Best Camping in and near Don Carter State Park

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This park’s cool and calm waters provide an ideal setting for swimmers, boaters, and paddlers.

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Stay at a public campground in Don Carter State Park

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Don Carter State Park Campground

11 sites · RVs, Tents In Don Carter State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Don Carter State Park

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Lula Disc House

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents125 acres · Lula, GA

Hello Campers, We are a 125 acre property that has 36 holes of championship disc golf. The North Oconee River runs through our property as well as three ponds throughout. We have plenty of room to pitch your tents. It really depends on how far you would like to be from the bathhouse. We are 6 miles from Lake Lanier and the Chattahooce River, and a short drive to hiking/mountain biking trail heads.

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Three Falls Treehouse

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Dahlonega, GA

Discover an escape at our riverside glamping treehouse nestled by the Chestatee River. Perfect for families or friends seeking adventure and relaxation, this thoughtfully designed space accommodates up to 5 guests. The cozy yet spacious layout features a luxurious queen bed and three twin beds, ensuring everyone enjoys a restful stay. Cast your line for a fishing session or take a refreshing dip in the river's cool waters. As the sun sets, the magic continues as you gather around the fire pit by the water's edge, sharing stories and laughter under the starlit sky. Unwind in nature's embrace without compromising comfort.

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Brooks Lake, a piece of Heaven

30 sites · RVs, Tents56 acres · Conyers, GA

Under new owners and new onsite managers. Privately owned Brooks Lake, located just 25 miles east of Atlanta and 5 miles North of I-20 in Conyers, Georgia. Brooks Lake is a peaceful retreat to the outdoors where you can meditate or be as active as you wish. 56 acres of rolling hills, shaded bluffs, grassy plains, and a 50 acre spring fed lake with serious fishing for Bass, Bream, Crappie, or Catfish. For the more active individual you can rent paddle boats, canoes or fishing boats. Complimenting Brooks Lake’s abundant green space, are its wonderful amenities such as: community fire pit, picnic pavilions, swimming, volleyball, horseshoes, softball, and basketball (All at your Own Risk; No Lifeguards on duty)! There are Restrooms available(no showers). We encourage everyone to continue using good social distancing for the safety of all.

