The north Georgia mountains around Jasper offer a range of tent campsites, from open field sites with vault toilets to primitive creek-side spots deep in the backcountry, with notable opportunities at Raven Cliff Falls and Springer Mountain. Multiple tent sites in the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest offer primitive camping with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Hickory Flatts Cemetery, located along Forest Service Road 251, features tent sites in an open field area with basic facilities including vault toilets and a picnic pavilion.
Most tent camping in the region requires self-sufficiency as amenities are limited. Sites typically have fire rings, but campers should bring their own firewood and pack out all trash. The terrain varies from level tent pads to slightly sloped ground, with many sites positioned near creeks or streams for water access. At Raven Cliff Falls, tent campers can find dispersed sites both near the parking area and along the 5-mile trail to the falls, though water must be purified before drinking. A caretaker of Hickory Flatts Cemetery noted, "There are no camp sites, it's an open area about the size of a football field with bathrooms, a fire ring, and a picnic pavilion shed."
Areas farther from developed facilities offer deeper seclusion for tent campers. Many sites along creeks provide the peaceful sound of running water, though proper bear precautions are essential as multiple reviews mention bear activity. Tent sites at Long Creek Falls and along the Appalachian Trail offer opportunities for multi-day hiking adventures, with several natural water sources available. The primitive nature of these sites appeals particularly to tent campers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. A visitor to Raven Cliff Falls described it as "primitive with the ease of car camping. You have the choice to walk in further but it accommodates all campers." Most tent areas require careful planning as there is typically no cell service, and many access roads are unpaved forest service roads that may be challenging after rain.
"A tent or two can be set up, ready for you. Cooler stocked with ice. Firewood stacked by the fire pit, ready for you to roast hotdogs or s'mores!"
from $80 - $100 / night
"This is a walk in/drive to campground off of an unpaved forest service road. There are no amenities. If you drive in, keep your food in your car."
"Campground Review: is a nice flat section of the Appalachian Trail that can be accessed by forest road 42 and offers an easy 1 mile hike in the the falls."
"But when you come around the bend and see it for the first time, it's magical. Your first stop on the AT. It's a three sided, wooden cabin-like structure with a big stone step to get inside."
"Bear box nearby, as well as latrines. Expect mice and other creatures if you stay at the shelter. Definitely a high traffic area."
"I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road."
"The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy."
from $15 / night
"There is a fire ring, but you need to bring in your own firewood. A picnic Pavilion shed is like a 40ft x 60ft shelter. There are tables and a few chairs in the pavilion. "
"On a week long backpacking trip we came across this wonderful spot after a long day. Our guide book mentioned a cemetery down the road and we decided to check it out. What we found was an oasis."
"This campsite is along the Appalachian Trail and is a popular stop. I set up my tent in the newly built camping area. The old part is closed to let nature clean it up a bit."
from $490 - $625 / night
from $20 / night
"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."
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.
ScoutA great find to hang your hat for the evening. New owners look like they are doing amazing up grades. Our site 57 didn’t have a picnic table or fire ring but I’m sure they are working on it. Fairly quite and we would for sure come back and give it a 5 star when their done on the remodel.
GuideParksville Lake RV Campground is an absolute gem! I had a fantastic stay here. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the sites are nice, spacious, and wonderfully shaded by the trees. We loved the layout of the RV loop, especially the outer section where a peaceful creek flows right past the sites—the sound of the water at night was perfect. The restrooms and showers were exceptionally clean and well-kept. I had Starlink connectivity at my site and my WeBoost cell signal booster gave me up to three bars on AT&T. The campground host was incredibly nice, welcoming, and helpful. It's a wonderful, relaxing spot, and I will definitely be back!
TravelerWelcome center is nice, but the roads and asphalt sites are crumbling. We had a back in site that was fairly level. No real privacy from neighboring sites.
ScoutFort Mountain SP offers some great adventures for the outdoorsman. Hiking and Biking are the mainstays. The overlooks are absolutely astounding from the Cool Springs Overlook, which is easily accessible to anyone even the disabled. The overlook on the trail to the wall and tower is equally amazing. The campground is electric and water only, no fhu. All spots are gravel and fairly level. The bathhouses are older and could use updating . We have zero T-Mobile service at the campground, but it works well in other areas of the park. We have Starlink for our 5th Wheel but the heavy tree canopy in our site made it sketchy. The staff is very friendly.
TravelerWay too many rules to have to abide by. It’s not a day use area, so you HAVE to camp over night or else they threaten to ban you from all FoCo campsites. Normally not a big deal, but there was supposed to be rain during our visit and that had me paranoid. We camped out, the rain held off, it was nice. Then day 2, I wasn’t feeling it anymore, but I didn’t want to be banned from camping 🙄 so we stayed the night and packed up at 5:45am the next day. No coffee or chilling. I just wanted to get out of there! I love camping out in the wilderness…no rules, no stress, no people, no RVs. Just nature.
TravelerHonestly it was so super easy. Just reserve a spot in the recreation.gov app, pull to the entrance camp host gate, get your paper pass after checking in, and you’re good to go! Need to book longer? Go in the app and if your site is available just make a new booking and tell the camp hosts!
TravelerThe webpage is hokey 1990s vintage, can’t handle multi-day reservations. I gave up out of frustration.
