Looking for the best campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, NC? Tusquitee National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Tusquitee National Forest, NC. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Established in 1931, Vogel State Park stands today as one of Georgia’s oldest state parks. Over 223 acres of land make up this beautiful reserve, known for its extensive selection of trails and crisp, brightly colored forests. Located at the base of Blood Mountain in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, Vogel is especially popular during the fall thanks to the blanket of colors that transform the park’s trees and wildlife. In fact, Red, yellow, and gold leaves cover the landscape of the surrounding hills, mountains, and valleys for months at a time.
This park is also full of history, with many facilities being constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. To learn about the “CCC” boys and their incredible story, check out the park museum open seasonally.
The North Georgia Mountains around Vogel were also linked to native tribes for generations before European settlement, and the adventurous individual can still find remnants from their time on this land via the surrounding trails. In fact, there are a variety of trails available, including the 4 mile Bear Hair Gap loop. Bear Hair is easier than other hikes in the area and leads to the Trahlyta Falls, a peaceful set of waterfalls perfect for photo opportunities or a small picnic. More seasoned hikers can undergo the challenging 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail, which showcases the regional wildlife and various water features throughout.
If hiking isn’t your thing, the park’s 22 acre lake is open to non-motorized boats, and during summer, visitors can cool off at the mountain-view beach. Enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking while your family watches you from shore, then finish up with a round of mini golf at the park’s 18 hole course.
For overnight accommodations, 34 Cottages, 85 campsites and 18 primitive backpacking sites are all available for a reasonable rate.There is also a pioneer campground available for rent, which is perfect for groups and allows campers to see how past settlers would have lived. During your stay, there are 4 picnic shelters available for use, as well as a group shelter and a lake pavilion, which seat 90 and 100 guests respectively. There is also a general store open year round, with Wifi open at the visitor center.
$30 - $250 / night
Over 2 million visitors annually come to enjoy the scenic beauty of Cades Cove and its many historic structures. Popular activities here include hiking, biking, touring the 11-mile Cades Cove loop road and observing wildlife. Whether blanketed in bright wildflowers in the spring or vivid colors in the fall, the scenery at Cades Cove never disappoints.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a hikers paradise and visitors to Cades Cove Campground love the 5-mile roundtrip hike to Abram Falls. From Cades Cove Loop Road, follow the signage at the turnoff for directions to the trailhead. Although Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high, the large volume of water rushing over falls more than makes up for its lack of height. The long, deep pool at its base is very picturesque. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek. The waterfall and creek are named for Cherokee Chief Abram or Abraham whose village once stood several miles downstream. A nearby horse stable provides one-hour horseback rides as well as hay rides and carriage rides from March through October, offering recreational activities for the entire family. Campers can also enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the countless streams and rivers that snake through the mountains, with trout available in abundance.
Cades Cove is a broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains and is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. It offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park. Large numbers of white-tailed deer are frequently seen, and sightings of black bear, coyote, ground hog, turkey, raccoon, skunk, and other animals are also possible. For hundreds of years Cherokee Indians hunted in Cades Cove but archeologists have found no evidence of major settlements. The first Europeans settled in the cove sometime between 1818 and 1821. By 1830 the population of the area had already swelled to 271.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (865) 448-4103 for general information.
The park holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills, have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park, a few of which are easily accessible from the Cades Cove loop road. Townsend, located about nine miles away, offers full service grocery stores and fuel.
_________ If you plan to arrive at a date later than your arrival date you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to avoid a cancellation to your reservation. If you wish to cancel your reservation the day of your arrival you MUST contact the campground office 865-448-4103 in order to receive a refund. ___ Rules and reservation policies can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies __
$30 / night
Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of 2,150 feet, the area enjoys a moderate climate, characterized by mild winters and hot, humid summers.
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
The Little River runs through the campground offering visitors the option to camp waterfront. Campers can enjoy high-quality backcountry fishing in the cool waters of the Little River and countless other streams and rivers that snake through the mountains. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise, with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short, leg-stretchers to strenuous treks, with a number of those trails easily accessible from Elkmont Campground. The nearby and popular Laurel Falls Trail leads to a spectacular 80-ft. waterfall. Hiking and fishing are not the only reasons for visiting the Smokies: Picnicking, wildlife viewing and auto touring are popular activities. With around 1,500 bears living in the park, it's not uncommon for visitors to spot one. From the big animals like bears, deer, and elk, down to microscopic organisms, the Smokies are the most biologically-diverse area in the world's temperate zone. The park is a sanctuary for a magnificent array of animal and plant life, all of which is protected for future generations to enjoy. The park also holds one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Over 90 historic structures, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, schools and grist mills have been preserved or rehabilitated in the park.
