100% (158) • 68 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Helen
Castleberry Bridge
1. Castleberry Bridge
100%
(190)
24mi from Helen · 15 sites · Tents
Come join us at this unforgettable camping spot at Historic Castleberry Bridge where the Gold Rush happened, the Indian fish trap still exist, the birth place of Denver Colorado and the hideout of Jesse James just some of the history that happened at your campsite on the Etowah River. Our motto is "Thanks for keeping it clean," so help us spread the word and keep it true!
Look for the gate at 851 Castleberry Bridge Rd (right where the bridge crosses the river) and drive through the gate and George (owner) should be there. He will open the second gate for you where you will be able to drive through and park at your site - weather permitting. To the left of the first gate is the community area with toilet, grills, picnic tables, etc. Remember, your phone might not work near the river. If you need help, you might have to go back up to the road to call us. George (the owner) is there most every day and all day. For help contact Gini or George Ferris 404-431-2564 or 727-204-3932.
There's so much fun waiting for you to explore! Tubes are available for a $5 charge per day. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there are rope swings that let you swing over the river, and there are super cool places to splash around and swim, part of which, is in the Indian Fish Trap.
When your tummy starts rumbling, don't worry. We've got you covered with grills in the community area where you can cook delicious food. So you can have a tasty meal with the sound of the river flowing in the background. Also we are within 5-10 minutes to stores, restaurant , etc.
But wait, there's more excitement! If you're looking for an even bigger adventure, this is the perfect spot to begin an awesome kayaking trip if you brought your kayak. Castleberry Bridge is where people from all over the country come to experience going through the Miner's Tunnel.
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jW3ESWCNdLA ) This 4 hour trip and is an experience of a life time you will never forget.
So whether you want to float, swing, swim, or paddle, Castleberry Bridge is the place to be for all kinds of outdoor fun!
Camping price is for 2 adults. Kids camp free. For an additional fee you may add more adults to your group. George can arrange a pick for your kayak trip for $39 if needed.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$49
/ night
Vogel State Park
2. Vogel State Park
100%
(16)
39 sites · Blairsville, Georgia
Georgia’s second-oldest state park is home to some of the state’s most scenic landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Nantahala National Forest
3. Nantahala National Forest
95%
(73)
438 sites · Franklin, North Carolina
Discover what the Cherokee call the Land of the Noonday Sun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Don Carter State Park
4. Don Carter State Park
100%
(2)
11 sites · Lula, Georgia
This park’s cool and calm waters provide an ideal setting for swimmers, boaters, and paddlers.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Black Rock Mountain State Park
5. Black Rock Mountain State Park
100%
(10)
17 sites · Mountain City, Georgia
Mountain top vistas and rugged terrain define this Georgia park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sumter National Forest
6. Sumter National Forest
88%
(13)
259 sites · Joanna, South Carolina
Explore the vast South Carolina wilderness on foot, by bike, or by boat
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Tugaloo State Park
7. Tugaloo State Park
100%
(3)
32 sites · Gumlog, Georgia
Surrounded by woods and water, this park boasts some of the best views in Georgia.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Hartwell State Park
8. Lake Hartwell State Park
100%
(10)
485 sites · Fair Play, South Carolina
Whether boating, fishing, or camping—it’s all about the lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cherokee National Forest
9. Cherokee National Forest
96%
(49)
625 sites · Mountain City, Tennessee
Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!
Devils Fork State Park
10. Devils Fork State Park
100%
(8)
115 sites · Salem, South Carolina
Mountain gorges and lakeside waterfalls provide stellar views at Lake Jocassee.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
100% (158) • 68 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Helen
Castleberry Bridge
1. Castleberry Bridge
100%
(190)
24mi from Helen · 15 sites · Tents
Come join us at this unforgettable camping spot at Historic Castleberry Bridge where the Gold Rush happened, the Indian fish trap still exist, the birth place of Denver Colorado and the hideout of Jesse James just some of the history that happened at your campsite on the Etowah River. Our motto is "Thanks for keeping it clean," so help us spread the word and keep it true!
Look for the gate at 851 Castleberry Bridge Rd (right where the bridge crosses the river) and drive through the gate and George (owner) should be there. He will open the second gate for you where you will be able to drive through and park at your site - weather permitting. To the left of the first gate is the community area with toilet, grills, picnic tables, etc. Remember, your phone might not work near the river. If you need help, you might have to go back up to the road to call us. George (the owner) is there most every day and all day. For help contact Gini or George Ferris 404-431-2564 or 727-204-3932.
There's so much fun waiting for you to explore! Tubes are available for a $5 charge per day. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there are rope swings that let you swing over the river, and there are super cool places to splash around and swim, part of which, is in the Indian Fish Trap.
When your tummy starts rumbling, don't worry. We've got you covered with grills in the community area where you can cook delicious food. So you can have a tasty meal with the sound of the river flowing in the background. Also we are within 5-10 minutes to stores, restaurant , etc.
But wait, there's more excitement! If you're looking for an even bigger adventure, this is the perfect spot to begin an awesome kayaking trip if you brought your kayak. Castleberry Bridge is where people from all over the country come to experience going through the Miner's Tunnel.
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=jW3ESWCNdLA ) This 4 hour trip and is an experience of a life time you will never forget.
So whether you want to float, swing, swim, or paddle, Castleberry Bridge is the place to be for all kinds of outdoor fun!
