32 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Unicoi State Park & Lodge allows pets throughout its campsites and cabins, located minutes from downtown Helen. The campground provides tent spaces, RV sites with electric and water hookups, and cabin accommodations where dogs can stay with their owners. Sites are positioned close together, creating a social atmosphere for campers and their pets. The bathhouses remain clean and well-maintained, though some guests note the facilities are somewhat dated. Anna Ruby Falls connects to the park via hiking trails that welcome leashed dogs, offering exercise opportunities for pets and owners. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground and Black Rock Mountain State Park also maintain pet-friendly policies across their accommodations.
Chattahoochee National Forest campgrounds near Helen offer more primitive camping options where dogs are welcome. Andrew's Cove Campground features drinking water and toilets, while Upper Chattahoochee River Campground provides more rustic facilities—both accepting pets without breed restrictions. The area's hiking trails, including those from campground to Ruby Falls, accommodate leashed dogs with scenic water features where pets can cool off. Sites commonly include fire rings, though some visitors express concern about the campgrounds using weed control chemicals that could affect pets. Wildlife encounters in the mountain setting require keeping dogs leashed and under control at all times for their safety and to protect native animals.
"Unicoi State Park is a large Park in north Georgia. The Park has a Lake, rope courses, a restaurant, lounge and beautiful Lodge."
"Unicoi State Park is just two miles from Helen GA. It is a convenient location for visiting there, particularly in fall during the town’s Octoberfest."
"This campground has a beautiful mountain view behind the lake. There is also a beautiful waterfall to hike to. They offer paddle boards, kayaks, peddleboats, and aqua cycles to rent for the lake."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $30 - $290 / night
"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."
"But Raven cliffs offers both walk-in campsite and a lot of hike to camp sites. The trail has some great views and different terrain from small creek crossings to some steep hills and valleys."
"Many hiking opportunities in the park and surrounding areas. It is 1099 stairs to the bottom of canyon!Campground was nice. Sites are open and unlevel but most were a good size."
"Tallulah Gorge is located in the far north east corner of Georgia. The campground is pretty tight, and difficult to maneuver with a large RV."
Available this weekend
from $36 - $45 / night
"Positives:
- Great view of lake
- Friendly park staff and hosts
- Bathrooms/dumpsters well maintained
- Electricity at site
- Pet friendly Opportunities: 1."
"It was pretty close to the road but we were not bothered by the traffic. The tents needed to be set up on the gravel. There were also electricity and water hookups on each site available."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 - $45 / night
"Beautiful lake and stables and plenty of room ,yet campsites are tucked away to also give u a private feel as well! Pet friendly as well!"
"Good sized campground tucked into the mountains. I brought my dog with me and had a great time. There is a lake that you can fish in, stables to ride horses, and hiking trails on the campground."
"Great campsite for a rugged and tucked away feel without having to actually go too far. The campsite has a wide array of spots, fairly close together but it wasn’t very crowded so still private."
"Andrews Cove Campground is a small and peaceful campground located about 6 miles north of Helen, Georgia in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest."
from $12 - $18 / night
"Awesome spot about 20 min from Helen GA. Back your vehicle right up to your spot for easy unloading and using your vehicle for extra space for whatever. We tent camped right along the river."
"The campground offers a lot of kid activities in another part of the campground including a petting zoo and in-ground trampolines."
Available this weekend
from $55 / night
"We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."
"The highest state park in Georgia has two general camping sections with power and water (and free cable if you're so inclined to hook up to watch TV)."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $255 / night
"Just outside Helen, this site offers great spots and plenty of area to hike and explore. Great for tent camping and even some RVs and pull-behinds."
"I love the seclusion of it, tucked deep in the Chattahoochee. There are a few campsites along the water. Facilities consist of a hand pump/flush toilet and water well, no showers."
from $12 / night
GuideSites are not level. Thousand trails is currently not investing. Any money in improving the sites. Half of the sites in the park are going back to nature. The roads are falling apart and the inclines are not big rig friendly.
GuideLeft Pigeon Forge Tn. GPS took us on an adventure, route 129 The Tail of the Dragon 318 curves switchback and hairpins I was nervous but slayed it. Lol. Peachtree Cove RV Park is perfect for quiet camping. Dog run area stream or river at most sites. I had a reservation at Andrew’s Valley Railway Tour highly recommend both of these
ScoutI camped here with a friend last weekend and absolutely loved this place! It's a cute little site with a great host, clean bathrooms, free firewood, and super friendly dogs, goats, and people. I would for sure stay here again and recommend.
