Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)
3.8757 reviewsSandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Varies
Booking
Reservable
Sites
13 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(706) 754-6221
What Campers Say
3.87
Mixed Reviews
Based on 57 reviews
56 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulspacioussites
"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."
Best Time to Camp at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)
Spring breathes new life into Sandy Bottoms as wildflowers emerge and the forest awakens from winter slumber, while autumn transforms the hardwood canopy into a spectacular tapestry of crimson, gold, and amber—showcasing North Georgia's famous fall color at its finest. During the campground's operating season, you'll find drinking water available via hand pump, adding to the rustic charm of your mountain retreat.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.
Planning Tips
About Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)
Tucked along the pristine shores of the Tallulah River, Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area offers 13 rustic campsites beneath a canopy of native hardwoods in Georgia's beloved Chattahoochee National Forest. This intimate campground serves as your basecamp for swimming in cool mountain waters, casting a line for trout, and exploring nearby wilderness trails. All sites require advance reservations through recreation.gov.
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.
Historical SignificanceThe Chattahoochee National Forest has drawn adventurers and nature seekers for generations, and Sandy Bottoms sits at the heart of this storied landscape. Just a short distance away, the historic community of Lakemont whispers tales of early Appalachian settlement, while a network of well-worn trails speaks to decades of hikers who've explored these mountains in search of solitude and scenic beauty.
Weather and SeasonsSpring breathes new life into Sandy Bottoms as wildflowers emerge and the forest awakens from winter slumber, while autumn transforms the hardwood canopy into a spectacular tapestry of crimson, gold, and amber—showcasing North Georgia's famous fall color at its finest. During the campground's operating season, you'll find drinking water available via hand pump, adding to the rustic charm of your mountain retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Tallulah River flows clear and cold past your campsite, its gentle currents providing a constant soundtrack to your stay beneath towering oaks, maples, and hickories. Beyond the campground, the landscape rises dramatically toward some of Georgia's highest peaks—including the legendary Rabun Bald—while cascading waterfalls tumble through nearby gorges and wilderness trails wind through ancient forests where sunlight filters through the leafy canopy in golden shafts.
Geological RegionChattahoochee National Forest, adjacent to the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area
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Campsite details
Sites Size13 campsites
Total Campsites13 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThirteen campsites each have a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. A vault toilet and trash bins are located at the center of the campground; drinking water is available by hand pump.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all campsites are available by reservation only via Recreation.gov.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
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.
Hiking
Access to nearby trails via Tallulah River Road: Beech Creek Trail and Buck Creek Trail in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness at the end of the road, and Coleman River Trail (approximately 1.1-mile in-and-out) accessed near bridge #1 about 5 miles from the campground.Fishing
Fishing is popular on the Tallulah River; additional fishing opportunities exist on nearby waters such as the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River and regional lakes.Swimming
The campground rests on the shore of the Tallulah River and lists swimming among its recreational opportunities.Boating
Boating opportunities are available nearby: Lake Rabun and Lake Burton are noted as places to put a boat in the water; the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River offers canoe and kayak possibilities with outfitters and guide services.Water Sports
Whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River; recreational boating on nearby lakes.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring (fire rings provided at each site).
Hazards
Weather at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)
37
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 67%
Wind: 11.5 mph
Mainly clear
Weather History
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash bins located at the center of the campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shore of the Tallulah River; river access for walking, swimming, and fishing.
Campground Map
Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga)
Driving directionsTake U.S. 76 west from Clayton, Georgia for 8 miles; turn right (north) on Persimmon Road for 4.2 miles; turn left (northwest) on Tallulah River Road (Forest Service Road 70) for 4.6 miles to arrive at Sandy Bottoms Campground.
Accessible via U.S. 76 west from Clayton, then Persimmon Road and Tallulah River Road (Forest Service Road 70).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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.9
57 reviews
Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, Ga) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 57 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 57 reviewsShow more
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 57 reviewsShow more
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 57 reviewsShow more
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 57 reviewsShow more
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 57 reviewsShow more
Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 10, 2025
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