Best Camping in and near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

98% (52 reviews)

Visit the Georgian gateway to the Appalachian Trail.

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Stay at a public campground in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

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Lil Snowbird Farm Primitive Camping

13 sites · RVs, Tents36 acres · Robbinsville, NC

We are open for fall camping. We’ve had no storm damage in our area and the roads in this area are open. Private property bordering Nantahala National Forest on Little Snowbird Creek in Robbinsville, NC. 16mi from Lake Santeelah, about 10mi from the Cherohala Skyway. MUST HAVE 4X4 OR AWD VEHICLE TO ACCESS MOUTAINTOP CAMPSITES. Property damage fee of $100 for 2WD vehicles not adhering to rule. 2WD vehicles must camp creekside, sites 1-6. NO AXES, HATCHETS, MACHETES ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY. NO NAILS IN THE TREES TO HANG THINGS. It damages the tree and causes them to die. Spacious camping lots, and great trout fishing along little snowbird creek which is on private property. Fishing privileges are actually written into property owners' deed on the purchase of land. Amazing views and relaxing sounds of the creek can be heard from anywhere on the property. Many Hiking trails are just a short drive from the property and please be respectful of others' property and no trespassing signs. It’s a kinda bumpy mountain road to get there but the secluded, peaceful and breathtaking views make this location a must-see and adventure.

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Chattooga Belle Farm Lakeside

18 sites · RVs, Tents198 acres · Long Creek, SC

Chattooga Belle Farm – They Built It! By Tracy McCoy I wonder if when standing on the sprawling in upstate South Carolina, just a short hour trip from Greenville, Ed and Kitty Land heard a small still voice say, “if you build it, they will come.” While there isn't a baseball field on the property, that's about all that is lacking. Chattooga Belle Farm began as an event building set on 138 acres with a small seasonal retail store. Soon people found their way to the soon-to-be full-fledged farm and they felt it; that feeling that you've found a very special place. Peaceful, majestic and unlike any other, Chattooga Belle Farm is quite possibly the perfect place for any event and most certainly an ideal place to pledge your heart and life to another. Since the Lands opened their doors in 2010 they have come. There have been families, couples, groups, the media and fruit pickers who have all visited the farm; and they return year after year. Having been written up countless times across the southeast, US and more recently featured on The Today Show, the farm just keeps growing and getting better. With a history of growing sweet juicy apples, the soil in this part of the world has proven to be excellent for peaches, muscadines, scuppernongs, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. The farm also grows exotic fruits like persimmons, paw paws, Asian pears, figs, and more! Today, the farm offers tours for visitors which offer incredible views and a visit to their horseshoe lake. Educational in nature, the tours leave guests more in love with the land than when they arrived. The landscape is picturesque and the mountain views are truly breathtaking in every direction. The farm hosts farm to table dinners that sell out year after year. Their U-Pick fruit opportunities evolve throughout the season with something always coming in from early summer through fall. A list of available fruit is updated often on their website as is farm tour info, upcoming events and information about cabin rentals on Horseshoe Lake. The recent addition of a distillery on the farm means the fruit is grown, fermented, distilled and bottled on the farm. The distillery is open year round Monday – Saturday. Brandies, Bourbons and Whiskeys are aged in oak barrels and aged to produce some of the finest liquors made in these mountains. The farm also boasts a challenging 18-hole Disc Golf course. The course is open to the public and the cost is $3 per game or an annual pass offering unlimited games is available for only $25. The holes are placed throughout the farm enabling play even when private events are taking place on the property. The farm store is complete with fresh produce (in season), canned jams, jellies and bottled ciders. Grass-fed, natural, antibiotic-free Black Angus beef is sold in the store. The cattle are raised on pasture which produces some of the healthiest beef you can buy. Using only natural, humane and environmentally sustainable practices, the Lands and their staff raise beef as nature intended. Bringing the best to your family has never been easier. Beef is offered in a variety of cuts boxed ahead for you when you call to order. A complete list of options is offered on their website with ordering instructions. Belle's Bistro at Chattooga Belle Farm serves salads, sandwiches, burgers and soups made with the freshest ingredients possible. The bistro is open for lunch Tuesday – Sunday from April – October. Their menu includes Certified South Carolina Grown food which makes for an outstanding menu, also which can be viewed on chattoogabellefarm.com. When it comes to weddings, Chattooga Belle Farm has it all! With all-inclusive packages that offer rental items, catering, a wedding coordinator, the minister or officiant, photographer, flowers, music, bar service and even the wedding cake. The couple can customize a package or choose from their Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages. Getting married has never been this easy, you bring the dress and your partner and you enjoy the day! Some of the area's loveliest weddings have happened in this remarkable place! The 2017 Eclipse Festival event planned on the farm August 21 will include music, camping, great food, distillery and farm tours, craft vendors and astrology talks and it will be unforgettable. Get your tickets today at SolarEclipseFest2017.com. Ed and Kitty and the outstanding farm team welcome you and we guarantee that if you come, you'll find that you want to stay forever! Plan your visit: Chattooga Belle Farm is located at 454 Damascus Church Road, Long Creek, South Carolina 29658. Information is abundant online.

