Campsites near Epworth, Georgia range from primitive forest service areas to developed campgrounds with full amenities. Located in the southern Appalachian foothills near the Tennessee border, elevations typically range from 1,800 to 2,500 feet. Summer nights often cool to the low 60s even when daytime temperatures reach 85°F, making tent camping comfortable with proper preparation.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: Several camping areas near Epworth provide access to the Ocoee River's world-class rapids. Thunder Rock Campground sits directly on the Ocoee, where one camper noted, "Right next to the ocoee river. Wonderful spot" and another mentioned, "This is a really great car camping campground along the Ocoee River. From the campground, you can actually walk to the river and can also access several other hiking trails."
Fishing opportunities: Persimmon Creek Campground offers on-site fishing in their stocked ponds. "Nice private campground with a creek and a fully stocked trout pond. You pay for what you catch but totally worth it," reports one visitor. The campground also provides "great access to both hiking in Nantahala National Forest as well as rafting and kayaking on one of the many rivers in the area."
Mountain biking trails: Fort Mountain State Park features dedicated mountain biking trails with maintenance facilities. "They have a strong community of mountain biking here. We didn't bike the trails here with our hybrid specialized bikes because we felt the trails (other than the lake trail and the park roads) to be too technical for us due to the major elevation changes, loose gravel and rocks," explains one camper, highlighting the challenging terrain.
What campers like
Private waterfront spots: Toccoa River Cove offers complete privacy on 12 acres. "With 12 acres of woodland and the freedom to pitch a tent anywhere (provided you honor LNT principals about where to set up camp!), you can camp right next to the car, set up a camping hammock, or explore the forest and find a secluded area in the trees for a backpacking tent," describes one visitor. The site includes "a spring you can drink straight out of, and streams criss-crossing the entire area."
Clean facilities: Chilhowee Recreation Area maintains well-kept bathhouses and showers. "The showers were clean, hot and great water pressure. Also, there was a restroom for every 6-7 sites, so not too much traffic," notes a camper. Another visitor reports, "Bathhouse was clean and well lit. Roads around the loops were narrow but there were big 5th wheel rigs so its doable."
Tent-only areas: Vogel State Park offers specialized walk-in tent sites with creek access. "We camped at the pioneer camp site by the creek. It has a pavilion and a creek very close by. It was a hike in but it was simply amazing!" shares one camper. Another notes, "Had I known about the incredible tent 'walk-in' sites before arrival, I would've stayed there. They are tucked away on their own loop on a wooded hillside."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Parksville Lake RV Campground stays open year-round but experiences significant seasonal changes. "Very busy campsite. Get here early if you want to get a spot," warns one Thunder Rock visitor during peak season. In contrast, winter camping can be peaceful but requires preparation, as one Gee Creek camper notes, "During winter campground is very quiet, no power at sites, it does have hot showers."
Road conditions: Several campgrounds require navigating challenging mountain roads. "To get to this campground you have to go up a steep narrow windy mountain road," warns a Chilhowee Recreation Area visitor. Another camper advises, "Be sure to read the instructions on the park website about how to get here! Google will lead you astray!"
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer and fall weekends. At Fort Mountain State Park, "If interested in this area, I would try to lock in a spot as early as you can," advises a visitor. Some sites offer first-come, first-served options, but as one camper observed, "During the day you can hear highway traffic, but at night that road gets little traffic so it is quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Platform camping options: Fort Mountain State Park offers unique elevated platform sites. "The platform sites are a short walk from a parking area near the lake so you can make multiple trips to the car if necessary," explains a visitor. These sites provide both convenience and adventure for families, though note that "there is a secondary trail that crosses a small creek and intersections with platform 1 to the right and 2-6 to the left."
Water activities: Morganton Point Campground provides both beach and boat access. "Camped on lot 14 which was quite spacious with easy access to the water. Tent was located away from the fire pit and picnic table and the restrooms were close by," shares one camper. Another notes, "The beach is extremely clean and the rental shop by the lake and rents kayaks and paddleboards."
Playground access: Gee Creek Campground features kid-friendly facilities. "Very friendly staff. Clean facilities and nice playground," reports one visitor. Another camper mentions, "Nice, spacious campsites. Pull through campsites with picnic tables, grills, fire rings and water spigots. The campground also has a playground to keep kids entertained."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Amicalola Falls State Park requires careful planning for larger vehicles. "We have a 27' airstream and there are a couple campsites that are hard to get into. Number 18 does not look hard, but the layout is very difficult to get into. The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper," cautions one RV owner.
Hookup availability: Most campsites near Epworth offer limited electric and water connections. One Chilhowee visitor notes, "There are no water hookups at the sites, only power (30A). You'll need to fill your fresh water tanks before you set up." Similarly, at Parksville Lake RV Campground, "Water hookups shared throughout the campground, not dedicated to each site."
Dump station logistics: Plan for end-of-stay procedures. A Chilhowee camper warns, "There is only one dump station and it's on the other side of the campground. From the B loop, you have to traverse about a 120 degree switchback to get to it. My friend who was there pulling a 5th wheel decided not to try it and opted to pay to dump somewhere else."
