Looking for the best options for tent camping in Georgia? It's easy to find a Georgia campground for tent camping with the Dyrt. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a full-service RV resort near attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Sweetwater Creek State Park is a peaceful tract of wilderness only minutes from downtown Atlanta. A wooded trail follows the stream to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company, a textile mill burned during the Civil War. Beyond the mill, the trail climbs rocky bluffs to provide views of the beautiful rapids below. Additional trails wind through fields and forest, showcasing ferns, magnolias, wild azaleas and hardwoods. Park rangers lead informative hikes to these areas throughout the year.
Raven Cliff Falls camping This trail is one of North Georgia’s most popular camping destinations. Trailhead campsites offer fantastic stream-side camping just steps from the car, and a fantastic base camp for hiking the Raven Cliff Falls Trail during the day. The trail is also dotted with many backpacking campsites on the creek’s level banks, offering a little more solitude for campers willing to backpack it in. Black bears frequent this wilderness area. Keep all food items and fragrant cosmetics out of reach in a bear canister: many years ago, we lost our camp stove, food and cookware to a trio of bears in a traditionally-hung bear bag along this trail. Campsites are free and first-come, first-claimed. Pack out everything you pack in: this is one of Georgia’s most beautiful Wilderness areas, so please, please leave no trace. (What is Wilderness, and why is it important? Read more in our guide to Wilderness areas in the South.)
Whether you are looking to spend a night with family and friends around a campfire under the moss covered branches of the live oak trees, or looking for the rugged challenges and solitude of the wilderness, you will find it on Cumberland Island National Seashore. The park includes a designated Wilderness area, undeveloped beaches, historic sites, cultural ruins, critical habitat and nesting areas, as well as numerous plant and animal communities. The national seashore also offers a wide variety of camping opportunities.________ Watch the "Camping on Cumberland Island" video for information to help you plan an d prepare for your trip.__ Campgrounds Cumberland Island offers five campgrounds , which include designated campsites at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach; and Wilderness campsites at: Hickory Hill, Yankee Paradise and Brickhill Bluff. Camping is only permitted in these five campgrounds. A permit is required to camp in any of these five camping areas. Getting There __ Visitors must take a boat to the island. Most visitors arrive via the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys, Georgia (see Park Concessioner Services below).__ The ferry does not transport automobiles or RVs. Check the ferry schedule prior to reserving your Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permit unless you are traveling by private boat. The ferry does not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from December through February. Island Information Cumberland Island is 18 miles (29 km) long and .5 miles (.8 km) to 3 miles (5 km) wide. Bring your cell phone if possible. Use airplane mode to reserve battery power. There is electricity at the Sea Camp Ranger Station, Sea Camp Campground, and Stafford Beach Campground for recharging devices. Dial 911 to report emergencies and disturbances.__ There are no stores, restaurants or other amenities on the island. After arriving on the island, campers must hike, walk or bike from the dock to the campgrounds and transport all gear. There is no transporation service. The distance ranges from .5 miles (.8 km) to Sea Camp to 10.5 miles (17 km) to Brickhill Bluff.____ Carts of any kind and wheeled coolers are not allowed north of Sea Camp Campground.__ Hammocks permitted only with hammock stands. New for 2021. See Superintendent's Compendium__ Be prepared for extreme weather, sun exposure, and a variety of insects. Ticks, no see-ums, and mosquitoes are prevalent during summer months; protect yourself accordingly. Understand your limitations; the island has no conveniences; be prepared for a remote setting and a harsh environment. Bicycle and Carts For information on using carts and camping with bicycles visit the Cumberland Island Camping Page__ For information on bicycle and cart rentals, as well as transporting your bike to the island visit Cumberland Island Ferry webpage .____ Ferry Reservations, Bicycle and Cart Rental, and Tour Reservations - Contact: Cumberland Island Ferry at www.cumberlandislandferry.com or call (877) 860-6787.__________ Cumberland Island Ferry passengers must check-in at the Cumberland Island Mainland Visitor Center in Saint Marys at least 30 minutes prior to their ferry departure time: https://www.nps.gov/cuis/planyourvisit/be-ready.htm__ Campers must deboard the ferry at the Sea Camp Dock (not at the Dungeness Dock).____
There are over 50 miles of trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beach. Hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing are popular activities on the island.
