H
Hunter F.
Scout
ScoutTalona Creek Campground
Not bad
Over priced in my opinion and ran down and outdated but easy to get in and out. Off the hwy and management is friendly.
Camping near McCaysville, GA
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McCaysville, Georgia sits at the junction of multiple camping environments spanning the Georgia-Tennessee border region. Established campgrounds like Morganton Point on Lake Blue Ridge provide waterfront sites with boat access, while Thunder Rock Campground along the Ocoee River caters to whitewater enthusiasts. The surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest and Cherokee National Forest lands offer both developed facilities and primitive camping options within a 30-minute drive. Tumbling Creek Campground near Copperhill provides a more rustic experience with minimal amenities, while Fort Mountain State Park and Vogel State Park feature more developed facilities with cabins and RV hookups for those seeking additional comforts.
Camping permits and reservation requirements vary significantly throughout the area. Most state park campgrounds require advance booking through reservation systems, particularly during the April-November peak season when temperatures moderate. As one camper noted, "Fort Mountain is usually a good bit cooler due to the elevation, and the private wooded campsites make tent camping in Georgia's summer heat much more enjoyable." Cell service can be limited in mountain valleys and remote areas, with several reviewers mentioning complete disconnection at certain campgrounds. Many forest service roads leading to dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with proper food storage essential at all campsites.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the McCaysville area. Lakeside sites at Morganton Point offer "spacious waterfront lots with easy access to the water," according to recent reviews. Campers frequently mention the sound of flowing water as a highlight, with creekside sites at places like Three Forks Campground providing natural white noise. Privacy levels vary considerably between campgrounds, with some visitors noting that sites can be "too close for our liking" at more developed facilities. Fall foliage viewing is particularly popular, with one camper reporting they "hit the leaf change just right" at Fort Mountain State Park in late October. Weekend crowding is common at the more accessible sites, with several reviewers recommending early arrival on Fridays to secure preferred spots.
Best Campgrounds near McCaysville (560)
1. Thunder Rock Campground
"Campsites are close to one another. If you camp at a site near the water, it is really nice, but everyone will walk by your campsite so they can go down the path to the river."
"Easy access off Hwy 64, so close to stores for food and firewood. Well maintained campsite with clean bathrooms and very clean, nice showers. Alcohol prohibited as think county is dry."
from $12 - $20 / night
Check Availability2. Morganton Point Campground
"We were right next to the camp host, which was pretty nice – we didn’t have to go far to ask for wood or ice! Plus, there were trails leading right to the lake. "
"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
Check Availability3. Chilhowee Recreation Area
"My partner and I headed to nearby Chilhowie Campground in the Cherokee National Forest last year to try out our new teardrop camper. We chose site 1 in the A Loop as it had shore power."
"It has clean bathrooms with showers, fire rings with grill grates, lots of hiking, hike to a beautiful waterfall, huge lake to swim or float on a raft, and the lightning bugs were breath taking!!"
from $12 - $30 / night
Check Availability4. Fort Mountain State Park Campground
"Its usually a good bit cooler due to the elevation, and the private wooded campsites make tent camping in Georgia’s summer heat much more enjoyable. Good hiking and things to do nearby."
"There's nice trails in the park one around the lake & one to a small waterfall across the street. There is no cell service."
from $14 - $55 / night
Check Availability5. Parksville Lake RV Campground
"Each site is a good distance away from the other and there is the constant sound of the creek flowing right next to it. The bathrooms are clean and right in the middle a perfect spot for a getaway"
"Easy to navigate around sites. Lots of shade. Close by Occoee White Water center where the Atlanta olympics took place. Plan your visit around the water release. There schedule is online. "
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Gee Creek Campground — Hiwassee/Ocoee Scenic River State Park
"Bath house is relatively nice for a state park campground. 1 mile walking path surrounding the grounds is nice. Safe area for bicycle riding. Great proximity to many outdoor activities."
"The site is surrounded by trees and connects to the nature trail which goes down to the Hiwasee, so there can be some mild foot traffic nearby. It's simple, with a firepit and maybe picnic tables."
7. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF
"A very well-kept campground given how off the beaten path it is. Most sites had tent pads and a concrete picnic table and were very clean. The garbage bins had been emptied so weren't overfowing."
"Some have direct access to the creek. Great hikes around and good place to fish and hunt."
8. Persimmon Creek RV Park
"This is a beautiful secluded site just off of Highway 64/74 not too far from the Tennessee border. The campground is very well kept and has wonderful amenities for both RV and tent campers."
"I don't have a huge point of reference, but I can give you details on everything that was smooth
- Location - Just off a 4 lane highway. Convenient with easy access to your site. "
from $55 - $900 / night
Check Availability9. Vogel State Park Campground
"Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."
