The mountainous terrain around Clayton, Georgia provides primitive camping options at elevations between 1,800 and 3,600 feet. Many Forest Service campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and lack electricity or running water. Temperatures at higher elevations typically average 8-12 degrees cooler than Clayton proper during summer months, with nighttime temperatures frequently dropping into the 50s even in July.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: 1-mile hike to Hemlock Falls from Moccasin Creek State Park Campground provides an accessible adventure even in hot weather. "The hike is a mile in, mile out, but can be a little tricky in spots, especially in wet weather. The Falls are well worth the trek," notes one camper. "Even in the hottest days of summertime, the trail is cool. The majority of the trail is right by the bubbling stream."
Trout fishing: Year-round access in designated areas with proper Georgia fishing license. Many campgrounds provide special fishing accommodations. At Moccasin Creek, "they have a stream they stock with trout for kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and older. This park is a great place to allow kids to get into fishing and feel like they have accomplished something."
Off-road exploring: Forest service roads through Sarah's Creek Campground offer adventure for properly equipped vehicles. "If you're looking to do some wheeling or off-roading, you'll have some trails to ride and mountains to climb," explains one visitor. The campground road itself requires some skill: "The road to get to some of these sites is ROUGH. Definitely not a road to drive for those who aren't skilled in off road driving."
What campers like
Creek-side tent sites: Prime locations along water features fill quickly during peak seasons. At Tallulah River Campground, "about half the sites are along the river and the others are just a short distance away, so you can still hear the river." Sites are "roomy" with "decent space between" each campsite according to visitors.
Walk-in tent areas: More secluded options at larger campgrounds for those willing to carry gear. At Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground, "We stayed in one of the tent-only, walk-in sites. The pad was in great shape, flat, clean and plenty large enough for our 9-person tent and all our gear. Other campsites could barely be seen through the woods so it felt very private and secluded."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms consistently receive positive mentions despite remote locations. "The bathhouse was very clean and there's a laundry room there for you to do laundry," notes one winter camper at Moccasin Creek. At Sarah's Creek, "The campground is very clean and well-maintained, with every site having its own fire ring, lantern pole, and at least one picnic table."
What you should know
Bear activity: Common throughout the region and requires proper food storage. Standing Indian Campground and other forest service sites have implemented bear management protocols. Most sites now provide "bear proof food containers that you can utilize" according to campers, but bringing bear spray and following proper food storage practices remains essential.
Primitive facilities: Limited amenities at national forest sites versus state parks. Tallulah River Campground offers basic necessities but no luxuries: "There is a camp host, water spigots, bear proof trash cans, toilets, fire rings with grates, a lantern post, and picnic table." Sarah's Creek has "pit toilets with toilet paper provided" but otherwise minimal amenities.
Cell service gaps: No coverage in many camping areas, particularly within ravines and gorges. At Sarah's Creek, expect "no cell service in campground but can get signal at higher spots on drive in." Similarly, at Tallulah River, campers report "no cell service in the area (could be a pro or a con)."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing: Dedicated fishing areas at Unicoi State Park & Lodge make introducing children to fishing easier. "They played in the creek, on the swing set and walked the trail to the swimming section of the lake. The trail isn't too far and it has just enough woods to feel like an old school camp. The swimming part of the lake has a small beach with sand and the lake is roped off for swimming."
Waterside activities: Creek access provides natural entertainment without electronics. One Sarah's Creek visitor notes, "The creek is shallow for the most part but there is a trail marked by a bright green circle spraypainted onto a pine tree shortly before the first few sites where there are some small falls and a nice little swimming/bathing hole."
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities offer structured learning at state parks. Black Rock Mountain offers various programs that have "always been enjoyed by my kids." Another camper mentions "The ranger led activities have always been enjoyed by my kids" as a highlight of their stay.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain throughout the region requires planning. At Oconee State Park Campground, "Campsites are often uneven with alot of tree roots running throughout. It does require consideration before parking your trailer or RV." Bring leveling blocks and chocks even for improved sites.
Access restrictions: Narrow mountain roads limit RV size at certain campgrounds. For Black Rock Mountain, one visitor advises "Any trailer longer than 25 feet is tight getting to back sites." At Standing Indian, another warns: "The road to this campground is very narrow, the hill is very steep, and there is at least one very tight hairpin turn."
Hookup availability: Limited full-service sites means early reservation requirements. Willow Valley RV Resort offers full hookups while some state parks provide partial services. One camper at Moccasin Creek notes, "All sites have electric and water but we were tent camping and didn't use either," indicating that improved RV sites are available but limited.
