1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Lakemont, Georgia offer a mix of established and primitive options throughout the surrounding national forest areas. Seed Lake Campground provides tent camping directly on Lake Seed with sites positioned along the shoreline. Panther Creek Recreation Area offers walk-in tent sites along a 3.5-mile trail leading to Panther Creek Falls, with multiple primitive camping spots dotted throughout the path. Wildcat Creek Campground provides backcountry tent camping in two sections - Upper and Lower - within the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Most tent campgrounds feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Sites at Panther Creek are accessed via hiking trails and require carrying in all supplies, while areas like Seed Lake have toilet facilities nearby. Many tent sites maintain natural surfaces with minimal site preparation, often featuring established fire rings but requiring campers to pack in water and supplies. Access to Wildcat Creek's upper sites requires traveling on gravel forest roads that may become impassable after heavy rain. During summer months, sites along creeks provide natural cooling and water access for filtering. One camper noted that "sites are huge and spread out, great for groups as multiple cars and tents can easily fit" at Wildcat Creek.
Shaded tent camping areas predominate throughout the region, with sites often positioned near creeks or water features. The terrain offers natural privacy between most walk-in tent sites, particularly at more remote locations like Panther Creek and Grapevine campgrounds. Swimming opportunities exist at several locations, including the natural waterslide at Wildcat Creek and the sandy beach area at the base of Panther Creek Falls. The surrounding forests provide excellent hammock camping options at most sites, with abundant trees for setup. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, backcountry tent campers particularly value the seclusion: "Most sites are by the creek, and they are far enough away from each other you really feel at one with nature."
"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!"
from $4 / 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."
"It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."
"Vault toilet was clean and maintained. Most campsites are River side"
"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."
"Campground Review: In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."
"Trail/Campground Review: The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "
"This campground is located on beautiful lake seed. The site has multiple locations along the lake."
"Primitive camping. One portapotty at the parking lot. Numerous paths to hike down to the wild and scenic Chattooga River. No RV sites or dump sites."
"this place was a great place for fishing, exploring and hiking, great place to back pack into and tent camp."
"I’ve stayed at this location plenty of times."
"Located only minutes from several stocked trout streams in the area as well as LaPrade’s Marina. It’s a peaceful campsite in the middle of beautiful landscape surroundings."
"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."
from $30 - $200 / 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.
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".
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
ScoutBeautiful Campground, but Absolutely NOT Family-Friendly! I rarely leave negative reviews this strongly, but our experience at Turkey Creek Campground was so disappointing that I feel compelled to warn other families. First, I’ll give credit where it’s due. The campground is beautifully maintained, and the creekside sites are incredibly peaceful and serene. It’s a lovely setting, and during the day, the owner is friendly enough and seemingly hospitable. Unfortunately, the hospitality comes to a screeching halt the moment the clock strikes 10 PM.
We were two families camping together with six well-behaved kids who absolutely love the outdoors. We understand and respect campground quiet hours. We weren’t looking to throw parties, blast music, or disturb anyone. But apparently, at Turkey Creek,“quiet hours” doesn’t mean keeping noise to a respectful minimum. It means absolute silence, complete darkness, and seemingly no normal human activity whatsoever.
I’m not exaggerating.
* We were told to turn off ALL our lights at 10 PM.
* We were confronted for opening our vehicle’s trunk because it made a brief beeping sound.
* Our children were startled by a large spider near the bathhouse, and the owner actually yelled at them to be quiet.
* One evening around 11 PM, we were talking quietly INSIDE OUR OWN TENT, barely above a whisper, when the owner approached our tent door to reprimand us for talking.
* On another occasion, he approached us to complain that our children had left TWO STICKS on the ground near the bathrooms. Two sticks! At a campground surrounded by woods, where the kids had just walked down a wooded trail to reach the bathhouse!
And don’t even think about enjoying a little background music while sitting around your campsite. Music of any kind played through a speaker is prohibited, regardless of volume. Apparently, even a little John Denver played quietly while enjoying the mountains is too much to ask. I fully appreciate that some people camp specifically for peace and quiet. We respect that, too. But there is a massive difference between enforcing reasonable quiet hours and making paying guests feel like they’re constantly being watched, monitored, and reprimanded for simply existing. The owner’s enforcement of these rules felt excessive, confrontational, and completely out of proportion to what was actually happening.
Instead of relaxing and enjoying our family vacation, we found ourselves walking on eggshells, worried that the smallest sound, light, or ordinary childhood behavior would result in another confrontation. What makes this particularly frustrating is that our kids were doing exactly what we’d hope children would do on a camping trip: spending time outside, exploring nature, enjoying each other’s company, and making memories away from screens. Yet somehow, even that seemed unwelcome. If we hadn’t already paid for five nights, we would have packed up and left after the very first night. That’s how uncomfortable the experience became.