Generations of campers have returned to Elkmont year after year, drawn by the sounds of the river, the tranquility of the forest, and the variety of recreational activities in the Elkmont area. Little River and Jakes Creek run through the campground, offering easy access for fishing or cool summertime splashing. Trailheads for Little River Trail, Jakes Creek Trail, and Elkmont Nature Trail are located adjacent to the campground. Historic remnants of Little River Lumber Company's logging camp and old buildings from the Elkmont resort community offer campers a glimpse of life at Elkmont nearly a century ago.
Gatlinburg, one of the Smokies' most famous tourist towns, is located about nine miles from Elkmont and offers organized rafting trips, museums, restaurants, galleries, an aquarium, skiing and more.
$30 / night
Indian Boundary Recreation Area is the crown jewel of the South Zone of the Cherokee National Forest on the Tellico Ranger District. This family-oriented campground offers a swim beach and picnic area with grills and an accessible picnic pavilion, as well as a fantastic, 3.2-mile hiking and biking trail around the lake. Spectacular mountain views, glimpses of wildlife, and a peaceful setting await visitors who come to Indian Boundary.
Opportunities abound for fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing and scenic driving. Other popular activities include hiking and biking the trail around Indian Boundary Lake. The recreation area contains a swim beach, boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area and volleyball court.
Opportunities abound for fishing, swimming, boating, wildlife viewing and scenic driving. Other popular activities include hiking and biking the trail around Indian Boundary Lake. The recreation area contains a swim beach, boat ramp, fishing pier, picnic area and volleyball court.
Indian Boundary Lake covers 96 acres at an elevation of 1,560 feet, and sits among hardwoods and pines. At the lake, visitors enjoy watching beaver that inhabit an adjacent pond, identifying several species of ducks and other waterfowl and trying their luck at catching bass, sunfish and catfish. The Cherokee National Forest is located in eastern Tennessee and stretches from Chattanooga to Bristol along the North Carolina border. The 650,000-acre swath of land is Tennessee's only national forest. It lies in the heart of the Southern Appalachians and is home to more than 20,000 species of plants and animals, as well as many rivers, creeks and lakes. Elevations range from 750 to 5,500 feet.
The campground is two miles off the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that stretches from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, to Robbinsville, North Carolina. Bald River Falls on Tellico River Road 210 is a popular destination. The Pheasant Fields Fish Hatchery also on Tellico River is operated by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and is the rearing pools for the fish stocking program on Tellico River, Citico Creek, and the Green Cove Pond.
$20 / night
Unicoi State Park & Lodge is a camper’s paradise. Nestled in the natural setting of the Appalachian foothills, Unicoi State Park & Lodge offers campers a wide range of camping options. From luxury RV hookups to secluded tent campsites to the distinct outdoor hammock experience of the Squirrels Nest, our Georgia State Park campground is designed to suit the various needs of our guests.
We have nearly 100 campsites and a variety of arrangements to choose from including ADA sites and Buddy Hook-up sites, 30-foot and 40-foot RV sites, primitive campsites and sites designed for family tent camping. All our powered sites are suitable for tent, trailer and RV campers.
As a Georgia State Park, countless guests come to explore the 1,029 acres of adventure activities and mountain marvels on their own terms. Some enjoy navigating the hiking and mountain biking trails to nearby Alpine Helen and Anna Ruby Falls. Others opt for peaceful mornings fishing on Unicoi Lake or a sandy, sun-soaked day at Unicoi Beach.
The park’s proximity to popular Helen, GA events and activities allow guests to experience one of Georgia’s top tourist attractions but still return to the natural confines of the park for rest and relaxation.
For your convenience, our campgrounds feature comfort stations, which include restrooms and showers, while campers also have access to group structures and picnic shelters.
We are a pet-friendly State Park as long as your pets are friendly and always kept on a short, sturdy leash. Please be courteous to other patrons and be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of our park and trails by cleaning up after your animals.
For a bird’s eye view of Unicoi State Park & Lodge and campground locations, check out our Georgia State Park Map.
