Best Tent Camping in Georgia

With 63 state parks and historic sites, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic sea islands, more and more adventurers are picking Georgia for their outdoor expeditions. Anchored by the mass metropolis of Atlanta on the north end, and graced by the Southern charm of Savannah in the south, Georgia offers plenty of adventure in between, with some of the highest peaks, prettiest waterfalls, and the best shelling in the South. Grab your tent, your best broken-in boots, or the car-camping accoutrements – camping in Georgia is waiting for you!

The Chattahoochee Forest is a popular camping destination, but it can be hard to escape the hustle and bustle, especially at the Chattooga and Blue Ridge recreation areas. Luckily Three Forks Campground at the Appalachian Trail offers an escape from the hubbub of more popular sites. Enjoy multiple waterfalls, trout streams, and gnarled trees, all in an old-growth forest. There’s also access to several trails – the perfect home base to get some serious day hiking done.

Enamored by all of your options for camping in Georgia? We are too! With its stunning biodiversity (home to the greatest concentration of salamander species in the world), lush forests, and verdant bottomlands, it’s well-worth a trip. For a great taste of the beauty, try the Bear Creek Trail, with its adjacent campground. Winding through a beautiful stream valley, this trek takes you past the second-largest tree in Georgia, burbling waterfalls, and plenty of wildflowers for your 5.7 mile round-trip hike.

But if you’re looking for something different than the Chattahoochee area, check out the Silver Comet Trail, a short jaunt north of Atlanta – perfect for weekend warriors eager to get out into nature. Free and paved, at just over 61 miles long, the Silver Comet trail is built on abandoned rail lines. The path winds through residential areas and forests alike, where you’ll find everything from tunnels to trestles, bike rental shops to wheelchair access points. Find camping in Georgia along the way and get as close to the natural beauty as possible.

Whichever route you choose - mountains or flatlands, waterfalls or sea - you can be sure to find some of the best camping in Georgia off the beaten trail with The Dyrt!

Best Tent Sites in Georgia (109)

    1. Raven Cliff Falls

    28 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    Website

    "I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping."

    "Raven Cliff Falls is another popular spot in Northeast Georgia. Its on one one of the most scenic highways and s in a great location if you want to venture into Helen, Brasstown, Bald, or Hiawassee."

    2. Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    24 Reviews
    Fernandina Beach, GA
    Website
    +1 (912) 882-4336

    $9 - $40 / night

    "Nice secluded campground where each site is set back and nestled into a saw palm clearing and equipped with a picnic table, fire ring/grill and food cache box (an elevated roofed chicken wire cage)."

    "Cumberland Island is a beautiful pristine National Seashore accessible by ferry off the coast of Georgia. We tent camped there in the middle of June 2021."

    3. Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping

    9 Reviews
    Turnerville, GA
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6221

    $4 / night

    "Leave no trace!"

    "Panther Creek was honestly my trip into the world of hiking and backpacking (aside from my military experience). But mice wife got me into hiking again and now we are backpacking a lot!"

    4. Stafford Beach Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore

    8 Reviews
    Cumberland Island National Seashore, GA
    Website
    +1 (912) 882-4336

    $12 / night

    "It is more quiet and there are less campers than Sea Camp but you still get amenities like showers, bathrooms, campfires, and a non-potable water source unlike the backpacking sites."

    "Thankfully at this campground there are also restrooms, cold showers and water... Although, unlike at Sea Camp, it must be treated before drinking (boil, filter, UV, or chemical, etc...)."

    5. Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail

    8 Reviews
    Suches, GA
    Website

    "We didn't stay in the shelter and instead set up our tent near an overlook nearby. Perfect place for sunrise and sunset."

    "While most AT shelters have a bathroom nearby, this one doesn't. Also there isn't any water available."

    6. Panola Mountain State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Pine Mountain, GA
    Website
    +1 (770) 389-7801

    $125 / night

    "We did an overnighter to check this out after doing a separate hike on the primary trails from the other side of the park in the morning. "

    "Camped overnight on a primitive site"

    7. Sawmill Lake Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    Website

    "It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers."

