
19
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
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Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
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Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
Overview The drive up through the winding misty roads of North Georgia leading to this 19-site, 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. Recreation At the rear of the campground, visitors will find the short walking trail for the beautiful Horse Trough Falls. It is just a mile downstream from the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Recreational activities in this area include hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. Right outside the campground, there is a Day-use picnic area for a nice break with the creek running just a few feet away. For those wanting to take the 7-mile drive along Upper Chattahoochee Road (FS 44 Road), you will find yourself outside of Helen, Georgia with many other recreational opportunities including rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and some great hiking trails. Facilities At the rear of the campground, visitors will find the short walking trail for the beautiful Horse Trough Falls. It is just a mile downstream from the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River. Recreational activities in this area include hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting. Right outside the campground, there is a Day-use picnic area for a nice break with the creek running just a few feet away. For those wanting to take the 7-mile drive along Upper Chattahoochee Road (FS 44 Road), you will find yourself outside of Helen, Georgia with many other recreational opportunities including rafting, kayaking, ziplining, and some great hiking trails. Natural Features Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, a place of exploration and wonder. This National Forest is rich in history and is said to be a hiker's paradise with it's winding trails, scenic mountains, and rolling hills. Nearby Attractions You don't have to stroll far from your campsite to see the first of the nearby attractions with the Horsetrough Falls at the back end of the campground. Take a drive along the beautiful scenic Upper Chattahoochee River Road (FS 44 Road), and you can see many other waterfalls along the way while you are making your way to the many nearby attractions. Brasstown Bald is the highest peak in the State of Georgia at a height of 4784 feet above sea level is a 45-minute drive. Along the way you pass Unicoi Gap, one of the many areas of the National Scenic Appalachian Trail (A.T.) where hikers will cross Hwy 75 North coming out of Mark Trail Wilderness and heading into Tray Mountain Wilderness. Other attractions in the area include Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, Ravens Cliff Wilderness, and many things of wonder in the alpine village of Helen, Georgia. Charges & Cancellations If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel? Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. You can make changes to your reservation ahead of your arrival date in My Reservations. Changes If your new stay dates are completely different from your original stay dates, there is a $10 change fee (per reserved site). There are no additional fees for: • Adding or removing nights to your stay. • Changing to a different campsite. Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate. Cancellations You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a refund for your stay, minus the following fees: • $10 cancellation fee • Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking) • Any previous change fees Late cancellation penalties may also apply: What is “Late”? For individual campsites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 1 calendar day before your scheduled check-in. For cabins and group sites, a late cancellation applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days or fewer before your scheduled check-in. Late Fee In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed. As of the expected check-in day, cancellations or changes to your stay are not possible through My Reservations. It is at the facility's discretion to support additional Late Cancellations, No Show, or Early Departure updates – on-site personnel may not be able to assist. These changes carry penalties and may forfeit recreation use fees. For additional details, please visit here:
- 19 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (19).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.


Our Take
What makes Upper Chattahoochee River Campground special
Tucked into the misty, winding mountain roads of North Georgia, Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is the kind of place that slows you down the moment you arrive. This 19-site developed campground sits near the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River outside Lakemont, where one of the South's great waterways begins as a clear, cold Appalachian stream. Towering hardwoods and hemlocks shade the sites, and the river's constant murmur provides the soundtrack to every morning coffee and every evening campfire. The campground is breathtaking in autumn, when the surrounding ridges ignite in red and gold, but spring wildflower season and the cool green canopy of summer hold their own magic. Trails lead from camp into the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering everything from easy riverside strolls to ridgeline scrambles with long views into the Blue Ridge. Trout fishing in the upper Chattahoochee is a quiet obsession for many who return year after year. Facilities are well-kept, and the sites offer enough space and privacy to feel genuinely secluded even on a busy weekend. For campers seeking a mountain retreat that feels far removed from the everyday, Upper Chattahoochee delivers a sense of place that lingers long after the drive home.
Campsite Inventory
19 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
CAMPFIRE RINGS
Campfire Rings
CREEK ACCESS
Creek Access
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
2:00 PM
Check-out time
12:01 PM, 12:02 PM
Condition Rating
Good
DAY USE AREA
Day Use Area
Double Driveway
Yes
Driveway entry
Back-in, Parallel, Pull-through
Driveway Grade
Slight
Driveway length (ft)
23, 33, 39, 41
Driveway surface
Gravel
LANTERN POSTS
Lantern Posts
Location Rating
Good
Max guests
5, 8
Minimum guests
Yes
PARKING AREA
Parking Area
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
706-754-6221
sm.fs.crrd@usda.gov
Getting There
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. Travel approximately 5 miles on the dirt road to the entrance to the campground and day-use areas. The physical address is: 48 Forest Service Road 44.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Upper Chattahoochee River Campground.
How do reservations work for Upper Chattahoochee River Campground?
Reservation availability for Upper Chattahoochee River Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground?
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground currently lists Unknown (19).
Where is Upper Chattahoochee River Campground located?
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is in Georgia near Lakemont. Coordinates: 34.7869, -83.7829.
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