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7 springs

2 sites · Lodging10 acres · Dahlonega, GA

Miners Cabin: The miners cabin is located in between Dawsonville and Dahlonega Georgia in the heart of gold country. This unexpected gem has been our family’s oasis for the past 7 years and now, we are opening it up to share with others. Access to the cabin will be via our driveway and guests will not be allowed to drive directly to the cabin. There is a short 3 minute walk from parking access to the cabin. This walk is on an incline and those who may have difficulties walking up or down an incline or on uneven surfaces should consider this walk when planning your trip. Due to access limitations, we ask that you not bring more than two vehicles, We have additional parking at another property if needed but please let us know in advance. The Cabin sits on a grassy meadow a stones throw from cane branch stream. In the morning and afternoon you should expect to see or hear all types of wildlife. We have a family of raccoons that come around in the summer months and will eat just 5 foot from the porch. In the winter we have several deer that access the creekbed. The wildlife is fed often by our family and has been for the past seven years. Hummingbirds, woodpeckers, whippoorwills, crows, and even goldfish call this oasis home. At night our kids love to hunt for small crawfish in the creek with a flashlight. While bears are always something to watch for, we don’t typically see them on the property. A few miles of walking paths have been meticulously cared for and created by my father Mike. The mossy stone paths look like something out of a story book in the spring. Along the trails you will find benches and hammocks to lounge on and if you look close enough you may find some crystals that were placed for others to find from some of our many mineral digs over the years. There are two bridges that cross the stream along the paths and an old water wheel from way back that was used in the gold mining process in the creek. Vegetation on the property includes a variety of chantrell and coral mushrooms. If Mushrooming is your thing we have a good stash of chicken of the woods and if it’s fruiting you are welcome to pick it. Mountain laurels line the creek and bloom beautiful pink blossoms in the spring and summer. Cane creek branch is a quiet and beautiful stream. The water only gets about waist high at the deepest point making it perfect for kids or dogs to splash around in. Inside the cabin you will find a few gold pans if you would like to try your luck. We have found gold in the creek along with garnets and a few flashes of platinum. This property used to be the site for a long abandoned gold mine and an old metal water wheel still sits on the creek bank. The water wheel is locked but will still turn and at over 8 ft high it is a sight to see in itself. You will find a few small fish but nothing to shake a pole at. The cabin itself is nothing fancy and we like to keep it that way. It is as primitive as you would expect from the title. Only one electrical outlet is currently in the cabin. There is no running water but there is a water basin for brushing your teeth and washing small items. The bathroom is behind the cabin in a separate facility. This outhouse is unlike anything you have seen and has all of the comforts of home. Sleeping arrangements include a king size bed on a solid frame and a small sofa. You are welcome to pitch a tent or hammock outside as well. In the winter the cabin gets cold, we will provide an electric heater but you should know that it may still get cold inside. The porch looks over the creek and makes a great spot for bird watching. Amenities include a charcoal grill and a fire pit for cooking. The fire pit has several stable adirondack chairs circling it. We have a throwing board on the property however you will need to rent the throwing items from us and sign a waiver. We also have a small swing by our goldfish pond just across the creek. Things to do near us. Kayaking and tubing are just 7 miles down the road. You can rent a kayak from us or from the outfitters. We have 4 sit on top kayaks for adults 2 for children under 100 lbs and several whitewater kayaks are available for rent if you have prior experience. We also will guide you down the river as an additional service. See our price list. Our local outfitter Chestatee River Adventures is typically 30.00 for each kayak and 10.00 for tubing. The trip is 6 miles and can take anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on the water level. Please note that the outfitter is only open during the spring and summer. Our family will take you out no matter the time of year. Fishing on the Chestatee, Etowah, or lake lanier are also great activities and all can be accessed with a short 10 minute drive. Lake Zwerner is a local fishing hot spot great for grabbing a kayak or canoe and spending the day on the water. Gold Mining: Dahlonega is the gold city! Only 15 minutes away you will find Consolidated Gold Mine – Underground Gold Mine Tours. Here you can do some gold and gem mining as part of the tour. The gold museum in scenic dahlonega is close by as well.If you are looking for something more my dad offers trips and will show you the basics or can take you out for an all day dredging experience. You keep whatever you find! Hiking: The area hikes include the start of the great Appalachian (Apple-atch-an) trail. This is amicalola state park a 25 minute drive from the property. If you are brave enough, the copper mine cave is a quick 10 minute drive and is a sight to see. There is no cost to hike in however the parking and walk in are not easily accessible. From this quick hike you will be able to see copermines falls a great class 3 + rapid that local kayakers run. We also have a short walk on the etowah river that is well maintained. The Edge of the world trail is another must see.

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White Dog Farm camping

11 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Cleveland, GA

I have been a equestrian for 40+ years and horses are my passion. Recently purchased this beautiful , peaceful property one and half years ago and have had to think outside the box to continue to care for my wonderful animals as when I moved from urban environment to rural , my income has been challenging to teach enough horseback lessons to survive. This made me consider sharing this wonderful place. We have a White Dog Farm fan page :Facebook, Instagram: WHITE.DOG.FARM , can show our horse activities and more photos

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Chattooga Belle Farm Lakeside

