Established Camping
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Campers are Saying
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.
General Overview
USDA Forest Service
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Overview
The drive up through the winding misty roads of North Georgia leading to this 19-site, developed campground is almost as breath-taking as the site itself. Although the drive leaves one feeling as if civilization has been left far, far behind, the ever-popular and beloved alpine village of Helen, Georgia is less than an hour away. Camping here, visitors can enjoy the pleasure of Georgia's number one vacation spot with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the City of Helen and many recreational activities.__
Recreation
At the rear of the campground, visitors will find the short walking trail for the beautiful Horse Trough Falls. It is just a mile downstream from the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Recreational activities in this area include hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. Right outside the campground, there is a Day-use picnic area for a nice break with the creek running just a few feet away. For those wanting to take the 7-mile drive along Upper Chattahoochee Road (FS 44 Road), you will find yourself outside of Helen, Georgia with many other recreational opportunities including rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and some great hiking trails.__
Facilities
At the rear of the campground, visitors will find the short walking trail for the beautiful Horse Trough Falls. It is just a mile downstream from the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Recreational activities in this area include hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. Right outside the campground, there is a Day-use picnic area for a nice break with the creek running just a few feet away. For those wanting to take the 7-mile drive along Upper Chattahoochee Road (FS 44 Road), you will find yourself outside of Helen, Georgia with many other recreational opportunities including rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and some great hiking trails.__
Natural Features
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, a place of exploration and wonder. This National Forest is rich in history and is said to be a hiker's paradise with it's winding trails, scenic mountains, and rolling hills.
Nearby Attractions
You don't have to stroll far from your campsite to see the first of the nearby attractions with the Horsetrough Falls at the back end of the campground. Take a drive along the beautiful scenic Upper Chattahoochee River Road (FS 44 Road), and you can see many other waterfalls along the way while you are making your way to the many nearby attractions. Brasstown Bald is the highest peak in the State of Georgia at a height of 4784 feet above sea level is a 45-minute drive. Along the way you pass Unicoi Gap, one of the many areas of the National Scenic Appalachian Trail (A.T.) where hikers will cross Hwy 75 North coming out of Mark Trail Wilderness and heading into Tray Mountain Wilderness. Other attractions in the area include Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, Ravens Cliff Wilderness, and many things of wonder in the alpine village of Helen, Georgia.____
Charges & Cancellations
If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel? Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. You can make changes to your reservation ahead of your arrival date in My Reservations. Changes If your new stay dates are completely different from your original stay dates, there is a $10 change fee (per reserved site). There are no additional fees for: ___ Adding or removing nights to your stay. ___ Changing to a different campsite. Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate. Cancellations You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a refund for your stay, minus the following fees: ___ $10 cancellation fee ___ Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking) ___ Any previous change fees Late cancellation penalties may also apply: What is ___Late___? For individual campsites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 1 calendar day before your scheduled check-in. For cabins and group sites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days or fewer before your scheduled check-in. Late Fee In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed. As of the expected check-in day, cancellations or changes to your stay are not possible through My Reservations. It is at the facility's discretion to support additional Late Cancellations, No Show, or Early Departure updates ___ on-site personnel may not be able to assist. These changes carry penalties and may forfeit recreation use fees. For additional details, please visit here:
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.
Location
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest is located in Georgia
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileFair
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups