Tony M.
Scout
ScoutLazy Turtle Campground & Cabins
Lazy turtle RV camping
Very clean and beautiful campground. Brand new toilets and showers. Camping sites are fairly small. I would camp here again.
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 (470)
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
58 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
44 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
43 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
910 Photos of 470 Long Creek Campgrounds
Suzanne E.
Chattooga River Lodge and Campground
Myron C.
Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
Mike B.
Brasstown Falls - OVERNIGHT CAMPING NO LONGER PERMITTED
Robbie B.
Riley Moore Falls Campsite
Myron C.
Grapevine
Ethan B.
Blackwell Bridge
Myron C.
Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping
Cassondra P.
River Falls at the Gorge
River C.
River Campground, LLC
River C.
River Campground
Laura Z.
Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Tracy
Terrora Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Long Creek, SC
2044 Reviews of 470 Long Creek Campgrounds
PhD B.ScoutDoc’s Medow
Free Dispersed Camping - Meadow
Easy walk in from parking lot to meadow with free dispersed camping spots along the Sam Knob Trail
- AAlyssaScout
Trackrock Campground & Cabins
Great place for families
We stayed at one of the tent sites. Power and water at each side was a huge bonus. They had converters you could borrow for free for the plug. Bathrooms are old, but very well maintained and clean. For kids there’s 2 playgrounds, a fishing/ swimming pond, hiking trails. They told us they can also do pony rides but we never made it to the stables. We loved our stay and would definitely go back!
Cindy W.ScoutTugaloo State Park Campground
Awesome campground
Loved this campground... Extra clean facilities. The atmosphere here felt serene and calm. Thoroughly enjoyed this relaxing trip. Would recommend this place!
- NNoah W.
TravelerVan Hook Glade
Elevated Retreat
The Van Hook Glade campground was very well maintained and offered an abundance of privacy and seclusion with close access to Highlands, showers, and a large public recreation area. The entire site was well kept and the camp hosts were diligent in their duties, while providing privacy. I stayed for two nights and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. We went the first week of May and were able to enjoy the campground practically alone.
Ruby C.
GuideSunburst Campground
Remote Roadside & River Campground
The river nearby this campsite was absolutely unreal! Definitely made staying here worthwhile. Upon arrival, our site (02) has a tag with my name and our reserved days we are staying, and there was no need for us to check in. We reserved our site via recreation.gov, where it was $33, which is different than previous reviews but still very much worth it nonetheless. The campsites are snuggled in, but only in one line (only neighbors to your sides, not in front and behind you). Many small RVs and some tent campers too. Seemed to be a place well loved by families with its large picnic tables and shaded grassy areas. There were some educational signs around the area, including one about how the area can be prone to flash floods.
The river by the campground can be heard, but not seen from camp, but is a short walk down to the swimming area. The river was stunning and many folks were there enjoying it for the day & weekend. You can hear the river all night, with only accompanying vehicle noise from the main road next to the campground.
We were surprised to find the restroom facilities were not operational, and fallen into kinda rough shape but there was a portalet (portable toilet) available for the public visiting the swimming area and the campers staying overnight. Not the end of the world but something to keep in mind. Also, we had no signal in this area (which was a plus for us haha!), but there seemed to be a satellite nearby if needed. Overall, this little remote roadside & riverside site was well worth the adventure.
Carol J.GuideSadlers Creek State Park Campground
Beautiful setting
Spent 3 nights in loop 1 #14. Site was smaller than expected but made it work. Campground is clean and well maintained, bathrooms clean with good water pressure and hot water. Rangers did the rounds every few hours in truck, but only in office 4-5 pm daily. Site held up well (no rivers) during thunderstorms.
Chris V.TravelerVogel State Park Campground
Gem of the State Park system
Vogel has always been one of our favorites. We have camped here for more than 50 years. Vogel has been around for over 95 years and the state has done a really good job maintaining and improving the park. They have redone most of the sites within the last several years. Because the campground is so old, the roads can be narrow and the sites a challenge for the giant rigs that have become popular today. There is a new visitor center with great views of the lake. During our April 2026 visit, the lake was completely drained for maintenance on the dam.
Vogel is one of the few campgrounds where you can actually camp under a dense canopy of old trees. If you want to escape the campgrounds that feel like you are parked in a Walmart parking lot, give Vogel a try.
Nathan P.ScoutIron Horse Motorcycle Lodge & Resort
Ironhorse motorcycle lodge is great!
As always its the best . The people are not only awesome but very helpful and understanding. All very kind and just a joy to be around . Facilities are perfect and everything is better than I can hope each time.
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.
Keep Exploring