$25 - $28 / night
Nestled between Athens and Atlanta, Fort Yargo is a 1,816-acre park located in Georgia state. Its namesake comes from a log fort that was constructed by settlers who, at the time, built it to protect themselves against the Creek and Cherokee. Nowadays, visitors flock to this park to enjoy the variety of outdoor recreation and activities.
Apart from all the recreation the park has to offer, it also provides some of the most gorgeous views in the Eastern region of the United States. Here, folks can enjoy over 20 miles of hiking and bike trails. Fort Yargo State Park is also a common location for outdoor weddings and other types of special events and celebrations.
Those looking to stay overnight have an abundance of options to choose from. The park offers 12 walk-in campsites, 13 “adventure” cabins, 40 RV and tent campsites, group shelters, and even lakeside yurts for anyone wanting a true “glamping” experience. The fees for staying overnight range from $25-135, and do not include the ParkPass fee. The ParkPass fee is $5 per day for passenger vehicles carrying a maximum of 12 people, and for passenger vehicles with additional occupants the fee is $30 per day. Additionally, there is an annual option for $50-75 per year. Luckily, visitors are only required to pay for a ParkPass once during the entirety of their stay.
The main attractions to this park are the variety of activities such as disc golf, mini golf, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, and geocaching. Disc golf has proven to be a challenge for many visitors, at least partly due to the fact that it's a densely wooded course. This park is also home to a gorgeous 260-acre lake with a seasonal beach. Visitors can enjoy a day at the lake on one of the two beach pavilions and fishing is a welcome activity as well.
$34 - $36 / night
Established in 1931, Vogel State Park stands today as one of Georgia’s oldest state parks. Over 223 acres of land make up this beautiful reserve, known for its extensive selection of trails and crisp, brightly colored forests. Located at the base of Blood Mountain in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Vogel is especially popular during the fall thanks to the blanket of colors that transform the park’s trees and wildlife. In fact, Red, yellow, and gold leaves cover the landscape of the surrounding hills, mountains, and valleys for months at a time.
This park is also full of history, with many facilities being constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. To learn about the “CCC” boys and their incredible story, check out the park museum open seasonally.
The North Georgia Mountains around Vogel were also linked to native tribes for generations before European settlement, and the adventurous individual can still find remnants from their time on this land via the surrounding trails. In fact, there are a variety of trails available, including the 4 mile Bear Hair Gap loop. Bear Hair is easier than other hikes in the area and leads to the Trahlyta Falls, a peaceful set of waterfalls perfect for photo opportunities or a small picnic. More seasoned hikers can undergo the challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail, which showcases the regional wildlife and various water features throughout.
If hiking isn’t your thing, the park’s 22 acre lake is open to non-motorized boats, and during summer, visitors can cool off at the mountain-view beach. Enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking while your family watches you from shore, then finish up with a round of mini golf at the park’s 18 hole course.
For overnight accommodations, 34 Cottages, 85 campsites and 18 primitive backpacking sites are all available for a reasonable rate.There is also a pioneer campground available for rent, which is perfect for groups and allows campers to see how past settlers would have lived. During your stay, there are 4 picnic shelters available for use, as well as a group shelter and a lake pavilion, which seat 90 and 100 guests respectively. There is also a general store open year round, with Wifi open at the visitor center.
$30 - $250 / night
Nestled among 3200 acres of natural beauty just outside of Atlanta, the Stone Mountain Park Campground features over 400 RV, Pop-up, and Tent sites as well as Yurt, Safari Tent, and RV Rentals. While Stone Mountain GA camping you'll also find a variety of recreational activities and family-friendly attractions and events available seasonally.
$44 - $65 / night
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is a camper’s paradise. Nestled in the natural setting of the Appalachian foothills, Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers campers a wide range of camping options. From luxury RV hookups to secluded tent campsites to the distinct outdoor hammock experience of the Squirrels Nest, our Georgia State Park campground is designed to suit the various needs of our guests.