18 sites · RVs, Tents198 acres · Long Creek, SC

Chattooga Belle Farm – They Built It! By Tracy McCoy I wonder if when standing on the sprawling in upstate South Carolina, just a short hour trip from Greenville, Ed and Kitty Land heard a small still voice say, “if you build it, they will come.” While there isn't a baseball field on the property, that's about all that is lacking. Chattooga Belle Farm began as an event building set on 138 acres with a small seasonal retail store. Soon people found their way to the soon-to-be full-fledged farm and they felt it; that feeling that you've found a very special place. Peaceful, majestic and unlike any other, Chattooga Belle Farm is quite possibly the perfect place for any event and most certainly an ideal place to pledge your heart and life to another. Since the Lands opened their doors in 2010 they have come. There have been families, couples, groups, the media and fruit pickers who have all visited the farm; and they return year after year. Having been written up countless times across the southeast, US and more recently featured on The Today Show, the farm just keeps growing and getting better. With a history of growing sweet juicy apples, the soil in this part of the world has proven to be excellent for peaches, muscadines, scuppernongs, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. The farm also grows exotic fruits like persimmons, paw paws, Asian pears, figs, and more! Today, the farm offers tours for visitors which offer incredible views and a visit to their horseshoe lake. Educational in nature, the tours leave guests more in love with the land than when they arrived. The landscape is picturesque and the mountain views are truly breathtaking in every direction. The farm hosts farm to table dinners that sell out year after year. Their U-Pick fruit opportunities evolve throughout the season with something always coming in from early summer through fall. A list of available fruit is updated often on their website as is farm tour info, upcoming events and information about cabin rentals on Horseshoe Lake. The recent addition of a distillery on the farm means the fruit is grown, fermented, distilled and bottled on the farm. The distillery is open year round Monday – Saturday. Brandies, Bourbons and Whiskeys are aged in oak barrels and aged to produce some of the finest liquors made in these mountains. The farm also boasts a challenging 18-hole Disc Golf course. The course is open to the public and the cost is $3 per game or an annual pass offering unlimited games is available for only $25. The holes are placed throughout the farm enabling play even when private events are taking place on the property. The farm store is complete with fresh produce (in season), canned jams, jellies and bottled ciders. Grass-fed, natural, antibiotic-free Black Angus beef is sold in the store. The cattle are raised on pasture which produces some of the healthiest beef you can buy. Using only natural, humane and environmentally sustainable practices, the Lands and their staff raise beef as nature intended. Bringing the best to your family has never been easier. Beef is offered in a variety of cuts boxed ahead for you when you call to order. A complete list of options is offered on their website with ordering instructions. Belle's Bistro at Chattooga Belle Farm serves salads, sandwiches, burgers and soups made with the freshest ingredients possible. The bistro is open for lunch Tuesday – Sunday from April – October. Their menu includes Certified South Carolina Grown food which makes for an outstanding menu, also which can be viewed on chattoogabellefarm.com. When it comes to weddings, Chattooga Belle Farm has it all! With all-inclusive packages that offer rental items, catering, a wedding coordinator, the minister or officiant, photographer, flowers, music, bar service and even the wedding cake. The couple can customize a package or choose from their Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum packages. Getting married has never been this easy, you bring the dress and your partner and you enjoy the day! Some of the area's loveliest weddings have happened in this remarkable place! The 2017 Eclipse Festival event planned on the farm August 21 will include music, camping, great food, distillery and farm tours, craft vendors and astrology talks and it will be unforgettable. Get your tickets today at SolarEclipseFest2017.com. Ed and Kitty and the outstanding farm team welcome you and we guarantee that if you come, you'll find that you want to stay forever! Plan your visit: Chattooga Belle Farm is located at 454 Damascus Church Road, Long Creek, South Carolina 29658. Information is abundant online.

