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.

## 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

 The campground offers 19 campsites, with picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts at each site. Portable potties are available for use while the process is completed to replace the current restroom structures. There are trash bins available for placing your camping trash. Please don't overflow the bins to help reduce the bear-human negative interactions. 
## 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:

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Helen, GA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Helen is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Helen, reviewed by campers like you.

Helen

The Best Camping Near Helen, Georgia

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.

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

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

So cool! 

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! 🏕

Awesome!!

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.  

Dispersed Camping in Upper Chattahoochee River Area

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!

Get away from it all!

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. 

Dispersed Camping above Upper Chattahoochee 

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.

Plenty of Space, Close to Town

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.

Hidden Gem

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.

Photos of Upper Chattahoochee River Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

Real photos from real campers