The best camping near Don Carter State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Don Carter State Park adventure.

100% (2 reviews)
100% (2 reviews)

This park’s cool and calm waters provide an ideal setting for swimmers, boaters, and paddlers.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Don Carter State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Don Carter State Park

98%
(504)

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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$30
 / night
96%
(630)

Brooks Lake, a piece of Heaven

30 sites · RVs, Tents56 acres · Conyers, GA
Under new owners and new onsite managers. Privately owned Brooks Lake, located just 25 miles east of Atlanta and 5 miles North of I-20 in Conyers, Georgia. Brooks Lake is a peaceful retreat to the outdoors where you can meditate or be as active as you wish. 56 acres of rolling hills, shaded bluffs, grassy plains, and a 50 acre spring fed lake with serious fishing for Bass, Bream, Crappie, or Catfish. For the more active individual you can rent paddle boats, canoes or fishing boats. Complimenting Brooks Lake’s abundant green space, are its wonderful amenities such as: community fire pit, picnic pavilions, swimming, volleyball, horseshoes, softball, and basketball (All at your Own Risk; No Lifeguards on duty)! There are Restrooms available(no showers). We encourage everyone to continue using good social distancing for the safety of all.
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$60
 / night
95%
(161)

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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$25
 / night
99%
(139)

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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$52
 / night
99%
(244)

White Dog Farm camping

11 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Cleveland, GA
I have been an equestrian for 40+ years and horses are my passion. Recently purchased this beautiful , peaceful property in 2017 and have had to think outside the box to continue to care for my wonderful animals as when I moved from urban environment to rural , my income has been challenging to teach enough horseback lessons to survive and discovered Hipcamp! This made me consider sharing this wonderful place. We have a White Dog Farm fan page :Facebook, Instagram: WHITE.DOG.FARM , can show our horse activities and more photos. And coming soon our updated website
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$36
 / night
91%
(11)

Mountain Adventure Outfitters

13 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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$20
 / night
96%
(112)

Hatch Camp and Art Farm

6 sites · TentsClayton, GA
We have a fishing, music, art paradise in the North Georgia mountains!Learn more about this land:6 private campsites along Warwoman Creek under huge hardwoods with short drives to rivers, hikes and mountains. Fall 2017 we will offer guided private fly fishing trips on our water or off site and a small fly shop!
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$26
 / night
100%
(1)

Primitive Sites

5 sites · Tents13 acres · Suches, GA
Heavily wooded area. Some sites are more level than others. There is no water or electric to these sites and the campground bath house is about 200 feet away. All sites have a firepit and a simple log bench. The sites that are not fairly level for tenting have grommets installed on trees to hang hammocks. All five primitive sites are isolated from the glamping tents on the property.
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$25
 / night
90%
(20)

Lula Disc House

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents125 acres · Lula, GA
Hello Campers, We are a 125 acre property that has 36 holes of championship disc golf. The North Oconee River runs through our property as well as three ponds throughout. We have plenty of room to pitch your tents. It really depends on how far you would like to be from the bathhouse. We are 6 miles from Lake Lanier and the Chattahooce River, and a short drive to hiking/mountain biking trail heads. We have a wonderful bathhouse with restrooms, showers and laundry just a very short walk from our sites (maintained by the staff at the park). We're also pet-friendly and love our furry campers! Just add the pet fee for each pet in the extras section at check out or send us an email letting us know ahead of time and we will get that added. We just ask that you do not leave your pet alone in the tents at any time unless properly crated. You are financially responsible for any damage that is done to our accommodations by your pets.
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$28.80
 / night
100%
(35)

Castleberry Bridge

15 sites · Tents16 acres · Dahlonega, GA
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 park on the left or the right of the gate in the parking areas. Walk past the gate and follow the trail to the right and continue until you see the number sign of your campsite. Campsites numbers are consecutive with #1 being closest to the entry gate. To the left of the 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 pretty much 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. . 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 Minor'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 groups are limited to two 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 for children First Aid Kits Tube Pumping Stations Trashcans Benches and Picnic Tables
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$39
 / night
97%
(37)

Herzen Platz (a place in the Heart)

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Learn more about this land: 15 ft Diameter bell tent with Queen bed, glamping in comfort.  Close trails, right on the stream, electric and water, large bell tent, modern outhouse, close to the German Village of Helen Georgia.   Ziplining, Alpine Coaster and Wineries nearby. New.  Hot tub, Hot shower included. Breakfast is available daily.
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$85
 / night
95%
(31)

Goat Hill Camp

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Athens Clarke County Unified Government (Balance), GA
My residential acres are surrounded by old growth forest with a creek and the North Oconee river. My home is up on the hill, overlooking the campsites, and the goats are busy landscaping the Hill. You can enjoy the river and go for hikes along the trails in the woods. You’re very close to the Eastside, Of Athens, and all the commercial needs. The property backs up to Uga’s golf course.
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$27
 / night

The best camping near Don Carter State Park guide

Overview

About

Just an hour from Atlanta, Don Carter State Park is situated on the northern end of the 38,000-acre Lake Lanier and serves as the ideal setting for water activities. Visitors can enjoy a large, sandy beach with a bath house, boating, and swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding in the lake's calm waters. Back on land are more than 12 miles of hiking and biking trails that lead through the hardwood forest. The Don Carter State Park Campground has two areas: one designed specifically for RVs and another primitive camping area just for tents and hammocks.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations can be made at the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites website or by phone.
  2. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer. Reservations can be made 13 months ahead of time.
  3. Campsites that have not been reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

When to go

Don Carter State Park is open year-round. Summers are typically hot, and winters are relatively chilly. Summer is the peak visitor season here, with many Atlanta residents making the short trip to enjoy cooling off in the water—be sure to make reservations in advance. If you’re most interested in the trails, aim for a spring or fall visit to enjoy more comfortable temperatures.

Know before you go

  • You can rent a kayak or paddleboard in the park, but only during peak season from early March to late November.
  • Bringing your own firewood is prohibited, but you can pick some up at the main office in the park.
  • All pets must be on a six-foot leash and continuously attended to. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas or in any buildings. 

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