Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground

4.68

69 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Georgia Mountain Camping Georgia Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Georgia +10 more

Quick Facts

1,860 ft

Price

$16 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,860 ft

Price

$16 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground

$16.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $20 per night for individual tent sites and $16 per night for group standard nonelectric sites. Additional fees such as reservation...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$16.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

706-745-6928

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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 69 reviews

70 Google reviews

"User reviews for Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Group Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with campers praising the natural beauty, river access, and outdoor activity options. Common highlights include the peaceful environment, suitability for group trips, and opportunities for water-based recreation. However, some reviewers noted the challenges posed by narrow, curvy access roads and the lack of modern amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground

34.7867, -84.2389

Driving directionsFrom Blue Ridge, GA go south on Aska Road 8.5 miles. Turn left, go across Shallowford Bridge and turn right on Shallowford Bridge Road. Go 1.3 miles to Old Dial Road. Turn right on Old Dial Road, go 0.6 miles to recreation area.

The campground is accessible via narrow, curved roads with a 15 mph speed limit. It is located well off the beaten path and requires careful navigation, as mentioned by user reviews.

Nearby places

Blue Ridge, Georgia (20 minutes from Deep Hole Recreation Area), Blairsville, Georgia, Ellijay, Georgia

Nearby supplies

Cooper Creek Store is within 5 minutes from Deep Hole Recreation Area, offering camping supplies. Directions: Exit the campground, turn right onto Hwy 60, and the store is about half a mile on the right.

Best Time to Camp at Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground

Summer transforms Sandy Bottoms into a refreshing mountain escape, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 78°F during the day before cooling to a perfect sleeping temperature of 62°F at night. While the lush forest canopy owes its vibrant green to regular rainfall, savvy campers know to check forecasts for those pristine weeks when blue skies prevail. The occasional afternoon shower adds drama to the landscape, filling the air with the earthy scent of rain on warm rocks and leaves. Clear days reveal the kind of brilliant sunshine that dances on the river's surface, creating ideal conditions for both water adventures and fireside evenings under star-filled skies.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer reviews highlight tubing, kayaking and comfortable daytime temps (≈78°F).

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Mountain hardwoods imply strong fall color and pleasant weather, though not explicitly detailed.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely strong for paddling, wildlife and wildflowers though specifics are limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; winter reviews note beauty but mention rain/cold and fewer water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round from Jan 1, 2025 to Dec 31, 2025.
Current Alerts: No alerts are currently active.

About Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground

Where the crystal-clear waters of the Toccoa River wind through Georgia's mountain wilderness, Sandy Bottoms Group Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic riverside retreat. This beloved destination marks the grand finale of the 13.8-mile Toccoa River Canoe Trail, where paddlers conclude their journeys amid towering trees and gentle rapids. Whether you're casting a line for native trout, floating downstream on a lazy summer afternoon, or gathering around the campfire with friends, Sandy Bottoms delivers the kind of unplugged experience that creates lasting memories. The rhythmic sound of flowing water provides nature's soundtrack as you swim in cool mountain pools, navigate rapids by kayak, or simply relax on the sandy riverbanks that give this special place its name.

This campground exclusively offers group camping with primitive facilities, making it ideal for outdoor groups looking for a basic, nature-immersive experience.

Historical SignificanceSandy Bottoms sits at the crossroads of Georgia's rich mountain heritage, where the echoes of the 1829 gold rush still resonate through nearby valleys. Just a scenic drive away, the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site tells the tale of America's first major gold rush, which forever changed these mountains. For those seeking to touch the sky, Brasstown Bald—Georgia's loftiest peak—rises majestically within reach, offering panoramic views that stretch across four states. This campground serves as your basecamp for exploring a region where Cherokee history, pioneer determination, and natural wonders converge to tell the story of the North Georgia mountains.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Sandy Bottoms into a refreshing mountain escape, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 78°F during the day before cooling to a perfect sleeping temperature of 62°F at night. While the lush forest canopy owes its vibrant green to regular rainfall, savvy campers know to check forecasts for those pristine weeks when blue skies prevail. The occasional afternoon shower adds drama to the landscape, filling the air with the earthy scent of rain on warm rocks and leaves. Clear days reveal the kind of brilliant sunshine that dances on the river's surface, creating ideal conditions for both water adventures and fireside evenings under star-filled skies.

