4.1880 reviewsPrice
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Open March 15 throug...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
19 campsites
Season
Open March 15 throug...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Check Policy
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Learn more about alerts →Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
48 Forest Service Rd. 44, Helen, GA
Trout anglers and fall foliage chasers who pack in all their own water and don't mind a rough gravel road will get the most from this place. October hiking weather is genuinely good, the Tatte Branch trail has waterfalls and orchids, and bear sightings come free.
The site is temporarily closed right now due to tornado damage and no functioning restroom facilities. Even when it reopens, no potable water on-site, a steep rough access road, and chronically neglected sites make this a hard sell for anyone without high-clearance vehicles and f
Reference information about Upper Chattahoochee River Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>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 a half 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 recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, and fishing in the campground. Visitors should keep an eye out for the interpretive information available on the Chattahoochee River Watershed and how the river affects water usage for Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, posted upon entering the campground area.</p><p> </p>
The elevation is 2,260 ft. The campground is very picturesque and is situated along Upper Chattahoochee River in tall, mature mixed woods. Excellent campground for relaxing, fishing, enjoying the scenery and visiting Helen. There is also dispersed camping along River Road 44 all the way down to Helen. The campground has an unmarked trail known as Tate Branch trail. The trail is about 3 miles long with waterfalls and orchid plants along the way. Beautiful! Chattahoochee National Forest 91 The German alpine-designed village of Helen is a neat place to visit, walk around, shop and eat. The town was a classic example of a failing "Small- Town USA." In the early 1970s, some town business people got together and came up with the idea of redeveloping Helen as a Bavarian village. This was accomplished with surprising authenticity. When visiting Helen, suggest continuing down River Road 44 to the town (rather then going back up to State Rt. 17/75). The drive meanders alongside and over the river and is very scenic. This is especially true when the rhododendrons are blooming in June. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.
Open March 22 through October 31
Parking aprons are dirt and gravel.
From Helen, GA, take State Rt. 17/75 north for 8.6 miles to Upper Chattahoochee River sign (River Road 44 - Mark Trail Wilderness). Turn left onto River Road 44 and go 4.6 miles to campground. NOTE: River Road 44 is gravel, single lane with turnouts. It is also steep in places with some switchbacks.
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Fall is the standout season. October brings peak leaf color. Vivid reds, oranges, golds. And comfortable hiking weather with daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s, nights in the 30s and 40s. The river runs clear, trout fishing picks up, and trails stay dry. Weekends draw heavier crowds. Spring delivers rhododendron blooms. Summer offers cool nights despite warm days. Winter sees occasional snow and real solitude, though maintenance drops off and the access road can become treacherous.
Standout season: October peak leaf color and comfortable hiking temps; highly recommended.
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Visitors should also be aware that drinking water is not available at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground. The well system that previously served the campground has been decommissioned due to the high cost of maintaining and operating aging infrastructure. Visitors planning future trips should plan to bring their own potable water for drinking, cooking and other needs.
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