The best river, stream, or creek camping near Athens

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Athens, Georgia. With over 1,300 options available in the area, you'll have no trouble finding a campsite that suits your preference of being near a river. Whether you're looking for a serene spot like Brooks Lake, a piece of Heaven (347 reviews), or the picturesque Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows (266 reviews), or even Your Toccoa River Cove! (167 reviews), you'll find plenty of options to choose from. Average prices per night start at $40, with some options as low as $10. Popular amenities such as campfires, toilets, and showers are available, and you can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, climbing, and off-roading (OHV). So, get ready to explore the great outdoors and book your perfect camping getaway now!

97% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Athens

1. Lula Disc House

93%
(86)
34mi from Athens · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. We have a wonderful bathhouse with restrooms, showers and laundry just a very short walk from our sites (maintained by the staff at the park). We're also pet-friendly and love our furry campers! Just add the pet fee for each pet in the extras section at check out or send us an email letting us know ahead of time and we will get that added. We just ask that you do not leave your pet alone in the tents at any time unless properly crated. You are financially responsible for any damage that is done to our accommodations by your pets.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$29
 / night

2. Brooks Lake, A Peace of Heaven

96%
(734)
37mi from Athens · 31 sites · Tents, RVs
Privately owned Brooks Lake, located just 25 miles east of Atlanta and 5 miles North of I-20 in Conyers, Georgia. We are a family-friendly , nature-centered campground where “the only rule is the Golden Rule.” 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 may rent canoes, or bring your own boats, paddle boards, small sail boats (troller motors, only). Complimenting Brooks Lake’s abundant green space are: > slow rolling banks great for fishing > other wonderful amenities such as pavilion rentals, picnic tables, individual fire pits, small cove for swimming, volleyball net, grassy sports field, and basketball pad. (All at your Own Risk. Also, No Lifeguards on Duty)! Restrooms available.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night

3. Creekside Cabin at Lake Hartwell

98%
(22)
42mi from Athens · 2 sites · Lodging
New to HipCamp? Use this code for $10 off your stay with us: https://www.hipcamp.com/i/elisabethc3462c9 Welcome to Creekside Cabin, only 0.25mi from Lake Hartwell. Nestled in the woods, enjoy 500ft2 indoors and an additional 500ft2 of outdoor living space, strategically designed to provide unexpected spaciousness and comfort. Discover: 2 king beds, a loft bedroom with private balcony, open floor plan, stocked kitchen, & a plethora of entertainment. Ideal for nature-lovers, revel in 3 stories of decking with: a hot tub, fire pit, grill, daybed, outdoor tv, & covered porch, all surrounded by trees. EXPLORE NEARBY - 1 mi (Community Access) → Lake Hartwell - 17 mins → Tugaloo State Park - 25 mins → Lake Hartwell State Park - 34 mins → Chau Ram County Park - 35 mins → Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari - 36 mins → Victoria Bryant State Park - 40 mins → Tallulah Gorge State Park and Waterfalls - 45 mins → Riley Moore Falls
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$120
 / night

14. The Woods At Sole Farm

99%
(86)
44mi from Athens · 1 site · Tent
I purchased this property in 2016 from the estate of Robert Masters. Mr. Master's and his family lived on this property since 1957 in the small red brick house at the road, Green Shutters Cottage, an Airbnb/VRBO. 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. 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. There is a Hip Camp sign pointing the way. 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. Please be courteous and respect my time and let me know when you are going to arrive so that I can be available to assist you. 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. 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. They will probably come pay a visit at some point.  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, and a latrine. It is by far the prettiest site. 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. Yonah Cafe is great for breakfast and specialty coffees 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.  Alpine Helen is a 20 minute drive 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