ElevationNull

Natural Features and SceneryNestled within the embrace of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, Sandy Bottoms unfolds like a hidden chapter in nature's storybook. Ancient hardwoods and whispering pines create a living cathedral above the campground, their canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The Toccoa River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its clear mountain waters carving gentle curves through the landscape and creating peaceful pools perfect for swimming. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat—white-tailed deer emerge at twilight to drink from the river, while great blue herons patrol the shallows and wild turkeys announce the dawn. Every bend in the river reveals new vistas of moss-covered boulders, flowering mountain laurel, and the endless green tapestry of one of the Southeast's most pristine forests.

Geological RegionSandy Bottoms rests in the heart of North Georgia's ancient Blue Ridge Mountains, where the Toccoa River has spent millennia carving its path through some of the oldest exposed rock formations in North America. This remarkable landscape within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest showcases the raw beauty of the Southern Appalachians, where weathered granite peaks give way to deep river valleys lined with smooth river stones and sandy deposits. The campground's location along the Toccoa River places visitors at the intersection of powerful geological forces that have shaped these mountains for over 480 million years, creating the dramatic topography and rich biodiversity that make this region a natural treasure.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is by 2:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights per reservation.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

The group sites are spacious and designed to accommodate multiple tents, but there is a limit of 2 vehicles per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup sites are arranged in a loop known as Sandy Bottoms Loop, with tent pads and campfire rings available.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online, app, or contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up site availability; it is a primarily reservable campground.

Cancellation PolicyReservation changes require a $10 fee if modifying completely new dates. Late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night's fees for group sites. On-site personnel may not assist with changes after the check-in date.

AccessibilityThe campground has basic facilities, and there is no explicit mention of ADA-accessible accommodations.

Site SizeThe sites are designed for group camping, with ample space for tents and communal activities.

PrivacyThe campground is designed for group use, so it lacks individual privacy features but offers a serene environment.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the river are ideal for campers looking to enjoy water activities or scenic views.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is well-suited for various outdoor activities, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, tubing, and wildlife observation. The Toccoa River Canoe Trail offers opportunities for paddling enthusiasts, while the surrounding forest areas are ideal for nature exploration.

FishingFishing is a prominent activity at the campground. As one user review highlights, it is an "excellent place for fly fishing."

SwimmingSwimming is allowed and accessible directly from the campground's riverfront location. One user remarked on their enjoyment of playing in the river.

BoatingThe campground serves as the take-out point for the 13.8-mile Toccoa River Canoe Trail, and activities like canoeing and kayaking are popular.

Wildlife viewingIdeal for observing local wildlife along the river and in the surrounding forest. Specific species are not mentioned.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the frequent presence of rain and narrow roads for access. Bears are prevalent in the area, requiring strict food storage precautions.

Active AlertsNo alerts are currently active.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated grills, and fires must not be left unattended.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are strictly enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNull

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available, but visitors are strongly encouraged to carry out as much trash as possible to maintain the area's natural beauty.

Water FeaturesThe campground is directly adjacent to the Toccoa River and serves as the take-out point for the 13.8-mile Toccoa River Canoe Trail.

Camp HostNull

Weather at Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground

Reviews

4.7

69 reviews

Top-Rated

Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Group Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with campers praising the natural beauty, river access, and outdoor activity options. Common highlights include the peaceful environment, suitability for group trips, and opportunities for water-based recreation. However, some reviewers noted the challenges posed by narrow, curvy access roads and the lack of modern amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 69 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers enjoy the serene riverfront setting, abundant opportunities for tubing, kayaking, and fishing, and the rustic group camping experience. One reviewer noted, 'We brought kayaks and canoes and...

Based on 69 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitors mentioned the narrow, winding roads leading to the campground as a drawback. Additionally, the lack of running water, electricity, and cell service was noted by some campers as inconvenient.

Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water and supplies, as there is no running water or camp store on-site. Be prepared for narrow, twisting roads to access the campground. Campers are advised to secure all food due to...

Based on 69 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summertime reviews frequently highlight the enjoyment of river activities like tubing and kayaking, while winter reviews emphasize the beauty of the area despite rain and cold weather. One camper...

Based on 69 reviews

Camper Quotes

"What a beautiful place! We got to camp out on the spot right on the river and listened to the water trickling all night long." - Zach Manring. "This place is a great area. Loved playing in the...

Based on 69 reviews