"Vogel State Park is hands down one of the nicest parks in Georgia. It has great hiking trails for every level of hiker, and a very beautiful lake that's great for fishing and paddling."
from $30 - $260 / night
Check Availability10. Tumbling Creek Campground
"Pull in, find a spot next to the river and enjoy. Other than trucks pulling small fishing boats up the road during the day (and maybe people trail riding) there is no traffic noise."
"But you can also come in on paved grassy Creek road off highway 68 and you are only on Forest service road 221 for 2 miles total."
Drive Time
- 52 min from Cleveland, TN
- 1 hr 15 min from Chattanooga, TN
- 1 hr 27 min from Gainesville, GA
- 1 hr 39 min from Rome, GA
Recent Camping Photos near McCaysville, GA
666 Photos of 560 McCaysville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Your Toccoa River Cove
Foxfire of Murphy RV ParkA
Thunder Rock Campground
Persimmon Creek RV Park
Morganton Point Campground
Chattahoochee-Oconee/Morganton Point
Winedrops Creekside CampingV
WineDrops Creekside Camping Bills RV ParkingV
Wine drops Creekside camp & Bills RV ParkingV
Goforth Creek Campground E
Hiwassee River Area
Recent Reviews near McCaysville, GA
1690 Reviews of 560 McCaysville Campgrounds
- K
Kim Q.
GuideClay County Recreation Park Campground
Lake and Mountain View’s
Gibson Cove campground Bring your water toys as the lake is clean and easily accessible. Gorgeous hiking trail. Very spacious campsites. Quiet campground. Managed and well maintained sites. I would have given five stars but the bathrooms were in desperate need of maintenance and the quantity was not sufficient. Men’s bathroom had 1 toilet for approximately 40 sites. Expect freakishly large bees and plenty of spiders.
Eric Y.
TravelerDavis Branch Campground
River Sounds
6 back in campsites, right off a paved road, sites are 20 yards from river, fishing, peaceful, cooler than in town. Outhouse is clean and has TP. Not much traffic on the road, not many campers. There are several campgrounds in the same general area on the river. All are nice, we had our pick and chose Davis. No power, water, or dump but there's a store just down the road that has fishing gear, ice, firewood, drinks, and vices. Good spot in a cool location.
Mary D.GuideAmicalola Falls State Park Camping
Site 18: Don’t let the “hardest site to back into” reviews scare you! There’s a trick.
We stayed at Site 18, which has a reputation for being one of the hardest sites to back into. There’s definitely a trick to it! Pull your truck forward along the site, then pull out toward the site across from you, making an S-turn. From there, line it up and back in. It's tricky, but doable!
We loved this area and packed a lot into our stay. We visited BJ’s Apple Orchard, stopped at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm (where I somehow ended up with a 150-pound pumpkin 😂), had dinner at Cascades Restaurant, and took the easy way to see the falls.
The fenced-in sites were a huge plus, especially with our pups. It gave them more room to roam. The bathrooms and showers are individual rooms, which was nice, and the welcome center is one of the nicest we’ve come across.
And then there’s THE HILL. I was born and raised in the Smokies, so I’m no stranger to mountain roads, but the incline is no joke! The reviews are absolutely not exaggerating when they say it’s steep. Come prepared!
I have T-mobile and husband has Xfinity and we both have great service. Wifi in the campground gets the job done for Netflix at night.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay. Beautiful area, plenty to explore, dog-friendly sites, and a campground we’d visit again. 🏕️🥾
Taylor H.
RangerLow Gap Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Decent Campground
We drove up to check out a fishing spot. We didn’t drive across the concrete creek crossing to the main part of camp. The campsites at the entrance looked clean and the creek was nice. Did see a copperhead on the way out.
- Taylor H.Ranger
Andrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Peaceful Mountain Creek Camping
⛺️ We stayed at Site #10. It has two lantern poles, a fire ring with cooking grate, a wooden bench, and a long picnic table.
🌲 The entire campground felt incredibly calm and peaceful. The creek can be heard even from the campsites farther uphill, where the road noise also fades away. We stayed closer to the road and didn’t find the traffic bothersome—but we’re car people and actually enjoyed seeing the bikes and other cars joyriding around the curves. 😂
🏕️ This is a pack-in/pack-out campground, so plan to take all trash with you when you leave.
💧 The creek was cold and refreshing! We loved walking through it, and our dog did too.
🎣 We fished the creek and had just as much fun looking for creek critters—we found crawfish and salamanders.
🪶 Oddly enough, we didn’t see or hear many birds during our stay, but the sound of the creek more than made up for it.