We have nearly 100 campsites and a variety of arrangements to choose from including ADA sites and Buddy Hook-up sites, 30-foot and 40-foot RV sites, primitive campsites and sites designed for family tent camping. All our powered sites are suitable for tent, trailer and RV campers.
As a Georgia State Park, countless guests come to explore the 1,029 acres of adventure activities and mountain marvels on their own terms. Some enjoy navigating the hiking and mountain biking trails to nearby Alpine Helen and Anna Ruby Falls. Others opt for peaceful mornings fishing on Unicoi Lake or a sandy, sun-soaked day at Unicoi Beach.
The park’s proximity to popular Helen, GA events and activities allow guests to experience one of Georgia’s top tourist attractions but still return to the natural confines of the park for rest and relaxation.
For your convenience, our campgrounds feature comfort stations, which include restrooms and showers, while campers also have access to group structures and picnic shelters.
We are a pet-friendly State Park as long as your pets are friendly and always kept on a short, sturdy leash. Please be courteous to other patrons and be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our park and trails by cleaning up after your animals.
For a bird’s eye view of Unicoi State Park & Lodge and campground locations, check out our Georgia State Park Map.
RV CAMPING As one of the premier Georgia State Parks with RV camping, our full hookup RV sites include water, power and sewer, a fire ring, grill and picnic table. We have many RV campsites and arrangements to choose from including ADA sites, Buddy Hook-up sites, plus 30-foot or 40-foot sites. Be sure to know your vehicle’s specifications when booking your campsite.
TENT CAMPING We also offer walk-in primitive campsites that have both privacy and convenience with comfort stations, nearby parking and a playground. Walk-in anywhere from a few feet to about 100 yards out. Sites include a fire ring, picnic table and grill top to put over fire ring for grilling.
SQUIRREL’S NEST Bring your hammock or just a sleeping bag and sleep under the stars at our one-of-a-kind Squirrel’s Nest covered primitive camping platforms. It’s a favorite spot for scouts, groups and adventurers that really want to experience the wild and do it themselves. The platforms are built up off the ground and are stacked up the side of a ridge in 3 groups of 2 and 2 groups of 5. Each platform sleeps 4 guests in sleeping bags. Air mattresses are recommended for adult guests. Tents are not allowed on the platforms or down in the hollow below. The “hollow” has grills, picnic tables and a group fire ring.
GLAMPING SITES Combining luxury and the great outdoors, our extra spacious completely furnished Safari Tents give large families or groups of friends the extra space they need to glamp in comfort. Unicoi State Park offers 4 glamping sites.
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Bald Ridge Creek Campground is on Lake Sidney Lanier, popular for its aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery. Each year, over 11 million visitors travel to Lake Sidney Lanier for fantastic fishing and boating on the beautiful reservoir in northern Georgia.
Bald Ridge Creek Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, and bike riding. On the lake there are opportunities for wake boarding, kayaking, boating and much more. There's also a swimming beach and boat ramp available for campers.
Lake Sidney Lanier is nestled in the foothills of the Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. The lake features 692 miles of shoreline and spans 38,000 surface water acres and 17,000 acres of lush terrain. The reservoir was created in 1956 with the completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.
This location is staffed. Please call (470) 774-7873 to speak with local staff.
By boat, there's plenty of coves and islands to explore on the lake. For land activities, head to the Sawnee Mountain Preserve for hiking, rock climbing and an interactive visitors center for kids. The city of Cumming is nearby and has shopping, restuarants, a fairground and much more.
Cancellations must be made via the online/phone reservation system or in person at the gatehouse. Cancellation calls to the gatehouse will not be honored.
$26 - $36 / night
Tallulah Gorge State Park is designated one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia and is a great place for camping near Atlanta. Tallulah Gorge is a 2-mile-long, 1000-foot-deep canyon of metamorphic rock, where the Tallulah River tumbles over six dramatic waterfalls. This unique ecosystem is also the home to several endangered plant species, including the persistent trillium. These natural features have drawn visitors to the gorge since the early 1800s, and with the construction of the Tallulah Falls Railway in 1882, it became Georgia’s first official tourist attraction. Now the gorge is a hotspot for outdoor activity, ranging from hiking, fishing and swimming, to more adventurous pursuits, such as rock climbing and whitewater paddling.