There are over 50 miles of trails and roads as well as 18 miles of beach. Hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing are popular activities on the island.
The island is home to more than 17 miles of undeveloped beach, a maritime forest of oak hammock and long leaf pine, tidal creeks, and marshland. Visitors can see an abundance of wildlife from deer, turkey, alligators, and bobcats, to snakes, tortoises, lizards, and hundreds of migratory birds.
City of St. Marys, GA - St. Marys, Georgia, the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, a small coastal village located in southeast Georgia remains one of Georgia's best kept secrets, a place rich in history, natural beauty and Southern hospitality. St. Marys and Cumberland Island National Seashore provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.__ Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge - In southern Georgia and northern Florida there is a very special place, one of the oldest and best preserved freshwater systems in America. Native Americans called it Okefenoka, meaning ___Land of the Trembling Earth___. Now this place, where earth, air, fire and water continuously reform the landscape, is preserved within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, created in 1937 to protect wildlife and for you to explore.__ St. Marys Submarine Museum - This museum is a great place to learn about the "Silent Service". A wide variety of Submarine artifacts, memorabilia and information are available for viewing, and you can view the beautiful St Marys waterfront through a real periscope.__ Crooked River State Park - Located on Georgia's Colonial Coast, this park offers cozy facilities in a beautiful setting. Campsites are surrounded by Spanish moss-draped oaks, while most cottages overlook the river. Hikers can explore the nature trail, which winds through a maritime forest and salt marsh. A boat ramp is popular with anglers who often take to the water before sunrise.__ Fort Frederica National MonumentTimucuan Ecological & Historic PreserveCity of Jacksonville, FL__
Refund and Cancellation Policy Cancellations 10 days or more before the start date of the reservation will result in a refund of the permit cost minus a 25% cancellation fee. Cancellations less than 10 days from the start date of the reservation will result in a refund of the permit cost minus a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted for cancellations one day prior to the start date of the reservation. When a reservation is cancelled, those dates will be made available for other campers at a random time within 24 hours. Changes Before Permit is Printed: The Refund and Cancellation Policy will be applied to all changes to the reservation. The start date of the reservation cannot be changed without cancelling the reservation. A new reservation must be made. Cancellation fees apply and fees associated with making a new reservation apply. Changes may be made to the number of people (maximum 6 per site) with the same dates and trip itinerary. Changes can be made by logging accessing your reservation on recreation.gov or by contacting the Call Center. Reservations are non-transferable. After Permit is Printed: Changes cannot be made to permit once it is printed. Changes will require a cancellation of the permit and reserving a new permit, if space is available. All cancellation fees and new reservation fees apply.__ Permits can only be printed within 10 days of the arrival date. You cannot change your site assignment. All permits must be honored as they are. Ensure every person on the camping permit has reserved a round-trip ferry ticket or has transportation via private boat. No-Show Policy If you do not cancel and decide not to use your reservation, no fees will be refunded. Please cancel your reservation if you are unable to use it as this opens space for others.
$40 / night
This recreation area is part of Lake Sidney Lanier
Enjoy a picnic, hold a Boy Scout troop meeting or have a family gathering within the historic CCC structures of this wooded recreation area. Directly adjacent to the picnic pavilions visitors can can follow their picnic with a mesmerizing day-hike to the awesome falls on the 6.6 mile Panther Creek Trail.
$4 / night
Stafford Beach Campground requires a three and a half mile hike from Sea Camp. All sites are walk-to, tent sites and campers are responsible for transporting all gear. Carts of any kind or wheeled coolers cannot be used to haul gear. The site has flush toilets, cold showers, and water spigots with potable water. The sites include fire rings with grills. Food storage lockers (bear boxes) are available. Sites are $12 a night, good for up to 6 people.