🚽 There is one pit toilet restroom with a hook for hanging a lantern or bag and a hand sanitizer dispenser. There was enough natural light that we didn’t need a lantern during the day. I’d suggest packing extra toilet paper—it was stocked, but the roll was running low by the end of the weekend.
🪵 We bought firewood from Southern Legacy Wood Products — 1605 Helen Hwy, Cleveland, GA — on the way in.
✨ After five campgrounds, Andrews Cove is officially our favorite so far. Quiet, shaded, beautiful mountain creek, and the kind of campground where simply hanging around camp was enough entertainment.
matt E.GuideConasauga River Camp
Closed Right Now (Seems great but the site is closed for road work)
Hopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.
The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.
Tylor C.GuideFort Mountain State Park Campground
Love this place
Beautiful views from the trails. I went during the summer in July so it was on the busier side. There is a lake with a beach with boat and paddle board rentals. Seemed like a great spot to fish. Prepare for possibilities of bears as they were around. One night I must have not fully secured my bear box and a bear found my cooler. I tent camped on a pad where I can find some service (T-Mobile) but most spots are spotty. Next time I come, I want to try the back country locations. Trails are awesome with a cool story about the place around the tower and fortification. Attendants at the camp store were really nice. If groceries are needed there is grocery stores in the nearest town of Chatsworth down the mountain
- Taylor H.Ranger
Deep Hole Recreation Area — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Peaceful Creekside Camping
Our campsite: #9
⛺️ First site on the left. It’s a shaded, pull-through site, and I believe it’s the most private site in the campground. Only about half the sites were occupied during our visit, and it was incredibly peaceful and quiet.
⛺️ Very level and stayed dry with no puddling during our visit.
⛺️ The creek can be seen from the picnic table, and listening to the water was so relaxing. We even spotted a pileated woodpecker and a couple of herons across the creek.
⛺️ Direct creek access—it’s steep, but doable!
⛺️ The fire ring had quite a bit of ash left in it, although we didn’t need to use it.
⛺️ Farthest site from the fishing area and kayak launch, but it’s still an easy, short walk!
⛺️ Close to the restrooms, but we didn’t notice any unpleasant smells from our site or elsewhere in the campground.
⛺️ Trash cans are located along the way to the fishing area.
Kayak Ramp & Fishing Area:
🛶 Concrete ramp makes creek access easy. It was muddy and slightly slippery during our visit, so watch your step!
🥾 The creek was cold and refreshing in August. Wear water shoes for grip on the smooth stones—and protection from any lost fishing hooks hiding on the creek bottom. Ouch!
🎣 The fishing area is next to the kayak ramp and has two wooden benches.
🦦 We saw an otter playing along the creek while we were fishing!
Restrooms:
🚽 Bring a lantern or flashlight—even during the daytime, it’s DARK inside!
🚽 There are hooks to hang your lantern or bag.
🚽 No running water at the campground, so bring soap and water for washing your hands at your campsite.
🛒 Cooper’s Creek Store is nearby and worth a stop! Firewood, ice, bait, snacks, souvenirs, Wi-Fi, food, and plenty of fishing/camping essentials you may have forgotten.
🌲 If you’re looking for a quiet, shaded creekside site with privacy and water access, Site #9 is an excellent pick.
Guide to McCaysville
The McCaysville region straddles the boundary between Georgia and Tennessee, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet providing moderate temperatures even during summer months. The surrounding Chattahoochee and Cherokee National Forests offer dispersed camping options with varying regulations depending on which side of the state line you're on. Fall camping season typically extends into mid-November with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s even when daytime remains comfortable.
What to do
Paddle the Hiwassee River: Located near Gee Creek Campground, this river offers calmer sections compared to the Ocoee. "A trail runs the perimeter of the camp and the Hiwasee River runs next to the campground," notes Anna M. who appreciated the riverside location.
Mountain bike from your campsite: The trail systems connect directly to several campgrounds in the area. At Thunder Rock Campground, "they have a mountain bike cleaning station since there are several trails accessible from the campground," reports Asher K., making it convenient for cyclists.
Fish in stocked ponds: Some private campgrounds maintain fishing ponds with catchable trout. Jason A. mentions Persimmon Creek Campground has "a creek and a fully stocked trout pond. You pay for what you catch but totally worth it."
Hike to mountain vistas: The region offers trails with significant elevation gains leading to panoramic views. One camper at Fort Mountain described hiking "a very strenuous trail that delivered on the promise of a beautiful vista looking down on the park and campground."
What campers like
Creek-side camping spots: Many campers specifically request sites near flowing water. At Lost Creek, Scott E. noted, "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad."
Lake access for paddling: Morganton Point Campground provides direct water access from many campsites. According to Paul W., "We were on lot 7 which was right on the lake. The view was perfect. Water and electric worked great."
