39+ of the Best Campgrounds in North Ga

Looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors, learn something new, and spend time with your family? Camping is the answer!

Whether you’re looking for a full-service option with water, showers, and plenty of activities for the family, or you enjoy a secluded hideaway where only Mother Nature is invited — we’ve got some of more than 40 of the best campgrounds in North GA for you!

We worked tirelessly to bring you a collaborative collection of the best tent-focused campgrounds in North Georgia. (OK, we sneaked in a few just south of the city…)

NORTH GA CAMPGROUNDS KEY

Here’s the key we’re using to give you the information you need most about these awesome campgrounds in North GA!

o   Full Service (F) – The campground is loaded with modern day conveniences. You will definitely find drinking water, restrooms, and probably electricity and hot showers. Maybe even laundry facilities.

o   Primitive Car Camping  (P) – If you’re going primitive car-camping, you will not have immediate access to water or electricity. There may not be a restroom available & you might have to pack out your trash. But, you will be parking your car near your campsite for convenience.

o   Back Country Primitive (B) – These sites provide no modern conveniences and you will have to carry in your gear. Sometimes, that means backpacking or paddling your gear to campsites. So, pack light!

BEST CAMPGROUNDS IN NORTH GA

Allatoona Landing Marine Resort (Cartersville) – Perfect “beginners” camping for water sports lovers.  Playgrounds, a pool, and fishing keep the kids busy.  Bathhouse with showers, boat launch, laundry room, and free WiFi. Electricity and water. Camper sites, RV hook up, and cabins available too. (F)

Amicalola State Park (Dawsonville) – Back-in sites only. All sites are on a 25% incline, with a platform available for camping on level ground.  Electricity and water, picnic tables, grill, and fire ring at the site.  Comfort stations and laundry on site, also.  (F) Read More: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING BEAUTIFUL AMICALOLA FALLS

Andrews Cove Campground (Helen) – Tall hardwoods and a cool stream full of rainbow and brown trout make this a perfectly relaxing spot.  Toilet and drinking water (from a hand pump) are available. Seasonal. This campground offers tent camping and is in close proximity to Anna Ruby Falls. (P) Read More: A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO HIKING BEAUTIFUL ANNA RUBY FALLS

Bear Creek (Ellijay) – This area is perfect for experienced campers who love to mountain bike. There are trails here from seven to 20 miles in length. Also, one of Georgia’s largest trees, the Gennett Poplar.  Campers must walk-in, as the site is accessed via a narrow wooden bridge.  There are two toilets, but no other amenities.  (B) Read More: 31 SENSATIONAL THINGS TO DO IN ELLIJAY GA (WHEN YOU LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME)

Black Rock Mountain State Park (Mountain City) – This park is the highest in the Georgia State Parks system. Because of that, you can enjoy 80-mile vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as cooler weather — making it an ideal summer camping location.  There are forests, streams, and waterfalls to take in, as well as a lake for fishing or canoeing.  Water and electricity available. (F,B)

Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center (Mansfield) – Nature is your playground at Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center. After visiting the excellent education center to get a little history and a better understanding of the pristine wilderness, you will be car-camping at my top recommendation for families just beginning to camp Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas.

Charlie Elliott really bridges the gap between State Parks & WMAs with their multitude of programs designed to educated families and youth about nature, astronomy, conservation, and outdoor recreation opportunities. There is no electric, no water, little/no bath facilities near the campground, and no cell service. Be prepared to pack out your trash! (P, B)

Chattahoochee Bend State Park (Newnan) –  One of Georgia’s newer state parks, this is a great place to find adventure & relaxation at all levels of camping comfort. During the day, you will find yourself hiking the trails, paddling & fishing along Georgia’s beloved Chattahoochee River, and playing with the kids at the playground.

