How much does camping cost at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)?

Camping fees at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) first-come first-served or reservation?

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) before I book?

Yes! Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)?

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) is open March 15 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)?

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)?

Fire policies at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga): Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood in some states is illegal. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) have?

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)?

Pets are not allowed at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)?

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

4.64

11 reviews

Top 13% in GAFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Georgia

Quick Facts

1,860 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

1,860 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Campsite: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(706) 754-6221sm.fs.crrd@usda.gov

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

34.7867, -84.2389

Nearby places

Helen is within an hour's drive

nearby points of interest include Rabun Bald, Lake Rabun, Lake Burton, Tallulah Gorge State Park, Lakemont, and Brasstown Bald.

Weather at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Current alerts(7)

Beginning May 1st, 2025 Sandy Bottoms campground will require reservations be made via recreation.gov for all campsites at this facility
Camping or maintaining a campsite in developed and dispersed areas in excess of 14 days within any 30-day time period. After the camper(s) has accumulated 14 days within any 30-day time period, the camper(s) must leave that area/campground and move from Chattahoochee-Oconee…
Check out time is 12:01 pm and check in time starts at 2:00 pm
Click here for more information on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

Best Time to Camp at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Best season: fall. Fall offers the clearest advantage—cool, stable weather (daytime highs typically 50–70°F, nights 30–45°F) and spectacular hardwood color across the Southern Nantahala foothills make hiking and photography outstanding. Trout fishing is excellent as trout feed actively in cooler water and river flows are usually lower and clearer than spring runoff. Expect steady weekend demand and pack warm layers for crisp mornings and evenings; reserve sites early on recreation.gov. Peak months: October, November, May, June Avoid: January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 13% in GA

Designated 'best season': cool stable weather and 'spectacular hardwood color' in the Southern Nantahala foothills.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 15 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground sits along a river in the Southern Nantahala foothills near Clayton, Georgia, managed by Chattahoochee National Forest. The small campground offers budget-friendly riverside sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use the onsite boat launch for tubing, canoeing, and trout fishing, with fall bringing peak color and excellent fishing conditions.

A 13-site developed campground providing a rustic camping experience on the Tallulah River; campsites are reservation-only. The source does not specify tent-only, RV hookups, group sites, cabins, or glamping accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the clearest advantage—cool, stable weather (daytime highs typically 50–70°F, nights 30–45°F) and spectacular hardwood color across the Southern Nantahala foothills make hiking and photography outstanding. Trout fishing is excellent as trout feed actively in cooler water and river flows are usually lower and clearer than spring runoff. Expect steady weekend demand and pack warm layers for crisp mornings and evenings; reserve sites early on recreation.gov. Peak months: October, November, May, June Avoid: January, February

Elevation1860 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Tallulah River flows past campsites shaded by oaks, maples, and hickories. The campground borders the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area, where the landscape rises into the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Expect the constant sound of the river and a canopy dense enough to filter sunlight into shifting patterns on the forest floor.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) ?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

13-site developed campground on the shore of the Tallulah River. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post; vault toilet and trash bins are located at the center of the campground. All campsites are available by reservation only.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Opportunities for river-based recreation and nearby hiking and scenic drives. The campground sits on the Tallulah River and provides access to local trails and regional water recreation areas.

Fishing4.0/5

Fishing is popular on the Tallulah River; trout fishing and nearby Chattooga opportunities are noted.

Water Sports4.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Riverside vistas, dense hardwoods and strong fall color provide good photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.6

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently describe Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area as a beautiful, peaceful riverside spot that’s great for relaxing and simple recreation. Visitors highlight it as an excellent place to camp, picnic, tube, paddle, fish, or just stop and enjoy the river, with many calling it a favorite or regular destination.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the scenic, tranquil riverside setting and the peaceful sound of the river, especially for riverside camping and picnics. The area is praised for its canoe/boat launch and tube put‑in,...

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer reports seeing only two campsites, both described as large, well‑kept, and spaced a good distance apart for privacy. Another mentions camping “right on the river,” emphasizing how...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

One reviewer notes that the drive in and out is via narrow, curved roads posted at about 15 mph, so drivers should be prepared to go slowly. Another mentions that the camping area is around $20 per...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

“This place is a great area loved playing in the river. Nice parking, camping area 20 bucks a night, but the drive in and out narrow curved roads 15 mph.” “What a beautiful place! We got to camp out...

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer specifically mentions bringing their dog and says, “Beautiful here! My dog loves it too!”, indicating that pets are allowed and appear to enjoy the area. No issues or restrictions...

Based on 11 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Campsite: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(706) 754-6221sm.fs.crrd@usda.gov

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.8

(14)

Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground sits on the Toccoa River in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest near Blue Ridge, Georgia. This small, rustic campground operated by the Forest Service offers riverfront tent and primitive sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers fish for trout, float the river, and use the campground as a takeout for the canoe trail.

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Campground Map

Weather at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Planning Tips

About Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) ?

Amenities available

Things to do at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) ?

Amenities available

Things to do at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Site-Specific Reviews