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Tammy F.
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GuideLake Chatuge Dispersed
A sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
Camping near Rabun Gap, GA
606 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Nestled in the northeastern corner of Georgia, Rabun Gap sits at the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a variety of camping experiences from developed state parks to rustic forest service sites. Black Rock Mountain State Park, the highest elevation state park in Georgia, provides well-maintained campsites with stunning mountain vistas just 15 minutes from town. Willow Valley RV Resort offers 80 graveled sites directly in Rabun Gap with full hookups for larger rigs. The surrounding Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest lands include more primitive options at Sarah's Creek and Tallulah River campgrounds, where campers can experience creekside camping with fewer amenities but greater seclusion.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with peak availability from March through October. Black Rock Mountain State Park closes from mid-December to mid-March, while some lower elevation sites remain open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, though mountain elevations can bring cooler evenings even in July and August. According to one camper, "Rabun Gap is close to a variety of activities including hiking trails, wineries, old country shopping and so much more." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with stronger signals near town and spotty coverage in deeper forest locations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during fall color season when the area becomes particularly popular.
Waterfront camping opportunities abound near Rabun Gap, with several sites offering access to creeks, rivers, and lakes. Campers frequently mention the soothing sounds of running water as a highlight of their experience. "Pretty much all campgrounds are within a stone's throw of the creek, which will lull you to sleep every night," notes one reviewer of nearby Raven Cliff Falls. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some visitors noting that certain parks like Moccasin Creek have sites positioned quite close together. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. The area's proximity to the Appalachian Trail and numerous waterfalls makes it particularly appealing for hikers looking to establish a basecamp for day excursions into the surrounding wilderness.
Best Campgrounds near Rabun Gap (606)
1. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground
"We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."
"The highest state park in Georgia has two general camping sections with power and water (and free cable if you're so inclined to hook up to watch TV)."
from $20 - $255 / night
Check Availability2. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground
"Tallulah Gorge is located in the far north east corner of Georgia. The campground is pretty tight, and difficult to maneuver with a large RV."
"It’s perfectly situated to visit all the cute towns in northern Georgia and they have well maintained sites, hiking trails, and a swim beach not far."
from $36 - $45 / night
Check Availability3. Moccasin Creek State Park Campground
"We stayed in site 5 which is close to bathrooms but not too close. We had a beautiful view of the lake and our site was right next to the river."
"Its right next to the trout hatchery and Lake Burton so you have great access to recreation on the water."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability4. Oconee State Park Campground
"There are primitive, walk-in sites that had the benefit of added privacy, but with 3 little kids, bathroom proximity was a higher priority this time around. "
"There are multiple cabins scattered around the lake but they are a good distance apart from each other so you won't be disturbed by your neighbors."
5. River Falls at the Gorge
"Located right on the River in Lakemont GA. This campground is in a perfect location next to lots of trails, waterfalls and amenities. The campground itself has an indoor and outdoor pool."
"Full hook ups in A section and then plenty more around the camp ground that offer all but sewage.
1 video of the gorge which is really close by and a nice hike"6. Standing Indian Campground
"The entrance to this park is right across the street to an entrance to the Appalachian Trail. A beautiful trout stream runs through the park, close to all the campsites."
"Our site was about 30 feet away from the Nantahala river. The bathrooms and showers were spotless. Keep in mind that it’s far from any store or restaurant so bring food along. No cell service."
from $26 - $100 / night
Check Availability7. Willow Valley RV Resort
"Rabun gap is close to a variety of activities including hiking trails, wineries, old country shopping and so much more.
Campground is super clean and the host is available at a moments notice.""Many things to do around town close by"
from $59 - $89 / night
Check Availability8. Sarah's Creek Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
"Access to the campground is a narrow partially-paved but well-maintained single lane road with only one area to pull over, so be careful when entering and exiting because if you meet another vehicle one"
"Definitely not a road to drive for those who aren't skilled in off road driving. We stayed in one of the back sites near the creek (I can't recall the number). Most of the sites were VERY secluded."
from $10 / night
Check Availability9. Tallulah River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
"It’s first come first serve, but we were able to drive in Thursday night at 6pm and get site 6, right on the river (the whole camp was about 40% full). Bathrooms are a short walk from all sites."
"I love it because you can camp right next to the Tallulah river and still feel out in nature, while having covered bathrooms, water pump access, and a town 15 mins away for supplies."
from $15 / night
Check Availability10. Unicoi State Park & Lodge
"The tent camp site was good, bathrooms and water were a close walking distance.