For the evenings, you have a wide variety of options from parking your RV, pitching the family tent on a platform or loading your gear on a kayak and paddling to a more secluded, primitive site. Some sites include electric and all but the backcountry sites have access to a restroom. (F,P,B) Read More: 10+ CHATTAHOOCHEE BEND STATE PARK SECRETS REVEALED

Chehaw (Albany) – 800 acres of cypress swamps, forests and a wild animal park.  Pull-through sites and tent sites, both with electricity and water.  Sites include a picnic table, fire ring, and grill.  Fishing is also included with admission. A comfort station, with laundry facilities, is available on site.  Enjoy canoeing (ages 8 and up,) BMX racing, and disc golf. (F) Read More: THINGS TO DO IN ALBANY GA: YOUR GUIDE TO BOUNTIFUL FAMILY FUN

Cloudland Canyon State Park (Rising Fawn) – Often cited as the best state park in Georgia, there are rugged views and wonderful hiking.  Backcountry campsites are available; the hike-in distance is a moderate 1-mile. Pit privys are available, as well as a fire ring and picnic table at each site. Back-in sites include water and electricity. Walk-in sites include water, restrooms, a fire ring, and picnic tables.  There is a designated parking area, with showers and restrooms also. (F, B) Read More: DISCOVER FUN AND ADVENTURE AT CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK

Cooper Creek Campground (Blairsville) – There are several campsites here, four are waterfront.  There are no water or electric hook-ups or dump station available in the campground. All of the sites are within easy walking distance of the creek. Restroom and drinking water available.  There are several hiking trails, as well as fishing in Cooper or Mulky Creeks. (P)

Cottonwood Patch Campground (Chatsworth) – This hidden gem of a campground is located on the bank of the Conasauga River near the Tennessee/Georgia border.  The Iron Mountain Trail is accessed directly from the campground. The grounds are newly renovated. Each site has a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and parking for two vehicles. Must bring your own water. Horse trailers accepted. Hiking open to horses, foot-traffic, or mountain bikers. (P,S)

Deep Hole Recreation Area (Suches) – Canoe, camp, and fish on the banks of the Toccoa River.  Water and electricity are not available, but a small restroom and a fishing deck are onsite.  Each site has a grill, picnic table, and lantern post.  Waterfront sites available. Reservations required. (P)

DeSoto Falls Campground (Dahlonega) – Ultra-dense forest, which makes a great base for the waterfalls in the area.  Creekside spots are available, with great trout fishing in Frogtown Creek.  No water or electricity hookups, but there is a drinking water faucet for the campgrounds.  Lower campgrounds have a warm water shower and toilets. Parking on the campsite. (P)

Want something less rustic? Check out these Georgia Glamping locations!

Dockery Lake Campground (Dahlonega) – Pine and hardwood forests, with hemlock and laurel.  The lake receives cold water from Waters Creek, and contains a surplus of trout.  There are two hiking trails; one around the lake and a longer one that reaches the Appalachian Trail.  There is a flush toilet and drinking water. First come, first serve. (P)

Doll Mountain Campground (Ellijay) – Hailed by many amateur astronomers as a dark sky observation site, you will not be disappointed by the immensity of the night sky here. A full service campground complete with many electric hook up sites, restrooms, showers, vending machines, and playground, you will find a home away from home. Enjoy boating, stargazing, and relaxing at camp and hiking or mountain biking at nearby Ridgeway Park & Woodring Branch Recreation Area. (F,P,B)

Enota (Hiawassee) – Trout fishing, waterfall hikes, and seasonal activities such as animal feedings, hayrides, and organic garden tours.  Family sites available along the stream, with a fire ring, water, and electricity. Playground and bathhouse (hot water and laundry service) close by. Primitive sites, camper sites, RV hookups, and cabins are available, too. (F)

Fort Mountain State Park (Chatsworth) – Select from back-in, walk-in, or backcountry campsites.  This is a great state park for newbies! Hike, mountain bike, swim in the lake, canoe or paddle boat, play mini golf, or geocache. (F, P, B) Read More: GEORGIA STATE PARKS CAMPING: 52+ ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KNOW