RV CAMPING As one of the premier Georgia State Parks with RV camping, our full hookup RV sites include water, power and sewer, a fire ring, grill and picnic table. We have many RV campsites and arrangements to choose from including ADA sites, Buddy Hook-up sites, plus 30-foot or 40-foot sites. Be sure to know your vehicle’s specifications when booking your campsite.
TENT CAMPING We also offer walk-in primitive campsites that have both privacy and convenience with comfort stations, nearby parking and a playground. Walk-in anywhere from a few feet to about 100 yards out. Sites include a fire ring, picnic table and grill top to put over fire ring for grilling.
SQUIRREL’S NEST Bring your hammock or just a sleeping bag and sleep under the stars at our one-of-a-kind Squirrel’s Nest covered primitive camping platforms. It’s a favorite spot for scouts, groups and adventurers that really want to experience the wild and do it themselves. The platforms are built up off the ground and are stacked up the side of a ridge in 3 groups of 2 and 2 groups of 5. Each platform sleeps 4 guests in sleeping bags. Air mattresses are recommended for adult guests. Tents are not allowed on the platforms or down in the hollow below. The “hollow” has grills, picnic tables and a group fire ring.
GLAMPING SITES Combining luxury and the great outdoors, our extra spacious completely furnished Safari Tents give large families or groups of friends the extra space they need to glamp in comfort. Unicoi State Park offers 4 glamping sites.
Welcome to Amicalola Falls State Park Camping, a gem nestled in the mountains near Dawsonville, GA. This place is a camper's paradise, offering a peaceful and quiet retreat with about 20 to 24 well-spaced sites that provide a sense of seclusion despite the open air. Whether you're pitching a tent, parking an RV, or staying in one of the cozy cabins or glamping tents, you'll find a spot that suits your style.
One of the standout features here is the proximity to the stunning Amicalola Falls, which is just a short drive or hike away. The falls are a must-see, and if you're up for a challenge, the 475-step climb down to the base is both strenuous and rewarding. The park also boasts a lodge with a restaurant, perfect for dining with a view after a day of exploring.
Visitors have raved about the cleanliness and tranquility of the campground. The bathhouse with individual showers is a nice touch, and amenities like electric hookups, drinking water, and firewood for sale make your stay comfortable. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
For those looking for activities, there's plenty to do. Hiking trails abound, and you can try your hand at zip-lining or archery. There's even trout fishing in a small pond at the bottom of the falls. And if you're visiting in the fall, don't miss Burt's Pumpkin Farm nearby—it's a local favorite.
So pack your bags and head to Amicalola Falls State Park Camping for a memorable mountain getaway. Whether you're here for the hiking, the views, or just some peace and quiet, you won't be disappointed.
Trackrock Campground & Cabins and Trackrock Stables is a 250 acre paradise of meadows, hayfields, and woodlands in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains. Located between Blairsville and Hiawassee, Trackrock is completely isolated from all other commercial developments. The property is bordered on three sides by the Chattahoochee National Forest.
As a designated Appalachian Botanical Sanctuary, great care is taken to preserve the natural environment. Wildlife, flowers, and flowering shrubs are abundant throughout the campground and surrounding area.
With our 95 level, shady, uncrowded campsites, Trackrock offers camping for everyone – tents, popups and RVs (max 40′ please). For RVs and pop ups, we offer both pull thru and back-in sites which include water, 30 and 50 amp electricity and sewer. We also offer water and electricity sites for tents. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Our modern bath houses are kept spotless and are equipped with hot showers. At Trackrock we are happy to host Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, group camping and church groups.
For those who prefer not to camp, we have cozy, comfortable one and two bedroom cabins. The cabins are fully furnished and are ready for your immediate occupancy with full kitchens and baths, (bring your own towels) covered porches, and all modern amenities including air conditioning and satellite TV.
For fun, we have horseback riding, summer horse camps, riding lessons, swimming, fishing, playgrounds, hiking trails, hayrides, picnic pavilions, and more.
Folks have been enjoying the relaxing and refreshing North Georgia Mountains at Trackrock for more than 50 years. Why not join them?
Fort Mountain State Park is a place of legends. Literally! Home to an mysterious, ancient, rock wall at the peak of a mountain, Fort Mountain’s associated legends include the construction of a Welsh military fort, a honeymoon destination for native newlyweds, and a relation to “moon-eyed people” of Cherokee folklore. Whatever the truth may be, there is no denying that this park’s unique features have made it one of the major draws within the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Located just a short scenic drive off of Highway 52 near the Cohuatta Wilderness, the campground at Fort Mountain State Park hosts 70 campsites for tents and RVs. Campers can bring their paddles to take advantage of all 17 acres of Fort Mountain Lake, or take part in the local rental program for easier travels.
