10 Best Places for Camping in North Georgia Mountains

Are you looking for an exciting and unforgettable adventure? Try camping in the North Georgia mountains.

This region has tall trees, fast rivers, and majestic mountains. It’s the perfect place for any outdoor adventurer. Here are the best places for camping in North Georgia’s Mountains!

Overview of Camping in Northern Georgia’s Mountains

Do you like roughing it in a tent or prefer RV parks and campgrounds with a hint of luxury? The North Georgia mountains have something for everyone.

Below is more information on the best campgrounds in North Georgia! Along with expert highlights handpicked for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Most are open year-round, but all provide you a unique camping experience!

Table: Best Campgrounds in North Georgia Mountains

Name	Info	Amenities & Highlights	Open Hours and Season	Reservations	Nearest Town	Google Rating
Cooper Creek	Unmissable Adventure in North Georgia mountains	15 campsites diverse activities, creek fishing	24 hours / Yearlong	Required	Blairsville, GA
Desoto Falls Recreation	Best Scenic Views with year-round river trail camping	Limited season amenities, scenic waterfalls, hiking	24 hours / Yearlong	Required	Cleveland, GA
Fort Mountain State Park	Prime Destination for Hikers	Backcountry sites, autumn views, lakeside beach	Check for primitive sites	Some locations	Chatsworth, GA
Tallulah Gorge State Park	A Wonderous Climb to Georgia’s Natural Wonder	Hike to gorge floor, suspension bridge, ecosystem	Year-round from 8 a.m.	Required	Tallulah Falls, GA
Amicalola Falls State Park	Primitive Camping Gateway with a 729-foot waterfall	Hiking, RV and tent sites, lodge activities	Year-round, Daylight hours	Required	Dawsonville, GA
Andrew’s Cove Camground	Great camping in Helen, GA	Hiking trail, stream for fishing	Limited Season	None, walk-in site	Helen, GA
Vogel State Park	Rich With History and Amenities	Cottages, RV sites, lake, historical sites	Year-round	Review on website	Blairsville, GA
Black Rock Mountain State	Up in the Clouds with Scenic Views	Hiking trails, fishing, camping options	Year-round, 7 a.m.– 10 p.m.	Required	Clayton, GA
Talona Ridge RV Resort	Luxury in the Mountains for RVers	Upscale resort amenities, mountain views	Check-in 1-4 daily	Required	East Ellijay, GA
Cloudland Canyon State	All-Around Pick with stunning scenery	Camping options, hiking trails, cave tours	24 hours / Yearlong	Required	Lafayette, GA

Best Primitive Camping Sites in North Georgia Mountains

Heading out into nature’s vast wilderness can lead to some of the best camping experiences. North Georgia has a variety of primitive sites that are perfect for those wanting to escape it all.

You’ll find remote backcountry areas and secluded lakeside spots. All these campgrounds offer breathtaking views and some of the most pristine landscapes in the country.

1. Cooper Creek: Unmissable Adventure

Cooper Creek Campground is the perfect place for camping and the thrill of adventure!

There are 15 campsites that include waterfront options.

Anglers can fish creeks and trout streams filled with wild and stocked trout. Campers can engage in all types of recreational activities like: camping, hiking, trout fishing, and hunting.

Expert highlights on Cooper Creek

Cooper Creek Campground provides essential amenities, such as:

• two vault toilets
• picnic tables
• tent pads
• and campfire rings.

But the campground does not offer flush toilets, showers, hook-ups, or dump stations.

Drinking water is available only during the peak season from April 1st to October 31st. The Cooper Creek Store is about 5 miles south of the campground and has camping supplies.

• Open hours: 24 hours / Yearlong
• Fees: Vary depending on season
• Reservations: Required
• Nearest Town: Blairsville, GA.

Website Link for Cooper Creek

Location: Forest Service Rd 236, Suches, GA 30572

2. Desoto Falls Recreation Area: Best Scenic Views

Desoto Falls is a scenic area located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. With a mild climate and a spectacular fall season, it’s an ideal place to relax and see nature at its finest.

It offers year-round access to stunning river trail camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains, along Frogtown Creek.

Don’t forget your hiking shoes!

You want to trek the 3-mile section of the trail with five beautiful waterfalls. Enjoy the lower, middle, and upper DeSoto Falls, with the middle falls being the most scenic.