Fort Yargo State Park (Winder) – This park has 18 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikers, a large lake with a beach for swimming, boating, or fishing, and mini-golf.  Campsites are back-in with electricity, walk-in, or pioneer camp. Lakeside yurts, which are large canvas and wood tent structures, are also available. Grills and fire rings are available, as well as a comfort station.  (F, P, S)

Frank Gross Recreation Area (Blue Ridge) – Camp and fish on Rock Creek.  Water and electricity are not available, but a small restroom is onsite.  While this area is secluded, only ¼ mile down the road is the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, with an informational visitor kiosk, outdoor raceway viewing, picnicking, and an Environmental Education Center. (P) Read More: 50+ TOP THINGS TO DO IN BLUE RIDGE GA

Hard Labor Creek State Park (Rutledge) – Horse lovers will appreciate their own campsite near the stalls.  Back-in sites come with and without electric.  Pioneer sites have no water or electricity; several are near the lake. Visitors can swim at the lake’s beach, ride horses, golf, hike, bike, or geocache. (F,P) Read More: HARD LABOR CREEK STATE PARK: AN AFFORDABLE FAMILY RESORT

Harris Branch Campground (Oakman) – Back-in and Walk-in sites with restrooms, showers, and laundry.  On the south side of beautiful Carter’s Lake with beach access nearby.  (F,P)

Hart State Recreation Area (Hartwell) – Swim, boat, or fish on Lake Hartwell.  Hiking and bike trails available.  This park is also close to Richard B. Russell State Park, with a beach, more trails, another lake, and a premier golf course.  Back-in or walk-in sites. Electricity and comfort stations. (F,P)

Hiawassee KOA Holiday (Hiawassee) – Head to the north Georgia mountains where you’ll find the Bald Mountain camping resort.  There is a lake for fishing, multiple pools, a bandstand, volleyball court, playgrounds, game room, shuffleboard, game room, and more.  Shady or sunny spots are available, all with electricity, water, a picnic table, and a fire ring. (F)

Hickey Gap Campground (Crandall) – Tons of trees and seclusion at this Cohutta Wildernes stop-over.  The campground sits on Mill Creek, stocked with trout for year-round fishing.  There is a toilet, but no water or electricity.  Mountain biking and hiking within 15 minute drive. (P)

Hidden Creek Campground (Calhoun) – So named because the creek that runs through the campground will flow freely for several days, and then disappear without a trace.  Pit toilets and drinking water available. Hiking and picnicking are within driving distance.  Best part? It’s free! (P)

High Falls State Park (Jackson) – High Falls has it all! This is an excellent park to kick off your family camping adventures. Enjoy swimming in the pool, playing at the playground, or competing in a round of mini golf when you’re not off exploring nature.

A nice blend of modern activities and outdoor recreation, you’ll also find miles of hiking trails and have fishing boats, kayaks, canoes and fun paddleboats to rent. When it’s time to lay down for an evening of rest, you’ll be getting comfortable in one of the park’s six yurts, full service or primitive campsites or joining your group on a paddle to the more secluded group primitive site. Campers will appreciate the restrooms, showers, and visitor center. (F,P,B) Read More: HIGH FALLS STATE PARK: WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE ABOUT YURTS AND WATERFALLS?

Indian Springs State Park (Flovilla) – Creek Indians collected water here for centuries, purporting its healing qualities.  Now visitors can sample the spring water, wade in Sandy Creek or swim in McIntosh Lake.  Enjoy boating, hiking, biking or geocaching.  Back-in sites include water and electricity.  Pioneer sites include water and a fire ring, with nearby parking. (F, P)

Jack’s River Fields Campground (Blue Ridge) – No longer a field, the forest has taken over here.  Primitive camping with a toilet and drinking water.  There is an un-named creek for wading.  Downstream makes for better fishing.  This is great for horse riders, too, with parking for horse trailers and a post for the horse.  A horse watering station is also on site.  This campsite is a trailhead for several trails for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. (P, S)

Jellystone Park (Bremen) – This Yogi Bear-themed campground is all about the kids, with activities, a swimming pool, playgrounds, mini golf, and more.  All sites have water and electricity.  Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even an outdoor theater, are available. (F, S)

Here are 120+ Amazing Ways to Have Fun in the North Georgia Mountains!

