Chris V.
Scout
ScoutTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Nice basic state park
Nice campground. Bathhouse is basic but very clean. Sites are on the small side with lots of tent campers.
Best Campgrounds near Long Creek, SC
The Chattooga River region surrounds Long Creek, South Carolina with numerous camping options across both Georgia and South Carolina. Dispersed primitive sites dot the banks of the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers, while established campgrounds like Oconee State Park and Tallulah Gorge State Park provide developed facilities. The area supports a full range of camping styles from backcountry tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and cabin rentals. Several campgrounds including Whetstone Horse Camp cater to equestrian visitors, while others like Grapevine offer simpler riverside camping with minimal amenities.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many dispersed camping areas requiring moderate clearance vehicles or four-wheel drive. Forest roads leading to sites like Blackwell Bridge and Riley Moore Falls can become challenging after rainfall. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though primitive sites are best visited during dry periods from late spring through fall. Water levels in the Chattooga and Chauga Rivers fluctuate seasonally, affecting both access and swimming conditions. Several campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when visitation peaks. A camper at Blackwell Bridge noted, "The road down to the spot is a little wonky so be prepared for bumpy road."
Riverside camping represents the most sought-after experience in the Long Creek area, with multiple developed and primitive sites offering water access. The Chattooga River corridor provides excellent fishing opportunities, with several locations open for trout fishing year-round. Campsites along creeks and rivers offer natural sound barriers from road noise and other campers. Areas like Grapevine provide spacious sites with good separation between campers. As one visitor described, "Sites are spread out, nice river nearby. Entrance road can get a bit slick after heavy rains." While some primitive sites lack amenities, established campgrounds in the region typically provide toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many campers mention the peaceful riverside settings as the primary draw, despite sometimes limited facilities.
Best Camping Sites Near Long Creek, South Carolina (465)
1. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground
69 ReviewsTallulah Falls, GA8 milesWebsite+1 (706) 754-7981$36 - $45 / night
"And the steps back up will challenge the most fit among us. But the views and experience is well worth the pain."
"Easy access to the North and south trail that leads you around/and down the gorge. Only complaint was campsites were not wide enough."
2. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground
59 ReviewsRabun Gap, GA12 milesWebsite+1 (706) 746-2141$20 - $255 / night
"We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."
"We stayed in one of the tent-only, walk-in sites. This was our first (and so far, only) walk-in tent camping experience as a family. I gotta say - there were challenges. "
3. Oconee State Park Campground
43 ReviewsTamassee, SC11 milesWebsite+1 (864) 638-5353"This state park is located in a beautiful part of South Carolina. There are a range of fun hiking trails. The cabins are rustic, but with all the amenities you need for a trip to the mountains."
"We spent 2 nights in one of the cabins in this beautiful state park during a road trip through South Carolina. And let me say, 2 nights was not enough! The cabin itself was very well kept."
4. River Falls at the Gorge
22 ReviewsLakemont, GA8 milesWebsite+1 (706) 754-0292"Located right on the River in Lakemont GA. This campground is in a perfect location next to lots of trails, waterfalls and amenities. The campground itself has an indoor and outdoor pool."
"Full hook ups in A section and then plenty more around the camp ground that offer all but sewage.
1 video of the gorge which is really close by and a nice hike"5. Devils Fork State Park Campground
52 ReviewsTamassee, SC21 milesWebsite+1 (864) 944-2639"The lake is amazing and it is called the Caribbean of South Carolina for a reason."
"There are few places in the southeast that are as beautiful as the crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee!"
6. Tugaloo State Park Campground
42 ReviewsFair Play, SC22 milesWebsite+1 (706) 356-4362$27 - $230 / night
"This gem is on Georgia South Carolina line and off the beaten path. Your will feel like you hit pay dirt here.
The park has a great feel and welcoming feel, excellent boat ramps and easy access."
"On the Georgia side Tugaloo State Park is Located on Lake Hartwell on the Georgia/South Carolina state line. "
7. Chau Ram County Park
10 ReviewsWestminster, SC9 milesWebsite+1 (864) 647-9286$20 / night
"Chau-Ram is a small 25-site campground in the SC mountains near the Georgia border. It is suitable for tents, pop-ups, and smaller RV."
"The spots are large, there are gorgeous hiking trails, waterfalls and rapids, and an area you can swim/tube in the river at your own risk of course."
8. Sarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
10 ReviewsSky Valley, GA11 miles$10 / night
"Access to the campground is a narrow partially-paved but well-maintained single lane road with only one area to pull over, so be careful when entering and exiting because if you meet another vehicle one"
"Definitely not a road to drive for those who aren't skilled in off road driving. We stayed in one of the back sites near the creek (I can't recall the number). Most of the sites were VERY secluded."
9. Burrells Ford
18 ReviewsHighlands, NC16 milesWebsite"A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina. After acquiring some extra gear for the kids, we headed up from Florida."
"Arrived to parking lot with bathroom (outhouse) with about a mile walk to campsites and river. We found semi secluded campsite beside the river equipped with firepit lantern post."
10. Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping
9 ReviewsTurnerville, GA10 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-6221$4 / night
"It offers a 3.5 mile trail to Panther Creek falls and if you want to hike all the way through to Yonah dam it is roughly 5.8 miles. Be warned, the trail after the falls is challenging."
"It was closed for covid for a bit so things are a little overgrown around the rec area. It’s $4 to park in the lot and I saw 3-4 spots to camp when i explored the rec center."
Recent Camping Photos near Long Creek, SC
912 Photos of 465 Long Creek Campgrounds
Suzanne E.
Chattooga River Lodge and Campground
Kevin R.
Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
Mike B.
Brasstown Falls - OVERNIGHT CAMPING NO LONGER PERMITTED
Robbie B.
Riley Moore Falls Campsite
Cheryl M.
Grapevine
Ethan B.
Blackwell Bridge
Myron C.
Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping
Rebekah C.
River Falls at the Gorge
River C.
River Campground, LLC
River C.
River Campground
Lauren T.
Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Tracy
Terrora Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Long Creek, SC
2042 Reviews of 465 Long Creek Campgrounds
Colin R.
GuideDesoto Falls Recreation Area
Very clean campsite but you do need to know a few things.
This is a very clean and well maintained camp site open all year, but there are a few things to consider.
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During off peak (November 1st to April 1st) there's no water and the rest rooms and showers are closed.
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This campsite is right next to the busy highway 19, so there's a lot of road noise especially at night.
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No cell service! Take your satellite communicator or Starlink with you in case of emergency.
If you are okay with these things, then this is the camp site for you.
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- Larry A.Guide
Lake Russell Recreation Area
Great place to camp.
This is a great USFS campground. Great fishing, Mountain biking and hiking. Most of the sites are small so I wouldn't recommend it for 5th wheels or large RVs.
- Mac W.
TravelerSarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Great alternative to the state parks
Camped in f150 with RTT, stayed at site 13 with plenty of room for any overlanding or tent campers. Sites 1-5 fairly close in section 1. Sites 6-13 good for tent or overlanding, sites 14-21 are clumped together at the end for tent/overlanding rig/campers. Small creek crossing, but very easy to cross. We saw a few trailer campers, nothing over 20 feet, and there was plenty of room, but the road is rough coming in, so doable if you’re brave.
Road is marked well off the main road, but is narrow with few pull off opportunities for passing. 1 mile of blacktop with 1* mile of hard pack gravel.
Single vault bathrooms and bear trash cans are at sites 1-5 and another at site 14-21, 5-10 minute walk either way from middle campsites.
Fire rings and picnic tables, well marked sites.
Site 22 is the last site we could find before crossing a more cumbersome creek crossing, just above sites 17-21. Creek accessible from most every campsite, with a few of the sites on the other side of ride (see rec.gov for waterfront specific sites)
Busy road for motorcycles/off road vehicles, but overall peaceful.
Reservations required, no service until almost back to town, so reserve ahead before heading to camp. Cash/envelope/paper tag system no longer present (seems to be the new norm)
- FFrances B.Scout
Vogel State Park Campground
Site 54
I was in a tent, not an RV. This spot is roomy and isn’t right on top of any other campers. Since no sites were to the east, I walked down to the creek with my chair to get away from people. It’s a very crowded campground, but quieter than expected, probably because the road to this site leads to a dead end. There’s a lot of road noise from Gainesville Hwy until dusk. The bathrooms are nearby and very clean.
Jeff P.GuideIndian Grave Gap Campsite
This is a great spot for anything up to an off-road teardrop
These sites are not where Dyrt says they are. The previous reviewer described them well and they have a couple of small creeks running past. Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road. This is one of those sites I'll probably return to
The true location is just south of the High Falls Trailhead. 34.80718,-83.72466
Camp With Me
LegendAndrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Small National Forest Campground
Andrews Cove Campground is a small and peaceful campground located about 6 miles north of Helen, Georgia in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. With only 10 sites, it offers a quiet mountain setting that’s perfect for tent campers looking to get away from the crowds. The campground is open from mid-March through late December and sits alongside a beautiful mountain stream that adds a relaxing natural sound throughout the area.
Facilities are simple, with vault toilets available, but campers should plan ahead and bring their own potable water since none is provided on site. One of the highlights of the campground is the nearby Andrews Cove Trail, a scenic 2-mile hike that connects to the Appalachian Trail. Overall, Andrews Cove Campground is a great spot for those looking for a rustic camping experience in the North Georgia mountains.
See all the sites and get a real feel for the place in our 360° video of the
https://youtu.be/chEtEX8cvfE
Sami G.TravelerSimple Life Mountain Retreat & Campground
Seeking Solace After Tail of The Dragon
As we are not locals to the Smokey Mountain Area, we found ourselves on what we NOW know is The Tail of the Dragon… a high speed, seemingly endless curvy beast of a road with sports cars and motorcycles. We thankfully stumbled upon Simple Life Camping and Cabins. Alan greeted us right away and was able to fit us in last minute and accommodated our 21ft motorhome before dusk. He is basically a walking directory for the area and has all of the amenities. Highly recommend taking a different route than HW 129 if you are wanting to cruise or if you have a large vehicle/motorhome.
