Are you planning a camping trip to Jefferson with your dog? We've got you covered. With The Dyrt, it's easy to find campgrounds near Jefferson that allow pets. You're sure to find the perfect pet-friendly campsite for your Georgia camping excursion.
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
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
Old Federal Campground lies on the eastern banks of Lake Sidney Lanier in Northern Georgia. Popular for its aqua-blue waters and spectacular scenery, Lake Sidney Lanier hosts over 11 million visitors annually for fantastic fishing and boating opportunities.
Old Federal Campground offers many outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, swimming, picnicking 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 teh completion of Buford Dam on the Chattahoochee River.
This location is staffed. Please call (470) 774-7881 to speak with local staff.
Lake Lanier Islands as well as other nearby Army Corps and county parks provide may different recreation opportunities at the lake. The nearby city of Gainesville provides many opportunities for those looking to explore the local area.
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.
Bolding Mill Campground is an excellent choice for camping on Lake Sidney Lanier, offering plenty of comfortable amenities in addition to a well-kept facility. Visitors will enjoy fishing and boating on the lake as well as the lush picnic area and large swimming beach, perfect for families.
The large swimming beach is concrete, which provides a gentle slope and ADA access for visitors. An on-site boat ramp and fishing pier provide access to many water activities. Land-based recreation features picnic shelters and playground area near the front of the park.
Lake Lanier spans 38,000 surface water acres and 17,000 land acres across five counties in northern Georgia. The reservoir is known for its aqua-blue coloring and spectacular scenery in the forested foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bolding Mill campground is on the northwest side of the lake, which has plenty of grass and shade for comfortable camping.
This location is staffed. Please call (470) 774-7875 to speak with local staff.
Head to the Don Carter State Park for birding and hiking opportunities. Another idea is the Sawnee Mountain Preserve, with breathtaking scenic overlooks, hiking opportunities and rock climbing. Nearby Gainesville, Dawsonville and Dalonega provide many different experiences and opportunities.
Cancellations must be made via the online/phone reservation system.
$26 - $36 / night
Duckett Mill Campground is located on Lake Sidney Lanier. With over 692 miles of shoreline, the lake is well known for its aqua-blue water, spectacular scenery and variety of recreational activities. The lake has over 11 million visitors annually. Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, Lake Lanier is a multi-purpose lake that provides for flood protection, power production, water supply, navigation, recreation and fish and wildlife management.
Duckett Mill 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 a boat ramp (located just outside the campground) avaliable for campers.
Lake Lanier's expansive 38,000 surface water acres touches five counties in northern Georgia. The lake, surrounded by rolling farmland, is just 1 hour from Atlanta.
This location is staffed. Please call (770) 532-9802 to speak with local staff.
Head to Don Carter State Park for birding and hiking opportunities, or climb Sawnee Mountain at the Sawnee Mountain Preserve for breathtaking views of the area. The nearby cities of Dawsonville, Dalonega and Gainesville provide a wide variety of leisure activities.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
This location is staffed. Please call (470) 774-7873 to speak with local staff.
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
Scout
It's a good place during the winter it gets a little cold because you're next to the water stream there's no service I have AT&T. But there is multiple sites. I camped out in my truck bed. I cannot see any RVs fitting in there unless it's a small trailer vans preferably or pop-up tents. Did not see a dedicated box to drop in money but it does say $12
Traveler
Stayed at an RV/tent site (they’re one in the same and all have plug ins and water). Nice bathhouse with full private bathrooms that include a toilet, sink, and shower. There are about 6 I think. Walkable to a lot of hiking.
Guide
We did an overnighter to check this out after doing a separate hike on the primary trails from the other side of the park in the morning.
Getting to the campsite was simple enough and it is the quoted 3/4 mile walk in. It was great to see some families utilizing the space. There is good cell reception (T-Mobile)
Very peaceful and even had the sounds of a vibrant coyote pack.
Traveler
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. There are more primitive sites at the top of the mountain (not where the Dyrt pin was dropped) on both sides of the fork. Suitable for tents and hammocks. There is one site that would support a large group or even a camper (or two) if you can get them up the steep rocky hunting trail. Sites were mostly clean with rock fire pits.