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The Ridge at Stanley Gap

11 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Blue Ridge, GA

Learn more about this land: Glamp your adventure! Pitch your tent next to a mountain stream and let it lure you to sleep! As close as you can get to all the great activities that Blue Ridge has to offer. Right in the heart of the Aska adventure area! 3 miles to downtown, 1 mile to Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River. Just over a mile and you find yourself at the Deep Gap/Flat Creek trailhead for mountain biking and hiking fun. Close to the waterfall trail off of Rock Creek road. Come and feel the breeze as it blows across the meadow as you nap under the trees. It’s a place that the whole family can enjoy! Now with 2 outdoor showers(hot/cold), full bathroom and bike wash. *Please note that the bathroom/outdoor showers and bike wash are located on the outside of the barn which is also a VRBO. Please respect any VRBO renters and use only the outdoor facilities as mentioned. There are firepits at each camping platform location. Please see pictures for Barn and exterior facilities. Thanks for choosing to stay!

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Mulberry Gap - Camping & Van Stays

11 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Ellijay, GA

BE IN THE WOODS Regardless of your preferred mode of recreation, we want you to be in the woods. Play, stay, eat, drink, and relax with us at Mulberry Gap! * Strong "Summer Camp, but for adults & families" vibe! * Glampy-style Cabin, Campsite, and Car/Van Sites * Located right on the Pinhoti Trail * Awesome meals available on weekends * Miles of singletrack for mountain biking, hiking and trail running * Even more miles of gravel roads for gravel cyclists and motorcycle adventure riders * Nearby lakes, rivers, and streams for fishing, kayaking, SUP, tubing, and rafting! * Just 25 minutes from destination mountain town Ellijay, Georgia filled with wineries, apple houses, boutique businesses, and tons of great dining! Wake up in the mornings and join us for an amazing breakfast. Then gear up to rip down loamy singletrack, scramble across rocky ridge lines, splash through cold water creeks under towering stands of hemlock and wind through rhododendron tunnels. End your days with a hearty dinner and relaxing in a bubbling hot tub. The friendships forged fireside, the communion with nature, and the stargazing will have you coming back for more!

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Castleberry Bridge

15 sites · Tents16 acres · Dahlonega, GA

850 Castleberry Bridge Road, Dahlonega, GA 30534. Come join us at this unforgettable camping spot at Historic Castleberry Bridge where the Gold Rush happened, the Indian fish trap still exist, the birth place of Denver Colorado and the hideout of Jesse James just some of the history that happened at your campsite on the Etowah River. Our motto is "Thanks for keeping it clean," so help us spread the word and keep it true! Look for the gate at 850 Castleberry Bridge Rd (right where the bridge crosses the river) and drive through the gate and George (owner) should be there. He will open the second gate for you where you will be able to drive through and park at your site - weather permitting. To the left of the first gate is the community area with toilet, grills, picnic tables, etc. Remember, your phone might not work near the river. If you need help, you might have to go back up to the road to call us. George (the owner) is there most every day and all day. For help contact George or Gini Ferris 4044312564 7272043932. There's so much fun waiting for you to explore! Imagine climbing onto a tube and floating down the river for a whole 15 minutes. And guess what? You can start this awesome ride by the walking up river trail through the community area , under the bridge to the last bench that sits on a sand bar then float back down to your camp site. Tubes are available for a $5 charge per day. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there are rope swings that let you swing over the river, and there are super cool places to splash around and swim, part of which, is in the Indian Fish Trap. When your tummy starts rumbling, don't worry. We've got you covered with grills in the community area where you can cook delicious food. So you can have a tasty meal with the sound of the river flowing in the background. Also we are within 5-10 minutes to stores, restaurant , etc. But wait, there's more excitement! If you're looking for an even bigger adventure, this is the perfect spot to begin an awesome kayaking trip if you brought your kayak. Castleberry Bridge is where people from all over the country come to experience going through the Miner's Tunnel. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jW3ESWCNdLA ) This 4 hour trip and is an experience of a life time you will never forget. So whether you want to float, swing, swim, or paddle, Castleberry Bridge is the place to be for all kinds of outdoor fun! Camping price is for 2 adults. Kids camp free. For an additional fee you may add more adults to your group. George can arrange a pick for your kayak trip for $39 if needed. Amenities Free Firewood Community area for your use has: Restroom Grills Tubes and life jackets First Aid Kits Tube Pumping Stations Trashcans Benches and Picnic Tables