Expert highlights on Desoto Falls Recreation Area

During a limited season, the campground offers amenities such as:

• drinking water
• warm showers
• flush toilets
• centrally located hydrants for your convenience

Yearlong amenities include:

• a picnic area
• picnic tables
• fire rings
• lantern posts
• and garbage services

In the lower loop, there is a bathhouse with warm water, outdoor showers, and a flush facility.

Additionally, there is a vault toilet in the upper loop, a short walk from most campsites.

There are no hookups or a dump station available in the campground.

• Open hours: 24 hours / Yearlong
• Fees: Vary depending on season
• Reservations: Required
• Nearest Town: Cleveland, GA

Website Link for Desoto Falls Recreation Area

Location: 18365 US-129, Cleveland, GA 30528

3. Fort Mountain State Park: Best for Hikers

Fort Mountain State Park is a 3,712-acre Georgia state park located between Chatsworth and Ellijay.

Founded in 1938, it’s named aafter an ancient 885-foot-long rock wall on the peak.

The park is deep in the woods outside Chatsworth. The four backcountry campsites provide privacy and seclusion.

The park boasts over 50 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails.

These trails wind through its beautiful landscape, which makes it #1 for campers who love to trek.

Expert highlights on Fort Mountain State Park

Each campsite has a fire ring, but campers need to bring their own gear.

Backcountry sites 3 (Moonshine) and 4 (Rock Creek) offer amazing autumn views of the Chatsworth Valley area.

It is a top spot for hikers, backpackers, and leaf peepers seeking fall foliage.

In the summer, you can chill out on the lakeside beach.

The reserve type is specific to tent camping only, and you can check in and out at 1:00 p.m. with a maximum stay of 14 nights.

You can bring up to 6 people, and dogs are allowed. Just note that there’s no water available.

• Open hours: Check for primitive sites.
• Fees: Vary depending on season
• Reservations: Some locations required
• Nearest Town: Chatsworth, Georgia 

Website Link for Fort Mountain State Park, GA

Location: 181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705

4. Tallulah Gorge State Park – A Wonderous Climb

Tallulah Gorge is one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders!

This stunning canyon in the eastern U.S spans two miles and is a whopping 1,000 feet deep.

Visitors can hike rim trails or get a permit to hike to the gorge floor.

An 80-foot suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of the river and six waterfalls.

The park showcases the area’s history and delicate ecosystem, including protected species. Camping at Tallulah Gorge State Park is the best option for exploring the gorge.

The park offers tent and RV sites on the rim of the steep canyon. It also has a group site and three hike-in backcountry sites.

Expert highlights on Tallulah Gorge State Park

Tallulah Gorge State Park offers compact campsites with amenities like:

• toilets
• showers
• laundry facilities.

If you are a hike-in camper, you need to do so two hours before dark, and there is no water available.

The main attraction is hiking down to Sliding Rock, but they only give 100 permits per day. And it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis. So be sure to secure your permit early!

Climbing wall permits are available seasonally as well.

Don’t forget to check out the suspension bridge on the Hurricane Falls Trail for a stunning view of the waterfall from 80 feet above.

• Open hours: Year-round from 8 a.m. until sundown
• Fees: Vary
• Reservations: Required and fills up fast!
• Nearest Town: Tallulah Falls, GA

Website Link for Tallulah Gorge State Park

Location: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Rd, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573

5. Amicalola Falls State Park – Primitive Camping on the Trails

Amicalola Falls State Park serves as a gateway to primitive camping in Georgia’s mountains.

It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia, located in the lush Chattahoochee National Forest.

The park boasts a 729-foot waterfall, the state’s tallest.

It’s a 7.5-mile hike from the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain. Shorter hikes offer stunning views of the falls, forest, and ridges. T

he Amicalola Falls Lodge provides 24 campsites for RVs and tents, equipped with:

• utilities
• fire rings
• tables
• and gravel pads.

Situated in the mountains north of Dawsonville, the park is a popular starting point for day trips and overnight adventures into the Appalachian backcountry.

Remote camping sites are available in the mountains above the park.

Expert highlights on Amicalola Falls

If you are a thrill-seeker with a nod toward comfort, you are still in luck. The Amicolola Falls Lodge was built for you.

You can experience thrilling zip-lining, guided hikes, and breathtaking views of Amicalola Falls at the Georgia State Park.

Discover local wildlife in the Birds of Prey Show and enjoy interactive activities like GPS scavenger hunts and 3-D archery. With catch-and-release fishing and regular wildlife sightings, it is a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers!