GuideThree campsites in the immediate area. Two are on one side of the road. You have to cross thru one to get to the other. All three have creek access. We picked the single on the other side. Not a lot of flat ground options. Each site is huge. 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. Both waterfalls are lovely. One has a nice swimming hole. The closest town is Hiawasee. Had a grocery and an outfitters if you need supplies. There’s only two sit down restaurants—one had an hour wait; the other had run out of food.
Ranger
This place was great. We arrived after hours and spoke with the camp host he told us we can pay online or in the morning. We drove all day in the sun and due to hurricane Helene aftermath we were limited on where to stay. It was nice to pull in and it be nice and cool with the trees. The stars popped out at night and could be seen through the tree tops. Showers were hot.
Scout
Very rude and unhelpful said he would call me back to let me know if there was any openings. He never called back.
Guide
I loved everything about this campground. The sites all have beautiful views and lake access, they are decently apart from each other. And has great signal! I was getting consistent 5G 3 bars at least with Verizon. The bathrooms don't have showers so plan accordingly
Guide
Outstanding park! Camp sites are spaced decently apart and well kept. Restrooms / showers are very clean. Welcome center has plenty of backpacking supplies as well.
ScoutWhile the camp hosts were very nice and the bathrooms were clean, that’s where the good ends. The sites are on top of each other in the inner loop and very much out of level. There is no place to dump trash in the campground. The only places were at the boat ramp and beach. Worst of all was the dump station was overflowing and could not be used when we were leaving.
TravelerThis is a primitive campground with a picnic table, lantern pole and a firepit with a grate. It is pack in-pack out as there are no trashcans or dumpsters. Water is available via a hand water pump across from site#8 and the toilets are vault toilets but were well kept and did not smell horrible. The stream is gorgeous stream and loud enough to drown out most road noise. There are some hazardous trees and one 6inch tree did fall while we were there this weekend during a thunderstorm. At the back of the campground is a~2 mile trail that connects to the AT. Most sites have a tent pad that will accommodate a 10’x10’ tent. Sites 2, 4, and 8 driveways can really only accommodate 1 car and there are no extra parking spots. Driveways for sites 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10 can accommodate 2 cars. Site 1 is adjacent to the road and is going to be impacted by road noise. There is no campground host so be prepared to either scavenge wood or buy it in town, same goes for ice.
Traveler
Nice campsites with water and electricity. Almost all the sites have view of lake and many have access to the lake for swimming or paddle boarding or boating. Nice breeze off the lake. Will be back many times.
Legend
Beautiful location with a train themed well organized and super helpful staff. Tiered topography lends to beautiful lake and sunset views Used showers and laundry and both were great
Traveler
We stayed in site 7 and we really enjoyed it. The site was clean and the pad was very level.
We had a minor issue popping the 30amp breaker but switched over to the 50 amp adapter and all worked fine.
Didn’t use the bath house but I did go check them out and they looked clean.
I would caution big rigs on the first loop (sites 2 - 9) the loop at the back is pretty tight. We did fine with our 28’ TT but anyone over 30’ might want to consider the other loops.
Driving through and looking at the other sites some of the picnic areas need to be reworked or at the very least mowed and weeded. If it wasn’t for that sort of stuff I would give it 5 stars.
Legend
This was our second rv trip here. Being able to back up to a river, throw in tubes and just enjoy… is something wild. Great location with easy access. Spots are not private, but that doesn’t take from anything. We made friends. The staff was great. The bathhouse was average. Will certainly be back!
Traveler
Tons of things to do train rides, gondola ride to the top, hiking and fireworks. Stayed in a safari tent a little worn down with duck tape on the screen. However, clean bathroom/showers and fun pool. A couple of crazy squirrels visit us every morning.
Scout
We found Kennedy Creek in September 2023 and have been back five times since then. The setting is absolutely beautiful with direct views of the mountains and sprawling grounds where the resort sits.
They offer everything from tent or RV camping and yurts, to beautiful cabins. We’ve tent camped once and brought our RV five times. If you’re camping, expect spacious campsites with amazing views. You won’t feel crowded in this place. If RVing, you can opt for a site with 30 amp electrical hookup and water (3 of these at present on a first come first basis and usually available). They do have showers so we didn’t come close to filling our gray/black tanks on our recent 5 day stay. What I like as an RVer is the open space and views. You won’t feel like you’re in a crowded RV park that’s for sure.
