Low Gap Campground
4.2435 reviews190 Low Gap Rd., Helen, GA
Low Gap Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $12 per site per night. Interagency Senior and Access Passes as well as Golden Age and Access Passports are accepted, offering a 50% discount on camping fees.
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About this campground
Tucked away in nature's embrace, Low Gap Campground offers an authentic semi-primitive camping experience where modern life fades into the background. Here, the gentle murmur of Low Gap Creek provides a natural soundtrack as it winds through the campground, drawing anglers who know its waters hold promise. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with lantern posts that glow warmly against the evening sky, sturdy tables for gathering, and grilles for campfire cooking. Towering White pines create a natural cathedral overhead, while rhododendron and Mountain Laurel paint the understory with seasonal blooms, creating an intimate woodland sanctuary.
Low Gap Campground offers a rustic and primitive camping experience with 13 developed sites. It is well-suited for tent camping and small RVs, but lacks modern amenities.
Weather and SeasonsEach season brings its own character to Low Gap. Summer arrives with warm, sometimes humid days perfect for creek-side relaxation, though afternoon thundershowers often roll through to refresh the forest. Spring and fall offer ideal camping weather with crisp mornings giving way to comfortable afternoons. Winter transforms the campground into a quieter retreat, with temperatures dropping and occasional snowstorms dusting the pines in white, creating a pristine wonderland for the hardy souls who venture out.
ElevationPerched at 1,800 feet above sea level, Low Gap Campground enjoys the sweet spot of mountain elevation. Here, summer temperatures remain noticeably cooler than the valleys below, offering natural air conditioning courtesy of the altitude. The elevated position grants visitors stunning vantage points of the surrounding wilderness, where morning mists rise from the hollows and evening light paints the ridgelines gold.
Natural Features and SceneryLow Gap Creek serves as the campground's centerpiece, its clear waters bubbling and dancing over smooth stones as it divides the camping area. A charming low-water bridge connects sites 8-13 to the main campground, adding a touch of adventure to your stay. The surrounding forest creates a living tapestry with majestic White pines standing sentinel, rhododendron thickets bursting with blooms in late spring, and Mountain Laurel adding delicate pink and white flowers to the woodland palette. This diverse ecosystem provides endless opportunities for nature observation and peaceful contemplation.
Geological RegionNestled within the pristine Chattahoochee Wildlife Management Area and bordering the Mark Trail Wilderness, Low Gap Campground sits at the heart of some of Georgia's most treasured wild lands. This protected landscape showcases the Southern Appalachian ecosystem at its finest, where ancient White pines tower above dense thickets of native rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. Low Gap Creek, cutting through this botanical wonderland, has carved its path over countless millennia, creating the gentle valley that cradles the campground today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specified but are described as accommodating tents and small RVs (up to 28 feet).
Sites PrivacySites are described as being close to the creek, providing picturesque views, and some level of privacy. However, the level of seclusion varies.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a high-clearance vehicle due to the road conditions. Sites along the creek are ideal for anglers and those seeking tranquility.
Best CampsitesCampsites along the creek are considered the best, offering serene views and proximity to the water.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in information not specified.
Check-out
Check-out information not specified.
Stay Limit
The maximum stay is 14 days within any 30-day period. Campers must leave Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest land for 30 days before returning.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe layout of the campground includes 13 sites, 8-13 of which are accessed by crossing a creek via a low-water bridge.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from March 15 to December 15, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is by reservation only. There is no walk-up/first-come-first-serve availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled via Recreation.gov following standard guidelines. Specific penalty deadlines are not detailed.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Low Gap Campground provides opportunities for fishing, camping, and enjoying nature. The creek running through the campground is popular for trout fishing, and the area is surrounded by wildlife, making it suitable for hunting (in designated areas) and wildlife viewing. Nearby, the alpine village of Helen, Georgia, offers additional recreational options.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Low Gap Campground, with the creek stocked with rainbow, brown, and brook trout.Wildlife viewing
The remote location and wilderness setting make wildlife viewing an activity of interest at this campground. Bears have been frequently sighted nearby, so proper precautions should be taken.Winter Activities
The campground is closed during the winter season.Water Sports
Water sports are not supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity has been frequently reported. Visitors are strongly advised to secure food, trash, and other items to prevent encounters. The rough gravel road leading to the campground poses a challenge for some vehicles.
Active alertsCurrently closed for winter; reopening March 15, 2025.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services are in Helen, GA, approximately 5-6 miles away. This includes medical facilities and police.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 15, 2025 - December 15, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash cans and bear boxes have been removed. Campers must pack out all trash. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated adjacent to Low Gap Creek, providing excellent opportunities for fishing and scenic views.
Common complaintsThe campground lacks basic amenities such as potable water and restroom facilities. Trash and maintenance issues have been noted in user reviews.
HostThere is no camp host on-site based on recent reviews.
Campground Map
190 Low Gap Rd., Helen, GA
Driving directionsFrom Helen, GA, take State Rt. 17/75 north 0.8 miles to State Rt. 75 Alt. Turn left onto Rt. 75 Alt and then turn right almost immediately onto Poplar Stump Rd. Go 4.3 miles to campground. NOTE: Poplar Stump Rd. changes to gravel in 1.6 miles and becomes River Rd. (Forest Rt. 44) in 2.2 miles. At this point, the road continues as gravel and becomes single-lane, rough and winding.
The road leading to Low Gap Campground includes gravel and single-lane sections, as well as rough and winding terrain. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended, especially during adverse weather conditions.Nearby places
Helen, GA (approximately 5-6 miles)
Nearby supplies
Helen, GA, approximately 5-6 miles away, offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.2
35 reviews
Low Gap Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Low Gap Campground is described as remote, scenic, and ideal for fishing and relaxation. However, recurring issues include poor maintenance, the absence of a camp host, and mismanagement of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews
What Campers Love
Many visitors praise the campground for its scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and proximity to Low Gap Creek. Several sites are located along the creek, enhancing the camping experience. Fishing...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common concerns include incorrect Google Maps directions, poorly maintained restrooms, lack of trash management facilities, absence of potable water, and the removal of bear boxes. Some reviewers...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood and potable water. Use turn-by-turn directions from the national forest website rather than relying on Google Maps. Avoid leaving food out to deter bears.
Based on 35 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is highly recommended during warmer months for fishing and outdoor relaxation. However, it is closed in winter, and some reviewers noted that it can get crowded during peak times like...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"One of the best campgrounds I've been to. About 90% of sites are along the river, which is pretty freaking awesome." - David Hops. "The address is wrong. If you are looking for this place, enter...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #2 mentioned as disappointing due to trash left behind. Sites 8-13 require fording the creek to access but are considered scenic.
Based on 35 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no additional accessibility features were noted.
Based on 35 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews do not provide specific details about pet policies, though one noted an interaction with a dog and a camp host in the past.
Based on 35 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025