The camping sites near Hiawassee, Georgia sit within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest at elevations between 1,800-4,700 feet, creating dramatic temperature differences even during summer months. Evening temperatures can drop 15-20°F below daytime highs, requiring campers to pack layers even for July and August trips. Most campgrounds in this region operate on a first-come, first-served basis during weekdays, with reservations strongly recommended for weekend stays.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Follow the trail at Moccasin Creek State Park Campground to see Hemlock Falls, a moderate 2-mile round trip hike through cool forest. "Hiking to Hemlock Falls is a must. Even in the hottest days of summertime, the trail is cool. The majority of the trail is right by the bubbling stream," notes a camper. For more adventurous hikers, "From the parking lot you cross the creek 200 yards pass Hemlock and go 3.2 miles to the Upper Hemlock Falls and at the top of the waterfall there's about 3 or 4 camping spots."
Mountain biking: The trail system at Jackrabbit Mountain offers 15 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails for all skill levels just across the North Carolina border. A camper explains, "There is a 1.5 mile connector dirt trail to the Jackrabbit mountain trail system, so no need to ride on the road. It goes parallel to the road and starts at the Y right before entering the campground... The 15 miles of mountain bike trails are absolutely amazing for all skill levels."
Fishing for kids and seniors: Moccasin Creek offers a special fishing program with stocked trout in a designated creek. "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," writes one reviewer. The creek is stocked regularly, making it perfect for beginners.
What campers like
Water access: Track Rock Campground provides sites with direct creek access, offering natural cooling and soothing sounds. "Our site was tricky for us to back into but we managed and the set up was great with a fire ring, picnic table, potable water and hook up. Also a great view. Nice and quiet site with bathrooms and showers nearby," shares one camper. Another mentions, "We stayed on hilltop section of the campground. Road needs some work sites aren't super level but it was ok."
Secluded tent sites: Black Rock Mountain State Park offers walk-in tent camping sites with significant privacy. "Very beautiful primitive sites. Bear boxes at each campsite. This site was a bit far from parking, so I'd recommend packing your things in a backpack. Beautiful view of Clayton at night," writes one tent camper. Another notes, "The pad was in great shape, flat, clean and plenty large enough for our 9-person tent and all our gear. Other campsites could barely be seen through the woods so it felt very private and secluded."
Fall camping season: October brings cooler temperatures and changing colors to the Hiawassee region, with most campgrounds remaining open through late October or early November. "We spent Memorial Day weekend here. We had a pull through site on the pond. Sites are VERY close together, all gravel with no grass between rigs," writes one camper about Bald Mountain Camping Resort, suggesting spring or fall might offer more comfortable conditions.
What you should know
Primitive campground considerations: At Raven Cliff Falls, there's no running water except the creek, and no cell service. "For anyone who's never camped at this location, the campsites are located in a few places which isn't listed on the map by the (vault) toilets, no running water other than the creek, and NO CELL SERVICE," warns a camper. They continue with important advice: "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."
High elevation temperature shifts: The high mountain sites can get surprisingly cold at night, even in summer. At Black Rock Mountain, a camper notes: "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."
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the area book up quickly, especially during peak fall color season (mid-October to early November). Vogel State Park regularly fills months in advance for fall weekends. One camper notes that Black Rock Mountain requires planning: "We booked out spot a year in advance to view the beautiful solar eclipse that occurred last year."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers numerous activities specifically designed for children. "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. The trail isn't too far and it has just enough woods to feel like an old school camp," shares one parent. The park also features ziplines and mountain biking trails suitable for older children.
Creek exploration: Multiple campgrounds feature safe, shallow creeks ideal for children to wade and play in. One camper at Enota Mountain Retreat notes, "Loved this park! The sites are beautiful and there is tons to do nearby," while another adds that "the creek running through the campground was wonderful to sit by."
Accessible fishing spots: Several campgrounds offer easy fishing access appropriate for children. At Moccasin Creek, "this campground is very kid friendly. They have a stream they stock with trout for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older," making it perfect for young anglers.
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have steep, winding access roads that require careful navigation. At Trackrock Campground, one RVer warns: "Fifth Wheel Owners BEWARE!!!! Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving. Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times. In the end we suffered a hole busted in our front cap from it hitting the side of the truck."
Site leveling: Many sites in the mountainous terrain require leveling equipment. "Since this is literally on the top of a beautiful mountain, the sites are close in proximity to each other," notes a camper at Black Rock Mountain. Another mentions that at Jackrabbit Mountain, "Gravel tent site is very large. Picnic table and fire ring. Parking is right above the steps that go down to the tent pad."
Seasonal limitations: Due to mountain weather conditions, RV camping options decrease significantly from December through March. One camper at Moccasin Creek notes: "Sites are fairly close (not as close as KOA), but does not feel cramped. Great spot for fishermen and water sport. Right on Lake Burton. Cool breezes and cool nights."