Their onsite tavern and restaurant is a great gathering place and is usually opened starting with Friday dinner through Sunday breakfast. The menu is top notch with special dishes that change regularly. John is the chef and he puts out some of the best food you’ll find in these beautiful mountains!
The resort also has a 2000’ x 60’ grass runway (GA87) which is absolutely gorgeous. In my opinion this should be a bucket list destination for all pilots that can manage to get in to 2000’ fields. The owner has a beautiful Just Superstol XL bush plane and a Highlander, and he can usually be found flying most Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings. You might even get invited to go flying :-)
The staff is super friendly and will take great care of you during your stay. It won’t take long for you to realize that they absolutely care about you and your experience. They’ll go out of their way to make sure you enjoy their little slice of paradise.
This probably sounds like a paid advertisement but I’m just a happy camper that hopes this place experiences the success it deserves. I’ve been to Ellijay, Helen, Blairsville, Dahlonega, and a lot of other well known mountain spots, and this place is my favorite by far.
Scout
U can't even rent this place
LegendOn my way back from Florida to the NC mountains, I spent a night at the KOA campground on Lake Oconee in Greensboro, GA. I was in a full hook-up pull-through site#44. As you can see from the photos, the campground is right on the lake and has many campsites. The campground staff was accommodating during check-in and when getting to my site. However, the campground itself is pretty worn. Roads are poor. Decking at sites needs repair. At $108.90, for one night, there is little reinvestment in the campground grounds and facilities. The local area is proliferating with many upscale homes and businesses. I expected a more updated set of facilities. Site#44 has a lake view, which is nice, but it is one of 3 sites butted up end to end on the side of the road, with the site to my left currently unusable with some repair work going on. The site has a sizeable two-tier deck, grill, and firepit, but it had not been cleaned off in some time, with chairs and tree debris strewn around. I would skip this campground if I were back in the area.
Guide
Site 23 is perfect if you’re looking for a huge, private, creekside site. It was just a short walk to the outhouse and water pump, but a longer trek to the bathhouse, but the other features of this site were worth it. This huge site has the perfect trees for swinging your hammock over the creek, lots of shade, and easy access to wade in the creek. The campground was clean and well maintained, the hosts were friendly, and the weather was pleasant for late June. I can’t wait to go back!
GuideI returned to Andrew’s Cove in late June for a night in the woods. I had site 3 this time, and it’s my favorite site so far. It’s the most removed from the other sites, but just a quick walk down the campsite driveway to the bathrooms. I really like the privacy of that site despite the street noise. The bathrooms were disgusting, as usual. I highly recommend bringing an alternate option for bathroom use. The temperature was pleasant even in late June, and a rainstorm passed through overnight. It was a glorious way to sleep. I highly recommend Andrew’s Cove.
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.
Guide
Great little place to camp. Beautiful lake. Bathrooms and showers are on site.
TravelerMy family and I camped here for the weekend. Our campsite was beautiful and level. We could easily accommodate our pop-up camper and a 4-person tent with room to spare! My son was able to play and explore. My only critic would be that we were a little let down at the condition of the beach and that there was no playground when there was one listed on the grounds map. We will definitely be returning nonetheless.
Guide
Pretty nice campground, although the sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to. Campground facilities are clean and very well kept (they rake the sites and shovel out the fire pits). Bath houses are kept clean and stocked also. We camped in site 31 with our 32 ft TT. It was tight backing in, I would say that out of the "standard" sites 28, 30, 32 and 34 are the best sites available. Nice trails with beautiful scenery, the hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it certainly worth it. Overall a really wonderful park.
Scout
Cabin 3 stars- Older cabin, clean, spacious with very large living area, loft area small and a bit dingy, shared porch Campground 3 stars-wooded, shady, hilly Amenities 3 stars- a bit run down Staff 3 stars-average
Scout
Lots of quality quiet time short walk to Arabia Mountain part hiking fishing and bike riding saw people roller skating also. Very unique place I’ve visited to many times to list for extended periods it’s my get away from the crazy city place
If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near Jefferson, Georgia, there are several great spots where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Jefferson, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Jefferson, GA is Fort Yargo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Jefferson, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 135 dog-friendly camping locations near Jefferson, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