Camping price is for 2 adults. Kids camp free. For an additional fee you may add more adults to your group. George can arrange a pick for your kayak trip for $39 if needed.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$49
/ night
Vogel State Park
2. Vogel State Park
100%
(16)
39 sites · Blairsville, Georgia
Georgia’s second-oldest state park is home to some of the state’s most scenic landscapes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Nantahala National Forest
3. Nantahala National Forest
95%
(73)
438 sites · Franklin, North Carolina
Discover what the Cherokee call the Land of the Noonday Sun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Don Carter State Park
4. Don Carter State Park
100%
(2)
11 sites · Lula, Georgia
This park’s cool and calm waters provide an ideal setting for swimmers, boaters, and paddlers.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Black Rock Mountain State Park
5. Black Rock Mountain State Park
100%
(10)
17 sites · Mountain City, Georgia
Mountain top vistas and rugged terrain define this Georgia park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sumter National Forest
6. Sumter National Forest
88%
(13)
259 sites · Joanna, South Carolina
Explore the vast South Carolina wilderness on foot, by bike, or by boat
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Tugaloo State Park
7. Tugaloo State Park
100%
(3)
32 sites · Gumlog, Georgia
Surrounded by woods and water, this park boasts some of the best views in Georgia.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Hartwell State Park
8. Lake Hartwell State Park
100%
(10)
485 sites · Fair Play, South Carolina
Whether boating, fishing, or camping—it’s all about the lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cherokee National Forest
9. Cherokee National Forest
96%
(49)
625 sites · Mountain City, Tennessee
Follow us to Tennessee and dive into the grandeur of the Cherokee National Forest! It’s filled to the brim with scenic forested trails, rushing rivers, and rainbow trout. During the day you can go rafting, and at night you can bask yourself in moonshine (of various sorts) and brush up on your constellations. If you are in pursuit of some Appalachian Mountain bliss, this is the right place to start. Don’t forget your camera, you're going to want to show these vistas off!
Devils Fork State Park
10. Devils Fork State Park
100%
(8)
115 sites · Salem, South Carolina
Mountain gorges and lakeside waterfalls provide stellar views at Lake Jocassee.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Brandon
November 2025
Tent
Everything was great! George is awesome! This was our 2nd trip here and there will be more!
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J
Judy
November 2025
Tent
We enjoyed our stay on George and Gini’s land. This is my second visit to their property
See moreM
Matthew
November 2025
Tent
With kids
My son and I loved camping at George’s place! George was very hospitable and a great host. He even helped me jump my truck when I left the battery on! The riverfront was beautiful and so peaceful at night. We were even provided with free firewood! Would stay again!
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J
Jolie
November 2025
Bethany
November 2025
Tent
With pets
We had the best time camping here! It was beautiful, and George and Gini were so sweet. Can’t wait to return!
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J
James
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Loved the setting, easy to find, very peaceful. Would stay again!
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M
Michael
October 2025
Tent
Absolutely amazing time, owner was very helpful. Very beautiful place
See moreS
Seanna
October 2025
Tent
With pets
The hosts were amazing! Loved the area. We cannot wait to book again for summer!
See moreR
Robert
October 2025
Tent
We loved tent camping on George and Gini's land. The site was amazing. Hosts were great. Will be returning!
See moreC
Clay
October 2025
Tent
With pets
The property is excellent- and so fun for kids and dogs. Bathroom was the cleanest port-o-potty I have ever been in. The staff is super friendly and accommodating. Would go back anytime.
See moreL
Lucy
October 2025
Tent
George and Gini own a beautiful property. They continuously went above and beyond for my boyfriend and i’s stay. The bathroom was very clean, being next to the river was amazing and I felt very comfortable and safe the entire time! Thank you both so much and I’m excited to return!
See moreS
Scott
October 2025
Tent
With kids
George and Gino were so kind and have thought of everything at the campsite. You get the best of both worlds—a secluded camp site feel while still being near some conveniences like a port-a-potty, tubes and life jackets, picnic tables, charcoal grills, rope swings, homemade wooden benches and other unique, handmade seating along the riverbank.
They’ve customized the common area along the riverbank for family fun and convenience. They provided firewood, fire starter, a fire pit, and made sure we had everything we needed. We loved our experience and will bring the rest of the family back for some warm weather fun.
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B
Bobbi
October 2025
Tent
With kids
We had the best time visiting George and Gini’s spot! The river is so peaceful, and we had so much fun hanging out with fellow campers. George gathered the kids for a hayride while all the parents chatted, and then made sure everyone’s fire pits were set up and ready to go for the evening. He and Gini were incredibly accommodating. We’ll be back during warmer months to tube down the river!
See moreL
Lucy
October 2025
Tent
Tent camping at George and Ginis property was wonderful! Both of them were super knowledgeable of the area and great conversation. My boyfriend and I felt super safe and loved the whole camp. George was great by setting up the fire for us each time!
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I
Ian
October 2025
Tent
Stay was amazing! George and Gini were super welcoming and helpful, Made sure I was all set up and had everything I needed with very clear instructions
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J
Jerry
October 2025
Tent
We had another great weekend at Castleberry Bridge. A little nippy in the evenings - perfect campfire weather - and warm sunny days. The campground was clean and well tended as usual and the hosts friendly and accommodating.
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Judy
October 2025
Tent
The campsite was beautiful. The portable toilet was clean. The hosts were extremely helpful and friendly.
See moreM
McKenzie
October 2025
Tent
With kids
AMAZING place! Free firewood, George will come and collect and haul out your trash every evening, there are so many amazing thoughts out details of this campsite. $5 all day tubing! We will definitely be back! The only downside is that there aren't picnic tables at the campsites, but there are benches we used as a make shift table. We will just be sure to bring a folding table with us next time!
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Melody
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Castleberry Bridge
We loved this site.The owners were great and they made sure we had everything we needed for are stay.We will definitely be back!
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Melissa
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Lovely campsites with above and beyond service. Fire wood set up all ready to go with daily trash removal. Tubing right on site. Easy access to the river with many places to wade. The cleanest porta potty I have ever seen in my life. We will definitely be back!
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