If you are someone who wants a meticulously maintained campground where everyone retires to complete silence and darkness by 10 PM, Turkey Creek might be perfect for you. But if you’re a family hoping to enjoy a campfire, share some laughs, quietly socialize in the evening, and let your children experience the simple joys of camping, I cannot recommend this place strongly enough AGAINST it.
There are so many beautiful campgrounds in this area, and I cannot imagine choosing to return somewhere that made our families feel so unwelcome. Beautiful property. Extremely disappointing hospitality. Absolutely terrible experience for families. We will never return.
ScoutVery pretty site but its right on the road
GuideThis is a beautiful campground but is unfortunately permanently closed. It's sad.
Dispersed camping near Lakemont, Georgia sits within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet, creating moderate year-round temperatures compared to surrounding lowlands. The area receives approximately 70 inches of rainfall annually, making water sources plentiful but creating potentially muddy conditions after heavy precipitation. Forest service roads accessing many campsites can become difficult to navigate during wet periods, particularly in winter and spring.
Waterfall exploration: 1-2 mile hikes lead to accessible falls throughout the region. At Raven Cliff Falls, "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. This is one you'll definitely want to bring your camera with." The moderate 5-mile round trip hike rewards visitors with cascading water through dramatic rock formations.
Trout fishing: Year-round opportunities in mountain streams require Georgia fishing license. At Burrells Ford, "good trout fishing. Fishing license is required but both SC and GA are acceptable as the river is the state line." Most productive fishing occurs during spring and fall when water temperatures remain cool.
Natural water features: Rock slides and swimming holes provide summer recreation when temperatures reach the 80s. "Wildcat Creek has a cool water slide for adults and kids to have fun and cool off with." The natural stone water slide forms a gentle slope into a deep pool, perfect for cooling off after hiking.
Privacy between sites: Many locations offer natural separation beyond what's described in established campgrounds. At Grapevine, "sites are spread out, nice river nearby." This spacing creates a more secluded experience than typical commercial campgrounds, with tree cover providing additional separation.
Water access for filtering: Proximity to clean mountain streams eliminates the need to carry large water supplies. "Water is no problem with the entire trail being directly on a solid flowing stream." Most campsites require water filtration systems as potable water sources are limited.
Established fire rings and lantern poles: Despite primitive settings, many sites include basic amenities. At Burrells Ford, "I was surprised to find a nice large picnic table and lantern pole. Most hike-in sites don't have these amenities. There was also a hanging system for food since this place is in bear country." These features reduce campsite impact while providing practical functionality.
Access limitations: Forest roads require high-clearance vehicles in some areas. "E. Wildcat rd. Is residential, (you want W. Wildcat rd.)." Travel during wet weather can become challenging, particularly after heavy rainfall when some roads become temporarily impassable.
Bear activity: Food storage precautions required throughout the region. "Great water and even a late night bear visit so best to raise your food up a free hanging rope." Black bears remain active throughout three seasons, making proper food storage essential at all campsites.
Seasonal crowding: Popular areas fill quickly during peak periods. At Panther Creek Recreation Area, "it was closed for covid for a bit so things are a little overgrown around the rec area. It's $4 to park in the lot... My only complaint is how packed it is on the weekends. There's 150+ cars parked all on the side of the road." Arrive mid-week for better site availability.
Child-friendly waterfalls: Short hikes suitable for younger explorers. "King Creek Falls. The trail to the waterfall is over a half mile (my estimation), and you have to cross a log footbridge." The moderate terrain provides natural discovery opportunities while remaining accessible for children.
Swimming opportunities: Natural pools provide safe water play areas during summer months. "The waterfall is amazing with a large pool and nice sandy beach at its base. Perfect for swimming and cooling off after the hike or camping if you are lucky enough to snag it before someone else." These natural features require parental supervision but offer excellent cooling options.
Campfire cooking: Established fire rings make meal preparation straightforward. At Wildcat 1, the "site was a solid basecamp with little frills or features." Pack food requiring minimal cooking equipment, as most sites lack tables or other food preparation surfaces.
Length restrictions: Small rigs only on forest roads leading to most sites. At Owls Retreat Campground, they offer "electric-hookups" and "thirty-amp-hookups" which makes this one of the few options for RVs requiring power. Most forest service roads limit access to smaller vehicles under 26 feet.
Limited hookup availability: Plan for dry camping at most locations. "We stayed in the parking lot in our small rig. (Under 26 ft) we had our super quiet generator running and had no issues." Prepare for self-contained camping without water, electric, or sewer connections at most dispersed sites.
Alternative options: Commercial campgrounds provide more amenities when needed. Several private campgrounds near Lake Burton offer full hookups with shower facilities as alternatives to primitive camping options within the national forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lakemont, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lakemont, GA is Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lakemont, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 100 tent camping locations near Lakemont, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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