Suches, Georgia sits at 2,792 feet elevation in the Chattahoochee National Forest, making it one of the highest communities in Georgia. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Atlanta. Many campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though facilities like bathrooms may have limited service in winter months.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: The area surrounding Suches offers multiple waterfall hikes within short driving distance. At Desoto Falls, "the trails to both falls were very well kept and felt safe. All the bridges and viewing platforms were well taken care of and felt very sturdy," according to one visitor. Upper and lower Helton Creek Falls are also nearby.
Fish mountain streams: Cooper Creek near Mulky Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Fishing is convenient and great! No cell service but the general store about 10/15 minutes down the road offers free WiFi access," notes a camper who stayed there.
Swim in natural settings: Several campgrounds offer swimming options in lakes or streams. Lake Winfield Scott features "a small non-motorized boat lake with a designated beach area," making it ideal for cooling off during summer months.
Mountain biking: The roads and trails surrounding Suches provide challenging terrain for cyclists. "Lots of awesome roads in the area available to ride," mentions a visitor to Two Wheels of Suches, highlighting the area's popularity among motorcyclists and mountain bikers alike.
What campers like
Secluded sites with creek access: Many campsites in the area feature proximity to flowing water. At Raven Cliff Falls, "the campsites are spread along the stream, in the shade and accessible by well worn paths... We absolutely loved being by the creek, and a lot of the sites are spread out to give a good bit of privacy."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good hygiene standards. A camper at Two Wheels of Suches noted, "The facilities are kept in top-notch shape. Showers were spotless the 4 days I spent there." Another visitor added, "the restrooms were impressively spotless."
Proximity to trails: Access to hiking paths directly from camping areas ranks high with visitors. "The hiking trails are nice and there is a nice lake at the parking lot," says a reviewer about Vogel State Park, while another mentions that Lake Winfield Scott "has a trail that connects to the AT so you may meet some hikers bound for Maine."
Honor system management: Several glamping spots in Suches operate with a relaxed payment approach. A Two Wheels of Suches visitor appreciated that "your bill is on the honor system. They will not hound you about what you owe. You can pay as you go or wait for the total as you leave."
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active in this area. One camper at Raven Cliff Falls reported, "We were visited by a bear two of the nights. The bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out. So pack out all food items and trash or hang a bear bag."
Limited connectivity: Cell service is spotty or non-existent throughout most of Suches. A Lake Winfield Scott visitor mentioned the park "is pretty remote - we couldn't even get cell service from our campsite," which can be either a blessing or challenge depending on your perspective.
Road noise: Some campgrounds are closer to highways than others. A Desoto Falls reviewer noted, "The proximity to the road was the only overall downside to the location. We spent Labor Day weekend there, and apparently that's the time every biker below the Mason-Dixon Line chooses to play out their Hunter Thompson Mint 400 fantasy."
Water levels vary seasonally: Stream-based activities depend on recent rainfall. One camper at Desoto Falls was "surprised to even see that the water was flowing in some parts considering how small the creek was and all the debris from the woods that was laying in it."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and activities: Jenny's Creek Family Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "They have a nice playground on site as well as a air conditioned club house they provides a nice break from the heat," according to a summer visitor who added, "We enjoyed fishing in the pond and trekking through the creek."
Consider cabin options: Glamping in Suches, Georgia often includes cabin rentals for those wanting more comfort. "The cabins are warm at night without the need for a heat source," mentions a Two Wheels of Suches visitor, while another notes the cabins are "small" but functional.
Pack for temperature swings: Mountain elevations mean significant temperature changes between day and night. During cold weather, a Jenny's Creek camper reported, "it was cold and rainy, which meant fewer campers, but the camp ground was very clean and the staff were very friendly."
Find swimming spots: Natural water features provide entertainment for children. At Unicoi State Park, "My kids and I went camping in the summer and there is plenty to keep them busy. They played in the creek, on the swing set and walked the trail to the swimming section of the lake."
Tips from RVers
Beware of tight turns: The mountain roads around Suches present challenges for larger rigs. A visitor to Amicalola Falls State Park warned, "I read a lot before my trip, so I knew to except the 25% grade incline going up to the campground. I wasn't however expecting the challenging parking in the campsite."
Sites often unlevel: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have sloped sites. A Track Rock camper noted, "Road needs some work sites aren't super level but it was ok."
Limited spaces for large rigs: Some areas restrict RV size. "The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper," observed an Amicalola Falls visitor with a 27-foot Airstream who "basically had the place to ourselves" during January.
Check seasonal availability: Some campgrounds reduce services in winter. At Lake Winfield Scott, a camper advised, "FYI if there too early in spring the bathrooms will be locked up & only option becomes an outhouse."