• Open hours: Year-round, Daylight hours.
• Fees: Vary
• Reservations: Required – from lodge to backcountry sites!
• Nearest Town: Dawsonville, GA 

Website Link for Amicalola Falls State Park

Location: 418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534

6. Andrew’s Cove Campground – Right outside Helen, GA

Andrew’s Cove Campground is a short drive from the popular tourist town of Helen, Georgia!

It’s one of the walk-in campsites located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. There is a 2-mile long hiking trail, Andrews Cove Trail.

There’s a small fishing stream where brown and rainbow trout can be found. Make sure you have a Georgia fishing license and trout stamp though.

Standard amenities include a grill, picnic table, and lantern post, along with a centralized hand pump for drinking water. This is a great location for those wanting a return-to-nature camping experience

• Open hours: 24 hours / March – October (check details here).
• Fees: Vary, but under $20
• Reservations: No. First come first serve basis
• Nearest Town: Helen, GA

Website Link for Andrew’s Cove Campground

Location: Unicoi Turnpike, Helen, GA 30545

Best Campground / RV Sites:

Campground and RV camping are very popular outdoor activities in North Georgia. And they cater to a wide range of interests.

There are dozens of excellent campsites to choose from, so deciding which ones to visit can be challenging.

In the picturesque North Georgia mountains, camping enthusiasts will find a variety. These campgrounds blend natural beauty with modern amenities.

From stunning mountain views to well-equipped facilities, these campgrounds offer a convenient and comfortable way to connect with nature. 

7. Vogel State Park: Rich With History

Vogel State Park is as one of the most beautiful and accessible spots in the North Georgia Mountains!

It offers a wide range of amenities, such as:

• over 150 campsites with water and electric hookups
• a swimming beach
• playgrounds
• and picnic areas.

Vogel State Park is at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. This is one of Georgia’s oldest and most beloved state parks. It provides both cottages and dozens of campsites with electric hookups.

Visitors can also enjoy the park’s 22-acre lake and mountain-view beach. This park was built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. And this park holds a rich historical significance.

Expert highlights on Vogel State Park

You can rent just about anything here, including bicycles, boats, canoe/kayaks, paddleboats, and even RV’s.

Accommodations include 34 cottages and 90 RV campsites.

Additionally, there are various amenities such as:

• picnic shelters
• a group shelter
• a lake pavilion
• a sand beach (seasonal)
• a CCC Museum (seasonal)
• a general store
• a playground
• and Wi-Fi access.

Guests staying in the cottages can also enjoy the Roku streaming service.

• Open hours: Year-round
• Fees: Vary
• Reservations: Review on website
• Nearest Town: Blairsville, GA

Website Link for Vogel State Park

Location: 405 Vogel State Park Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512

8. Black Rock Mountain State Park – Up in the Clouds

Black Rock Mountain State Park is the highest state park in Georgia! It sits at an elevation of 3,640 feet, providing cooler weather compared to other parts of the state.

Explore the 1,743 acres of natural beauty and make lasting memories in Clayton, GA.

There are four other peaks in the area, reaching over 3,000 feet.

The park boasts 11 miles of hiking trails, offering impressive views along the way.

The small lake within the park is ideal for fishing rainbow trout, catfish, and bream.

Whether you prefer cottages, camping, or backpacking, you can experience the beauty of this park.

Accommodation options include the Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground. This has 44 pitches for tents and RVs, as well as four tent-only walk-in backcountry sites for those seeking privacy.

This provides refreshing air, breathtaking scenery, and stunning 80-mile vistas.

Expert highlights on Black Rock Mountain State Park

Explore the 1,743 acres of natural beauty and make lasting memories in Clayton, GA.

• Open hours: Year-round, 7 a.m.– 10 p.m.
• Fees: Vary
• Reservations: Required – check weather before booking!
• Nearest Town: Clayton, GA 

Website Link for Black Rock Mountain State Park

Location: 3085 Black Rock Mountain Pkwy, Mountain City, GA 30562

9. Talona Ridge RV Resort – Luxury in the Mountains

Talona Ridge RV Resort is the luxury gateway to the North Georgia Mountains!

Enjoy the heated pool and hot tub, or play pickleball on the courts. The resort offers breathtaking 360° mountain views. And it is the perfect upscale spot for luxury motorhomes to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of life.

