Campgrounds near Sky Valley, Georgia range from established state parks to private facilities along mountain streams. The area sits at elevations between 2,000-3,500 feet, creating a cooler microclimate compared to surrounding regions. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several offer year-round accommodations with varying levels of winterization.
What to do
Stair climbing at gorges: Tallulah Gorge State Park offers extensive stair systems for accessing viewpoints. "The hiking is fun but intense. Be prepared for lots of stairs, a bridge over the water, and rock hopping across the water," notes Jamie M. about Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground.
Waterfall exploration: Multiple waterfalls exist within short driving distance. "We took our 19, 11, and 4 year old. Tested the trails and enjoyed plenty of scenic views," explains Robert R. from his family trip to the area.
Lake activities: Swimming and fishing opportunities abound at area lakes. "There is a short path from the camp sites down to the lake. If you want to go swimming there are only a couple of locations that you can hang out for the day," advises Brandon D. at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Camping directly alongside flowing water ranks high with visitors. "We kayaked in our inflatables a short way across the lake to our primitive camping site which included nearby firewood that we could collect and use in a provided firepit area," reports Nichole W. about her $12 primitive site.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses appear frequently in positive reviews. "The bathhouse had the basic needs—toilet, wash basin, and shower. The floor was concrete, and the toilet was stainless steel with no removable lid," explains Myron C. about his stay at Cherry Hill Campground.
Multi-generational appeal: Many sites accommodate various age groups. "Really enjoyed camping here with my family. Took our 19, 11, and 4 year old. Tested the trails and enjoyed plenty of scenic views."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others allow walk-ups. "The first time I went, I did not have reservations, but there is a camp host. I went to the camp host site to get a site, but s/he was not there... The only way I was able to get a site was by reservation."
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Campsites are often uneven with alot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV," warns Constance O. about Oconee State Park Campground.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies dramatically between campgrounds. "It was spring break when we went but it was not overwhelming. It was nice to see kids riding bikes and running outside. There was little cell reception and no tv reception here," notes Rachel G.
Tips for camping with families
Scout swimming areas early: Limited beach access means arriving early. "If you want one of these make sure to get there early. There is not a true boat ramp here either, we saw several people that came with power boats trying to launch and the ramp here is more suitable for kayaks and canoes."
Check trail difficulty ratings: Some hikes prove challenging for young children. "Our little family of five did a 4-mile hike into a primitive camping spot, across the water from a golf course and spent the weekend! The beautiful area and beautiful views but the terrain was a little extreme," shares Dia R. about her experience at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.
Consider covered camping structures: Some sites offer protection from rain. "My five night stay was wonderful very laid-back rustic looking perfect for my situation lots of rain but the covered tent sites made it fun and able to deal with the elements," explains Chris M. about River Campground, LLC.
Tips from RVers
Use guides for backing in: Many campgrounds offer assistance. "Lou meets you at the office and guides you to your campsite and politely offers to guide you in. We used his help and he guided us in to an inch of the cement pad for our front porch," explains Nick W. about his stay at Pines RV Park and Cabins.
Plan for highway noise: Some RV parks sit near major roads. "Not the best place we've stayed...not the worst either. Pros: staff and owners are awesome, grounds are clean and well-maintained. Cons: road noise from highway is constant and location (a tow vehicle is a must)," advises Susan & Kevin W.
Verify electrical reliability: Power outages occur in some locations. "Twice in one week this campground experienced a complete and total power outage each of which lasted for hours. The facilities were clean and rangers were nice, however the electrical infrastructure needs some work at the very least," reports Daniel G.