The best way to explore Tallulah Gorge is to camp at Tallulah Gorge State Park. Located 100 miles northeast of Atlanta, this 2700-acre park provides 50 tent and RV sites (two are ADA-accessible) on the rim of the raging river gorge. The park also has one group site, and three hike-in backcountry sites. Campsites in the park are fairly compact and close together, so don’t expect a lot of seclusion. Campground amenities include flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities and a dump station. There are also two playgrounds for the kids, picnic areas, an interpretive center, and access to a sandy beach on Tallulah Falls Lake.
The main draw to Tallulah Gorge is hiking down to Sliding Rock at the bottom of the gorge. The park only issues 100 permits per day for this hike in order to minimize impact and maintain the canyon’s natural character. These permits are given on a first-come, first-serve basis, and cannot be reserved in advance—so get yours early! Without a permit, there are many more trails to hike along the rim of the gorge, with each offering stunning viewpoints. Don’t miss the suspension bridge on the Hurricane Falls Trail, which provides a spectacular river view from 80 feet directly above the churning waterfall.
FUN FACT: Tallulah Gorge was used as a filming location for Marvel’s Infinity War. Eagle-eyed fans may recognize Hurricane Falls in the final battle in Wakanda.
Raven Cliff Falls camping This trail is one of North Georgia’s most popular camping destinations. Trailhead campsites offer fantastic stream-side camping just steps from the car, and a fantastic base camp for hiking the Raven Cliff Falls Trail during the day. The trail is also dotted with many backpacking campsites on the creek’s level banks, offering a little more solitude for campers willing to backpack it in. Black bears frequent this wilderness area. Keep all food items and fragrant cosmetics out of reach in a bear canister: many years ago, we lost our camp stove, food and cookware to a trio of bears in a traditionally-hung bear bag along this trail. Campsites are free and first-come, first-claimed. Pack out everything you pack in: this is one of Georgia’s most beautiful Wilderness areas, so please, please leave no trace. (What is Wilderness, and why is it important? Read more in our guide to Wilderness areas in the South.)
Ranger
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. A good glamping destination.
Guide
Very shaded sites with many being waterfront. We were in site 15, 14, and my parents used the Georgia glamping company in site 16. More photos and details on the link. https://imaginecamper.com/2019/05/30/shady-grove-campground/
Guide
This is a nice spot for “glamping”. Very beautiful view of the lake and the spots are always kept up. Spots for tent, pop-up, and even RV camping.
Guide
We stayed at the State park from June 6-9. There are only about 24 sites, some cabins, and some new glamping tents. There is a bathhouse with individual showers. You are fairly close to the lodge. You are also right at the falls. BEWARE- there is a steep 24% grade getting to the campground. The campground was neat, clean, and quiet.
Guide
This campground was an awesome find as it is tucked in beside the Tallulah River only 3 miles from the Tallulah River Gorge which offers site seeing and hiking. The campground is set up for RVs, primitive tent sites, covered tent shelters, and cabins that are for rent right on the the river. They also offer indoor and outdoor showers and have a recreation building along with a park for the kids. Pulling in to this campground gives you an exotic feel as bamboo, pine trees, and awesome fire pits fill the scene. The hosts are amazing and down to earth and will go out of there way to make sure you are enjoying your vacation from reality, all the while giving you your space and privacy. I am not sure what events they hold on other holidays, but on the 4th of July, they had an awesome classic rock band that played for a few hours and shot off fireworks. If you want to camp or glamp...this is the place!
GuideLived in Georgia my whole life and yet my first time to Stone Mountain was literally three years ago. Now we have an annual pass and go all the time. This place is world renowned for its fireworks and laser show but you have to go off the pavement to truly fall in love with Stone Mountain! This place is great for everyone. I mean everyone, from free runners to hikers and all you folk that like to “camp” in your RVs. Visit this place anytime of year and you will not be disappointed. Apparently it’s rated #1 as the best place to camp in Georgia. I’m more into the nature only kind of camping but that’s not everyone’s cup a tea. Stone Mountain has something for everyone.
