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Camping in North Georgia: The Best Spots


Louise D.

Tugaloo State Park

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Located on the banks of Lake Hartwell are more than 100 campsites at Tugaloo State Park. Each of these campsites comes with picnic tables, fire rings, grills, water, and electricity hookups. Eleven of these campsites are designated for tent camping and are within close proximity to shower facilities and a comfort station, just like the other campsites.

Visitors to Tugaloo State Park can also enjoy swimming in Lake Hartwell, canoeing, boating, and fishing. In addition, the park also has various hiking opportunities, a volleyball court, and a tennis court.

James H. Floyd State Park

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James H. Floyd State Park is situated next to the Chattahoochee National Forest which is overflowing with breathtaking scenery. In addition to fantastic hiking opportunities there are also two stocked lakes ready for canoeing, boating, and fishing.

There are 24 RV sites that are back-in sites or pull-throughs with water and electricity hookups. These sites are also suitable for trailers or tents and come with a fire ring, a picnic table, and a grill.

There are also four backcountry campsites and a pioneer campground that is suitable for groups. One of the most unique and beautiful North Georgia attractions is within a few miles of the campground, Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden.

Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

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The Red Top Mountain State Park is located on Lake Allatoona which is the closest lake to Atlanta, Georgia. This state park has 93 campsites equipped for RVs, trailers, and tents, many of which have water and electricity hookups.

There is also a pioneer site for tent camping that has direct lake access, a fire ring, three picnic tables, and a water spigot.

There are many great opportunities to hike and several water sports to choose from. Hiking in the park is varied and includes the challenging Homestead Trail and the much more relaxed and easy Lakeside Trail.

Fort Mountain State Park

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Fort Mountain State Park is a fantastic place to go camping in North Georgia. It is the home of several historical sites and striking natural beauty. There are several hookup RV sites, as well as some trailer and tent camping sites (70 in total). You also find a fire ring, grill, and picnic table at these sites.

In addition to standard camping you can also try one of the four backcountry campsites, three pioneer campsites, six platform campsites, and four walk-in sites.

Some favorite sites to enjoy in the park are the famous stone rock wall (which native Appalachian Folklore states was erected by a mythical race called the Moon-Eyed people) and the stone fire tower that was erected by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935.

Other activities to enjoy in the park are miniature golf, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking.

Don Carter State Park

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Don Carter State Park is the first state park on Lake Lanier and the newest state park in Georgia. Lake Lanier is one of the largest lakes in Georgia (at 38,000 acres), so there are a lot of water sports opportunities to enjoy. Some examples of these water sports are paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing, and boating

There is also horseback riding and an extensive array of hiking trails to choose from.

When it comes to camping in North Georgia, this park is well equipped with around 44 trailer, tent, and RV camping sites that are equipped with hookup points for electricity and water. Each site also has a fire ring, grill, and picnic table.

Deep Hole Campground

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When it comes to campgrounds in North Georgia, Deep Hole is smaller than the rest of the campgrounds on our list. However, the scenery is magnificent and since the grounds are on the Toccoa River there some great watersports to enjoy.

Deep Hole has nine campsites and each site has a lantern post, picnic table, and grill. None of the campsites are hookup sites and there is no dump station available. However, there is a double vault toilet on the grounds.

The Toccoa River offers some great fishing spots that are kept stocked with trout by the Chattahoochee National Forest Fish Hatchery. Within a 10-minute drive from the campground you can find Rock Creek and Coopers Creek, both of which are great for trout fishing. Canoeing is also great on the Toccoa River Canoe Trail, that starts at the Deep Hole Recreation Area and ends at the Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area.

Fall in the North Georgia mountains opens up striking views of the fall foliage which makes this campground ideal for nature photographers. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to catch a break in the serenity of nature then this is the ideal campground for you.

Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground

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There are a number of campsites in Tallulah Gorge State Park nestled among a dynamic landscape in the North Georgia mountains. Each of the 50 campsites provides a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and electric and water hookups for RVs, trailers, and tents.

The park also has a large pioneer campground that is suited to 25 people with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. There are also three backcountry Adirondack Shelters.

This northeast Georgia state park is on the Tallulah River which means plenty of opportunity for water activities and hiking, including biking, swimming, picnicking, and canoeing. By far the most popular attraction is the Tallulah Gorge at 2 miles long and 1,000 feet deep.

If you want to get a closer look you can hike up the rim trails or get a permit to attempt the gorge floor. Remember, only 100 permits are issued daily, so if you want to catch one make sure to make your move early.

You can also enjoy the suspension bridge that gives hikers a spectacular view of the gorge and its many waterfalls.

Moccasin Creek Campground

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Like many other campgrounds in North Georgia on this list, there are several easy-access opportunities for water activities. It is next to Lake Burton and Moccasin Creek.

In addition to RV sites there are also trailer and tent sites, all of which are equipped with a fire ring, grill, picnic table, and water and electricity hookups. You can choose from a campsite close to Lake Burton or the ones on Moccasin Creek. There are also picnic shelters, a playground, a beach volleyball court, laundry facilities, two comfort stations, and a dump station. There are also paddleboard rentals available, canoes, fishing piers, and a boat launch ramp.

The best views of the park can be enjoyed via the Hemlock Falls Trail that leads through the Chattahoochee National Forest as well as the Moccasin Creek and its breathtaking waterfalls. In addition, there is a Wildlife loop trail that is great for a relaxed afternoon walk. This trail leads to the Wildlife Observation Tower, where you can expect to see snakes, deer, and birds, or even a black bear occasionally.

Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground

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The Cloudland Canyon State Park is one of the biggest ones on our list, and remains one of the biggest state parks in the state. It is also one of the most scenic places to go camping in North Georgia.

The terrain in the park is dynamic and includes canyons, caves, sandstone cliffs, and woodlands. Of the 72 campsites, all are equipped with water and electricity hookups, fire rings, grills, a picnic table, and some have sewer hookups too. This includes all RV, trailer, and tent sites. On top of these amenities there are also 30 walk-in sites that have access to shower, restrooms, and water facilities, as well as a fire ring, grill, and picnic table.

There are also four pioneer sites for large groups, and 13 backcountry campsites. That being said, most people go camping to enjoy some outdoor recreation, and Cloudland Canyon will not disappoint. The scenery is breathtaking and you can take it all in via horseback riding, biking trails, or hiking some of the fantastic trails on offer.

If you’re looking to enjoy some wildflowers try the Sitton’s Gulch Trail, or the Overlook Trail to catch some views. If you want to check some scenic waterfalls, you can do the Waterfalls Trail which leads you to both Hemlock Falls and Cherokee Falls.

Lake Conasauga Campground

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Lake Conasauga Recreation Area is in the Chattahoochee National Forest on the summit of Grassy Mountain. There you will find lovely lakes and rustic, remote camping experiences for the whole family.

This is a great place for camping in North Georgia due to the 31 sites arranged along two loops. These sites are all equipped with a grill, lantern post, and picnic tables. There are several drinking water stations available throughout the camp, as well as two restrooms with flush toilets.

No reservations are accepted for any of these sites as all are first-come, first-serve. So it is best to get there early. If you do miss out on the main sites you could be lucky enough to catch one of the overflow sites that only have a grill, picnic table, and tent pad.

The Lake Conasauga campground is often home to overnight guests on their way on an adventure into the Cohutta Wilderness. Regardless, the campground itself also has a lot to offer. There are swimming and boating opportunities are Lake Conasauga along with fishing and several hiking trails.

Unicoi State Park Campground

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Unicoi is at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains where you can enjoy all of the scenic attractions at one of the best places for camping in North Georgia.

There are a number of hiking trails, but you can also go river tubing down the Chattahoochee River, or you can visit one of the German restaurants of “Georgia’s Alpine Village”. The most popular hiking trails in the state park are the Smith Creek Trail and the Unicoi Lake loop trail. If you’re looking for something even more exciting you can go mountain biking through the forests and woodland paths.

Unicoi state park offers almost 100 campsites with different levels of amenities. There are also some RV hookup spots, including sewer hookup with the standard picnic table, grill, and fire ring.

There are also some primitive campsites for tent campers with a picnic table, fire ring, and a place to grill.

Additionally, there are some unique cabin rentals available in this state park. Or you can try the Squirrel’s Nest platforms, where you can sleep under the stars in your sleeping bag or hammock.

DeSoto Falls Campground

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In the Chattahoochee National Forest you can sample the DeSoto Falls Scenic Area campground. Both the popular Upper Falls and DeSoto North Georgia waterfalls are within walking distance, or you can go trout fishing at Frogtown Creek.

Some of the 23 campsites are equipped with lantern posts, fire rings, and picnic tables. The lower loop has more amenities including flush toilets and warm showers and the upper loop only has a centrally located vault toilet. You can also find a dumpster on the grounds and centrally located water hydrants.

Vogel State Park Campground

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One of Georgia’s oldest state parks is Vogel State Park, making it a great place to experience a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and history.

In terms of camping, there are 90 sites suitable for RVs, trailers, or tents, and each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring, gravel pad, and electric and water hookups. There are also 18 walk-in sites without hookups, but with gravel pads, and an additional pioneer campground.

You can explore around the base of Blood Mountain through the several hiking trails that the state park has to offer. We advise trying the Lake Trahlyta Trail.

Lake Rabun Beach Campground

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The Lake Rabun Beach Campground is in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and overlooks a picturesque lake in the North Georgia Mountains. The lake provides some fantastic water-based activities, including a fishing pier, a boat launch, and a roped-off swimming area.

In addition to all the water sports you can also enjoy a number of hiking trails in the national forest. The Angel and Panther Falls trailhead is located in this campground which is one of the most famous waterfall trails in North Georgia.

In terms of camping spots, there are a total of 80 sites, of which only 21 have electricity hookup facilities and both RV and tent camping sites are available. All sites, however, have access to the restrooms with hot showers, a lantern post, a picnic table, and a grill. While reservations are required there are also some first-come, first-serve sites to choose from for last-minute overnight guests.

Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground

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Black Rock Mountain state park has the highest elevation of all state parks in Northern Georgia. This naturally allows for some of the most spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many amazing hiking trails, the most popular of which is the Tennessee Rock Trail. On this trail you can catch views that span across Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Black Rock Lake has many great opportunities available to visitors. The visitors center has a gift shop, or you can visit the Firefox Museum or go canoeing or fishing. For camping, there are 44 spots suitable for RV, trailer, and tent camping.

There are also four backcountry campsites that are suitable for tent camping that is equipped with a fire ring and grill. The pioneer campground is quite a spacious campground that can fit around 50 campers with four Adirondack huts that have picnic tables, a fire ring, a grill, hot showers, electricity, bunks, and water.