$12 / night
30 Walk-In Campsites
$25 / night
The Blood Mountain Shelter on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia was originally constructed from local stone in 1937 for the Georgia State Parks system by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers stationed at Camp Enotah at Vogel State Park. The shelter was transferred to the US Forest Service in a land exchange agreement in 1956. The basic elements of the rooms, window, and doorways of this stone structure remain unchanged, but modifications to the roof and floor have occurred over the years.
Guide
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.
Guide
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.
Getting to the campsite was simple enough and it is the quoted 3/4 mile walk in. It was great to see some families utilizing the space. There is good cell reception (T-Mobile)
Very peaceful and even had the sounds of a vibrant coyote pack.
Traveler
Claystone Park was our first ever experience tent camping. Everything was great from the location of the bathroom and shower house, to ample space, and spectacular views. Quiet hours were respectfully observed, and all the amenities provided within our campsite were more than enough. Clean clean clean
Guide
This is my second time here, first was a scouting trip and stayed only a few days. This trip I brought my family and stayed 9 days. Autumn is beautiful but we were probably a week or two early for the full color change of the trees. The weather was a little warm for Oct./Nov. but we're from Florida and anything cooler and less humid is welcome.The trails have been maintained and new markers put in place. Bath houses were clean and tidy and the camp crew kept everything neat , they even blew the leaves off of the road every morning. Kudos to Georgia Power for keeping such a great campground with large spaces between campers and still remaining cozy.
Scout
The coordinates take you to Nottley Dam. We had to drive 37 minutes farther to Lake Chatuge and hopefully we find some campground since it is very dark at the moment. We ended up having to spend over $200 for a hotel. I'm going to delete my acct as other friends have similar issues with Dyrt
Traveler
If you’re anywhere near Helen, GA on an ADV Bike, this summit is for you. There are three routes up the mountain so you never have to double back. There are more primitive sites at the top of the mountain (not where the Dyrt pin was dropped) on both sides of the fork. Suitable for tents and hammocks. There is one site that would support a large group or even a camper (or two) if you can get them up the steep rocky hunting trail. Sites were mostly clean with rock fire pits.
Traveler
We tent camped on Spot 27. Nice back in RV spot with water and electric. Bathhouse is close by. Gray water dump is across the road. Originally we booked Spot 60. That’s a pull through with little room for a tent. No cell service but that’s okay as we disconnected for a while. You can get service at the top of the park. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. Trails are nicely blazed with colors that match trail map. Georgia apple farms are a short, 20-30 minutes away.
Scout
Tent camping was really more of a job than a vacation night and bathrooms were nasty
Guide
I stayed in a back in site in camping area 2. I would call it big rig challenging w/the narrow road and tight-ish back in. I enjoyed the trails & observation tower as well as the cute little shop where you check in. My friend joined me over the weekend & her kids really liked the All About Bats presentation & the playground. Lots of deer & other wildlife to be seen. Shaded sites & mine was full hookup. Pet friendly & the laundry facility takes credit cards. They ended up renting a yurt which was cool. There are also cabins but we didn’t see those.
Guide
Good lake access/sunset views/boat ramp. Tends to be quite a busy campground, so getting a prime spot in peak season can be difficult. Management noted to be on the stricter side.
Guide
Easy access to the lake for paddleboarding; lot was close enough to paddle 1/2 mile to day use area/marina restaurant. Nicely shaded and good proximity to restrooms.
Guide
Easy access to Lake Alatoona with good views, minimal shade and access area was swampy on my lot but manageable. Water surprisingly chilly in summer from the Etowah River.
Guide
Lovely campgrounds on Lake West Point, less campers and fewer, more spaced out lots. Great fun on the water during the spring and summer
Guide
Great for spring/summer camping, kind camp hosts, and great fun paddleboarding and jetskiing on Lake West Point. My family’s go-to spot!
