Best Tent Camping near Helen, GA

Tent campsites in and around Helen, Georgia provide varied options for primitive and established camping in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Sites like Raven Cliff Falls offer accessible tent camping with fire rings and picnic tables, while more secluded options such as Indian Grave Gap Campsite provide free dispersed camping experiences. These tent areas range from drive-in sites to hike-in backcountry locations, allowing campers to choose their preferred level of remoteness.

Most tent camping areas near Helen feature basic facilities with minimal improvements. Established tent campgrounds like Low Gap Creek maintain vault toilets but lack running water, while primitive sites typically offer only makeshift fire rings. The terrain varies across camping areas, with some sites situated on relatively level ground and others positioned on slopes that can complicate tent setup. A visitor commented, "The tent pads are very small. We had an 8' x 10' tent, and it could not completely fit onto the tent pad." Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage—some areas provide bear boxes while others necessitate hanging food from trees.

Walk-in tent sites provide more seclusion than roadside camping options, though access difficulty varies considerably. During peak seasons, particularly summer weekends, arriving early helps secure preferred tent spots. The area around Helen offers excellent access to hiking trails, including portions of the Appalachian Trail, making these tent campgrounds popular with backpackers. Most tent camping locations near water sources like Wildcat Creek or the Chattooga River provide pleasant ambient sounds but may experience higher humidity and insect activity. Sites at higher elevations generally offer cooler temperatures even in summer months. A recent review noted that "there are only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in," highlighting the additional tent camping opportunities available for those willing to venture farther from roads.

Best Tent Sites Near Helen, Georgia (91)

    1. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    4 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."

    2. Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail

    8 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    12 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."

    3. Smithgall Woods Campsites

    3 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 878-3087

    $85 / night

    "With that much room to move around in North Georgia there has to be something for everyone. Great clear cold water offers good trout grounds."

    4. Wildcat Creek Campground #2 Upper

    5 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    10 miles
    Website

    "Makeshift fire rings and tent spots are at most sites. No water so get some on the way in. No cell service either. Great stargazing, lots of trees/shade and hammock spots."

    "This area is great for 2 reasons- it tend to be cooler in temps in the summer because of the shade and higher elevation."

    5. Nacoochee Adventures

    2 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (706) 878-9477

    $50 / night

    "Campground Review: Nacoochee Adventures is located just before Helen at the beginning of the Nacoochee Valley."

    "The location in Helen was awesome! It is remote enough to get away from the busy streets of Helen, GA."

    6. Owls Retreat Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sautee Nacoochee, GA
    6 miles
    +1 (706) 949-6182

    $30 - $200 / night

    "The wildlife was amazing and we saw two bald eagles. The just was very laid back made us feel totally comfortable. We will certainly go back"

    "We were able to just pick a spot and camp, we moved around with our hammocks and had the best time. Showers were nice, fishing was fun, the scenery is breathtaking. Sunsets are awesome."

    7. Low Gap Creek

    2 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (809) 782-3320

    "Your navigation might stop randomly, but keep going and you’ll find plenty of pull offs to set up camp."

    "Half of the sites are on one side of the river and the other on the other half, to get to the other side you must drive through the river on the road that passes through it."

    8. Indian Grave Gap Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    6 miles
    Website

    "If you’re anywhere near Helen, GA on an ADV Bike, this summit is for you. There are three routes up the mountain so you never have to double back."

    "We decided to spread out but that meant having to do a lot of walking back and forth for stuff. You can pull your car into the site easily. It’s about a mile from the High Shoals Trailhead."

    9. Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping

    9 Reviews
    Turnerville, GA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6221

    $4 / night

    "Leave no trace!"

    "Panther Creek was honestly my trip into the world of hiking and backpacking (aside from my military experience). But mice wife got me into hiking again and now we are backpacking a lot!"

    10. Low Gap

    3 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 754-6221

    "Now, to this point, I've only seen about 50 other miles of trail and campsites, but in that 50, I'd say this was one of the best. It was truly a "camp"."

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Showing results 1-10 of 91 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Helen, GA

1677 Reviews of 91 Helen Campgrounds



Guide to Helen

Tent camping near Helen, Georgia offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Raven Cliff Falls provides drinking water, picnic tables, and sanitary dump facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for campers.
  • Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping features primitive camping with fire rings and easy access to clean water, perfect for those looking to connect with nature.
  • Wildcat Creek Campground #2 Upper offers spacious, dispersed sites with plenty of shade and a tranquil environment for a peaceful camping experience.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail, hikers can enjoy breathtaking views and a challenging trek, making it a rewarding destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Low Gap is a great spot for those who enjoy hiking and exploring the Appalachian Trail, with scenic trails leading to stunning vistas.
  • Nacoochee Adventures offers zip-lining and other outdoor activities, providing a fun-filled experience for families and adventure seekers.

Tent campers should check out the unique features

  • Two Wheels of Suchess is a motorcycle-friendly campground with a vibrant community atmosphere, perfect for riders looking to relax after a day on the road.
  • Smithgall Woods features extensive trails for hiking and biking, along with excellent fishing opportunities in clear, cold waters.
  • Mountain Crossings Hostel provides a unique experience for Appalachian Trail hikers, with bunk beds, showers, and a gear shakedown service to help lighten your load.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Helen, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Helen, GA is Raven Cliff Falls with a 4.5-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 91 tent camping locations near Helen, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.