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Yellow Chestnut Mtn

1 site · RV, Tent3 acres · Blairsville, GA

This site is our best work ever! 4wd or Awd required...know your vehicle please. Elevation is 2800ft, 220 degree view of 4 states. Close to everything the North GA Mountains has to offer. 5 minutes to Vogel State Park, 15 min to Brasstown Bald, or Helton Creek Falls, and 25 minutes to Helen. You will not be disappointed. This is one site only. I try to have firewood on site, but please always bring some. Tents and car camping are welcomed. Great cell service. Hiking trails everywhere. Property borders 87,000 acres of USFS. Please be aware of vehicle and trailer requirements, 4WD or AWD is Required. Please leave campsite exactly the way you found it. If you have to move the picnic table or campsite log seating during your stay, that's fine.....but please put it back exactly how you found it. Thanks

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Big Idea Homestead

3 sites · Lodging, Tents1 acre · Jefferson, GA

Recently purchased property. Wanting to turn into a tiny house community with a goat farm. But, for now, it has three empty tiny cabins, one with power, 2 that are primitive, and lots of area for tent camping. Also, have a completely refinished RV set up to use too. Great for a romantic stay for two.

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Wooded Camping at Pond

3 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Cleveland, GA

Private camping surrounded by lush woodland and tranquility just above pond. Helen attractions within 15 minutes near Chattahoochee River: Tubing, Hiking Trails, Waterfalls, Vineyards, and much more! Standard power and extended WiFi available. - Upper site is just past gated entrance and perfect for tents and small campers. - Lower site (seasonal) is very unique by the way it is hidden and tucked into hillside. 4WD is recommended for lower site. * If bringing a RV or small camping trailer (18ft max), please read details about size limits and standard power only.

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Matt's Front Porch

1 site · RV6 acres · Dawsonville, GA

Learn more about this land:Property is located 5 miles from outlet mall, 30 minutes from Apple and peach orchards. Nice mountain drive. Plenty of shopping 5 miles away. Property is wooded and away from traffic. I have only one RV space with 20 amp power and water. By Summer I should have another RV space. I'm also adding sewage this summer to both spaces.

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The Ridge at Stanley Gap

10 sites · Lodging, Tents8 acres · Blue Ridge, GA

Learn more about this land: Glamp your adventure! Pitch your tent next to a mountain stream and let it lure you to sleep! As close as you can get to all the great activities that Blue Ridge has to offer. Right in the heart of the Aska adventure area! 3 miles to downtown, 1 mile to Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River. Just over a mile and you find yourself at the Deep Gap/Flat Creek trailhead for mountain biking and hiking fun. Close to the waterfall trail off of Rock Creek road. Come and feel the breeze as it blows across the meadow as you nap under the trees. It’s a place that the whole family can enjoy! Now with 2 outdoor showers(hot/cold), full bathroom and bike wash. *Please note that the bathroom/outdoor showers and bike wash are located on the outside of the barn which is also a VRBO. Please respect any VRBO renters and use only the outdoor facilities as mentioned. There are firepits at each camping platform location. Please see pictures for Barn and exterior facilities. Thanks for choosing to stay!