While there is no need to leave the park to find adventure, many campers take a short drive east to a historic site featuring the Chief Vann House. This well-preserved structure was the first Cherokee brick residence and is often referred to as the “showplace” of the Cherokee Nation. Continue your travels to the peak of Fort Mountain where you can take a tour of a stone fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Enjoy panoramic views and marvel at the legendary beauty of Fort Mountain State Park.
The Morganton Point Recreation Area is located in the Blue Ridge Ranger District, within the beautiful northeast Georgia mountains. Pristine water and scenic views draw visitors from around the state and region.
The Morganton Point Recreation Area offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and hiking, all centered around beautiful Lake Blue Ridge. The lake is open to motor boats and jet skis, as well as non-motorized watercraft. Fishing in the 3,290-acre lake is a popular activity for visitors to the Morganton Point Campground. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of bass and other fish. Visitors are encouraged to check with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for a complete listing of freshwater fishing regulations for Lake Blue Ridge. Day-use hiking trails, including one that parallels the lakeshore, are ideal for short, relaxing strolls through the forest. The Appalachian and Benton MacKave trails pass through Fannin County and are easily accessed near the campground.
The Morganton Point Recreation Area offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and hiking, all centered around beautiful Lake Blue Ridge. The lake is open to motor boats and jet skis, as well as non-motorized watercraft. Fishing in the 3,290-acre lake is a popular activity for visitors to the Morganton Point Campground. Anglers can expect to catch a variety of bass and other fish. Visitors are encouraged to check with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for a complete listing of freshwater fishing regulations for Lake Blue Ridge. Day-use hiking trails, including one that parallels the lakeshore, are ideal for short, relaxing strolls through the forest. The Appalachian and Benton MacKave trails pass through Fannin County and are easily accessed near the campground.
The campground offers multiple sites adjacent to Lake Blue Ridge, in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Lake Blue Ridge is known for its aquamarine waters surrounded by the forested foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 3,290-acre reservoir boasts over 60 miles of shoreline, with around 80% belonging to the Chattahoochee National Forest.
The nearest convenience store and gas station are located in Morganton, about a mile north of the campground. The nearest full-service grocery stores and shopping villages are located in Blue Ridge, approximately 15 minutes west along U.S. Highway 76.
$39 / night
Jackrabbit Mountain Campground offers scenic lakeside camping in the beautiful Nantahala National Forest of southwestern North Carolina. Campers can breathe the fresh air of the forest while enjoying numerous recreation activities, including hiking, picnicking, mountain biking, fishing and water sports at Jackrabbit Recreation Area. The campground contains three seperate camping loops; Loops A is open May - September, and Loop B and C is open May - October.____
Lake Chatuge has more than 130 miles of shoreline and plenty of water for recreation. Popular water activities include boating, jet skiing, swimming and fishing. Beach access fee is not included in camping reservation fee and will require on-site payment at fee collection station. Visitors who wish to stay on dry land can explore hiking, biking and shoreline fishing. Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area boasts several hiking trails, and the campground has paved roads for an easy afternoon of bicycling. Mountain bikers can get their wheels dusty on approximately 14 miles of bike-friendly trails.
Lake Chatuge has more than 130 miles of shoreline and plenty of water for recreation. Popular water activities include boating, jet skiing, swimming and fishing. Beach access fee is not included in camping reservation fee and will require on-site payment at fee collection station. Visitors who wish to stay on dry land can explore hiking, biking and shoreline fishing. Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area boasts several hiking trails, and the campground has paved roads for an easy afternoon of bicycling. Mountain bikers can get their wheels dusty on approximately 14 miles of bike-friendly trails.
The campground is located on a peninsula on Lake Chatuge, a dammed lake on the Hiawassee River. The site sits in a mixed deciduous and pine forest at an elevation of 1,860 feet.
Local attractions include the Fires Creek recreation area and the Georgia Mountain State Fair, which occurs in late July each year.
Changes and cancellations must be made through Recreation.gov not the HOST!!
$40 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Tusquitee National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Tusquitee National Forest is Vogel State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 64 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Tusquitee National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 glamping camping locations near Tusquitee National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
