Camping near Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests camping offers varied terrain from 700 to 4,800 feet elevation across north Georgia's mountains. These forests contain over 850 miles of recreation trails and 430 miles of streams where brook, brown, and rainbow trout thrive. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevations, especially in January and February, while summer camping typically means high humidity and temperatures in the 80s.

What to do

Trail connections: Lake Winfield Scott Campground connects to the Appalachian Trail, allowing campers to meet through-hikers bound for Maine. "It has a trail that connects to the AT so you may meet some hikers bound for Maine or may want to make it a stop on a longer AT hike," notes one visitor.

Blood Mountain hike: Vogel State Park offers direct access to Blood Mountain via the Appalachian Trail. "Take half a day and climb Blood Mountain along the Appalachian Trail. Views from the summit are breathtaking...doing the hike is also a little breathtaking too," writes a camper.

Waterfall exploration: Raven Cliff Falls features a 2.5-mile trail ending at an impressive waterfall. "Raven Cliff Falls trail is a 2.5 miles hike that ends at a breathtaking waterfall, but the trail doesn't quite end there. Once you arrive at the falls there's plenty of room to roam the dozens of rock structures," explains one hiker.

Lake activities: At Lake Winfield Scott Campground, visitors can enjoy swimming and non-motorized boating on a small lake with a designated beach area. "There is a small non-motorized boat lake with a designated beach area. It was very quiet and we had a great weekend and definitely would go again and bring out kayaks/SUPs."

What campers like

Private campsites: Track Rock Campground offers secluded sites with mountain views. "We tent camped here October 2013 on site 36 which backed up to the national forest. Beautiful mountain views and horseback riding on site!" a camper reports.

Creek access: Many sites at Desoto Falls feature creek-side locations for relaxing water sounds and easy access. "We spent mornings drinking coffee next to it. The sites are spacious, even though they are very open," writes one visitor.

Diverse accommodation options: Unicoi State Park & Lodge provides facilities ranging from tent sites to cabins. "Since it is somewhat of a resort park, there are cabins, RV hook ups and even a motel/conference center. There are lots of activities like swimming, boating, archery, zip lining, etc."

Wildlife viewing: Bear sightings are common at some campgrounds in this region. At Raven Cliff Falls, one camper noted, "We were visited by a bear two of the nights. The bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out. So pack out all food items and trash or hang a bear bag."

What you should know

Road noise: Several campgrounds experience vehicle noise from nearby highways. One Desoto Falls camper mentioned, "The proximity to the road was the only overall downside to the location... we spent Labor Day weekend there, and apparently that's the time every biker below the Mason-Dixon Line chooses to play out their Hunter Thompson Mint 400 fantasy."

Limited services: Jenny's Creek Family Campground and others may have basic amenities but limited shopping options. "The office has a little shop too which was great when we ran out of firewood," reports a camper, suggesting bringing all supplies with you initially.

Bear safety requirements: Throughout Chattahoochee-Oconee camping areas, bear-resistant food storage is critical. "If you are camping in the tent area, I can almost guarantee you'll see a bear because they come out almost every night. Keep all of your food in the bear boxes," warns a camper at Unicoi State Park.

Cell service gaps: Many campgrounds have no cellular coverage. At Raven Cliff Falls, campers note there's "NO CELL SERVICE," making it important to download maps and information beforehand.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Don Carter State Park Campground offers family-friendly facilities including playgrounds and a beach area. "There is a playground and a beach area, which was not open when we were there," reports one visitor.

Kid-friendly water features: Vogel State Park provides safe water play opportunities for children. "During the summer they offer a beach area with peddle boats and kayaks. The lake is 22 acres with trails that go along the lake," writes a visitor.

Entertainment options: Unicoi State Park has activities specifically designed for families with children. "My children range from 5 to 16 and they all had so much fun! My kids and I went camping at Unicoi Park in the summer and there is plenty to keep them busy. They played in the creek, on the swing set and walked the trail to the swimming section of the lake."

Educational opportunities: Amicalola Falls State Park Camping features a museum about the Civilian Conservation Corps. "One of F D Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps masterworks so important to this parks existence that they have a museum on site describing in great detail the transformation of this particular valley."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Track Rock Campground has steep terrain that can be difficult for larger RVs. "Very steep and unlevel roads; especially when leaving. Our camper came in contact with the side of our bed and tailgate multiple times," cautions one RV owner.

Size limitations: Amicalola Falls has specific site restrictions for larger vehicles. "Number 18 does not look hard, but the layout is very difficult to get into. The bend halfway into the campground would be extremely difficult with much bigger than 27' camper."

Asphalt pads: Don Carter State Park features paved RV sites which some campers dislike. "Who ever decided that every campsite needed to be asphalt should be hung! This is a newer State Park in Georgia and it could be nice, but it's been paved over. They classify them as RV sites, but they are parking lots."

Hookup availability: Trackrock Campground provides full hookup sites with wifi. "Full hookup and wifi. Staff was very friendly and lots to do in the area," notes a satisfied RVer who stayed at the campground during a family reunion.