Lake Conasauga Campground (Chatsworth) – Camping is near this spring-fed lake, the highest in Georgia. The area is remote, and campers can enjoy fishing, swimming, and hiking.  Flush toilets are centrally located, and drinking water hydrants are situated around the grounds.  First come, first serve. $15 a night. (P)

Lake Lanier Islands (Buford) – Lake Lanier has three campgrounds: Shoal Creek, Chestnut Ridge, and Blue Ridge.  Shoal Creek has wooded lake view sites available, with water and electricity, or primitive. Restrooms and showers, picnic tables, grills, and fire rings are available. Chestnut Ridge offers much of the same, with boat ramp access. Blue Ridge adds to the mix with premium lake-front sites, a fishing pier, and camp store.  Sites here are also convenient to the resort and spa (including the water park and golf course.) (F,P)

Magnolia Springs State Park (Millen) – I’m fudging a little here, since this is really middle Georgia, but after having visited I guarantee you don’t want to miss this park. It includes a spring, which pumps 9 million gallons of water a day! It is filled with alligators and at least 100 turtles that love to follow you as you walk the path around the spring.

It is also home to one of two Civil War POW camps (a great place to get your limited edition Civil War Jr Ranger Badge.)  Only 20 minutes from George L Smith State Park with gorgeous canoeing and hiking in the cypress tree –filled lake.  Pioneer sites available, as well as water and electric sites.  Comfort stations, also. (F,P) Read More: PADDLE GEORGE L SMITH STATE PARKS’ AMAZING BLACK WATER

McKinney Campground (Cartersville) – This easy-to-camp destination is conveniently located near the dock & swimming areas of Lake Allatoona. A great place to camp before you visit the Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site, Tellus Museum, or the Booth Western Art Museum. Visitors will find restrooms, showers, laundry facilities & a playground for camping in comfort.  (F) Read More: TELLUS MUSEUM: 25 FASCINATING THINGS TO CREATE LASTING FAMILY MEMORIES

Morganton Point Campground (Morganton) – On the banks of Lake Blue Ridge, with a pebble beach and boat launch.  Pristine waters inside the Chattahoochee National Forest are ripe with bass. Hiking trails of all lengths are in the area. Primitive or electricity/water sites available.  Restrooms and showers on site, with drinking water faucet for campground use.  RV sites available. (F, P) Read More: THE ESSENTIALS FOR A PERFECT LAKE BLUE RIDGE GETAWAY

Oconee River Campground (Greensboro) – An intimate camping space for only 5 tents on the banks of the Oconee River.  Hiking, picnicking, and boat launch are available. Toilets, but you must bring your own drinking water. (P)

Panola Mountain (Stockbridge) – Enjoy the beauty of the Arabia Mountain area by camping in the midst of it within Panola Mountain. Five primitive tent sites sit on Scout Lake, requiring a ½ mile hike-in.  There are a number of activities at this park to keep you busy: Hiking, biking, archery, Geocaching, birding, tree climbs, boat rental, and much more! (B, P) Read More: 5 AMAZING REASONS TO VISIT PANOLA MOUNTAIN STATE PARK (+ 10 MORE NEARBY ADVENTURES)

Paulding Forest WMA (Dallas) – Paulding Forest is a quiet patch of woods crisscrossed by creeks. You’ll want to pack a bike because The Silver Comet Trail cuts through this WMA. However, you won’t find restrooms or other facilities, so be prepared for that.