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The Enchanted Forest

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Hayesville, NC

Five gravel, flat RV sites with electric and water, by a trout creek and dump site on property! Tiny homes on property, hammocks, fire pit and more. 30 minutes away from Lake Chatuge, local brewing companies, local shopping, wine tasting, local artist displays and Marinas on the lake. Hiking, fishing

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Mountain Adventure Outfitters

10 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Murrayville, GA

MAO is any OHV enthusiast’s oasis! We offer multiple creek-side campsites for your enjoyment. Our site boasts a variety of non-typical on-site activities including OHV trail/obstacles, an RC crawler park/trail loop, an RC short course track, and creek side hiking trail. Campsite bookings include MTN ADV Day Pass. Come and experience our growing Off-Road/Outdoor Adventure-based facility. Stay tuned for new accommodations and campsites currently in the works! We do have a free roaming Great Dane named Myla that might visit your campsite throughout your stay, she is very friendly and loves attention! Find more local activities here: https://www.mtnjeeps.com/camp

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Candy Mountain Goat Farm

10 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Murphy, NC

Our six-acre solar-powered goat farm is a quiet and peaceful slice of paradise away from the chaos and noise but close to so many places to adventure. Hurricane Helene completely missed the farm. Everything looks fantastic with trees ready for the fall colors. Feed and play with the goats, picnic along our grass-covered brook, hang out around the large fire pit, and rejuvenate while being close to the many Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountain activities. We have two custom-built RV pads with 15 and 30-amp service plus water and four grass tent locations overlooking a small brook in a forest-shaded park-like setting. Internet is provided by Starlink Business - high speed, low latency, and great for remote workers. We provide solid service throughout the entire property. Work from the top of a mountain!! IP service is available throughout the property - perfect for Van Life or van living. 200-300 down and at least 20-30 up!! Nearby are numerous hiking trails, lakes, waterfalls, and other outdoor activities such as tubing, white water rafting, and boating. If you want to chill, you can check out a local swimming hole. For the next few months we have a kayak guide on-property who can take you and your group through some of the lakes and streams nearby. Contact us for availability and pricing. We have several options for our guests at the farm, including a small zipline, farm activities, loop trail, massage services (20+yr licensed), spring trail, wine tastings, weekly outdoor movies (on request), and our petting area where you can interact with very friendly goats. RV/CAR/VANLIFE We can help by recommending and using local mechanics, on-site RV repair (they come to us), solar and power troubleshooting, and good old-fashioned southern kindness. STORMS/BAD WEATHER Located on the campground is a tiny home shed that is being converted to a studio but is open and available during harsh weather.

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Creekside Bliss

6 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Morganton, GA

We have a 10-acre homestead and would like to share the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains with fellow campers. Within a couple miles of our property there is mountain biking, hiking, lake access of swimming and boating. Bring your kayak to enjoy seeing Lake Nottely! We have a clean toilet house. It is located between campsites 3 and 4. We live on the property, and it is a working homestead. We have chickens (roosters too). We ask that you keep your dogs at your camp site at all times (we have had camper's dogs run through the field at us and scare us to pieces and we'd rather not experience that again! lol) Want to get a workout in? We have a gym on the property, Confidence Training and Fitness. If you would like to join a one-hour class, check out our extras for more details and how to sign up. Enjoy the sounds of the creek and put your tent on level land. We have firepits at each camp site. Firewood is available for purchase, just send us a message. We can deliver to your campsite. We also have tables and chairs for rent. Need something else? Let us know, we want you to have the best, memorable stay ever! Just an FYI that cell service can be a little spotty, sorry about that! Gotta love mountain life! We hope you will choose our property and enjoy your stay!

