Leah S.
Traveler
TravelerJones Creek Dispersed Campground
Creekside for larger groups
Multiple creekside spots for large groups. We have over 12 adults and 8-9 cars. No cell service. Dog friendly.
Best Campgrounds near Clarkesville, GA
The Clarkesville area in northeast Georgia features several established campgrounds within a short drive of town, including Moccasin Creek State Park directly on Lake Burton and Tallulah Gorge State Park approximately 15 miles east. The region supports diverse camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and cabin rentals. Black Rock Mountain State Park, situated at Georgia's highest elevation point, offers cooler temperatures and scenic mountain views about 20 miles northeast of Clarkesville. Lake Russell Recreation Area provides additional waterfront camping options with both tent and RV sites available seasonally from May through October.
Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during peak summer months and fall color season when tourism increases throughout north Georgia. Elevation changes significantly impact camping conditions, with higher elevation sites at Black Rock Mountain offering relief from summer heat but closing during winter months. Panther Creek Recreation Area provides more rustic camping with vault toilets and no hookups, while state parks like Moccasin Creek offer modern amenities including showers and electric sites. Cell service varies throughout the mountainous terrain, with coverage gaps common in more remote areas. One visitor noted that "the campground is secluded and quiet. So many stairs down to the gorge but worth it! The waterfalls are beautiful and the park staff are all very nice."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Lake Burton sites at Moccasin Creek State Park filling quickly during summer months. Campers frequently mention the proximity to hiking trails as a significant advantage, with Tallulah Gorge and Panther Creek Falls being popular destinations. Several visitors noted that campgrounds in the region tend to be relatively close together, with one camper commenting that "the camp sites are too close for our liking. It feels like everyone is in your business here." For those seeking more seclusion, primitive camping options can be found along trails like Raven Cliff Falls, where sites are described as being "right next to Dodd Creek so we had the peaceful sounds of running water to put us to sleep at night." The region's combination of mountain and lake access makes it popular for multi-activity trips including hiking, fishing, and water recreation.
Best Camping Sites Near Clarkesville, Georgia (492)
1. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground
69 ReviewsTallulah Falls, GA12 milesWebsite+1 (706) 754-7981$36 - $45 / night
"You are in between Clayton and Clarkesville where there are good local places to eat. The campground is up the road a bit so you don't really hear the highway noise."
"Tallulah Gorge is located in the far north east corner of Georgia. The campground is pretty tight, and difficult to maneuver with a large RV."
2. Unicoi State Park & Lodge
53 ReviewsHelen, GA13 milesWebsite+1 (706) 878-2201"The tent camp site was good, bathrooms and water were a close walking distance.
We picked this state park for all the activities. We took archery lessons and did the zip line course.""Nestled in pristine North Georgia mountains. Good for single, family or even group campers. Close to a wonderful Bavarian town know as Helen Georgia."
3. Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground
59 ReviewsRabun Gap, GA22 milesWebsite+1 (706) 746-2141$20 - $255 / night
"We chatted about travel and places to go not just her in Georgia but also around the United States."
"The highest state park in Georgia has two general camping sections with power and water (and free cable if you're so inclined to hook up to watch TV)."
4. River Falls at the Gorge
22 ReviewsLakemont, GA13 milesWebsite+1 (706) 754-0292"Located right on the River in Lakemont GA. This campground is in a perfect location next to lots of trails, waterfalls and amenities. The campground itself has an indoor and outdoor pool."
"Full hook ups in A section and then plenty more around the camp ground that offer all but sewage.
1 video of the gorge which is really close by and a nice hike"5. Raven Cliff Falls
28 ReviewsHelen, GA16 milesWebsite"There are two sides of the camp, the camp side and the trail side. It is very, very high traffic on the weekends. There is water and bathroom access."
"Raven Cliff Falls is another popular spot in Northeast Georgia. Its on one one of the most scenic highways and s in a great location if you want to venture into Helen, Brasstown, Bald, or Hiawassee."
6. Lake Russell Recreation Area
14 ReviewsMount Airy, GA8 milesWebsite+1 (706) 778-8427$24 - $48 / night
"My wife and I stayed a night at Lake Russell Recreation area, and it was a great site."
"Loop A is in walking distance to the beach area/day use area. It was so peaceful! There’s one bathroom in Loop A. With 2 stalls and one shower in the women’s portion."