Like all of Georgia’s Wildlife Management Areas, this land is frequently used for hunting and fishing purposes. So, be sure to check out http://georgiawildlife.com for any important information, wear bright colors and be aware. The check station is on Highway 278 near Willow Springs Road.(P,B)

Pocket Campground (Dalton) – Remnants from the original Native American site are no longer found here, but you can see traces of the community that followed.  There are two trails in the lush forest, a creek, and good fishing nearby.  Flush toilets and drinking water are available. Closes in winter. (P)

Salacoa Creek Park (Ranger) – Thirty-five lovely, well-equipped camp sites are available to guests who really enjoy the great out-of-doors! All sites have water and electrical hook-ups, picnic tables and grills. Women’s and men’s showers are available. Enjoy high-quality swimming and beach, boating, picnicking, and fishing.  (F)

Stone Mountain Park Campground (Stone Mountain) – Enjoy Georgia’s #1 attraction and then spend the night there! Water/electric sites and Primitive sites are available. Various packages are available which include golf, Adventure Passes to the park, firewood, and more.  Perfect for those new to camping instead of just making this a day trip.  They also have yurts.  (F,P) Read More: STONE MOUNTAIN PARK: 17+ AMAZING THINGS TO EXPLORE

Sweetwater Campground (Cartersville) – A great place to enjoy Lake Allatoona.  There are over 150 sites, with or without water and electricity.  Shore-side sites available, as well as double sites and family camping sites.  Kids will like two swimming beach areas, and playgrounds.  The campground includes a boat launch, too. (F)

Tate Branch Campground (Clayton) – Tate Branch River meets Tallulah River at this campground.  Enjoy the clean air, fish in the river, or hike the Coleman River Trail, only three miles away.  Campsites are walk-in, and the grounds include a toilet and hand pump for drinking water.

Unicoi State Park (Helen) – Unicoi has back-in sites with water and electricity, and walk-in sites. Adventurous families will like the Squirrels Nest, which includes a primitive hiking experience on a wooden platform with a roof and back wall (no tents allowed.)  Walk-in sites and the Squirrels Nest include picnic tables, a grill, fire ring, and comfort station. (F,P, S)

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground (Helen) – While you won’t find much in the way of amenities, you will feel like you’ve left the world far behind and entered a natural paradise. This 34-site campground is less than 30 minutes from all the shopping and events of Helen, Georgia! You will find a restroom & drinking water, but nature will have to be your playground, here. (P)

Vogel State Park (Blairsville) – Nestled at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest, popular Vogel State Park offers primitive & backcountry campers a variety of organized outdoor activities & events such as Fishing Rodeos & Festivals. Hiking nature lovers can choose from easy or challenging trails around the park. Rent pedal boats or kayaks to explore & fish the park’s lake. You can also entertain yourself on the seasonal beach, bike rentals, playing a round of mini-golf or visiting the playground.  Front country campers will have access to restrooms & showers. (P,B) Read More: 15 REASONS YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH VOGEL STATE PARK

West Fork Campground (Clayton) – This isolated location with only five walk-in sites gives you a gorgeous birds-eye view of the Chattooga River.  Visitors often comment they feel as though they’ve been swept back in time and are looking out onto the great frontier of the past when enjoying the area’s treasured scenic views. Come explore and enjoy such adventures as camping, fishing, hiking, and canoeing! Toilet available; bring your own drinking water. (P)

Wildcat Creek Campground (Clayton) – Wildcat Creek’s sliding rock is a fun way to relax on this camping trip! There are no hook ups or drinking water, but there is a toilet, grill, and picnic table.  The creek is stocked with rainbow trout, and there is little light pollution, making the stars amazing to behold. (P)

Willis Knob Horse Camp (Clayton) – Willis Knob is a horse-lovers hideaway perfect for horseback riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Two trails provide scenic riding, far from civilization.  Nearby, two additional trails are for foot-hiking only.  Fishing is available in the nearby Chattooga River.  Water and electricity are available at each site. Flushing toilets and drinking water, as well. Hitching racks and horse watering stations are available. (F,S)

Read More: Have you ever considered a KOA?? Love these tips!

NORTH GA CAMPGROUNDS FAQ

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR NEXT CAMPING TRIP

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