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Mountain Creek Rest

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents41 acres · Robbinsville, NC

Heartstone tent site is a stunningly beautiful, romantic campsite for 2! There is a new, large tent pad if you have children! Islandsite is an equally beautiful tent site ideally for two, but the 10x12 platform can accommodate a 6-man tent, best for 2 adults and a couple of kids! The Diamondstone site is a unique, beautiful, one-of-a-kind tentsite, EXCEPT a beautiful, furnished, shelter cabin is provided for you instead of your tent!!! Leave your tent and set-up at home! There is also room for a tent and your children out front, right beside the creek! You won't want to leave, but if you do there are many recreational opportunities in the area such as hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and more! Stays of 6 days or more get a big discount! Enjoy the fresh, cooler mountain air, and the beautiful, private settings! Heartstone is located on a modestly pitched, terraced slope where a divided mountain stream, the tumbling Squally Creek rejoins itself! The sunlight filters down through the forest canopy providing a warm, inviting glow!! There is a 9'-6" x 10' wooden tent platform, and if needed a new, larger tent pad! Islandsite is located at the top of the island where the tumbling Squally Creek divides! Access is provided by the 40' long fallen tree bridge! Islandsite is unique, private, and very romantic! Diamondstone, Heartstone, and Islandsite feature a picnic table, charcoal grille, and comfort facility all within a short walk from your private parking! Enjoy evenings at the new fire pit area with benches overlooking the fire pit and creek! Explore the island on the 400' island trail, or go downstream to a nice pool for dipping! Contact me for discounts when staying more than 6 nights! The gravel road is uneven, and 5" of clearance is recommended. Extra guests are an available option! The property is spacious and there is parking for a second vehicle nearby if needed!

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7 springs

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Dahlonega, GA

Miners Cabin: The miners cabin is located in between Dawsonville and Dahlonega Georgia in the heart of gold country. This unexpected gem has been our family’s oasis for the past 7 years and now, we are opening it up to share with others. Access to the cabin will be via our driveway and guests will not be allowed to drive directly to the cabin. There is a short 3 minute walk from parking access to the cabin. This walk is on an incline and those who may have difficulties walking up or down an incline or on uneven surfaces should consider this walk when planning your trip. Due to access limitations, we ask that you not bring more than two vehicles, We have additional parking at another property if needed but please let us know in advance. The Cabin sits on a grassy meadow a stones throw from cane branch stream. In the morning and afternoon you should expect to see or hear all types of wildlife. We have a family of raccoons that come around in the summer months and will eat just 5 foot from the porch. In the winter we have several deer that access the creekbed. The wildlife is fed often by our family and has been for the past seven years. Hummingbirds, woodpeckers, whippoorwills, crows, and even goldfish call this oasis home. At night our kids love to hunt for small crawfish in the creek with a flashlight. While bears are always something to watch for, we don’t typically see them on the property. A few miles of walking paths have been meticulously cared for and created by my father Mike. The mossy stone paths look like something out of a story book in the spring. Along the trails you will find benches and hammocks to lounge on and if you look close enough you may find some crystals that were placed for others to find from some of our many mineral digs over the years. There are two bridges that cross the stream along the paths and an old water wheel from way back that was used in the gold mining process in the creek. Vegetation on the property includes a variety of chantrell and coral mushrooms. If Mushrooming is your thing we have a good stash of chicken of the woods and if it’s fruiting you are welcome to pick it. Mountain laurels line the creek and bloom beautiful pink blossoms in the spring and summer. Cane creek branch is a quiet and beautiful stream. The water only gets about waist high at the deepest point making it perfect for kids or dogs to splash around in. Inside the cabin you will find a few gold pans if you would like to try your luck. We have found gold in the creek along with garnets and a few flashes of platinum. This property used to be the site for a long abandoned gold mine and an old metal water wheel still sits on the creek bank. The water wheel is locked but will still turn and at over 8 ft high it is a sight to see in itself. You will find a few small fish but nothing to shake a pole at. The cabin itself is nothing fancy and we like to keep it that way. It is as primitive as you would expect from the title. Only one electrical outlet is currently in the cabin. There is no running water but there is a water basin for brushing your teeth and washing small items. The bathroom is behind the cabin in a separate facility. This outhouse is unlike anything you have seen and has all of the comforts of home. Sleeping arrangements include a king size bed on a solid frame and a small sofa. You are welcome to pitch a tent or hammock outside as well. In the winter the cabin gets cold, we will provide an electric heater but you should know that it may still get cold inside. The porch looks over the creek and makes a great spot for bird watching. Amenities include a charcoal grill and a fire pit for cooking. The fire pit has several stable adirondack chairs circling it. We have a throwing board on the property however you will need to rent the throwing items from us and sign a waiver. We also have a small swing by our goldfish pond just across the creek. Things to do near us. Kayaking and tubing are just 7 miles down the road. You can rent a kayak from us or from the outfitters. We have 4 sit on top kayaks for adults 2 for children under 100 lbs and several whitewater kayaks are available for rent if you have prior experience. We also will guide you down the river as an additional service. See our price list. Our local outfitter Chestatee River Adventures is typically 30.00 for each kayak and 10.00 for tubing. The trip is 6 miles and can take anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on the water level. Please note that the outfitter is only open during the spring and summer. Our family will take you out no matter the time of year. Fishing on the Chestatee, Etowah, or lake lanier are also great activities and all can be accessed with a short 10 minute drive. Lake Zwerner is a local fishing hot spot great for grabbing a kayak or canoe and spending the day on the water. Gold Mining: Dahlonega is the gold city! Only 15 minutes away you will find Consolidated Gold Mine – Underground Gold Mine Tours. Here you can do some gold and gem mining as part of the tour. The gold museum in scenic dahlonega is close by as well.If you are looking for something more my dad offers trips and will show you the basics or can take you out for an all day dredging experience. You keep whatever you find! Hiking: The area hikes include the start of the great Appalachian (Apple-atch-an) trail. This is amicalola state park a 25 minute drive from the property.

