Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

Star4.28
80 reviews
48 Forest Service Rd. 44, Helen, GA
Stargazing

Quick Facts

2,260 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Open March 15 throug...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest site

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Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $12 per site per night. The Interagency Senior and Access Passes and the Golden Age and Access Passports entitle holders to a 50%...
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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

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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 80 reviews

78 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulwater

"Reviews highlight the campground's remote location, natural beauty, and peaceful environment. However, there are frequent complaints about poor maintenance and lack of amenities."

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Campground Map

48 Forest Service Rd. 44, Helen, GA

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

48 Forest Service Rd. 44, Helen, GA

Driving directionsTake Georgia 75 north from Helen for approx. 8 miles. Just beyond mile marker 15 turn left onto the graveled Chattahoochee River Road and follow for 5 miles.
River Road 44 is gravel, single lane with turnouts. It is also steep in places with some switchbacks.
Nearby places
Helen, GA (approximately 8 miles, 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Helen, GA (groceries, camping supplies, dining, and entertainment).

Best Time to Camp at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

Each season paints this mountain sanctuary with its own distinct palette. Spring arrives in a spectacular burst of pink and white rhododendron blooms, while summer brings warm days perfect for river adventures and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. Autumn transforms the forest canopy into a tapestry of gold and crimson, and winter's crisp air and occasional dustings of snow create a peaceful wonderland that rewards the hardy visitor with solitude and stark beauty.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Popular in summer; warm days suitable for river activities and hiking.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall is popular for foliage and scenic views; highly praised by visitors.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings rhododendron blooms and is appreciated by visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (seasonal closure).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 15 to October 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open March 15 through October 31; closed for the winter.
  • Current Alerts: Site is temporarily closed due to lack of restroom facilities and tornado damage.

About Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Upper Chattahoochee River, this tranquil mountain retreat offers 19 thoughtfully placed campsites where the gentle rush of water provides nature's perfect soundtrack. Just moments from the charming Bavarian-themed town of Helen, this North Georgia gem invites you to cast a line in crystal-clear waters, explore winding forest trails, and discover why the Southern Appalachians have captivated adventurers for generations.
The campground supports developed camping with 19 sites, but no RV-specific or glamping facilities.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out time unspecified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers limited recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The nearby Horse Trough Falls is a main attraction.
HikingSeveral trails are available, including the unmarked Tate Branch trail which is about 3 miles long and features waterfalls and orchids. The Horse Trough Falls trail is a 0.3-mile hike.
FishingFishing is permitted, and the Upper Chattahoochee River is stocked with rainbow trout. A Georgia fishing license and trout stamp are required.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings are possible. Bears, owls, and wolves have been noted by users. "Got the chance to see my first bear in the wild," one user mentioned.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears are common; ticks are also mentioned as a concern.
Active AlertsSite is temporarily closed due to lack of restroom facilities and tornado damage.
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.

Weather at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

Reviews

4.3
80 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's remote location, natural beauty, and peaceful environment. However, there are frequent complaints about poor maintenance and lack of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 80 reviews

What Campers Love

"The stars are very bright and plentiful," "Beautiful campground with a nice waterfall in the back," "Quiet, peaceful, and relaxing," "Horse Trough Falls is a must-see," "Great stargazing."
Based on 80 reviews

Common Concerns

"Bathrooms were always dirty," "Port-a-johns are extremely nasty," "Some campsites are overgrown," "The road leading to the campground is rough," "The campground has not been maintained in years."
Based on 80 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Be prepared to be one with nature," "Practice bear safety," "Come prepared as there are no stores nearby," "Wear long pants and inspect for ticks," "Drive in a vehicle suited for rough roads."
Based on 80 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is more popular during the summer and fall seasons. During spring, the area is appreciated for blooming rhododendrons. Winter sees reduced activity due to seasonal closure.
Based on 80 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Be sure to come prepared camping since it’s such a long ways in and out." - Destin. "Campground closes Oct 31, but there are year-round huge dispersed campsites for free before you get to the...
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Based on 80 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are limited, but some sites are overgrown and need maintenance. Not all sites are creekside.
Based on 80 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed reviews. Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but the road and some campsites may present challenges.
Based on 80 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pets, but users stress the importance of practicing bear safety.
Based on 80 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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