We picked this state park for all the activities. We took archery lessons and did the zip line course.""Nestled in pristine North Georgia mountains. Good for single, family or even group campers. Close to a wonderful Bavarian town know as Helen Georgia."
Drive Time
- 58 min from Gainesville, GA
- 1 hr 45 min from Greenville, SC
Recent Camping Photos near Rabun Gap, GA
1110 Photos of 606 Rabun Gap Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Willow Valley RV Resort
Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground
Mountain Aire Cottages, Inn, & GlampingF
Soggy Boot Campground
Persimmon Falls Campground
Picken's Nose Primitive Campground
Tallulah River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National ForestS
Randy’s Horse Camp
Sarah's Creek Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Mooney Gap Trailhead Campsite
River CampgroundR
River Campground, LLCR
Recent Reviews near Rabun Gap, GA
2595 Reviews of 606 Rabun Gap Campgrounds
Adrian C.GuideNorth River Campground
Peaceful, low cost small campground with some creekside sites
This is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
- JJill M.
ScoutTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Walk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
- AAnna R.Guide
Grapevine Campground
Very nice spot! I imagine it gets full in the summer and on weekends, but just two groups today. Wish we could stay longer. People left a lot of trash at the day use areas sadly but sites were clean. No T-Mobile service.
- MMalte S.
TravelerWinngray Family Campground
Great family run campground
This campground has a great location in maggie valley, close to Waynesville with plenty to do in close proximity. While it is a traditional campground, they have very competitive rates for weekly and monthly stays. For us its the perfect getaway destination for the summers and fall. The staff is super welcomming and friendly. You find a cute creek on the backside of of the campground with trout as some fisherman told me. The staff takes pride in all the flowers, landscaping and seasonal decorations. Also nice to know is you are not being looked down to with an older camper. As long as your rig is decent and functional you are admitted.
Mark 'Tony' Z.TravelerPoteete Creek Campground
Friendly host, crowded camp
Water was very low and poor quality. Host was friendly but don’t buy his wood - it doesn’t burn well. County water tasted funny, probably minimal treatment. We had quite a hike to the restroom, which wasn’t regularly cleaned.
Alicia B.ScoutTurkey Creek Campground
NOT FAMILY FRIENDLY
Beautiful 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.
Kevin S.ScoutThe Shores of Asbury
Hospitality and attention to detail can't be beat. Rates were very reasonable for the quality of facility and grounds.
Rowan T.ScoutUSFS 7165
Pretty but next to the road
Very pretty site but its right on the road
Guide to Rabun Gap
Rabun Gap sits at 2,211 feet elevation in Georgia's northeast corner, where temperatures can drop 10-15°F cooler than surrounding lowlands even in summer months. The area's camping options spread across both the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and nearby state parks, offering sites that range from basic tent platforms to full-hookup RV resorts. Rainfall averages 60+ inches annually, creating the lush forests and numerous waterways that define the region's camping experience.
What to do
Trout fishing opportunities: At Tallulah River Campground, the river is regularly stocked with rainbow trout. "The other great thing about this spot is the trout fishing. It is regularly stocked with rainbows and makes for some beautiful Landscape while fishing," notes Sean M.
Swimming holes exploration: Some campgrounds feature natural swimming areas where you can cool off. At Sarah's Creek Campground, "There is a trail marked by a bright green circle spraypainted onto a pine tree shortly before the first few sites where there are some small falls and a nice little swimming/bathing hole," explains Twan M.
Tennessee Rock Trail: Located at Black Rock Mountain State Park, this trail offers moderate hiking with elevation changes. "The Tennessee Rock trail seems to be the most popular, but let me warn you -- it was NOT as easy as we expected. My youngest kid and my wife turned around and went back. I and my older kids, along with the dog, completed the hike, but it was challenging," shares Mark D.
What campers like
Sound of running water: Many campsites in the area are positioned alongside creeks or rivers. At Tallulah River Campground, "Pretty much all campsites are within a stone's throw of the river and the others are just a short distance away, so you can still hear the river," according to Brian S.
Heated pool access: For campers wanting more comfort, some private parks offer upgraded amenities. Logan S. appreciates Willow Valley RV Resort: "Man a hidden gem. Not far for us and love the amenities of the resort. Full hookups, plenty to do and entertain the family. The amenities are wonderful, one being that the pool is heated!"