Guide
Beautiful mountain landscape over a calm lake, very quiet and little to no light pollution at night. Lots of trees for shade in the lots and easy access to the lake.
Traveler
Beautifully well maintained, clean grounds! Beautiful lake and stables and plenty of room ,yet campsites are tucked away to also give u a private feel as well! Pet friendly as well!
ScoutVery well established with a lot of amenities and nice hiking trails. I thought $50 for tent camping was a bit too pricy though.
Guide
The campground is very clean and like new. We used our pop up and the site we used was very level.
Excellent hiking and views of the canyon.
Guide
Amazing place. We went in the winter so it wasn't too crowded. Sites are waterfront and spacious
Traveler
I slept really well last night here, and the camp host and guests were just great. Heated bathhouse with warm shower was definitely a highlight on a chilly morning!
Only downside in my mind was that I booked a tent site, only to find that the tent sites are down the hill from all the other sites, so if you book them you will have to haul your stuff down to the lake. It did sound like the night-time fishing would be awesome though!
Guide
Very good spot near the lake. Awesome views and good signal at least for Verizon. Water pressure was a bit inconsistent so watch out for any issues that may cause
Guide
There's only limited camping here. There's several yurts and 5 walk-in tent sites. Yes, some of the reviews here are confusing this park with another. There's NO RV or TRAILER camping here.
The Yurts look awesome but do attract gaggles of families so be warned that if you're looking for a quiet get away then you may find yourself in the middle of a large family reunion that has no care for other campers.
The camping is isolated from the bustling 'core' of the park too. That's a nice change from other parks in the area. But you will also need to drive to the trailheads more than likely so take that into consideration when packing etc.
The tent sites run a little parallel to each other. I didn't go any look at the lake views from 5 at the back but expected it to be partial if that. Site 1 and 2 would be my first choice when I go back.
There is also full cell reception given its proximity to Atlanta.
Update: - Something else to know is that the visitor center called for 'check in' before we arrived and organized a wood drop off service.
Traveler
We stayed in site 185. While it was one of the more expensive sites in the park it was well worth it. The nice lady that answered the phone made the recommendation when I told her I’d like somewhere for my kids to run. They’re 5 and 3. We ended up spending more time sitting and watching them just play in the grass than we really thought.
The restrooms near 185 were large and very clean. They were up to date and comfortable to shower in, etc. campground was the cleanest we’d ever been to and extremely easy to navigate.
We were in town for Callaway Gardens pumpkin event. We will definitely stay here again. Couldn’t have been happier honestly.
GuideI had a wonderful time at backcountry site #4 this past Sunday - Monday. The hike to the site is downhill from the stone wall parking lot, so it was pretty easy to get to at only 1 mile.
The site is private and pretty large. There were plenty of trees for hammocks and a few flat spots for small tents.
A small creek flows through the site for easy water access (but I was told that it doesn’t flow all year).
The best part of site #4 is that it’s about 0.2 miles from a beautiful west facing overlook where I enjoyed the sunset.
I can’t recommend this site every .
GuideThree 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. We decided to spread out but that meant having to do a lot of walking back and forth for stuff. You can pull your car into the site easily. It’s about a mile from the High Shoals Trailhead. Both waterfalls are lovely. One has a nice swimming hole. The closest town is Hiawasee. Had a grocery and an outfitters if you need supplies. There’s only two sit down restaurants—one had an hour wait; the other had run out of food.
Scout
Overall good . Peaceful friendly, on water. Good swim area, boat ramp,fishing.
TravelerOwner and office (Mike & rhonda) are very helpful, accommodating, and friendly. Full hookups, salt h2o sparkling pool. Over 55. Bath house - dated but clean. Laundry facilities. Some firepits and some picnic tables. Spaced well. Accommodates short or long term camping. Gathering covered area with seating, tv, wood burning fireplace and large grill. Dogs on leash.
