Tent camping opportunities near Young Harris, Georgia range from primitive dispersed sites to established facilities within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Most sites sit at elevations between 2,000-4,500 feet, contributing to cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Winter camping often experiences temperatures 10-15 degrees colder than nearby towns, with occasional snow at higher elevations between December and March.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Several campgrounds provide access to waterfall hikes within 5 miles. At Raven Cliff Falls, the namesake trail offers a moderate 5-mile round trip trek ending at a spectacular waterfall. As one camper noted, "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."
Water recreation: Wildcat Creek features natural water slides and swimming holes perfect for summer cooling. A camper at Wildcat Creek Campground #2 Upper shared, "This area is great for 2 reasons- it tends to be cooler in temps in the summer because of the shade and higher elevation. The water is crystal clear and cool and best of all, there is a cool water slide for adults and kids to have fun and cool off with."
Summit camping: For experienced hikers seeking views, Blood Mountain offers tent sites at higher elevations. "We hiked up to Blood Mountain from the Byron Reese Trailhead. We didn't stay in the shelter and instead set up our tent near an overlook nearby. Perfect place for sunrise and sunset," mentioned one camper who visited the area.
What campers like
Creek-side tent sites: Many campers appreciate pitching tents within earshot of moving water. A camper at Low Gap Creek reported, "The camp ground was beautiful with fire pits and some even had grills to use over the fire. Half of the sites are on one side of the river and the other on the other half."
Solitude and separation: Dispersed sites typically offer more privacy than developed campgrounds. At Indian Grave Gap Campsite, a reviewer noted, "Three campsites in the immediate area. Two are on one side of the road. You have to cross thru one to get to the other. All three have creek access. We picked the single on the other side. Not a lot of flat ground options. Each site is huge."
Base camp versatility: Many tent campers use these sites as starting points for multiple activities. "It's about as far south as you can go and still get that nice cool NC shaded air. The views were amazing and it was far enough removed from everything that only nature sounds are heard at night," shared a visitor describing their experience camping in the area.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require navigating unpaved forest roads. One camper at Wildcat 1 advised, "I would recommend not going after it has rained or snowed, or if you do, leave your vehicle on the trail and unpack from there. I may or may not have gotten stuck and needed a hand to push my car out."
Winter preparedness: Higher elevation camping around Young Harris requires extra gear in colder months. A camper mentioned, "I would recommend triple checking the temperatures because it is a bit high in elevation and can cause some pretty drastic fluctuations if you're not ready."
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active throughout the region, particularly in summer and fall. One 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."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible waterfall options: For families with younger children, select trails with shorter distances. A visitor noted, "Low Gap Creek campground is very remote, down a dirt road. No cell service and I only saw 2 other people," making it ideal for families wanting privacy but still having access to amenities.
Camp selection strategy: Families often prefer sites with more amenities. "Wildcat #2 is about 4 miles up a gravel road from #1 and provides no amenities but great dispersed car camping sites in the national forest. Spots are huge and spread out, great for groups as multiple cars and tents can easy fit," shared one Bristol Fields Horse Camp visitor.
Night sky viewing: Clear mountain nights offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. A camper reported, "Total black at night meant excellent star gazing and the creek was the loudest thing out there. Excellent get away with no electronics to speak of."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent camping areas near Young Harris have limited accessibility for larger RVs. One RVer noted, "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."
Water crossings: Some roads to dispersed camping require crossing shallow streams. A visitor cautioned, "To get to the other side you must drive through the river on the road that passes through it. When I went it was about 2-3 inches deep and moving quickly."
Alternative accommodations: For RVers wanting more comfort, consider staying at established campgrounds while day-visiting tent camping areas. One visitor to tent camping sites in the region shared, "A nice feature someone created was a 'dam' of rocks with a round pool to sit in," highlighting natural features that can be enjoyed during day visits from more developed camping areas.