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
ScoutWhatever person or group of persons designed the campground were clueless as to how to develop a campground. Sites are packed in the most preposterous configuration to have tents, trailers motorhomes all jammed together nearly touching each other with zero privacy. Come for the hikes and views of the gorge but come with the lowest expectations for the campground and you’ll be fine
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
GuideA sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
GuideThis is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
Camping in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Helen, Georgia offers access to dense woodlands at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 4,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with cooler evenings, while spring and fall can see nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s. Most pet-friendly campsites in this region sit alongside creeks or streams, providing natural white noise and cooling effects during warmer months.
Waterfall hiking with dogs: 5-mile trail The Raven Cliff Falls trail welcomes leashed pets along its 2.5-mile trek to impressive waterfalls. "Raven Cliff Falls trail is 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," notes Wayne H. from Raven Cliff Falls.
Paddle sports and fishing: seasonal rentals At Moccasin Creek State Park Campground, visitors find excellent pet-friendly fishing spots and water access. "Right on Lake Burton. Cool breezes and cool nights. Great options for day trips to either visit small towns or hike trails," shares Susan H. The park also offers "a stream they stock with trout for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older," according to Joshua G., making it perfect for introducing children to fishing.
Mountain biking with trail access Pets are welcome while owners explore the extensive trail networks. "Great campsites with lots of hiking and biking in the area. Beautiful views!" reports Jason L. about Unicoi State Park. Rebeca A. adds, "A lot of activities to do! Mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, etc."
Creek-side campsites: natural cooling Pet owners appreciate having water access directly from campsites. "We had a walk in tent site. Seemed private on the creek, but the cars coming down the road shined their headlights in the tent," shares Maggie C. about Vogel State Park Campground. The running water provides cooling effects for pets and drowns out road noise.
Bear-proof food storage: safety first Black Rock Mountain provides necessary safety precautions for pet owners. "Bear boxes at each campsite. This site was a bit far from parking, so I'd recommend packing your things in a backpack," notes Hanna P. about Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground. These bear boxes protect pet food that might otherwise attract wildlife.
Secluded camping options: reduced pet stress Many campers with dogs prefer sites away from crowds. "We camped at the adult tent site 74 which is really close to one of the waterfalls. Site 72 is the closest on the side we stayed on but our site had great access to the water and was a little more secluded," explains Angela M. about Enota Mountain Retreat. Secluded sites help reduce pet anxiety from unfamiliar people and noises.
Limited cell service: emergency planning needed Most pet-friendly camping areas have minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service (I have Verizon so it may be different for others)," reports Kaity H. about Enota Mountain Retreat. For pet owners, this means bringing printed vet information and maps to emergency facilities.
Bear activity: proper pet food storage required The area has active black bear populations. "We were visited by a bear two of the nights. The bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out. So pack out all food items and trash or hang a bear bag," warns D & Jess W. at Raven Cliff Falls.
Weather variability: pet comfort considerations Mountain weather can change rapidly. "In the summer when there are leaves and green on all the trees, it's breathtaking with the views. Once the leaves fall off, it's a bit spooky (my interpretation) and can get windy without the leaves," explains Timothy H. about Black Rock Mountain State Park. Pet owners should bring extra bedding during cooler seasons.
Dedicated youth fishing areas: no license needed "They have a stream they stock with trout for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. This park is a great place to allow kids to get into fishing and feel like they have accomplished something," explains Joshua G. about Moccasin Creek State Park, making it ideal for family pets and children.
Playground proximity: pet and child exercise Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers family-friendly layouts with exercise options. "My kids and I went camping at Unicoi Park in the summer and there is plenty to keep them busy. They played in the creek, on the swing set and walked the trail to the swimming section of the lake," shares Diane G.
Multiple activity options: keep everyone engaged Vogel State Park provides diverse family activities where pets are welcome. "Two separate children's playgrounds exist, not too far from one another. One near a small kids ball field...the other near a very nice volleyball court, permanent corn hole pit and state of the art outdoor exercise machine area," writes Dave V.
Limited maneuverability: scout ahead with pets RVers with pets should know about challenging terrain. "Fifth Wheel Owners BEWARE!!!!! We were recommended to stay at site 25 by the worker at check in. Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving. Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times," warns Anthony M. from Trackrock Campground & Cabins.
Site selection for pet comfort: shade considerations "Sites have plenty of privacy. I felt very tucked away from the activities. Which there are plenty of!" shares Erin L. about Vogel State Park. For RVers with pets, choosing shaded sites prevents overheating during warmer months.
Senior pet accessibility: terrain challenges "The campground is very hilly," notes Rachel G. about Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground. RVers with older pets should consider site location relative to pet relief areas and walking paths to avoid difficult terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Helen, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Helen, GA is Unicoi State Park & Lodge with a 4.2-star rating from 53 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Helen, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 334 dog-friendly camping locations near Helen, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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