    "Nice spot, well defined with burn pits and picnic tables. Not too much seclusion with the way the sites are setup as you can see all of you neighbors, but still worth coming to."

    8. Springer Mountain Shelter

    5 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    Website

    "But when you come around the bend and see it for the first time, it's magical. Your first stop on the AT.

    It's a three sided, wooden cabin-like structure with a big stone step to get inside."

    "Bear box nearby, as well as latrines. Expect mice and other creatures if you stay at the shelter. Definitely a high traffic area."

    9. Bush Head Shoals Park

    5 Reviews
    Franklin, GA
    Website
    +1 (678) 416-6350

    $20 / night

    "They have Ice and firewood available. You just grab it and either venmo Raven or drop money in the drop box. There is a nice hiking trail right across from site 1."

    "They have 6 camp sites that all have a picnic table, fire pit and a large fine gravel plot for a tent. All the components are extremely well kept."

    10. Ocmulgee River Camp

    5 Reviews
    Juliette, GA

    "Beautiful campsite, just a few neighbors, tons of flat space and a few fire pits. There are hunters around and we heard a good deal of shots. Saw some deer on a walk."

    "Very nice a bit bumpy on the drive in but no major holes. Quiet and peaceful 2 neighbors great amount of space to find a nice spot."

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Tent Camping Reviews in Georgia

3956 Reviews of 109 Georgia Campgrounds


  • Jeff E.
    Nov. 18, 2024

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Views - Near Atlanta and I-75

    Red Top Mountain State Park is beautiful and Lake Allatoona is large.  Campsite 50 is a premium tent only walk-in site (a few dollars more).  It sits on a point that sticks out in the lake.  There is no shade or tree cover, so it's not "private".  There are 3 other sites near by on the walk-in area and there are no boundaries or barriers between so your neighbors are in full view.  There is no electric near the tent pad, the electric pole is 150+ feet away near the parking area.  You probably could run 175 feet of electric extension cord... but it would have to run past the three other sites... so don't plan for electric.  There is water right by the pad with a ton of pressure.  The tent pad was large but extremely hard to drive tent stakes into... smaller stakes worked better.  The bathhouse was an uphill hike probably 300 ft away but was modern and clean with hot showers and good water pressure.  The park is clean and scenic.  The staff is very courteous, friendly and helpful.  There are plenty of opportunities to hike, fish and boat.

    This park is about 30-40 minutes outside of Atlanta right off of I-75.  If you are in a tent... you will hear I-75 traffic all night so keep in mind, that while it looks like country, you are not deep in nature... the drone of the highway will remind you.  There is a train that blows its whistle that will wake you up 3 times each night and also remind you that you are not deep in the woods.  The winding roads through the park outside the campground also seemed to be very popular with motorcyclists who like loud pipes.

    The name Red Top Mountain is derived from the red soil in the area that was popular for the mining of abundant iron ore.  But don't look for "mountains" here... you have to travel further north for more dramatic elevation.  

    Overall, a nice park, pretty scenery but not as secluded, quiet and relaxing as expected for tent camping.

  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2017

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Beautiful

    This park was really nice. We stopped while passing through. The only sites available were walk in tent sites. This isn't a huge big deal but it wasn't ideal for us at that particular time. We had a hard time identifying our site number as they really weren't marked but it wasn't far from the parking lot. There was a tent pad and fire ring but no picnic table. Not the end of the world as we arrived late and were really just sleeping there for the night. The sounds were amazing, owls for a good part of the night. We did have an issue with noise, there was a large group somewhere that was very loud well in to quiet hours and without a camp hose or attendant in the walk in sites, nothing was done about it and the noise started back up first thing in the morning as well. The park did acknowledge other complaints but without knowing which site they were in, it was hard to correct the situation. We did decide to explore the park before driving on and hiked to two waterfalls. Both hikes contained many stairs which is a good workout. The falls were really pretty and well worth the walk with a toddler.