Traveler
Georgia state park. On lake Hartwell. Nice sites. Nice bath houses. Small store in office. Yurts are fun! Quiet.
GuideYurt camping was 5 stars here. The yurts were very private and spaced out. We went during the week and we were the only ones there. There was a private sandy beach area to fish or play from. If you’re looking to go yurt camping I highly recommend staying here. Yurt 6 looked the best.
GuideWe had a few nights in the yurt and a few nights camping at a walk in site. I preferred the walk in campsite directly on the lake over the yurts. The yurts were tightly packed and not very private.
Scout
We stayed the weekend in a yurt, this was our first time in a yurt. My family and I had a blast at Jenny's Creek, we will definitely be returning for vacations. The owners and staff were really friendly and welcoming, they aided us with all of our questions and needs. Clean bathrooms, clean campground, the yurt was clean, the game room was filled of fun things to do. We played on the playground and all around had a great weekend. thank you! I wish I could have taken pics, the kids kept me busy.
TravelerFort Yargo is a bit of history for Georgia, restored cabin from 1792. Boating, hiking, camping and cabins with another area that is a private resort. Lots of room 1816 acres, 16 cabins, 6 yurts. Many tent and trailers spots. #34 has full hookups. There is a nice pavilion and a fairly new welcome center. It is easy to get to and there is playgrounds for the young ones.
TravelerGreat park to visit for a night. Has a beach. It is lacking trails to explore compared to other parks. Yurts are super nice. Warm in the summer though. Yurt 6 has its own private beach area ;)
GuideSeveral options available. RV hook ups, camp grounds, and yurt rentals. I did not rent a yurt but have heard good things from friends who have. Very clean camp grounds, if you don't mind a familes close by. Can set up next to the lake. Pet friendly and several children and families around. Ton of activities around stone mountain park.
TravelerFort Yargo is a nice park with campsites, yurts and cabins. We camped by the lake and enjoyed ourselves.
GuideFort 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.
Very clean park and has Historical area, playground, tennis court, bike and hike trails. Not to mention beach and boating area.
Picnics, camping, boating biking and camping or just day use areas. Pet friendly and all around great park.
There is a small general store, but you are so close to everything if you need it, it's there.
Gread for the Georgia Bulldog crowd as its less then 30 minutes!
I recommend this park highly.
ScoutIt has history. A beautiful lake with many activities. Great primitive camp sites as well as spacious pull through lake front spots for RVs. They also have cute yurts on the lake with a movie night for kids!
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're so happy to have this property on our platform. There are several lodging options to choose from: Tent, Rv, Yurt, Cabin, Mini Cabin. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love.
TravelerThey have alot of options to camp from a tent to a camper, to renting a yurt, safari tent or travel trailer. The bath houses are great and clean. There are so many things to do in the campground and the park. I love visiting as often as I can.
ScoutI booked a yurt for my husband while I was hiking the AT. The manager was very polite until I complained later. When my husband arrived, he could not locate the yurt, because the name had been changed, and I was not told. The bed was made up with (animal) haired imbedded into the comforter and hair on the linens, which the manager was witness to and changed himself. The heater did not work. My intention was for my husband to enjoy the resort and its amenities, but he wouldn't go to the tavern after tge other experiences. Per our conversation, the manager agreed to a monetary refund that we never saw. After a month, I left a message asking for a call and I received a text saying that he would give us a $35 gift card to the tavern (which we can never use). I asked for a phone call and was told that he didn't have to call me, because this was his final offer.
TravelerWe camped over the Labor Day weekend. The park was a little pricey but the lake is nice. There is a pool, a playground & a gathering area. There are a lot of sites as well as Yurts. On top of the $70 a night you must pay a $20 parking fee. The full use of the state park is $39.95 a day.