GuideI was working near here and it was convenient place. So I drove through and it was very clean campsites are pretty good size . Fire pits, tables, etc. Bath house is clean and well maintained. I stayed 5 nights at site 16 by the bathrooms and my site had water electric. But all sites do. But mine had internet access being by the bathroom. Nice place. Lake beautiful also has boat access beach too swim at fishing deck. Highly recommended
Dispersed camping near Jasper, Georgia offers primitive sites in the Chattahoochee National Forest where campers can experience North Georgia's mountainous terrain at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 feet. The area receives about 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating abundant creeks and streams throughout the camping areas. Most dispersed sites require a high-clearance vehicle to access, especially after rainfall when forest service roads become muddy and rutted.
Waterfall hikes: 5-mile round trip. The Raven Cliff Falls trail offers a moderate hike ending at impressive falls with opportunities to explore rock formations. "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 a visitor.
Creek fishing: Multiple trout streams. Near Long Creek Falls Appalachian Trail, anglers can access confluences of trout streams. A camper advises, "Three different trout streams come together here and the fishing is fun. There are rules about what kind of lures/hooks you can use, so be sure to do your research."
Appalachian Trail access: Southern terminus. Set up base camp and explore sections of the iconic trail. "The southern terminus of the AT. Nice little shelter with about 8 campsites. Stayed here in Sept 2019 water source was non existent. Night time was brisk and windy with a full moon," reports one hiker at Springer Mountain.
Paddle excursions: $5 parking fee. Explore Carters Lake from Ridgeway recreational area. "If you paddle go to ridgeway recreational area. Put in, go right short paddle to Waterfall. Go left into the unknown. Everything's at a 65% slant. 5$ to park. Far off the hwy," shares one paddler.
Creek-side sites: Natural white noise. The best tent camping near Jasper, Georgia often features streamside locations. At Raven Cliff Falls, "Our spot was about a quarter mile from the parking area which has public restrooms available, and we were right next to Dodd Creek so we had the peaceful sounds of running water to put us to sleep at night."
Primitive solitude: No cell service. Many campers appreciate the disconnected experience. A camper at Serenity Ridge describes it as "A curated off grid experience" where visitors can enjoy "a weekend of disconnecting."
Bear-proof storage: Essential safety. At Springer Mountain Shelter, campers appreciate the community bear box. "This location also has a bear box/locker for storing food at night so that you don't have to hang your bear bag. Everyone puts their food bags in and the clamp type lock goes on for the night."
Water access: Natural sources. Nearly all sites provide creek access for water filtration. "Water is no problem with the entire trail being directly on a solid flowing stream," mentions a camper at Raven Cliff Falls, though all water requires purification before consumption.
Bear activity: Food storage critical. Bears frequently visit campsites in this region. At Raven Cliff Falls, one camper reported, "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."
Road conditions: Unpaved forest roads. Access to many sites requires driving on rough roads. For Hickory Flatts Cemetery, a caretaker advises, "If you're pulling a camper, I'd suggest you check out FS251 before you drive into the site, its roughly TWO miles. I'd not bring in a big 5th wheel, etc... and PLEASE don't drive out into the grassy areas, you will get stuck."
Military training: Expect activity. The Army conducts exercises in parts of the forest. The same Hickory Flatts caretaker notes, "The Army Rangers use this area of the forest a lot for training."
Water purification: No potable sources. All natural water sources require treatment. A camper at Springer Mountain Shelter mentioned, "There is a privy down the hill, and it's elevated and surrounded by 'walls' for privacy. Just down another small trail is a stream for water. Very reliable in rainy season, but you MUST purify it before drinking."
Tent-only areas: Safer for kids. Woodring Branch Primitive Campground restricts RVs, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. "I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road," reports a family camper.
Accessible waterfalls: Doable distances. Families can enjoy waterfall hikes with modest distances. Long Creek Falls offers "an easy 1 mile hike in the the falls. Campsites are dispersed in the area along the creek and often have remnants of thru hikers coming down from Springer Mountain."
Pavilion access: Weather protection. Hickory Flatts Cemetery provides covered areas for family meals. "A picnic Pavilion shed is like a 40ft x 60ft shelter. There are tables and a few chairs in the pavilion," notes a caretaker.
Trail angels: Community support. Families benefit from occasional trail magic. At Hickory Flatts, a backpacker discovered, "Trail angels had dropped off two jugs of gatorade, There was a pavilion with picnic benches and a fire ring with a pile of firewood."
Small rigs only: Size restrictions. Most tent camping areas near Jasper have limited access for RVs. At Raven Cliff Falls, one RVer noted, "We stayed in the parking lot in our small rig. (Under 26 ft) we had our super quiet generator running and had no issues."
Limited hookups: Self-contained units. No electricity or water hookups exist at most sites. Campers must bring sufficient water and power. Most campgrounds offer vault toilets at trailheads but no shower facilities.
Parking lot overnight: Legal options. When forest roads are impassable, some parking areas permit overnight stays. "Stayed overnight and then went on the 5 mile hike to see the different water falls. Definitely a cool spot. Have to pay $5 per day," reports an RVer at Raven Cliff Falls.
Road clearance: High-profile vehicles. Forest service roads often require vehicles with good ground clearance. Many campers recommend scouting roads before bringing in any trailer or RV, especially after rainfall when conditions deteriorate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jasper, GA is Serenity Ridge with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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