  • Amy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2018

    Mountain Crossings - Neel Gap m- AT Camp and Store

    Great location, but prepare to sleep on a slant...

    This location is kind of famous. You read about it in the AT books and the owner has actually written a book about all the hikers he's met that happen through his shop. Neels Gap is not only a place to throw down for some sleep (they have a campground and a hostel), but it's a total resupply stop. We stayed at Neels Gap Camp because it fit our mileage plans and it was convenient for the night and it was a great place to catch up with folks we met on the trail and meet some new ones.

    The hostel here is mainly for through hikers. They charge $20/night and that includes a shower and a bed. We stayed at the campground behind the building. There's nothing wrong with the campground, other than the fact that it's on such a slant (building camps on the sides of mountains and rocks does this...) that you are going to end up sleeping on top of your tent buddy if you don't aim your tent the right direction, and there are not many pads that allow the "right direction". You are truly best off in a hammock at this campground.

    There are plenty of hammock trees, and it's kind of cool that the AT goes right past the tent pads so in the morning, you can watch the hikers filter out and head north on their journey. Old faces and new faces greet you as you sip your coffee and eat your oatmeal.

    There is a fire ring, and since the fire ban ends on the other side of the highway (Neels sits on the highway), we were on the right side of the road to have a fire! A welcome addition to the chilly night air. There is a fire pit made of stone and everyone shares.

    There were not many good spots to hang bear bags that were away from the tents, but we found one that sufficed. They do not have a bear box (and claim that bears don't really come to this campground, but can you really tell them not to?). They do, however, have mice, and one little bugger ate into my pack and buried a peanut inside. So best to put your pack in your tent, if possible. They're cute, but not that cute.

    Portable pottys were located out front of the store, and there were about 5 that were fairly clean and maintained. There is a water faucet out front with drinkable water (yay!) that didn't need to be purified and picnic tables for cooking your food. A beautiful overlook while you ate was awesome too! There is a road/highway that passes by, so there is road noise, but not unbearable. Just kind of annoying if you are used to the sounds of the woods.

    The store has anything you could possibly need for re-supply, which makes it totally awesome! Gear (packs, sleeping bags, shoes, socks, etc), cooking supplies (food, stoves, fuel), books, water bottles, you name it! They also accept resupply boxes that you have mailed to yourself and a system to hand them out that seems to work really well.

    Overall, not a bad spot for camping. Everything you need in one spot.

  • Stephanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Your Toccoa River Cove

    Beauty and Seclusion at Toccoa River Cove

    "Is there water to play in?" 

    This is a question my kids ask about almost every campground we go to. Before this trip I told them, "yes!" But once we got to the Toccoa River Cove, all of us realized that "yes" really meant, "this is a phenomenal wonderland we will never want to leave." 

    I want to say this is a "goldilocks" campground, but only because it has something for everyone, not because it falls into an average category. With 12 acres of woodland and the freedom to pitch a tent anywhere (provided you honor LNT principals about where to set up camp!), you can camp right next to the car, set up a camping hammock, or explore the forest and find a secluded area in the trees for a backpacking tent. There is a spring you can drink straight out of, and streams criss-crossing the entire area if you want the rugged feeling of purifying your own water. There's a large shelter stocked with a table, chairs, lanterns, and a two-burner camp stove for the glamping crowd, with plenty of floor space to throw down a sleeping bag for thru-hikers nostalgic for AT shelters. The campsite also has a huge fire ring (and a shelter with lots of cut wood), a picnic table, a bench, lots of bridges over the water, a few established trails, a privy that is obviously cleaned regularly, and most importantly, a total immersion in nature as only one group can book this site at a time. 

    Things to note for planning:

    -The driveway down to the shelter is very steep, and does not allow much space to turn around. RVs or larger trucks will not fit, and per the owner only one vehicle may park at the base of the driveway at a time--all others should park just past the gate once you first turn onto the driveway 

    -Water is available from two natural springs, but there is no filtered or piped water

    -There is no electricity at all at this site

    -The closest town is Copperhill/McCaysville on the TN/GA border. You can get provisions here, or use the campsite as a basecamp to explore the breweries and restaurants the town has to offer.