16. Goats and Gardens at Hideaway Farm

97%
(48)
49mi from Athens · 2 sites · RVs
Learn more about this land: We have a suburban hobby farm hidden away in the undeveloped acreage at the back of a 1960s subdivision. Everyone who comes down the driveway says "What?! How is this here? This is so cool!" And they are right. 4 friendly adult goats, 2 indoor-outdoor cats who like belly rubs, and a vegetable and ornamentals garden that hosts several Georgia natives and pollinator species. It's a happy and peaceful place! The woods around us support several owls, Coopers hawks, some deer and an occasional red fox. There is a small nature trail that features several beautiful places to meditate by the babbling creek. Access to our neighborhood's recreation area as our guest to the swimming pool is available for an extra fee of $5/person (May-Oct). (For the safety of our goats, your fur babies larger than 10lbs are not permitted. One of our goats lost an eye once to a dog, and she's never fully forgiven me. ) We have several housemates, so parking is limited to street parking (one vehicle for you).  Amenities on-site- Animal cuddling. Nature Trail. Wildlife Watching. Creek wading. Gardening help. Wi-Fi Amenities Nearby- Bike Path (The PATH Foundation) - 5 min. Stone Mountain Park - 13 min. Downtown Tucker Restaurants - 7 min 2025 Construction notice: the county is still finishing up there pipeline replacement project, so there’s a bit of a construction scar going through our property now. The project being finished by Thanksgiving, but you never know with county delays.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$29
 / night

18. Mountain Fortress Miracle Farms

91%
(29)
47mi from Athens · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This property has been in a local family for over 100 years when we purchased it in 2020. It is a peace filled place! We enjoy caring for our animals as well as sharing this land with others. We feel we are just God’s caretakers! Learn more about this land: For tent and shorter vehicles, site #1 has own drive and clearing under a large tree, site #2 is a hike in site back in the woods near a small creek not visible from the drive. For larger RV, site #3 has flat side yard and parks on paved driveway near main house, site #4 is a short hike back with tent space and fire pit near a small creek right next to the National Forest. Fire pit made ready upon request. Horses, goats, and chickens on property but away from your site. Stars are amazing here. Property backs up to 880,000 acres of National Forest. Your site is next to forest access road. Take it back to hunt, tent, hike, run, off-road bike or ATV if licensed plates on vehicle. Several small creeks on property to splash in or creek hike. Horse lesson available on property. Bottle hunting, farm fresh eggs, cut firewood, and farm tours available as added features. Two toilet bags and a bucket provided per night at camping sites, RV site is a dry site. Guide available to take you on nearby river kayak and waterfall hiking excursions upon request.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$37
 / night

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience near Athens, Georgia. With over 1,300 options available in the area, you'll have no trouble finding a campsite that suits your preference of being near a river. Whether you're looking for a serene spot like Brooks Lake, a piece of Heaven (347 reviews), or the picturesque Pisgah Forest Mountain Meadows (266 reviews), or even Your Toccoa River Cove! (167 reviews), you'll find plenty of options to choose from. Average prices per night start at $40, with some options as low as $10. Popular amenities such as campfires, toilets, and showers are available, and you can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, climbing, and off-roading (OHV). So, get ready to explore the great outdoors and book your perfect camping getaway now!

97% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Athens

1. Lula Disc House

93%
(86)
34mi from Athens · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. We have a wonderful bathhouse with restrooms, showers and laundry just a very short walk from our sites (maintained by the staff at the park). We're also pet-friendly and love our furry campers! Just add the pet fee for each pet in the extras section at check out or send us an email letting us know ahead of time and we will get that added. We just ask that you do not leave your pet alone in the tents at any time unless properly crated. You are financially responsible for any damage that is done to our accommodations by your pets.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$29
 / night

2. Brooks Lake, A Peace of Heaven

96%
(734)
37mi from Athens · 31 sites · Tents, RVs
Privately owned Brooks Lake, located just 25 miles east of Atlanta and 5 miles North of I-20 in Conyers, Georgia. We are a family-friendly , nature-centered campground where “the only rule is the Golden Rule.” 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 may rent canoes, or bring your own boats, paddle boards, small sail boats (troller motors, only). Complimenting Brooks Lake’s abundant green space are: > slow rolling banks great for fishing > other wonderful amenities such as pavilion rentals, picnic tables, individual fire pits, small cove for swimming, volleyball net, grassy sports field, and basketball pad. (All at your Own Risk. Also, No Lifeguards on Duty)! Restrooms available.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night

