Camping in Georgia can take you to coastal waters, forested plateau, and the peaks of Appalachia, each with their own distinct terrain. The Empire of the South has long drawn people for its advancements in industry, but we at The Dyrt tend to favor the parts of the state that have more trees than traffic.
Looking for the perfect campgrounds in Georgia for your next peach state adventure? Plan your Georgia camping getaway with first-hand experiences from The Dyrt campers:
6 Georgia Campgrounds You’ll Love
From seaside solitude to ancient geological formations, Georgia campers divulge their favorite Georgia campgrounds for tapping into the Peach State’s natural sweetness.
1. For a double waterfall: Raven Cliff Falls Campground
Raven Cliff Falls is no ordinary waterfall. The stream, located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest of northern Georgia, cascades in a rare double stream through a granite outcrop fissure. Many visitors take the 5-mile looped trail along Dodd’s Creek to get a glimpse of the waterfall anomaly. If you’re particularly taken with Raven Cliff Falls, you can stay in its company and camp the night. Trailside camping spots are available as well as backcountry camping deeper in the wilderness.
“It feels like a very primitive spot with the ease of car camping. You have the choice to walk in further but it accommodates all campers. Be careful of the bears and always leave no trace.” —The Dyrt camper Katie H.
Things to do/see near Raven Cliff Falls:
- Clink your steins in the Bavarian town of Helen, Georgia
- “Shoot the Hooch” with Chattahoochee River tubing
- Get your thrills at Unicoi Zipline and Aerial Adventure Park
2. For deep gorge exploration: Tallulah Gorge State Park
At 2 miles long and 1,000 feet deep, Tallulah Gorge is one of the most dramatic geological formations in the eastern United States. The Tallulah River cuts through the gorge depths and forms several waterfalls, surrounded by towering quartzite granite cliffs. The daring can hover above the Gorge on an 80-foot suspension bridge, or obtain one of 100 daily permits to explore the deepest parts of the gorge. A paved path marked by a railroad bed from the 19th century provides a perfect trail for strollers and families with young children.
Campers can choose from more than 50 site-specific tent, trailer, and RV campsites across the 2,739-acre park, and make reservations directly on the Tallulah Gorge State Park website.
“This is honestly my favorite state park! If you have little ones, they have an education center that gives information about the park and wildlife. We went camping here in the fall and it was absolutely magical.” —The Dyrt camper Alyssa M.
Things to do/see near Tallulah Gorge State Park
- Learn some regional history at Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site
- Celebrate local artists at Tallulah Gallery
- Jump in the river with Cool River Tubing
3. For creek hikes: Victoria Bryant State Park
Just southeast of the more-tread Appalachian paths you’ll find Victoria Bryant State Park in Georgia’s upper Piedmont region. In the park’s expansive 502 acres, you’ll have plenty of space to cross creeks, fish in the ponds, relax in the shade of the hardwoods, or simply find your zen in the seclusion. There’s only one cottage for reserve, but 27 tent, trailer, and RV spots are also available.
“Victoria Bryant is hidden on Hwy 327, near Royston and, although a small campground, almost EVERY SITE IS PERFECT! The park offers bicycle rentals, a swimming pool, plenty of picnic areas, multiple spots to play in the creek and some great hiking trails!” —The Dyrt campers George & Patty C.
Things to do/see near Victoria Bryant State Park
- Play some golf at Highland Walk Golf Course
- Hit a bullseye at Victoria Bryant Archery Range
- Learn about a local hero at the Ty Cobb Museum
4. For wild horse viewing: Stafford Beach
Stafford Beach is perfect for a quick island-getaway camping trip. Located on Cumberland Island, the fact that this campsite is only accessible by ferry lends to its solitude. Despite its seclusion, you may find some company with the wild, free-roaming horses that inhabit this Southern island paradise. Explore the island on 50 miles of trails that wind through the diverse ecosystems, or take a stroll on the 17 miles of undeveloped beach.
Stafford Beach is considered a primitive option for Cumberland Island camping, so it’s imperative that you pack all of the food and water you’ll need for the duration of your trip, as well as a method to store it. Fires are permitted, but only in designated fire rings.
“I have lived next to Cumberland Island for 23 years. It is a must see for anyone that loves visiting a pristine island with wild horses and plenty of things to see!” —The Dyrt camper Ashley A.
Things to do/see near Stafford Beach
- Explore an eery old mansion at the Dungeness Ruins
- Marvel at the architecture of the Plum Orchard Mansion
- Catch up on island history at the Ice House Museum
5. For cave tours: Cloudland Canyon State Park
Cloudland Canyon, located in Northwest Georgia as part of the Rising Fawn State Park, accommodates camping activities that range from horseback riding to wild cave tours. You’ll have a variety of choices when reserving a campsite space at this Georgia campground, from cottage coziness to backcountry ruggedness. Meander through caverns, climb to great heights, or get your treasure hunt on with geocaching as you traverse the panoramic landscape.
“A small hike from the parking area, there’s plenty of space in these woods for a quaint and quiet stay. Our backcountry campground had a fire pit and even a picnic table, and was nestled beside a babbling brook.” —The Dyrt camper Anna M.
Things to do/see near Cloudland Canyon
- Take flight with Lookout Mountain Hang Gliding
- Catch a flick at Wilderness Outdoor Movie Theater
- Chill out and play at the Disc Golf Course
6. For hiking a Georgia landmark: Stone Mountain Park Campground
Go anywhere near Metro Atlanta and you’ll probably notice the gray, oblong mass towering at 1,686 feet. Stone Mountain is a distinctive part of the Georgia landscape as one of the largest masses of exposed granite in the world (though it’s also comprised of quartz). Georgia history is carved right into the side of the mountain in the form of three Confederate Civil War figures.
There’s a massive 3,200-acre family theme park structured around the mountain, but some of the land is offset for camping. The 125 tent sites are equipped with partial hookups for water and electric, in addition to 46 primitive sites. There’s even a glamping option in the fully-furnished yurts, which are available for reservation.
“We have stayed at Stone Mountain Park campground three times now. We never run out of things to do. We bring our kayaks, and our kabota. You have the lake you can rent a kayak paddleboard or a canoe, there is a golf course, stone mountain laser light show, trails to hike, an area for children to adventure into, and much much more.” –The Dyrt camper Ronna W.
Things to do/see around Stone Mountain
- Catch fireworks at the Laser Show Spectacular
- View Stone Mountain from the Summit Sky Ride
- Hike up the Cherokee Trail
Related Articles:
- Camping Guide to Indian Springs State Park
Related Campgrounds:
- Shady Grove Campground, Cumming, GA
- Okefenokee Swamp Camping, Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, GA
- Jekyll Island Camping, Brunswick, GA
- Shoal Creek Campground, GA