    -There is a community area a short drive from the campsite that offers swimming and fishing; access is included in your reservation

    I cannot see any tent campers this site would not be perfect for. While there are neighboring houses so loud parties are not permitted, this site allows up to 10 guests, with plenty of room to spare if you are looking to get out with friends. Single campers or couples will appreciate the privacy, and families will find the amenities that make camping with kids easier, accompanied with the space to allow kids freedom to explore.

    I feel like I am always on a quest to find a campsite that blends the ability to carry gear for every possible contingency, with the beauty and privacy of the backcountry. After staying here, I can say that quest is over. This is it.

  • Katie H.
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Raven Cliff Falls

    Underrated Camping Spot

    I’ve camped at this location multiple times and each time was better than the last. It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping. You have the choice to walk in further but it accommodates all campers. Be careful of the bears and always leave no trace.

  • Michael H.
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Fort Mountain State Park Campground

    Great Campground

    We love camping at Fort Mountain. Its usually a good bit cooler due to the elevation, and the private wooded campsites make tent camping in Georgia’s summer heat much more enjoyable. Good hiking and things to do nearby.

  • Everette G.
    Oct. 18, 2020

    Victoria Bryant State Park Campground

    Great Camping in any Season

    Victoria Bryant State Park is probably one of my most frequented camping spots in the last few years. All of the tent sites are sheltered platforms, with electricity, potable water and an overhead light. Rain or shine, you can have a good time (and stay dry) at Victoria Bryant. There are only about 8 platforms, and one is ADA only, so they book up quick. They are all spaced pretty far apart, privacy isn't too hard to maintain (except maybe site 7&8). 1-4 are down a hill, 4 being the furthest away at about 40 feet, down the steepest incline. There are facilities right across the parking lot, that have always been clean and well maintained, and heated in the colder months. Camp hosts and office have firewood. There are several miles of trails that are lower difficulty, save for some hilly spots. In October, the park does a pretty cool little haunted trail. There's obvious reasons we enjoy VBSP, staying dry in the rain, nice, dense forested areas, and awesome campgrounds make it an easy choice.

  • A
    Sep. 5, 2016

    Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

    Walk-in sites

    Love the tent-only serenity of the walk-in sites. There is a separate parking lot at the back of the park for the walk-in sites, which are a short distance away (easy to haul your gear). The sites have a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring, and lots of privacy as the sites are very far from each other. The bath house has showers and running hot water. the long hike around the canyon and down into it provided amazing views! I'm always thrilled to find camping areas where I can have the convenience of my car-but can avoid the noise of RVs - and you definitely get that here!

  • B+J S.
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Hearthstone Cabins and Camping

    Ever Evolving Wonderland

    Less than a mile from the heart of Helen, Georgia. This campground is a one woman show. Liz, the owner, has done it all and theres no sign of stopping her - to the cabins, the decor, and expanding campsites. 

    Cabins: 

    There are three cabins on this property that are fully set up(everything provided) and ready for you. Two cabins are nice couple cabins while the third is a beautiful three bedroom home with a full yard and outdoor space with room for an RV or tenting, perfect for a group or reunion. 

    RV spaces: 

    Five spaces are towards the front of the property and are all large. When we were there each space was filled with 30+’ trailers there for Oktoberfest. Each site has water and electric, picnic tables, fire rings and some have hammocks. 

    Further on the property are 5 more sites. Each with water, electric, and tables. The three furthest are a bit smaller, but are being expanded upon each day. We stayed in the smaller of the spaces in the back as we have a small trailer. The spot had a perfect mix of shade and sun for our solar panels to charge if we had needed them, but the electric was clean and ample. The wifi was strong and our T-Mobile service also worked. Since we are a small trailer, we do not have our own facilities, so we did have to walk to the bathroom. 