3. Creekside Cabin at Lake Hartwell

98%
(22)
42mi from Athens · 2 sites · Lodging
New to HipCamp? Use this code for $10 off your stay with us: https://www.hipcamp.com/i/elisabethc3462c9 Welcome to Creekside Cabin, only 0.25mi from Lake Hartwell. Nestled in the woods, enjoy 500ft2 indoors and an additional 500ft2 of outdoor living space, strategically designed to provide unexpected spaciousness and comfort. Discover: 2 king beds, a loft bedroom with private balcony, open floor plan, stocked kitchen, & a plethora of entertainment. Ideal for nature-lovers, revel in 3 stories of decking with: a hot tub, fire pit, grill, daybed, outdoor tv, & covered porch, all surrounded by trees. EXPLORE NEARBY - 1 mi (Community Access) → Lake Hartwell - 17 mins → Tugaloo State Park - 25 mins → Lake Hartwell State Park - 34 mins → Chau Ram County Park - 35 mins → Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari - 36 mins → Victoria Bryant State Park - 40 mins → Tallulah Gorge State Park and Waterfalls - 45 mins → Riley Moore Falls
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$120
 / night

14. The Woods At Sole Farm

99%
(86)
44mi from Athens · 1 site · Tent
I purchased this property in 2016 from the estate of Robert Masters. Mr. Master's and his family lived on this property since 1957 in the small red brick house at the road, Green Shutters Cottage, an Airbnb/VRBO. 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. 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. There is a Hip Camp sign pointing the way. 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. Please be courteous and respect my time and let me know when you are going to arrive so that I can be available to assist you. 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. 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. They will probably come pay a visit at some point.  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, and a latrine. It is by far the prettiest site. 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. Yonah Cafe is great for breakfast and specialty coffees 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.  Alpine Helen is a 20 minute drive 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

16. Goats and Gardens at Hideaway Farm

97%
(48)
49mi from Athens · 2 sites · RVs
Learn more about this land: We have a suburban hobby farm hidden away in the undeveloped acreage at the back of a 1960s subdivision. Everyone who comes down the driveway says "What?! How is this here? This is so cool!" And they are right. 4 friendly adult goats, 2 indoor-outdoor cats who like belly rubs, and a vegetable and ornamentals garden that hosts several Georgia natives and pollinator species. It's a happy and peaceful place! The woods around us support several owls, Coopers hawks, some deer and an occasional red fox. There is a small nature trail that features several beautiful places to meditate by the babbling creek. Access to our neighborhood's recreation area as our guest to the swimming pool is available for an extra fee of $5/person (May-Oct). (For the safety of our goats, your fur babies larger than 10lbs are not permitted. One of our goats lost an eye once to a dog, and she's never fully forgiven me. ) We have several housemates, so parking is limited to street parking (one vehicle for you).  Amenities on-site- Animal cuddling. Nature Trail. Wildlife Watching. Creek wading. Gardening help. Wi-Fi Amenities Nearby- Bike Path (The PATH Foundation) - 5 min. Stone Mountain Park - 13 min. Downtown Tucker Restaurants - 7 min 2025 Construction notice: the county is still finishing up there pipeline replacement project, so there’s a bit of a construction scar going through our property now. The project being finished by Thanksgiving, but you never know with county delays.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$29
 / night

18. Mountain Fortress Miracle Farms

91%
(29)
47mi from Athens · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This property has been in a local family for over 100 years when we purchased it in 2020. It is a peace filled place! We enjoy caring for our animals as well as sharing this land with others. We feel we are just God’s caretakers! Learn more about this land: For tent and shorter vehicles, site #1 has own drive and clearing under a large tree, site #2 is a hike in site back in the woods near a small creek not visible from the drive. For larger RV, site #3 has flat side yard and parks on paved driveway near main house, site #4 is a short hike back with tent space and fire pit near a small creek right next to the National Forest. Fire pit made ready upon request. Horses, goats, and chickens on property but away from your site. Stars are amazing here. Property backs up to 880,000 acres of National Forest. Your site is next to forest access road. Take it back to hunt, tent, hike, run, off-road bike or ATV if licensed plates on vehicle. Several small creeks on property to splash in or creek hike. Horse lesson available on property. Bottle hunting, farm fresh eggs, cut firewood, and farm tours available as added features. Two toilet bags and a bucket provided per night at camping sites, RV site is a dry site. Guide available to take you on nearby river kayak and waterfall hiking excursions upon request.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$37
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field