Camper submitted image from Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest - 2
Camping
Camper submitted image from Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest - 4
Nature
Camper submitted image from Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest - 5
Water
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, near Helen, Georgia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature. Tucked away in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this campground offers a serene environment with a focus on tent and RV camping.

The campground features a handful of sites that provide a rustic experience, perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive setup. Visitors have noted the beauty of the area, with one camper calling it "one of the prettiest places" they've ever camped. While there are no electric hookups or showers, the charm lies in its simplicity and the opportunity to connect with nature.

For those who enjoy hiking, there are trails nearby that lead to stunning waterfalls and scenic views. The proximity to Helen means you can easily pop into town for food and shopping after a day of exploring. As one reviewer mentioned, “It’s secluded, peaceful, and just what we needed!”

If you're looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is a solid choice. Just remember to pack in your essentials, including drinking water, and get ready for a memorable camping experience.

Fee Info

All camping is by Reservation only and needs to be completed online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Hiawassee or Clayton Georgia travel on Hwy 76 to Hwy 75. Turn south on Hwy 75 towards Helen, Georgia for approximately 13 miles. Turn right on Forest Service 44 Road, aka Upper Chattahoochee River Road just past the Unicoi Gap parking lot of the A. T. Travel approximately 5 miles on the dirt road to the entrance to the campground and day-use areas. From Helen travel north on Hwy 75 North for approximately 7 miles and turn left on Forest Service 44 Road, aka Upper Chattahoochee River Road. Travel approximately 5 miles on the dirt road to the entrance to the campground and day-use areas. The physical address is: 48 Forest Service Road 44.

Address

48 Forest Service Road 44
Helen, GA 30545

Coordinates

34.78694 N
83.78287 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Is Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

67%
34%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 11, 2023

Glad it's reopened and looking good.

Makes more sense for this to now be 19 campsites. You can see the improvements that are ongoing. Will be happy when it reopens in mid-March for the 2024 season.

Reviewed Nov. 2, 2022

Hidden Gem

Literally one of the prettiest places I have ever camped, if not the prettiest. It is a 30 minute drive off of the paved road, but the road is well maintained and easy to follow. There are currently four porta-poddies at the campground. No running water, however, it looks like there once was.  The number of sites has been reduced from what it once was due to damage from past storms.

Site8
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jesse D., November 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jesse D., November 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jesse D., November 2, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2020

Plenty of Space, Close to Town

Just outside Helen, this site offers great spots and plenty of area to hike and explore. Great for tent camping and even some RVs and pull-behinds. The hidden magic is when you explore the upper area and find the waterfalls and walkable area. One of the other great features is the proximity to Helen. You’re only a short drive from town, food, and shopping. A great way to spend part of your day while otherwise isolated in the woods for some unplugging.

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Ferd B., August 29, 2020
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Mar. 15, 2017

Dispersed Camping above Upper Chattahoochee

I admit, I'm not a fan of most established campgrounds - the "official" campground is $16/night. It has potable water. Opens April -October. Sites vary from tent-walk-in, to some spots that are spacious and more private to others tiny, out in open with little shade in summer. Some sites are along the creek. I walked thru the closed campground to access Horse Trough Falls in March - a lot of trees had come down, so the FS had been chopping up the trees - many sites had lots of wood piled up!

However, if you are a bit more rustic, there are a number of dispersed sites before you get to the Upper Hooch. Bring your own tables, water - but there are large (free!) spaces to camp.

Regardless, be bear aware. I saw 2 cubs and fresh scat on my last visit. They ran from me - but no need in tormenting them.

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Hiking Diva .., March 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Hiking Diva .., March 15, 2017
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Hiking Diva .., March 15, 2017
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

Get away from it all!

Found this wonderful spot and was lucky enough to get in because it was a weeknight. The only reason I gave rating of 4 is because some persons may not like this nearly primitive camping - but I love it! You can actually get away! We saw 2 other persons the night we camped in passing. WE are light packers from long time experience backpacking and found the perfect spot. Was a little buggy in the woods so we stayed closer to the water - but wow! Best midweek camping ever for us!

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jeanene A., August 29, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 16, 2016

Dispersed Camping in Upper Chattahoochee River Area

I hope that writing this is ok - we had to work really hard when we moved to GA to find camping like this. This is supposed to be for the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground, but we have spent quite a few weekends discovering all of the wonderful dispersed camping in that area. All along the river and its branches are some neat dispersed camping opportunities if you like that kind of camping. We usually have to clean up a bit before we set up camp - as always, some people don't appreciate the amazing gift of being able to camp in places like this.

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Sarah N., July 16, 2016
  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Sarah N., July 16, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2016

Awesome!!

My fiancé and I LOVE it here! We try to camp here every couple of months! We were there this past weekend and had the most amazing time! It's secluded, peaceful, and just what we needed! 🏕

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Jill H., July 12, 2016
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2016

So cool!

It was interesting to see a little bit of history that occurred on the Appalachian Trail we got to see some petroglyphs as well as many other historic sites along the way very cool place to visit if you are into American history and natural history

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2016

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

This campground is a first come, first camp campground, no reservations. I love the seclusion of it, tucked deep in the Chattahoochee. There are a few campsites along the water. Facilities consist of a hand pump/flush toilet and water well, no showers. You can also find hiking trails, including a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. The campground will fill up on holidays and summer weekends. If you manage to get up there early enough, there are several free campsites along the gravel road going down to the official campground. These sites are a gem for people who love secluded camping. You'll have to pack everything in though, including your drinking water.

Don't expect any cell service once you pass Helen and head up the mountain.

  • Review photo of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest by Kim O., June 30, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Upper Chattahoochee River Campground located in North Georgia?

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is nestled deep in the Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest in North Georgia. It's located approximately 30 minutes off the paved road on a well-maintained forest service road. The campground is positioned just outside Helen, Georgia, making it a convenient base for exploring this charming town. Several campsites are situated directly along the Chattahoochee River, offering beautiful waterfront camping opportunities in a secluded, peaceful setting.

What amenities are available at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground?

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground offers basic amenities for a more primitive camping experience. The campground features porta-potties (previously had flush toilets), and while there once was running water, visitors should confirm current water availability before their trip. The campground has 19 campsites with ongoing improvements. It operates seasonally, typically open from April through October, with a fee of $16 per night. Sites vary from tent walk-ins to larger spots that can accommodate some RVs and pull-behinds.

Are there good reviews for Upper Chattahoochee River Campground?

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground receives excellent feedback for its natural beauty and secluded setting. Campers consistently praise it as one of the most beautiful camping destinations in the region. Regular visitors return every few months, highlighting its peaceful atmosphere. The campground is especially appreciated by those seeking a more primitive, less crowded camping experience away from busy established campgrounds. While some note the basic facilities, this is often mentioned as part of its charm for those wanting to truly disconnect and enjoy nature.

What activities can you do while camping at Chattahoochee National Forest?

The Chattahoochee National Forest offers numerous outdoor activities. Hiking is popular with access to various trails, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail where you can explore historic sites and petroglyphs. The Chattahoochee River provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and wading. In the upper areas of the forest, you can discover beautiful waterfalls and scenic walking paths. The nearby town of Helen offers additional attractions when you want a break from nature. The forest also has extensive opportunities for dispersed camping along the river for those seeking more remote experiences.