Your Toccoa River Cove

Absolutely beautiful location! Directions were easy to follow. I followed my google maps until we got to hwy 60 and then used the given directions. It rained off and on the whole time we were there but it was ok. We made do. Sad there wasn’t any firewood already in the shelter, but there were plenty of fallen trees around we were able to cut up. The ground was soaked so I was glad I packed my rain boots. Really enjoyed walking the little trails and exploring the woods. It’s just so peaceful here. We didn’t have any issue with mosquitoes but there is a lot of flies and bees, and of course spiders but that’s to be expected with being in the woods. If you have AT&T cell service you’re out of luck (or a blessing) because it will not work here... but it does work once you go back out into the road some. The supplies left were very useful. The grilling tripod for the fire pit was a nice surprise. Plenty of napkins and paper towels left and even some toilet paper in the out house. Some bug spray and sun tan spray was also left but we didn’t use them since we had brought our own. We was able to get one of the vintage lanterns to work but the other one was damaged (glass cracked) and missing a piece so we cleaned it and left it be... didn’t want to damage it more.

Only negative I have is We did hear some people in the woods on one side... not sure if it’s someone’s house or another rental. Wasn’t loud but was noticeable when walking the trail and we did hear a car alarm at our tent. We also heard a lot of chainsaw noise that lasted for a bit... but it didn’t last too terribly long. Just something to make note of that the space isn’t completely noise free... but majority of the time it was. It did take away from the primitive and privacy of the location.

"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.