Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

Star4.07
80 reviews
48 Forest Service Road 44

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Change fee: $10 (per reserved site) when new stay dates are completely different; Cancellation fee: $10 plus any reservation fees paid and any...
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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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What Campers Say

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 80 reviews

77 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerypeacefulcleanhiking

"Reviewers overwhelmingly love Upper Chattahoochee River Campground and the surrounding area, consistently giving 5/5 ratings. They highlight beautiful scenery, access to Horse Trough Falls and the river headwaters, generally well‑kept campsites and toilets, and a quiet, natural setting with light crowding, especially on weekdays."

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About Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

Tucked high in the misty peaks of North Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest, Upper Chattahoochee River Campground offers 19 developed sites where mountain roads wind through clouds and adventure awaits at every turn. Here, the legendary Chattahoochee River begins its 430-mile journey to the Gulf, and Horsetrough Falls thunders just beyond your tent, all within an easy hour's drive from Helen's charming alpine streets.
Developed, 19-site campground located in the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Historical SignificanceThe Chattahoochee National Forest has drawn adventurers and nature seekers for generations, its trails and waterways woven into the fabric of North Georgia's outdoor heritage. Today, this storied landscape continues to captivate hikers, anglers, and wanderers who come to experience the same pristine wilderness that has made these mountains a beloved destination for decades.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to the sound of water rushing over ancient stone as the Chattahoochee River begins its epic journey right outside your campsite. The campground serves as your gateway to Horsetrough Falls, where water cascades through moss-covered rocks, while Upper Chattahoochee River Road reveals a succession of hidden waterfalls around each misty bend. Beyond the immediate forest, the legendary Appalachian Trail beckons, and Georgia's highest peak, Brasstown Bald, rises majestically above rolling mountain ridges that fade into blue horizons.
Geological RegionChattahoochee National Forest
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Campsite details

Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEach site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Portable potties are available while restroom structures are being replaced. Day-use picnic area and creek are immediately outside the campground.

Best Campsites

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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 layoutEach of the 19 campsites includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Portable potties are available while restroom replacement is completed. Trash bins are provided in the campground.
Reservation PlatformsMy Reservations
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be changed before arrival via My Reservations. Changes: $10 change fee if new stay dates are completely different (no fee for adding/removing nights or changing campsites). Cancellations: refund any paid amount minus $10 cancellation fee, any reservation fees paid at booking, and any previous change fees. Late cancellations: for individual campsites, 'late' begins at midnight 1 calendar day before scheduled check-in; a late cancellation also subtracts the first night's recreation use fee from any refund. As of expected check-in day, reservations cannot be changed through My Reservations; facility discretion applies for late cancellations, no-shows, or early departures.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities include hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting at and around the campground, with additional recreational opportunities (rafting, kayaking, ziplining) accessible via Upper Chattahoochee Road and near Helen, Georgia. A short walking trail to Horsetrough Falls begins at the rear of the campground.
Hiking
Short walking trail to Horsetrough Falls located at the rear of the campground; area is near many hiking routes including scenic trails and access toward the Appalachian Trail and Tray Mountain/Mark Trail Wilderness areas.
Fishing
Fishing is listed among recreational activities near the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River.
Boating
Rafting and kayaking opportunities are available along Upper Chattahoochee Road (FS 44 Road) outside the campground.
Water Sports
Rafting and kayaking
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Each site is equipped with a fire ring; no additional fire restrictions or permit information provided in the source material.

Hazards

General hazardsWinding, misty roads on the approach; last ~5 miles on a dirt road. Potential for bear-human interactions if trash bins are overfilled.

Weather at Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

36
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 16.6 mph
Clear sky

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Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash bins available; campers are asked not to overflow bins to help reduce bear-human negative interactions.
Proximity to water featuresDay-use picnic area with a creek running a few feet from the campground; Horsetrough Falls located at the rear of the campground about 1 mile downstream from the river headwaters.

Campground Map

48 Forest Service Road 44
Driving directionsFrom Hiawassee or Clayton: travel on Hwy 76 to Hwy 75, turn south on Hwy 75 toward Helen for approximately 13 miles, then turn right on Forest Service 44 Road (Upper Chattahoochee River Road) just past the Unicoi Gap parking lot of the A.T.; travel approximately 5 miles on the dirt road to the campground entrance and day-use areas. From Helen: travel north on Hwy 75 for approximately 7 miles and turn left on Forest Service 44 Road (Upper Chattahoochee River Road); travel approximately 5 miles on the dirt road to the campground entrance and day-use areas.
Access via Hwy 75 to Forest Service Road 44 (Upper Chattahoochee River Road); last ~5 miles is a dirt road.
Nearby places
Helen, GA — less than an hour away
Brasstown Bald — ~45-minute drive.
Nearby supplies
Helen, Georgia — shopping, dining, and entertainment (less than an hour away).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.1
80 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers overwhelmingly love Upper Chattahoochee River Campground and the surrounding area, consistently giving 5/5 ratings. They highlight beautiful scenery, access to Horse Trough Falls and the river headwaters, generally well‑kept campsites and toilets, and a quiet, natural setting with light crowding, especially on weekdays.
Review Summaries
Based on 80 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praise the stunning scenery, peaceful nature experience, and access to Horse Trough Falls and the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River, which are popular for both hiking and fishing....
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Based on 80 reviews

Common Concerns

There are very few complaints in the reviews provided. The main issues mentioned are that the bathrooms were under maintenance at one point (though port-a-potties were supplied) and that the access...
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Based on 80 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers suggest bringing cash or a check to pay the camping fee (noted as $12 and expected to increase) and ensuring you have the proper fishing license and trout stamp if you plan to fish the...
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Based on 80 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Decent backwoods camping, very easy for car camping within the Chattahoochee WMA, headwaters of the Chattahoochee River." "Wonderfully maintained campsites.. built up on Hills with steps and block...
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Based on 80 reviews

Accessibility Features

Multiple reviews comment on the access road: it is a 5-mile, windy, rough forest road with some muddy and washed-out spots. While 4x4 isn’t considered mandatory, reviewers strongly recommend a...
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Based on 80 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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