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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.
"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."
from $36 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 - $255 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
"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!"
"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. "
from $27 - $265 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $4 / night
Check Availability
GuideThe spot I found wasn’t the same site I heard in the reviews. It was a peaceful stay near a creek. It looked like an opening on the other side of the creek if you crossed it but I wasn’t about that life that night lol it was late.
GuideWe have been here a few times and love it. The hosts are kind and check on everyone throughout the day. There is a lot of room between the camp sites. There is a lot to do in the area. The bathrooms are clean and grounds well maintained.
GuideWe have been to this location several times and never had a bad experience. The staff are wonderful. The grounds are well maintained. The environment is beautiful. Kids are safe and there is a lot for everyone to do.
RangerEnjoyed a week long stay in late July, being at a higher elevation the weather was great. Sunny and comfortable during the day and cool crisp evenings in the 60's.
The access road is a bit steep but wasn't too bad for our RAM 4x4 pulling a 21 ft. trailer.
There are some larger sites but many of them are on the short side so be sure to confirm it will be deep enough for your needs before reserving.
I have to give a big kudos for the volunteer camp hosts on site, one night at dark there was a storm/tornada watch issues and the hosts and park ranger went to every site and advised everyone to seek shelter in the bathhouses.
The storm passed in about an hour and everyone was safe, but it is GREAT to know that the staff responded in a professional manner to assure everyone's safety.
Loved our stay, everyone was friendly and pleasant, hope we can get back again soon.
ScoutI haven’t finished my stay but so far so good… It has all the basics that are needed. Toilet, shower, drinking water… The noise is minimal and what should be expected at a campground. The staff are very attentive. A storm rolled through and they were through right as it was over to make sure everyone was alright.
TravelerOriginally intended to do some car camping after a day of hiking but I ended up reserving a camp site and grabbing a tent from a near by Walmart and I enjoyed every minute of it. This may not matter to most but it may matter to some...I am a black male and although I didn't see many people that looked like me, everyone was extremely friendly. Definitely got a lot more attention than I would have liked but at least I knew pple were looking out for me lol. Beautiful scenery, fun trails, fishing, a full outdoor experience.
TravelerThe campground is in a great location and is beautifully maintained. The hosts, Anne and Chris, are very friendly and gave us great recommendations for local activities.
It is now one of my favorite campgrounds and I highly recommend it.
ScoutWe rented Andy’s RV and had a great time! Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate until the end of our trip, but the camper was superb. Fully stocked with everything we needed - even the makings for s’mores. If you’re looking for a campground with lots of amenities, this is not for you. If you want a great, peaceful place to stay on the river, it’s perfect. Nearby attractions in Franklin and Cherokee. 5+ stars!!
ScoutWe absolutely loved our experience at Black Forest. The owners genuinely care about your stay. They were only about half full when we went so they suggested a couple different sites for us to be spaced out from other people for privacy. When we arrived at our site we called the desk and asked if we could actually move to the one right next to it and they said sure no problem. Even if you were right next to others there are trees for at least a visual barrier at most sites. And you are fully in the woods so it isn’t that RV park feel. The bathhouses are clean and well maintained. The store at the check-in has everything you may have forgotten and the prices are actually reasonable. This place is very close to the restaurants on cedar mountain, less than 10 minute drive to everything. This was our first trip with our new 29ft camper trailer and I was nervous about backing into the site, but the way they have them set up you have plenty of room so it’s easy. The internet was a little spotty so we weren’t able to work remotely as planned but for us it wasn’t a big deal and we had enough cell service to send texts here and there. I read that the pool is heated but it was pretty cold!! But the weather was very hot when we were here so we didn’t mind that at all, we loved the pool.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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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