The Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds Suches at elevations between 2,000 and 4,000 feet, creating a temperate climate with distinct seasonal changes. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during daytime while dropping to 55-65°F at night, making tent camping in Suches, Georgia more comfortable than lower-elevation areas. The area receives approximately 60 inches of annual rainfall with periodic afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Raven Cliff Falls offers a 5-mile round trip hike with "breathtaking" falls as the payoff. A visitor notes, "Raven Cliff Falls trail is a 2.5 miles hike that ends at a breathtaking waterfall, but the trail doesn't quite end there. Once you arrive at the falls there's plenty of room to roam the dozens of rock structures." Access requires a $5 daily fee.
Mountain summit views: Blood Mountain provides panoramic vistas from Georgia's highest point on the Appalachian Trail at 4,461 feet. One Blood Mountain Shelter camper described: "We didn't stay in the shelter and instead set up our tent near an overlook nearby. Perfect place for sunrise and sunset."
Motorcycle touring: The winding mountain roads near Two Wheels of Suchess attract riders from across the region. A visitor commented that it has a "great location at the convergence of many great roads. Dedicated to motorcyclists, TWO has tent sites, trees to hammock and small cabins for rent."
What campers like
Creek-side tent sites: Many dispersed campsites feature rushing water that provides both scenery and ambient sound. A Raven Cliff Falls visitor explained: "We camped along the creek at one of these sites. We absolutely loved being by the creek, and a lot of the sites are spread out to give a good bit of privacy."
Natural windbreaks: Rock formations and terrain features around campsites offer protection from mountain breezes. A Blood Mountain Shelter camper recommended: "The payoff of hiking uphill for ~2 miles is worth it, we loved the views."
Solitude in dispersed sites: The forest around Suches offers numerous isolated camping locations away from developed areas. One camper at Raven Cliff Falls noted: "Our spot was about a quarter mile from the parking area which has public restrooms available, and we were right next to Dodd Creek so we had the peaceful sounds of running water to put us to sleep at night."
What you should know
Bear activity: Bears regularly visit campsites throughout the Suches area. A Raven Cliff Falls camper warned: "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 cell service: Most camping areas have no mobile connectivity. As one camper noted about Raven Cliff Falls: "For anyone who's never camped at this location, the campsites are located in a few places which isn't listed on the map by the (vault) toilets, no running water other than the creek, and NO CELL SERVICE."
Site location challenges: Finding specific campsites can be difficult without clear directions. A visitor detailed: "Upon turning off the main road into the Raven Cliff Falls area there's a trail on the right prior to the bridge. This trail leads to a few tent campsites. Cross the bridge, you can continue straight down the gravel road that reads 'Dead End' or turn left into the parking lot which is a loop."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible creek exploration: Multiple tent camping areas in Suches feature safe, shallow creek areas for children to play. A Hickory Flatts Cemetery caretaker described: "There is a water source, just look for trail leading out to left side, about halfway to the pavilion. If you walk upstream, there's a pipe where Spring comes out of ground."
Shelter alternatives: First-time backpackers with children might prefer established structures over tents. One visitor to Springer Mountain Shelter noted it's "a large open shelter, in good shape. Bear box nearby, as well as latrines."
Weekend crowding: Popular areas fill quickly during peak periods, potentially disappointing children if turned away. A camper advised: "If you want a walk-in campsite and it's the weekend, you better get there early. We arrived at dusk on a Friday and got the last walk-in site available."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most forest roads near Suches have tight turns and steep grades unsuitable for larger recreational vehicles. At Woody Gap Campground, tent camping is the primary option due to access constraints and limited parking. A Hickory Flatts Cemetery caretaker warned: "If you're pulling a camper, I'd suggest you check out FS251 before you drive into the site, its roughly TWO miles. I'd not bring in a big 5th wheel, etc... and PLEASE don't drive out into the grassy areas, you will get stuck."
Small rig options: Compact RVs under 26 feet can access some areas with careful driving. One visitor to Raven Cliff Falls mentioned: "We stayed in the parking lot in our small rig. (Under 26 ft) we had our super quiet generator running and had no issues. Stayed overnight and then went on the 5 mile hike to see the different water falls."