7. Vogel State Park Campground
68 ReviewsSuches, GA25 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-2628$30 - $260 / night
"Vogel State Park was perfectly situated along Hwy 19 in the north Georgia mountains for an easy spot for the night."
"Vogel State Park is hands down one of the nicest parks in Georgia. It has great hiking trails for every level of hiker, and a very beautiful lake that's great for fishing and paddling."
8. Don Carter State Park Campground
35 ReviewsLula, GA19 miles+1 (678) 450-7726$25 - $225 / night
"Situated at the far north end of Lake Lanier, this Georgia state park is awesome! One of the best things about it for RV/trailer camping is the huge distance between camp sites!"
"This Georgia State Park is in Gainesville on the Chattahoochee where it meets up with Lake Lanier. It was very easy to get to from the Atlanta area. "
9. Moccasin Creek State Park Campground
25 ReviewsTiger, GA17 milesWebsite+1 (706) 947-3194$40 - $45 / night
"We stayed in site 5 which is close to bathrooms but not too close. We had a beautiful view of the lake and our site was right next to the river."
"Its right next to the trout hatchery and Lake Burton so you have great access to recreation on the water."
10. Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping
9 ReviewsTurnerville, GA9 milesWebsite+1 (706) 745-6221$4 / night
"Panther Creek Trail and I go back about 30 years. The campground is on the other side of 441 from the trail head."
"It offers a 3.5 mile trail to Panther Creek falls and if you want to hike all the way through to Yonah dam it is roughly 5.8 miles. Be warned, the trail after the falls is challenging."
Recent Camping Photos near Clarkesville, GA
760 Photos of 492 Clarkesville Campgrounds
Hiking Diva ..
Lake Russell Recreation Area
Michael F.
Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping
Ernesto H.
Lake Rabun Beach Recreation Area
Tracy
Terrora Park Campground
Casey L.
Yonah Mountain Campground
Jenny W.
Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Lindsey R.
Cherokee Campground
Cassondra P.
River Falls at the Gorge
Michael V.
Timberline Glamping At Unicoi State Park
Sonyia W.
Unicoi State Park & Lodge
River C.
River Campground
River C.
River Campground, LLC
Recent Reviews near Clarkesville, GA
1941 Reviews of 492 Clarkesville Campgrounds
Chris V.
ScoutTallulah Gorge State Park Campground
Nice basic state park
Nice campground. Bathhouse is basic but very clean. Sites are on the small side with lots of tent campers.
Colin R.
GuideDesoto Falls Recreation Area
Very clean campsite but you do need to know a few things.
This is a very clean and well maintained camp site open all year, but there are a few things to consider.
-
During off peak (November 1st to April 1st) there's no water and the rest rooms and showers are closed.
-
This campsite is right next to the busy highway 19, so there's a lot of road noise especially at night.
-
No cell service! Take your satellite communicator or Starlink with you in case of emergency.
If you are okay with these things, then this is the camp site for you.
-
- Larry A.Guide
Lake Russell Recreation Area
Great place to camp.
This is a great USFS campground. Great fishing, Mountain biking and hiking. Most of the sites are small so I wouldn't recommend it for 5th wheels or large RVs.
- Mac W.Traveler
Sarah's Creek Campground (Clayton, Ga) — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Great alternative to the state parks
Camped in f150 with RTT, stayed at site 13 with plenty of room for any overlanding or tent campers. Sites 1-5 fairly close in section 1. Sites 6-13 good for tent or overlanding, sites 14-21 are clumped together at the end for tent/overlanding rig/campers. Small creek crossing, but very easy to cross. We saw a few trailer campers, nothing over 20 feet, and there was plenty of room, but the road is rough coming in, so doable if you’re brave.
Road is marked well off the main road, but is narrow with few pull off opportunities for passing. 1 mile of blacktop with 1* mile of hard pack gravel.
Single vault bathrooms and bear trash cans are at sites 1-5 and another at site 14-21, 5-10 minute walk either way from middle campsites.
Fire rings and picnic tables, well marked sites.
Site 22 is the last site we could find before crossing a more cumbersome creek crossing, just above sites 17-21. Creek accessible from most every campsite, with a few of the sites on the other side of ride (see rec.gov for waterfront specific sites)
Busy road for motorcycles/off road vehicles, but overall peaceful.