Hiking variety within walking distance: Campers appreciate not having to drive to trailheads. At Chilhowee Recreation Area, Manie D. found "25 miles of hiking and biking trails starting right from our campsite," making it convenient to explore without relocating vehicles.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Even at primitive campgrounds, maintenance standards remain high. Carissa D. noted about Chilhowee: "The camp sites are distanced well and the entire campground is in the shade. There are a lot of hiking trails."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many forest service roads require appropriate vehicles. For Tumbling Creek Campground, one reviewer warned "The drive in on the gravel road takes forever" while another noted "you can also come in on paved grassy Creek road off highway 68 and you are only on Forest service road 221 for 2 miles total."
Campground elevation affects temperatures: The mountain locations mean temperature differences between campgrounds. At Fort Mountain State Park Campground, one camper experienced "early winter storm, gusty breezes and freezing temperatures that finally gave way to beautiful crisp days."
Bear activity requires proper precautions: Several campgrounds have established protocols. At Thunder Rock, one camper observed "There are several bear proof trash cans available for use" and noted specific rules against washing dishes in certain areas likely due to wildlife concerns.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically based on exact location. At Chilhowee, a camper reported "in the B loop there is NO AT&T in spite of what this site says. You may get a weak signal on the other side, but it's spotty at best."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational options: Some locations offer more structured activities. At Vogel State Park, Timothy B. found "a miniature golf course, and a creek that runs through the campground that seemed the biggest attraction for a great many of the kids."
Choose sites with room for play: Campsite layout matters for families. Stephanie J. recommends Persimmon Creek where "the spots are spaced out, so you don't feel like you are on top of each other... The kids played in the creek, and also joined in a soccer game on the field."
Consider proximity to bathroom facilities: With children, bathroom access becomes more important. At Morganton Point, one camper appreciated that "the bathrooms were immaculate and heated, plenty of hot water" which makes nighttime trips more manageable.
Monitor water levels for swimming spots: Creek and lake depths change seasonally. At Lost Creek, a camper noted "The creek can be used for shallow water wading or fishing," providing safe water play for younger children during certain seasons.
Tips from RVers
Practice backing skills before arrival: Many campgrounds have challenging site approaches. At Parksville Lake RV Campground, a camper warned "it is a tight drive into the sites," while another noted it was "perfect if rafting. We were in 35 foot trailer but some tight turns in camp ground."
Plan for leveling challenges: The mountain terrain creates uneven sites. At Fort Mountain, Mike N. experienced significant leveling issues: "The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level."
Water availability varies by campground: Not all sites offer full hookups. At Chilhowee, Jacob T. noted "No water hookup but you can fill your tank at the spiggots. Electric was available at our site," requiring planning for water usage.
Verify dump station access: The mountain roads can make exit procedures challenging. Mike N. shared at Chilhowee: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular activities to do while camping in McCaysville, GA?
What are the most popular activities to do while camping in McCaysville, GA?
The McCaysville area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Water activities are especially popular at Jackrabbit Mountain on Lake Chatuge, where you can paddle, swim, or launch watercraft directly from lakeside sites. Hiking is exceptional throughout the region, with Vogel State Park Campground offering well-maintained trails for all skill levels. Mountain biking enthusiasts can access dedicated trails near Jackrabbit, while fishing is excellent in the area's numerous rivers and lakes. During summer, many campers enjoy cooling off in mountain streams and waterfalls. The nearby Appalachian Trail provides opportunities for day hikes or backpacking adventures for more experienced hikers.
Where can I find campgrounds near McCaysville, GA?
Where can I find campgrounds near McCaysville, GA?
McCaysville offers several excellent camping options in the surrounding area. Morganton Point Campground is located near Blue Ridge, providing picturesque waterfront sites just a short drive from McCaysville. For a more remote experience, Tumbling Creek Campground in nearby Copperhill offers drive-in sites. Other nearby options include Doll Mountain Campground on Carter's Lake and Enota Mountain Retreat with its beautiful waterfalls and streams. The region also features numerous state parks within driving distance, including Fort Mountain and Vogel, plus several campgrounds in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
What camping is available near McCaysville, GA?
What camping is available near McCaysville, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, McCaysville, GA offers a wide range of camping options, with 560 campgrounds and RV parks near McCaysville, GA and 54 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near McCaysville, GA?
Which is the most popular campground near McCaysville, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near McCaysville, GA is Thunder Rock Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near McCaysville, GA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near McCaysville, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 54 free dispersed camping spots near McCaysville, GA.
What parks are near McCaysville, GA?
What parks are near McCaysville, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near McCaysville, GA that allow camping, notably Tusquitee National Forest and Carters Lake.
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