TravelerVery laid back atmosphere. Calm camping from yurt to primitive within short distance of each other and camp house . Beauty scenery of mountain worth viewing on rainy day! I’ve never camped without a river or pond and enjoyed it so much ! It was just beautiful and peaceful. They do event also. I imagine may not be as peaceful then ;) really nice people and place to visit.
TravelerThe staff were able to get me added and discounted my staff which was nice. The place is broken up with many cottages, yurts and other tent areas to reserve. We took to the path ways with our dog and enjoyed the many animals roaming through the woods. I wasn't able to get on a raft this time, yet saw many enjoying the fishing and lake. Overall a quiet place with good facilities. Accomodations for every camper were available.
Guide
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. We originally chose site 8 on the map but found it was pretty exposed and got direct sun all the time.
The park was very clean and still had a "new" feeling. We had a site with full hook ups. There wasn't WiFi, but the cell service was good. They did have cable. There is a beach with kayak rentals. We enjoyed a double kayak outing on the lake. We kept pretty close to shore and didn't have to fight rough water or strong currents.
Some campsites are on small hills that flatten out for your camper but then the terrain falls off. Biking trails weren't very flat. We also had to be aware of ants. Couldn't leave our dog's dish or bone out without being invaded.
Don't miss the Mountain Fresh Creamery almost 8 miles away for ice cream. Also not far from Helen, GA and wineries. Always great to spend time in the beautiful Georgia mountains.
Ranger
Vogel State Park is hands down one of the nicest parks in Georgia. It has great hiking trails for every level of hiker, and a very beautiful lake that's great for fishing and paddling. They have brand new, beautiful, modern-looking cabins if you're more interested in sleeping inside, put-put golf, and a nice quiet scenic campground. It's located about an hour north of Gainesville Ga and is well located if you want to make day trips to Helen, Dahlonega, Blairsville and Blueridge. Our walk-in campsite was right on the creek. It had a good size tent pad that fit 2 tents with no problems. It was good walking distance from the rest of the park and far enough from other campsites that it felt nice and private. There are plenty of trees perfect for hanging hammocks. We had a very nice restful stay there and look forward to staying there again.
TravelerMyself and 2 friends stayed in one of the 5 Yurts on the lake. Every morning we watched the sun rise over the trees, to start our days. Every evening, we gathered on the back deck to watch the sun setting. Let me tell you, absolutely breathtaking!
Plenty of room inside the structure for 3 adults, but only 2 outlets inside and 1 covered, out front.
The walking paths (over 11 miles worth) were excellent and well maintained.
We saw several does, lots of squirrels and a small flock of domestic ducks.
We were also graced with some beautiful owls, and a young eagle.
LegendStayed in site #253. Ok campground. Sites are small and uneven. Premium price but not premium site. Our site was on loop with a lot of shade. Camp has mostly full hookups including cable. Pool at campground and store. Yurts, rental campers, premium tents are also available. Lots of activities in this park. Very touristy but that's what I expected. Stone Mountain can hike or take sky tram to top. Many other options to do especially for kids. The laser show is a must see!! Many trails in the park for hiking, biking, running, walking. We kayaked the lake. In July it's very hot. Within 45 minutes to Atlanta. Good campground to enjoy many activities. Will return in fall/winter to enjoy some hiking.
RangerReally enjoyed the lakefront campsites. We stayed at site 7 which is a pull through. We had camper and extra car with boat and kayak and fit with a little extra room. Able to kayak right from campsite. Campground has over 100 sites. None of the lake front were bad, some were low level, some had fenced railing with a little drop. All had great views some interior lots had lake views. Some interior lots were close together. Bath houses were very clean and spacious. Have a couple of hiking trails. I did the Sassafras’s Loop trail which follows the lake shore most of time and great views the rest. Our dogs loved all the space, no swimming due to temperatures in the 40s. Lots of stars at night. Very clean and well kept park. Camp hosts were helpful. Very nice staff at the Visitor Center, registration area. They also have cabins with docks and yurts as well. Great views from them as well. Will be back in warmer weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Gainesville, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Gainesville, GA is Don Carter State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Gainesville, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 52 glamping camping locations near Gainesville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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