Best Campgrounds near Talking Rock, GA

Campgrounds near Talking Rock, Georgia provide access to the scenic foothills of the North Georgia mountains with several established options within short driving distance. Diamond Lure Campground in Ellijay and Talona Ridge RV Resort in East Ellijay represent the range of camping experiences available, from family-friendly lakeside camping to more upscale RV accommodations. The area supports tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals, with most developed campgrounds concentrated along waterways or mountain ridges. Carters Lake, located nearby, offers camping through facilities like Doll Mountain Campground, providing both water recreation and mountain views.

Road access to campgrounds varies considerably across the region, with most sites reachable via paved roads but some requiring navigation of steep mountain grades. "Diamond Lure is a hidden gem at the foothills of the N. GA mountains. It's in close proximity to multiple apple farms, vineyards and Amicalola Falls," noted one visitor. Seasonal considerations become important when planning trips, as several campgrounds like Woodring Campground operate only from April through October. Weather patterns in the North Georgia mountains can bring unexpected rain even during summer months, while fall brings cooler temperatures and popular events like the Ellijay Apple Festival that significantly increase campground occupancy. Many RV parks and developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak leaf-viewing season in October.

The mountainous terrain creates distinctive camping experiences throughout the area. Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, particularly at locations like Doll Mountain where the undeveloped shoreline of Carters Lake offers tranquility for paddlers and anglers. According to one camper, "Carters Lake is an Army Corp of engineers lake and has no homes along its banks. It's a great place to get out into nature." Camping areas range from fully developed RV resorts with amenities like swimming pools and pickleball courts to more rustic settings with basic facilities. Several campgrounds feature walking trails, fishing opportunities, and beach areas for swimming. Family-friendly environments prevail at most developed campgrounds, with pet-friendly policies common throughout the region, though site spacing and privacy can vary significantly between locations.

Best Camping Sites Near Talking Rock, Georgia (437)

    1. Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    60 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 265-4703

    "It's proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better."

    "If you're taking off on the AT, then you need to get walking. However, if you want a small taste of the AT and would like to camp out near the starting point, then this is a great place to be."

    2. Doll Mountain Campground

    22 Reviews
    Talking Rock, GA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 276-4413

    $26 - $100 / night

    "Doll Mountain Campground near Ellijay, Georgia is located on a peninsula stretching into Carter's Lake, and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. "

    "The sites are tucked into the trees, lots of great spots for your hammock! We stayed at a walk-in site, but were still close to a pit toilet and our car."

    3. Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Chatsworth, GA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 422-1932

    $14 - $55 / night

    "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."

    4. Woodring Campground

    14 Reviews
    Talking Rock, GA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 276-6050

    $18 - $28 / night

    "Easy access sites but some are close together with lots of trees on beautiful Carters Lake in the north Georgia mountains."

    "Site 29 is on the peninsula, near the end. It is caddy corner from the beach swimming area and very close walking distance. You cannot see the site from the beach area or vice versa."

    5. Doll Mountain

    11 Reviews
    Carters Lake, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 276-4413

    "Note, most sites will not offer beach style walk in access to the lake due to the park being higher in elevation with more cliff like edges down towards the lake surrounding it."

    "The Doll Mountain campground sits along side Carters Lake in North Georgia. It is an Army Corp of engineer's lake and has no homes along it's banks. It's a great place to get out into nature."

    6. Diamond Lure Campground

    7 Reviews
    Ellijay, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 273-3075

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Upon driving up, you see the office and the big lake behind it and it’s breathtaking. There’s a little beach to swim in or go fishing, etc."

    "We found this place by mistake looking at another location close by. This is a wonderful little place. Sites are adequate and bath houses are clean. We already booked another trip."

    7. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 975-0055

    $40 - $315 / night

    "Many were positioned right on the lake. The trails in the park were great for hiking and running. We enjoyed visiting the Qualusi Winery that was nearby."

    "Our site I believe was 51 and steps away from The water. Easy check in and friendly staff."

    8. 411 River Rest Campground

    10 Reviews
    Carters Lake, GA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 972-2681

    $30 - $60 / night

    "It was hard to find a place that allowed 1 night that still had reservations but based on positive feedback on the Georgia RV FB group I found this place."

    "Very close to the highway, but quite and well maintained."

    9. Sweetwater Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $290 / night

    "These are two completely different parks in two completely different parts of Georgia. SCofA does not have a mill, ruins, river or mountain trails. It does have a lake. Allatoona Lake."

    "Beautiful area of camping spots around the lake. Very good infrastructure, showers, bathrooms, etc."