It is in East Ellijay and an hour and 20 minutes north of Atlanta.

It’s an upscale and high-end RV resort where guests can escape and relax in the mountains.

This resort is big-rig friendly and has oversized concrete pads, full hookups at each site, Wi-Fi, and more.

Expert highlights on Talona Ridge RV Resort

Each site is 45-100 feet in length, 20-25 feet wide, paved, and perfect for a variety of large RVs.

The resort amenities include:

• a fitness center
• heated pool and hot tub
• pickle ball courts
• a dog par
• indoor dog washing station
• outdoor grills and pavilions
• Grandview Hall, the centerpiece of Talona Ridge.

While you’re in Ellijay, there’s a lot to explore in this small mountain town!

Enjoy things like:

1. local wineries and vineyards
2. tubing down the river
3. hometown restaurants
4. apple orchards, and more!

• Open hours: Check-in 1-4 daily except Christmas and Thanksgiving
• Fees: Vary
• Reservations: Required
• Nearest Town: East Ellijay, GA

Website Link for Talona Ridge RV Resort

Location: 723 Highland Pkwy, East Ellijay, GA 30540

10. Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground – All-Around Pick

Cloudland Canyon State Park is located on Lookout Mountain’s western edge! It offers stunning scenery, excellent hiking opportunities, and a rich history.

Explore the deep gorge carved by Sitton Gulch Creek, marvel at the cascading waterfalls, and take in breathtaking views of the canyon.

Choose from various RV accommodation options and enjoy outdoor activities.

Discover the park’s fascinating history, including its role in the Civil War. And don’t miss the chance to witness the striking Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls.

Cloudland Canyon State Park guarantees a memorable and immersive experience in nature with something for everyone.

Expert highlights on Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

This park offers a wide range of recreational activities and amenities. These include:

• camping options
• picnic shelters
• biking trails
• cave tours
• fishing
• hiking
• horseback riding and more!

It also features a gift shop, playground, and opportunities for geocaching.

Weddings can be held with park approval. And there is an All-Terrain Georgia Action Track Chair available.

• Open hours: 24 hours / Yearlong
• Fees: Vary depending on season
• Reservations: Required
• Nearest Town: Lafayette, GA

Website Link for Cloud Canyon State Park

Location: 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Conclusion to Camping in North Georgia Mountains

Camping in the North Georgia mountains is sure to be a memorable experience for any outdoor enthusiast. From breathtaking mountain views to rushing river adventures, there’s something for everyone in this region. Whether you prefer to rough it in a tent or enjoy the amenities of an RV park, the North Georgia mountains have a wide range of campgrounds to choose from. Remember to take in the natural beauty and wildlife of the area, and visit some of the historic sights to fully appreciate all this region has to offer. Happy exploring!

FAQ

Where are some of the best hiking trails in North GA? 

One popular trail is the Appalachian Trail, starting in Fannin County and spanning 71 miles through the mountains. Another stunning option is the Raven Cliff Falls Trail in the Chattahoochee National Forest, featuring a moderate 2.5-mile hike with picturesque waterfall and cliff views.

What are some river adventures I can do in North GA? 

For water fun, tubing down the Toccoa River is a must-do activity in the North Georgia mountains. Bring your own tube or rent from local outfitters in Blue Ridge for a relaxing day in the sun with beautiful river views. For more adventure, consider renting kayaks or canoes to explore the rushing river rapids.

What are some of the wildlife I can expect to see in North GA? 

The North Georgia mountains are home to various wildlife, including black bears, coyotes, and deer. Wildlife watching is a popular activity, but remember to respect their space and avoid feeding them. Cade’s Cove Loop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a prime spot for wildlife sightings, including bears and deer.

What are some historic sites I can see in North GA?

The North Georgia mountains have a rich history, with notable sites to visit. One must-see location is the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, showcasing the area’s gold mining history with exhibits and a working stamp mill. Another historic site is the Old Sautee Store in Sautee Nacoochee, a preserved museum highlighting life in a 19th-century general store.

What are some other campsites closer to Atlanta, GA?

Don Carter State Park and Chattahoochee Bend State Park are two popular spots for camping closer to Atlanta. Don Carter State Park is located on Lake Lanier in Gainsville, and is perfect for paddling, fishing, swimming, and biking. Chattahoochee Bend State Park is located in Newnan, on a bend of the Chattahoochee River and offers activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, and more. Both parks have great primitive camping sites as well as RV hookups.