    Tent camping: 

    Think primitive. They’re dirt spots with fire rings. I can see in the future they’ll be expanded upon and significantly improved. The owner has really amazing ideas for these spots and I’ll be very interested in seeing them say a year from now. 

    Bathroom facilities: 

    There is a portapotty and an outhouse- no flushing toilets. In the bathhouse, there are two shower stalls with very high pressure hot showers. While the facilities left a bit to be desired, they did the job and remember, this is a one woman show renovating the entire property! If you have your own facilities in your RV or trailer this isn’t an issue.

     The property overall: 

    The property overall is fun to explore! Theres a natural spring that runs down the hill to a little pond where you can swim or fish from your own sandy beach. We were there after one of the last storms really destroyed the GA, SC, and NC general area so the pond was a bit cloudy and a lot of timber/branches have fallen around the property. There are tons of hang out spaces with hammocks and hammock chairs, so if you’re into reading, theres a spot for you. 

    One of the most interesting things about this property is the“Makers Space”, an arts and crafts area where you can paint, create, and share what you’ve made. Hidden throughout the property are amazing little details. From a mini fairy village to faces in the trees, and beautifully painted rocks hidden in nooks and crannies. 

    You can see the creativity and love Liz has put into making this place her vision. Remember to leave no trace, lend a helping hand, and to stay and chat for a while.


Guide to Georgia

Georgia offers a wealth of opportunities for tent camping enthusiasts, with diverse landscapes and well-maintained campgrounds that cater to all types of outdoor adventurers.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

Tent campers should check out these features

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season for tent camping in Georgia?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant tent camping conditions in Georgia with mild temperatures and less humidity. Summer camping is popular but can be hot and humid, especially in lower elevations, though coastal areas like Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore can be 10+ degrees cooler under live oak canopies. Winter camping is feasible in southern Georgia, while northern areas like Springer Mountain Shelter can experience freezing temperatures. Many Appalachian Trail hikers begin their journey at Springer in early spring when weather conditions improve. Consider potential thunderstorms in summer and bring appropriate rain gear regardless of season.

Are there family-friendly tent camping spots in Georgia?

Georgia offers excellent family-friendly tent camping options that kids will love. Sea Camp Campground — Cumberland Island National Seashore provides a magical experience with wild horses on beaches, accessible via ferry and only a half-mile walk from the dock. Each site includes picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage caches. Panther Creek Recreation Area features a beautiful creek perfect for splashing and play. Families should also consider Panola Mountain State Park near Atlanta for convenient access and basic amenities. The best family spots offer water features for play, reasonable hiking distances for little legs, and proper facilities. Remember to book well in advance for popular family destinations, especially during summer and holiday weekends.

What are the best tent camping locations in North Georgia?

North Georgia offers exceptional tent camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Raven Cliff Falls is highly rated for its primitive yet accessible car camping experience, with nearby hiking trails to waterfalls and proximity to Helen, Brasstown Bald, and Hiawassee. Mountain Crossings - Neel Gap is a popular spot along the Appalachian Trail with both camping and resupply options. Other excellent North Georgia options include Panther Creek with its beautiful waterways, and Deep Gap Shelter for more remote experiences. The region offers a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites with varying levels of amenities, typically nestled among hardwood forests with abundant hiking opportunities.

What amenities should I expect at tent campgrounds in Georgia?

Amenities at Georgia tent campgrounds vary widely by location and management type. At established sites like Your Toccoa River Cove, you'll often find direct water access, picnic tables, and fire rings. More primitive locations like Hickory Flatts Cemetery may offer basic facilities such as toilets without running water or electricity. Many campgrounds in Georgia provide food storage solutions—particularly important in bear country—ranging from elevated wire cages at Cumberland Island to proper bear boxes at AT shelters. State park campgrounds typically offer more amenities including restrooms with showers, while dispersed camping areas may have no facilities whatsoever. Always check specific campground information before your trip to know what to pack.