    10. Talona Ridge RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Ellijay, GA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 636-2267

    $95 - $130 / night

    "The top level also has the swimming pool and hot tub area next to the clubhouse, with the plan for this to be the adult pool area once they complete the second pool on the middle level."

    "We were the first official check in for the Brinkley rally arriving around noon."

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Recent Reviews near Talking Rock, GA

1519 Reviews of 437 Talking Rock Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2025

    Quinn Springs Campground

    Clean and easy

    I’m not a planner so I tend to find spots late in the day and just take what I get. I was so pleased when I pulled into the park at sunset to find only one other camper! The park is beautiful and very well kept. A ranger drove by while I was having coffee the next morning and was very laid back and completely unbothered that I had arrived after hours. This was a Monday morning and he told me they were packed over the weekend and I was floored because it was so clean! The restroom is huge with showers and was older but clean. Absolutely recommend.

  • Jennifer M.
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road

    perfectly scenic

    The winding road to the few campgrounds along the way was beautiful but narrow. We didn't see any potties and it ends with a sandy area at the water where about 6 cars were parked (perhaps they were all kayaking or hiking but we only saw two people. We backtracked a bit to a site along the stream with ample space for at least two or three tents. It was along the road and there were a few cars driving past during the night but not enough to bother us or make us feel unsafe at all. There was a trail at this site as well just on the other side of the water which went a few miles around to the road and looped back but it hadn't been maintained in a bit so there was a decent amount of climbing and exploration on our part to stay on it. Wouldn't advise without good trail maps on your phone.

  • j
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Unicoi State Park & Lodge

    Great central location.

    I camp at Unicoi State Park several times a year for a number of different reasons. First, it is right in the middle of what I call waterfall country. There are more beautiful waterfalls within an hour than I can count. Second, there are spectacularly beautiful trails everywhere. You’re only about 20 minutes from the Appalachian Trail at Hog Pen Gap and 30 minutes from Blood Mountain and the Blood Mountain wilderness. Third, there are numerous picturesque and friendly little towns nearby. The park is about 3 miles from the town of Helen, which is a pseudo Bavarian village. A little touristy but still fun. There are some great German restaurants there. As to the park itself, I tent camp, and the campsites are excellent. Nice bathroom and shower facilities close by and regardless of the time of year it has never been crowded. Definitely worth $25 a night and I get a discount because I’m a senior (Remember you have to ask for the discount. They won’t tell you). If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you’ll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes. Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc. The Smith Creek pub is a nice little restaurant for a quick meal or a drink.

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Red top mountain state park

    Plenty of campsites, some on the lake. RV, tents, yurts. Spaces 1-12 are especially nice since they are spacious and can handle class A and 5th wheelers. All 12 have water electric and sewer. We have a class C and prefer 1-12 because there is plenty of space between sites.

  • Kayla D.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    It’s a NO from us

    I wanted to wait a few days before writing this review — truthfully, I wanted to wait until after we checked out. I dreaded the retribution of Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Farmer, the campground manager, which I was sure would follow.

    Our church group had been looking forward to this camping trip for nearly a year. I’ve personally camped at Bald Ridge Creek Campground many times and never had a single issue — until now. Our church typically takes two group trips a year at another Forsyth County campground, but this year, we decided to rent nine sites at Bald Ridge. Even Cindy seemed excited that we were coming!

    We’re a Baptist group — not exactly known for our wild nights. We sing, we fellowship, and we’re back in our campers by 10 p.m. But according to “Queen Cindy,” you’d think we were a pack of college kids throwing keg parties.

    Our crime? An evening of worship and fellowship — a small keyboard, a guitar, and around 50 people spread over three campsites for a couple of hours each night. Cindy declared it an “event” (apparently forbidden) and told us we couldn’t do it again and threatened to make us all leave. She also banned us from eating together — saying we could gather while serving food but had to disperse to our own campsites immediately once we got our plates.

    The only actual rule violation came from one site where a tent wasn’t put up right away. Cindy seized on that excuse to call dispatch and have three sheriff’s deputies sent to “deal with” our peaceful group of families, children, and worshipers.

    To their credit, the deputies couldn’t have been kinder, yet embarrassed that they even had to be there. They laughed at the situation, noting they’re called out to the campground frequently because of Cindy’s pettiness and made-up rules. They said our little keyboard — which Cindy had described like it was a baby grand piano — was no problem at all. They simply advised us to set up the tent and let her stomp it out.