Higher elevation cooling: The mountain location means cooler temperatures, especially at Black Rock Mountain State Park. Timothy H. notes, "In the summer when there are leaves and green on all the trees, it's breathtaking with the views. Once the leaves fall off, it's a bit spooky (my interpretation) and can get windy without the leaves."
What you should know
Road conditions vary widely: Some campgrounds require navigating challenging roads. At Sarah's Creek Campground, "The road to get to some of these sites is ROUGH. Definitely not a road to drive for those who aren't skilled in off road driving," warns Rebekah C.
Seasonal bathroom closures: Many forest service campgrounds have limited facilities during off-peak times. In Oconee State Park, "Bathrooms were always clean and seem to have been recently redone. Sites were small but not overly so," reports Jay B.
Limited cell service: Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. At Tallulah River Campground, jeremy G. points out, "If you're in the area, this is a good spot to get away from the world," while Hannah F. specifically mentions "no signal here" at Sarah's Creek.
Bear activity: Wildlife is active in the area. Thomas R. explains his Sarah's Creek experience: "We had a restroom near us that is like portable toilets with toilet paper provided. We saw blackbear no venomous snakes but did come across a few black racers."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible fishing for kids: Some areas have special fishing zones for children. At Moccasin Creek State Park, "This campground is very kid friendly. They have a stream they stock with trout for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. This park is a great place to allow kids to get into fishing and feel like they have accomplished something," Joshua G. explains.
Multiple activity options: Parks with diverse amenities keep children entertained. Jan P. says of Moccasin Creek: "The setting is peaceful. Hiking to Hemlock Falls is a must. Even in the hottest days of summertime, the trail is cool. The majority of the trail is right by the bubbling stream."
Basketball courts and playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At River Falls at the Gorge, "The campground itself has an indoor and outdoor pool. A clubhouse, a basketball court and playground equipment. The river is perfect for tubing," according to Matt and Tabatha C.
Wildlife education opportunities: Take advantage of trout hatcheries and wildlife viewing. According to Maddi P., Oconee State Park offers interesting educational experiences: "I also highly recommend stopping by the local fish hatchery, not only educational but fascinating as well!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campsites require careful setup. At Tallulah Gorge State Park, Amy F. notes: "Only complaint was campsites were not wide enough. No matter how we did it our steps to the trailer came right in front of the giant cement table, which was nerve wrecking with little kids."
Power options: For RVers needing electricity, understand the available hookups. Elizabeth G. explains at Moccasin Creek State Park: "All sites have electric and water but we were tent camping and didn't use either. We stayed in site 5 which is close to bathrooms but not too close."
Internet availability: Some RV parks offer better connectivity than others. Logan S. points out about Willow Valley RV Resort, "They have super fast WiFi so didn't need our tailgater and just used the smart TVs."
Site spacing considerations: At River Falls at the Gorge, Andrea W. cautions: "The only reason I don't give them 5 stars is almost every lot is tight and they are not level."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Rabun Gap, Georgia?
What are the best campgrounds in Rabun Gap, Georgia?
Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground offers spectacular mountain views and excellent hiking trails. Visitors praise its welcoming hosts and beautiful natural setting. For RVers, Willow Valley RV Resort provides 80 graveled sites that are easy to access from Atlanta or South Carolina, along with amenities like a playground, basketball court, and pool. The Rabun Gap area also puts you close to numerous outdoor activities including hiking trails, wineries, and other local attractions.
Are there any free camping options near Rabun Gap?
Are there any free camping options near Rabun Gap?
Raven Cliff Falls offers gorgeous free camping with established sites divided between a camp side and a trail side. The campground provides water and bathroom access, though be aware it can get very crowded on weekends. For those willing to venture a bit further, Siler Bald Trail Shelter TR 373 in the Nantahala National Forest provides a more remote dispersed camping experience for hikers along the Appalachian Trail.
What amenities do Rabun Gap campgrounds typically offer?
What amenities do Rabun Gap campgrounds typically offer?
Campgrounds in the Rabun Gap area typically provide a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Moccasin Creek State Park Campground offers convenient bathhouses, though sites are relatively close together. For water activities, Tugaloo State Park Campground features spacious sites with plenty of trees, excellent boat ramps, and easy lake access. Most established campgrounds in the region provide picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities, while RV-friendly sites typically offer electric hookups. Water access is common at developed sites, with many campgrounds situated near lakes or rivers for fishing and boating.
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