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The Woods At Sole Farm

1 site · Tent30 acres · Demorest, GA

I recently purchased this property from the estate of Robert Masters, 2013. Mr. Master's and his family lived on this property since 1957 in the small red brick house at the road. He raised chickens and cattle. The cows are the reason this property looks the way it does with it's magnificent trees. I suspect this piece of property has had cattle on it for 100+ years. Mr. Masters worked at the Historic Habersham Mill down the road as did many of the locals. This is a working farm . I have named the farm, Sole Farm. (Sole is Italian for Sun) The house on the hill, my home, is the Villa del Sole. I look forward to having you come and enjoy this beautiful piece of land I call home. Learn more about this land: COVID-19: None of the camp sites are even in sight of one another. The sights are large enough so that you and your fellow campers can social distance from one another. I certainly respect your wishes and will social distance while packing you into your site with the tractor. You will pull into 495 Habersham Mill Rd, Green Shutter Cottage. There is a gravel drive that goes down behind Green Shutters Cottage. I will pick you up there with the tractor to pack you in and I will pack you out as well. Vehicles are NOT allowed on the property. You WILL get stuck. A breathtaking view of the distant mountains greets you as you come on to the property as well as the majestic Villa del Sole, a Tuscan style villa on top of the hill, my home. The land drops away into rolling pastures dotted with ancient trees, some 300+!. The woodlands are filled with wildlife that surround the property where you are completely isolated from the world. There are two creeks that border each side of the property and join together and flow into Lake Habersham then into the Soque, the top trophy trout stream in the southeast. The water in these streams is pure. Please respect this and bring Earth friendly soap for washing dishes. I recommend Dr. Bonner's Pure castile soap. There is a creek by each camp site. Behind the property is 110 acs of woodlands and fields down to Lake Habersham. The Woodland sites and the Meadow both have streams, fire pits, benches and latrines. I will pack you into and out of your site with the tractor. I do not allow vehicles on the property. You can walked to the sites if you like. I do welcome well behaved dogs. I have two that live here with me, Buster and Rufus. Depending on where you want to camp there are three possible campsites to choose from: The Meadow, 2 to 24 campers and, The Woodland site, 2 to 8, The Head Waters, 2 to 6 campers. The Head Waters site is down next to the creek and next to a meadow, very secluded, no latrine. The Meadow is best for larger groups of 8 or more. It is is a medium size meadow with flat ground suitable for spacing a number of tents out. There is a fire pit, grill/grate and three benches. It also has a creek and a latrine. The Woodland site is suitable for 2 to 8 campers but is a bit limited on places to pitch tents. It too has a fire pit, grill/grate, benches, kitchen prep table and a latrine. It is by far the prettiest site right next to the creek. It's possible to sit in the creek in areas during hot weather(shallow water and COLD!. You are not completely disconnected from the world here(WIFI) but far enough away to feel isolated and private. In the bottoms, you are nestled in the woods and can see nothing around you but forest, not even the Villa and not the other campers in the meadow. You see no neighbors, houses, lights, etc. Stargazing from on top of the hill is not to be missed. I recommend Sky Watch app. Clarkesville is close by. Ingles is close by for forgotten supplies or a Starbucks fix. This is a small town, rural area, quiet and slow. There is plenty more to do if you just want Sole Farm camp as a base. Tallulah Gorge is 20 minutes to the north and hiking at Panther Creek. Habersham County does not have liquor except by the drink in restaurants. Beer and wine are sold at Ingles. The closest liquor store is in Mount Airy 25 mins, $10 more a bottle. Many good hiking opps are close by, waterfalls, thrifting. The Chattahoochee is good for canoeing, kayaking and swimming. There are several stables that offer trail rides close by. You are allowed to walk all over the property using the mown paths but please respect the other campers and my privacy. I will be respecting yours.

The best camping near Don Carter State Park guide

Overview

About

Just an hour from Atlanta, Don Carter State Park is situated on the northern end of the 38,000-acre Lake Lanier and serves as the ideal setting for water activities. Visitors can enjoy a large, sandy beach with a bath house, boating, and swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding in the lake's calm waters. Back on land are more than 12 miles of hiking and biking trails that lead through the hardwood forest. The Don Carter State Park Campground has two areas: one designed specifically for RVs and another primitive camping area just for tents and hammocks.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations can be made at the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites website or by phone.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer. Reservations can be made 13 months ahead of time.
Campsites that have not been reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When to go

Don Carter State Park is open year-round. Summers are typically hot, and winters are relatively chilly. Summer is the peak visitor season here, with many Atlanta residents making the short trip to enjoy cooling off in the water—be sure to make reservations in advance. If you’re most interested in the trails, aim for a spring or fall visit to enjoy more comfortable temperatures.

Know before you go

You can rent a kayak or paddleboard in the park, but only during peak season from early March to late November.
Bringing your own firewood is prohibited, but you can pick some up at the main office in the park.
All pets must be on a six-foot leash and continuously attended to. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas or in any buildings.