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NEW!!!! Blue Ridge Basecamp

21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Topton, NC

Forested 15 acre lot with a beautiful grassy meadow, and a meandering stream with shallow spots to cool off in on a hot day. We have a meadow by the creek with first come first served tent spots. Pitch your tent anywhere you like and relax the day away. We also offer 5 fully stocked campers and 5 RV sites for rent. Please see each site for all the details! ALL RV/camper sites have FULL hookups with 20/30/50 amp, water and septic. There is fresh drinking water, on site garbage, picnic tables, firepits, firewood for purchase and a well maintained porta-john. Porta John is only available April 1 - November 1. We are just minutes away from Nantahala Lake, Nantahala River, and the Appalachian Trail. Enjoy nearby white water rafting, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, kayaking, ziplines and more. If you're not up for cooking there is a local restaurant on the lake 5 minutes away, as well as the Nantahala Outdoor Center a quick 20 minute drive.

The best camping near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest guide

Overview

About

With more than 800,000 acres of rambling woodlands, rivers, and streams, dotted with mountains, waterfalls, and wilderness areas, Georgia’s only national forest packs a punch. Some 850 miles of trails provide endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and OHV driving, including a 76-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. Hike the highest point at Brasstown Bald, admire the views at Amicalola Falls, and marvel at the ancient petroglyphs of Track Rock Gap, then pitch your tent in the woods or check into one of the more than 30 campgrounds.

Notable campgrounds

Best for group camping: Lake Winfield Scott Campground has 31 non-electric sites, one with an electric hook-up, plus a rustic cabin.
Best for lakeside views: Dockery Lake Recreation Area has 10 non-electric tent/RV sites in a stunning waterfront location.
Best for family campers: Lake Russell Recreation Area offers 42 non-electric sites, plus picnic areas with grills, hot showers, and a swimming beach nearby.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Booking policies vary between campgrounds, so it’s essential to check ahead. Some sites can be booked in advance, while many are first-come, first-served.
Reservable campsites can be booked via the Recreation.gov website.
Campsite reservations open six months in advance.

When to go

The most popular times for hiking and outdoor activities in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest are in spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and the forest is at its most colorful. Leaf-peepers take note: Fall foliage peaks from late September through early October. Summer temperatures hover around the mid-80s, so plan a trip to the lakes to cool off. Camping is possible year-round, but many campgrounds close for winter.

Know before you go

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest stretches over 18 counties in north Georgia, starting 70 miles north of Atlanta.
No admission fees apply to visit the forest, but day passes are required for many of the recreational areas. Camping reservation fees also apply.
Dispersed camping is permitted in many areas of the forest, providing you follow Leave No Trace principles.
Park facilities include picnic areas and restrooms at day-use and camping areas, but it’s advisable to bring everything you need with you. Cell phone and GPS service can be patchy.
Accessible campgrounds and day-use areas are available.