Reservations required, no service until almost back to town, so reserve ahead before heading to camp. Cash/envelope/paper tag system no longer present (seems to be the new norm)
- FFrances B.Scout
Vogel State Park Campground
Site 54
I was in a tent, not an RV. This spot is roomy and isn’t right on top of any other campers. Since no sites were to the east, I walked down to the creek with my chair to get away from people. It’s a very crowded campground, but quieter than expected, probably because the road to this site leads to a dead end. There’s a lot of road noise from Gainesville Hwy until dusk. The bathrooms are nearby and very clean.
Jeff P.GuideIndian Grave Gap Campsite
This is a great spot for anything up to an off-road teardrop
These sites are not where Dyrt says they are. The previous reviewer described them well and they have a couple of small creeks running past. Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road. This is one of those sites I'll probably return to
The true location is just south of the High Falls Trailhead. 34.80718,-83.72466
Camp With Me
LegendAndrew's Cove Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Small National Forest Campground
Andrews Cove Campground is a small and peaceful campground located about 6 miles north of Helen, Georgia in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. With only 10 sites, it offers a quiet mountain setting that’s perfect for tent campers looking to get away from the crowds. The campground is open from mid-March through late December and sits alongside a beautiful mountain stream that adds a relaxing natural sound throughout the area.
Facilities are simple, with vault toilets available, but campers should plan ahead and bring their own potable water since none is provided on site. One of the highlights of the campground is the nearby Andrews Cove Trail, a scenic 2-mile hike that connects to the Appalachian Trail. Overall, Andrews Cove Campground is a great spot for those looking for a rustic camping experience in the North Georgia mountains.
See all the sites and get a real feel for the place in our 360° video of the
https://youtu.be/chEtEX8cvfE
Jonathan G.ScoutBlack Rock Mountain State Park Campground
A Quiet Mountain Escape at Black Rock Mountain State Park
Our tent camping trip at Black Rock Mountain State Park was absolutely beautiful. The park sits high in the mountains and offers incredible views, peaceful surroundings, and the kind of quiet that makes you slow down and really enjoy nature.
The campground itself was well kept, and everything felt organized and welcoming. One thing that really stood out was how friendly and helpful the staff were. Everyone we interacted with was kind and made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived.
The bathrooms were very clean, which always makes a big difference when you’re tent camping. It’s clear the park staff takes pride in maintaining the facilities.
Between the fresh mountain air, scenic views, and peaceful atmosphere, it was the perfect place to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. We would absolutely come back again and recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing mountain camping experience. 🏕️🌄
Guide to Clarkesville
Campgrounds near Clarkesville, Georgia range in elevation from 1,200 to nearly 3,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between locations even within short driving distances. The area's mixed hardwood forests provide seasonal shade for many camping areas, with summer temperatures typically 8-10 degrees cooler at higher elevation sites like Black Rock Mountain compared to lakefront campgrounds. The region's watershed feeds several lakes and creeks that offer distinct camping environments.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Several campgrounds offer waterfall access within short hiking distances. At Tallulah Gorge State Park, visitors encounter stairs leading to scenic viewpoints. "A ton of waterfalls. A very pretty gorge, you will walk up and down lots of stairs! Stop by if you are in the area," notes Aaron S. The park features 1,099 stairs to reach the canyon bottom.
Fishing opportunities: Seasonal trout fishing remains popular throughout the area. Moccasin Creek State Park provides dedicated fishing areas for specific groups. "The fishing pier sits above a trout-filled creek open only to seniors 65 and older and children 11 and younger, and any Georgia residents with a disability fishing license," explains one camper. The park includes a trout hatchery station that helps maintain fish populations.
Mountain biking trails: Several area campgrounds maintain dedicated biking routes. At Unicoi State Park, visitors can access varied terrain options. "Mountain biking, hiking, zip lining, etc. Will definitely be returning in the future!" reports Rebeca A., highlighting the park's recreational diversity.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campgrounds offer direct lake or creek frontage. At River Falls at the Gorge, camping alongside the Tallulah River provides constant natural soundscapes. "What a spot. Right on the Tallulah river. Sleep to the sound of the river even in August. The valley is cool at night. The river warmer than you'd expect," describes Ron K.