Great place to camp & find solace!
Jonathan G.ScoutBlack Rock Mountain State Park Campground
A Quiet Mountain Escape at Black Rock Mountain State Park
Our tent camping trip at Black Rock Mountain State Park was absolutely beautiful. The park sits high in the mountains and offers incredible views, peaceful surroundings, and the kind of quiet that makes you slow down and really enjoy nature.
The campground itself was well kept, and everything felt organized and welcoming. One thing that really stood out was how friendly and helpful the staff were. Everyone we interacted with was kind and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
The bathrooms were very clean, which always makes a big difference when you’re tent camping. It’s clear the park staff takes pride in maintaining the facilities.
Between the fresh mountain air, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere, it was the perfect place to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. We would absolutely come back again and recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing mountain camping experience. 🏕️🌄
Guide to Long Creek
The Chattooga River region around Long Creek, South Carolina sits at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 3,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the area. Temperature variations between riverside campsites and mountain locations can differ by 10-15 degrees, especially during spring and fall seasons. Camping sites near Long Creek provide access to Class II-V whitewater sections along a 50-mile river corridor.
What to do
Waterfall hunting: 30-minute hikes from Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground offer views of multiple cascades. "We also visited the lake and the lookout to view the eclipse. Beautiful view of Clayton at night," reports Hanna P.
Trout fishing: Year-round opportunities in Burrells Ford for experienced anglers. "Good amount of camping with a short hike in. Sites are right on the Chatooga River. This river is stocked with trout. Fishing license is required but both SC and GA are acceptable as the river is the state line," notes Jason D.
Swimming: Natural pools form throughout the region with varying depths and water temperatures. "Great for swimming and Hammocking!" shares Elise W. about Burrells Ford's riverside spots.
Kayaking and tubing: Gentle sections available at River Falls at the Gorge. "The river is perfect for tubing. It is just a 30 min drive to Helen Ga which is a very popular area for tourism," explains Matt and Tabatha C.
What campers like
Seclusion: Mountain tent sites at Sarah's Creek Campground provide privacy not found at more developed locations. "Most of the sites were VERY secluded. We could see our neighbors in the distance, but not very well," says Rebekah C.
River sounds: Natural white noise masks human activity and creates peaceful sleeping conditions. "Sleep to the sound of the river even in August. The valley is cool at night. The river warmer than you'd expect," explains Ron K. about River Falls at the Gorge.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses exceed expectations for state and county parks. "The bathrooms were always clean and seem to have been recently redone," reports Jay B. who visited Oconee State Park Campground in June 2020.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk activity includes deer, turkey, and various bird species. "Some wilderness fields behind campsites 1-5 across creek, up hill, where you can see deer grazing on occasion," notes Hiking Diva about Sarah's Creek.
What you should know
Weather variability: Sudden changes affect river conditions and trail accessibility. "The road is easy enough but has a lot of dips and switchbacks; 4x2 is completely adequate, though could be tough in extremely wet conditions," warns Twan M. about Sarah's Creek.
Limited connectivity: Cell service gaps throughout the region require advance planning. "No internet service but did find certain areas on the roads up there that you could use your cell phone," mentions Thomas R. about Sarah's Creek Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What facilities and amenities are available at Long Creek campground?
What facilities and amenities are available at Long Creek campground?
Campgrounds in the Long Creek area offer various amenities. Tugaloo State Park Campground features spacious campsites with plenty of trees, excellent boat ramps, and easy water access. The park has a welcoming atmosphere and natural surroundings. Mile Creek County Park provides stunning views of Lake Keowee and the Blue Ridge Mountains, with sites spread across three connected islands surrounded by water. Many campgrounds in the region include bathroom facilities, while some offer additional amenities like playgrounds, basketball courts, and swimming pools.
Where is Long Creek campground located and how do I get there?
Where is Long Creek campground located and how do I get there?
Long Creek is located in the beautiful mountain region where Georgia and South Carolina meet. For nearby options, Lake Hartwell State Park Campground is just off I-85 at exit 1 in South Carolina, making it convenient for travelers. The area is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with several access points depending on which campground you choose. Willow Valley RV Resort is also easily accessible from both Atlanta and South Carolina, providing a convenient location for exploring the Long Creek area.
When is the best time to visit Long Creek campground and is it open year-round?
When is the best time to visit Long Creek campground and is it open year-round?
The best time to visit the Long Creek area is during spring through fall when weather conditions are optimal for outdoor activities. Oconee State Park Campground is popular for both summer vacations and fall events like Halloween. Some campgrounds in the region operate year-round, like portions of Lake Hartwell State Park where one loop remains open throughout all seasons. Devils Fork State Park is another excellent option with clear waters that earned it the nickname "Caribbean of South Carolina," making summer visits particularly appealing for water activities.
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