Turnerville sits at the southern edge of the Chattahoochee National Forest where the Blue Ridge Mountains descend into the Georgia foothills. The area's elevation ranges from 1,600 to 3,000 feet, creating varied terrain and microclimates for camping. Sites throughout the region frequently require navigation on unpaved forest roads with limited cell service, particularly at Raven Cliff Falls where campers report "no cell service" throughout the area.
What to do
Hiking the gorge floor: At Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, permits are issued for gorge floor access with specific restrictions. "A ton of waterfalls. A very pretty gorge, you will walk up and down lots of stairs! Stop by if you are in the area," notes Aaron S., while another visitor cautions it's "1099 stairs to the bottom of canyon!"
Water activities on Lake Hartwell: Tugaloo State Park Campground offers direct lake access for boating and swimming. "Most campsites have views of the lake and access directly to the stoney beaches. Lots of mature trees make shade an easily accessible feature," mentions Maggie G. The park provides "water, electric and cable tv connections" at lakeside sites.
Mountain biking trails: Unicoi State Park maintains dedicated mountain biking paths with varying difficulty levels. "A lot of activities to do! Mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, etc. Will definitely be returning in the future!" shares Rebeca A. The park also offers bike rentals during peak season.
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature small waterways perfect for wading. At Vogel State Park Campground, a "creek runs right next to them and it was so peaceful and beautiful," according to Angela M., who chose walk-in sites specifically for creek access.
What campers like
Tent-only areas with privacy: Raven Cliff Falls offers secluded walk-in tent camping away from RV sites. "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," describes D & Jess W., who adds that many sites are "spread along the stream, in the shade and accessible by well worn paths."
Kid-friendly amenities: Families appreciate the dedicated recreational spaces. "My kids and I went camping at Unicoi Park 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," says Diane G., noting that the lake has "a small beach with sand."
Year-round accessibility: Most campgrounds remain open during winter months. "We spent a week here in Feb. 2017 it was a bit chilly and quiet. The sites and trails are very well maintained," reports Kelly W. about Vogel State Park Campground, making it suitable for off-season glamping near Turnerville.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bear sightings occur regularly in the area. "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," warns Jack T. about Unicoi State Park.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Tugaloo State Park fills quickly during peak seasons. One camper notes, "When we were there there was a heated dispute between two families over who had reserved a site!" Popular glamping accommodations near Turnerville should be booked months in advance.
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cell service. "The area very serene, quiet and pretty. Nice hiking area and swimming area. If you need to get ahold of someone though you'll have to drive 10 to 15 minutes into town," reports Ashley S. about Oconee State Park Campground.
Varied terrain challenges: Campsite leveling can be difficult at some locations. "Campsites are often uneven with alot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV," cautions Constance O. about Oconee State Park.
Permit limitations: Access to certain attractions requires permits obtained early in the day. "We were disappointed to not be able to do the Sliding Rock Trail. We called ahead and the gorge floor/Sliding Rock Trail were supposed to be closed for water release," reports Jessica A., who discovered too late that permits had reopened.
Tips for camping with families
Choose riverside sites: Water access provides natural entertainment for children. "We had a spot right on the river. Full hookups. Clean bathrooms and showers. Incredible river to fish and swim in," recommends Sarah R. about River Campground, LLC, a glamping alternative near Turnerville.
Pack for varied conditions: Mountain weather changes quickly year-round. "Large family with a travel trailer...The campground was very clean, as well as the bathrooms. Easy access to the North and south trail that leads you around/and down the gorge," notes Amy F., who advises checking nearby trails like "Panther Creek...it's a moderate hike with a beautiful water fall."
Set aside sufficient time: Activities often take longer than expected. "Really enjoyed camping here with my family. Took our 19, 11, and 4 year old. Tested the trails and enjoyed plenty of scenic views," says Robert R., suggesting families allocate full days for gorge exploration.
Check for special events: Campgrounds sometimes host family activities. "On the 4th of July, they had an awesome classic rock band that played for a few hours and shot off fireworks," shares Johnny L. about River Campground's seasonal celebrations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Choose pull-through sites when available. "Great campground with beautiful hiking views. We stayed at site 7 which is a pull through. We had camper and extra car with boat and kayak and fit with a little extra room," recommends Liz H.
Dump station access: Check dump station locations and capacity. "No sites with sewer, but dump station has two receptacles so there was no wait to dump tanks on way out," notes Kevin A. about Tugaloo State Park.
Navigation challenges: Currahee RV Park provides easier access than some forest campgrounds. "Nice concrete pads in a former pasture. Not a lot of shade for most sites," explains Jason S., while another RVer appreciates that it's "near enough to Toccoa for the restaurants and shops and the museum but it's far enough off the track so that there's no traffic noise."
Electrical hookups vary: Most parks offer both 30 and 50-amp service, but confirm before booking. "Only issue with the site is that the sewer drain is much higher than the pad and camper," warns Brett D. about positioning challenges at Currahee RV Park.