Higher elevation cooling: During summer months, mountain campsites provide natural temperature relief. Black Rock Mountain State Park sits at Georgia's highest state park elevation. "Even though it was scorching out. We went two days not realizing it. We had lovely breezes and tree coverage," writes Elaine G. about the park's primitive camping area.
Geocaching opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain geocache locations for visitors. Lake Russell Recreation Area features multiple caches along its trail system. "We took an overnight backpacking trip here. The hiking trails are nice and there is a nice lake at the parking lot," notes Nicole P. about her geocaching experience in the region.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Campgrounds vary significantly in how close sites are positioned. "Vogel State Park is usually crowded and books quickly. Sites are VERY close together. No privacy at all," explains Maggie C., suggesting alternatives for those seeking more seclusion.
Seasonal closures: Higher elevation campgrounds typically close during winter months. Black Rock Mountain State Park operates from March 16 to December 17, while Moccasin Creek State Park runs from March 16 to November 30.
Bear activity: The area supports black bear populations requiring proper food storage. "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," warns one camper at Raven Cliff Falls.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing programs: Several parks offer specialized fishing opportunities for children. "This campground is very kid friendly. 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," explains Joshua G. about Moccasin Creek State Park.
Accessible activities for varied ages: Parks often provide options for different age groups. "We took our 19, 11, and 4 year old. Tested the trails and enjoyed plenty of scenic views," reports Robert R. about his family's Tallulah Gorge State Park experience.
Equipment rentals for water activities: Don Carter State Park offers equipment for enjoying Lake Lanier. "There's even a canoe trail! Campground is well maintained and bath houses are clean," explains Kevan R., highlighting water-based recreation options for families.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The sites have a firepit, picnic bench - and table, and a lantern pole. Some of the sites were not very private and more open without shade. We were in number 15 and it was in our opinion the best one," advises Katrin M. about Black Rock Mountain sites.
Sewer hookup placement: At some campgrounds, hookup positioning can create challenges. "Our site was beautiful on River but our sewer hook up was not where we could access it so only had water/electric," notes Cassondra P. about River Falls at the Gorge, suggesting campers check hookup locations before selecting sites.
Limited space for larger rigs: Mountain terrain restricts site sizes at some campgrounds. "Staff is awesome. Any trailer longer than 25 feet is tight getting to back sites," cautions Ted D. about Black Rock Mountain, highlighting the importance of checking length restrictions before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best tent camping sites near Clarkesville, GA?
Where are the best tent camping sites near Clarkesville, GA?
The Clarkesville area offers excellent tent camping options. Raven Cliff Falls provides gorgeous free camping with established sites, water access, and bathroom facilities, though it gets very busy on weekends. Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground is another popular spot, though it books quickly due to its proximity to the spectacular gorge. For tent campers seeking more primitive experiences, Lake Russell Recreation Area near Mt. Airy offers walk-in sites with a more secluded feel. All these options provide beautiful natural settings typical of northeast Georgia's mountain terrain.
What outdoor activities and attractions are available when camping near Clarkesville, GA?
What outdoor activities and attractions are available when camping near Clarkesville, GA?
The Clarkesville region is rich with outdoor activities. At Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground, you can enjoy extensive hiking trails with spectacular mountain views. Water enthusiasts will love Don Carter State Park Campground on Lake Lanier for swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. The area also offers mountain biking trails, whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River, fishing in mountain streams, and wildlife viewing. Nearby attractions include the Alpine village of Helen, vineyards along the Georgia Wine Highway, and the natural beauty of Panther Creek Falls. In autumn, the region transforms with vibrant fall foliage, making it a perfect time for scenic drives and photography.
How far are the nearest camping sites from downtown Clarkesville, GA?
How far are the nearest camping sites from downtown Clarkesville, GA?
Several excellent camping options are located within a short drive from downtown Clarkesville. Moccasin Creek State Park Campground is approximately 15 miles northeast, offering sites with convenient bath house access. For those willing to drive a bit further, Tugaloo State Park Campground is roughly 25 miles east of Clarkesville, providing spacious campsites with plenty of trees and access to Lake Hartwell. Even closer options include Panther Creek Recreation Area Camping at about 10 miles away and private options like Nacoochee Adventures near Helen, approximately 18 miles from downtown Clarkesville.
Keep Exploring