Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest — riverside, fishing, hiking
Location: Lakemont, GA, GA
Price: From $12 per night
Rating: 3.8 out of 5 (4 reviews)
Season: May through October
The drive up through the winding misty roads of North Georgia leading to this 19 sites, developed campground is almost as breath-taking as the site itself. Although the drive leaves one feeling as if civilization has been left far, far behind, the ever-popular and beloved alpine village of Helen, Georgia is less than an hour away. Camping here, visitors can enjoy the pleasure of Georgia’s number one vacation spot with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the City of Helen and many recreational
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Restrooms, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/upper-chattahoochee-river-campground to be notified when sites open up.
This 19-site developed campground offers scenic North Georgia mountain camping with access to waterfalls and the nearby alpine village of Helen. Campers consistently praise the well-maintained facilities, dark skies ideal for stargazing, and proximity to outdoor recreation including fishing and hiking.
Wildlife alert: Eastern Copperhead snakes present in the area; also North American River Otters, Ruffed Grouse, and various songbirds.
Insider tips for Upper Chattahoochee River Campground: Book early — this is a popular federal campground with limited sites Short walks to Horse Trough Falls and other nearby waterfalls Clear night skies excellent for stargazing and cell phone astrophotography Road access is rough but passable; standard vehicle acceptable
Skip Upper Chattahoochee River Campground if: You need RV hookups — no hookups available, only suitable for self-contained RVs. You prefer year-round access — seasonal operations May-October only. You want amenities beyond basics — restrooms are porta-potties, no showers or modern facilities.
Best time to visit Upper Chattahoochee River Campground: May-October — Official operating season only; campground is seasonal and closed November-April..
Nearby campgrounds: Andrew’S Cove Campground (Lakemont, GA), Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area (SUCHES, GA), Desoto Falls Recreation Area (Blairsville, GA), Dockery Lake Recreation Area (Dahlonega, GA).
Cell signal at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground (Lakemont, GA): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
The drive up through the winding misty roads of North Georgia leading to this 19 sites, developed campground is almost as breath-taking as the site itself. Although the drive leaves one feeling as if civilization has been left far, far behind, the ever-popular and beloved alpine village of Helen, Georgia is less than an hour away. Camping here, visitors can enjoy the pleasure of Georgia’s number one vacation spot with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the City of Helen and many recreational activities.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Book early
this is a popular federal campground with limited sites
Short walks to Horse Trough Falls and other nearby waterfalls
Clear night skies excellent for stargazing and cell phone astrophotography
Road access is rough but passable; standard vehicle acceptable
Official operating season only; campground is seasonal and closed November-April.
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.









From Hiawassee or Clayton Georgia travel on Hwy 76 to Hwy 75. Turn south on Hwy 75 towards Helen, Georgia for approximately 13 miles. Turn right on Forest Service 44 Road, aka Upper Chattahoochee River Road just past the Unicoi Gap parking lot of the A. T. Travel approximately 5 miles on the dirt road to the entrance to the campground and day-use areas. From Helen travel north on Hwy 75 North for approximately 7 miles and turn left on Forest Service 44 Road, aka Upper Chattahoochee River Road. T
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