    Cindy even claimed that someone had called the Corps of Engineers to report us — at 7:00 p.m., during the government shutdown, when the office wasn’t even open. 🙄

    For context, Cindy lives at the campground for free as part of her role as host. It’s time for someone new to take over. She also wears a body camera and records campers (which is legal, I know), but as a county employee, those recordings are public record.

    We’ll continue to pray without ceasing for her — that the Lord softens her heart. But until then, I can’t recommend Bald Ridge Creek Campground to anyone who values fair treatment, hospitality, or simple human kindness.

  • Liz  M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Rough Creek Dispersed

    Only 2 Sites

    Gorgeous area at the end of the road. Only 2 sites and one intense drive to get here. It takes about 35 minutes to go 4 miles. Ground clearance and off road tires needed


Guide to Talking Rock

Camping spots near Talking Rock, Georgia range from premium RV resorts to primitive lakeside sites, situated in the foothills where the elevation gradually rises from 1,400 to 1,800 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this region operate year-round, though some facilities like Woodring Campground close from late October through early April due to seasonal weather patterns. The area's humid subtropical climate means summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.

What to do

Hiking on Fort Mountain: Fort Mountain State Park offers varied trail difficulty levels across 14 miles of paths. "We hiked and played hard every day here—despite the early winter storm, gusty breezes and freezing temperatures that finally gave way to beautiful crisp days," notes one visitor at Fort Mountain State Park Campground.

Kayaking on Carters Lake: The 3,200-acre reservoir provides undeveloped shorelines perfect for paddling and exploring. "Located on a peninsula, you have access to the lake from almost all campsites. Some sites are on a hill so the walk to the water can be challenging," shares a camper from Doll Mountain Campground.

Waterfall exploration: The region offers multiple waterfall experiences within 30-minute drives. "This 730ft cascading waterfall is accessible by stairs and bridge from top to bottom. Its proximity to Atlanta can cause the area around the falls to fill up quick so the earlier or colder the better," explains a visitor about Amicalola Falls.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain above-average bathroom cleanliness. "The bathhouses were clean and plenty of hot water for the shower. Our campsite was large with a fire ring, BBQ grill and picnic table," remarks a camper at Doll Mountain.

Privacy between sites: Site spacing varies significantly across campgrounds. "Diamond Lure is a hidden gem at the foothills of the N. GA mountains. The grounds are clean and maintained with water and power at all or nearly all spots. Scenery is wooded and rustic with a tranquil lake on the property," explains a visitor.

Level camping areas: Many campgrounds feature well-maintained pads. "The sites are level and we didn't have to level the axles at all. Sites are roomy and well laid out," notes a camper at 411 River Rest Campground.

What you should know

Road access challenges: Many campgrounds require navigating steep mountain roads. "No campsites directly on the lake, it is a mountain so it's steep terrain," explains a camper at Doll Mountain. Another visitor at Amicalola Falls State Park adds: "I read a lot before my trip, so I knew to expect the 25% grade incline going up to the campground."

Wildlife encounters: Bears are active in the region, requiring proper food storage. "We had bear visitors, something they'll warn you about upon arrival. The bears just added to the appeal of this place though," mentions a camper at Fort Mountain State Park.

Primitive camping options: For those seeking more remote experiences, several campgrounds offer walk-in sites. "We stayed in a walk-in site, but were still close to a pit toilet and our car. A really nice fully functional bathhouse was just down the road," notes a visitor about their Doll Mountain experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Talking Rock RV Resort?

Talking Rock area RV resorts offer a range of amenities. Talona Ridge RV Resort near East Ellijay features full hookups with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For a more natural setting with amenities, Doll Mountain Campground on Carter's Lake provides waterfront sites, though be prepared for steep hills and switchbacks when accessing the campground. The campground is well-maintained with standard facilities managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.

Where is Talking Rock campground located in Georgia?

Talking Rock is located in north Georgia between Jasper and Ellijay. While there's no specific "Talking Rock campground," several excellent camping options exist in this region. Fort Mountain State Park Campground is situated between Chatsworth and Ellijay, offering higher elevation camping with cooler temperatures and wooded sites. Morganton Point Campground near Blue Ridge is another nearby option. This picturesque area is approximately one hour north of Atlanta, making it a convenient getaway in the North Georgia mountains.

Is internet service available at Talking Rock camping areas?

Internet availability varies across Talking Rock area campgrounds. At Don Carter State Park Campground on Lake Lanier, which is within driving distance of Talking Rock, Wi-Fi may be available in common areas but can be limited at individual sites. Battlefield Campground & RV Park in nearby Ringgold typically offers better connectivity since it's located close to town and caters to long-term guests. For more remote options, come prepared with your own hotspot or expect limited service.