Best Camping in and near Don Carter State Park

100% (2 reviews)

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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The Ridge at Stanley Gap

11 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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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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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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Your Toccoa River Cove!

3 sites · Lodging12 acres · Mineral Bluff, GA

The Cove consists of 12 acres with a tributary stream and spring fed ponds less than a half mile from the Toccoa River. It was originally the water source for the surrounding properties prior to the city installing a water system. It is completely private and unspoiled nature, with about a mile of walking trails throughout. The Mountaintop is a 3 acre high elevation site bordering 140 acres of undisturbed woods and is also very close to the Toccoa River. Fantastic location yet very private for base camp to access the many activities in this area, or enjoy the Toccoa River. It is the only campground in Fannin County limited to only one group at a time. Each site includes 2 access points to the Toccoa River. The Gibbs Drive community river access lot has a charcoal grill, picnic table, boat launch, swimming rock and fire pit with chairs. The Toccoa River Forest community river access lot has a big boat ramp. The river is controlled flow and usually at low water from dawn to about 2 pm, ideal for fishing or swimming/wading/boulder bopping. The River release schedule is available online at the website TVA.gov. The River has swift current when the dam is opened for release, usually daily. This property is conveniently located in Mineral Bluff, Georgia 30559, just 4 miles off the 4-lane highway (Highway 515/76) and just a short drive to Blue Ridge, Georgia; Blairsville, Georgia; Murphy, North Carolina, McCaysville, Georgia and Copper Hill, Tennessee. It is a paved road drive all the way to the entrance. It is located just a few miles from the center of downtown Blue Ridge with art galleries, many restaurants, brew pubs, shopping, the Blue Ridge Brewing Company, Mercier Orchard, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad, and more! The Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad runs most of the year from Blue Ridge to McCaysville, right along the Toccoa River. The campsites are equally close to downtown McCaysville, Ga. /Copper Hill, TN. You are a short drive from Lake Blue Ridge, the Chattahoochee National Forest, Brasstown Bald and many hiking trails, such as the Aska adventure area, the Appalachian Trail, the Benton McCaye Trail, and trails in the Big Frog wilderness area, Cohutta wilderness area (largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi) the Rich Mountain wilderness area and the Project Chimps hiking trails. The Ocoee River whitewater center with the Olympic kayak rapids and the world class mountain biking trails are less than 20 minutes away. Hiking, biking, fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, tubing, boating, swimming, zip lines -- oh my!

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Castleberry Bridge

15 sites · Tents16 acres · Dahlonega, GA

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 850 Castleberry Bridge Rd (right where the bridge crosses the river) and park on the left or the right of the gate in the parking areas. Walk past the gate and follow the trail to the right and continue until you see the number sign of your campsite. Campsites numbers are consecutive with #1 being closest to the entry gate. To the left of the 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 pretty much all day. For help contact George or Gini Ferris 4044312564 7272043932. There's so much fun waiting for you to explore! Imagine climbing onto a tube and floating down the river for a whole 15 minutes. And guess what? You can start this awesome ride by the walking up river trail through the community area , under the bridge to the last bench that sits on a sand bar then float back down to your camp site. . 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 Minor'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 groups are limited to two 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. Amenities Free Firewood Community area for your use has: Restroom Grills Tubes and life jackets for children First Aid Kits Tube Pumping Stations Trashcans Benches and Picnic Tables

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Mountain Adventure Outfitters

13 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Murrayville, GA

MAO is any OHV enthusiast’s oasis! We offer multiple creek-side campsites for your enjoyment. Our site boasts a variety of non-typical on-site activities including OHV trail/obstacles, an RC crawler park/trail loop, an RC short course track, hiking trails, and many games. Campsite bookings include MTN ADV Day Pass. Come and experience our growing Off-Road/Outdoor Adventure-based facility. Stay tuned for new accommodations and campsites currently in the works!

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Sky High Ridge RV Campground

10 sites · RVs14 acres · Scaly Mountain, NC

Escape the noise and heat of the valley. Chill in the cool mountain air high atop the Highlands Plateau with breath taking views and sunsets. Unhitch and relax in one of our secluded treed sites with water, up to 100 amp electric, and waste hookup. Base camp to adventure in hiking, waterfalls, kayaking, winter and summer tubing, ice skating, and the largest Zipline in NC, in National Forests and Parks. Bartram Trail, that peaks Rabun Bald, and the Appalachian Trail are a within a stones throw. Our campground is for the hardy even getting here is an adventure!Sky high Ridge Campground is in the western mountains of North Carolina at a cool altitude of about 3700 feet.Welcome!

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White Dog Farm camping

11 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Cleveland, GA

I have been an equestrian for 40+ years and horses are my passion. Recently purchased this beautiful , peaceful property in 2017 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 and discovered Hipcamp! 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. And coming soon our updated website

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Secluded Waterfall Haven

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Dillard, GA

This property has been in our family for over 50 years and has provided the backdrop for countless memories! We are delighted to share our piece of heaven with you and hope that you will enjoy the same love that we have!This is a camper's heaven with waterfalls on-site! A completely private, gated campsite with over 4.5 acres to call your own during your stay. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Northeast Georgia, beautiful scenery abounds with ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.In addition to what you will find at our campsite, options for white-water rafting, zip-lining, kayaking and hiking are mere minutes away!This property is conveniently located to the charming towns of Highlands, NC and Clayton, GA where you will find a variety of local shops and restaurants. The regionally-aclaimed Dillard House is less than 5 miles away.

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Primitive River

5 sites · RVs, Tents43 acres · Clayton, GA

UPDATE: Since bridge is finished, I am planting trees to make things more private over time. Please, tell your kids that if you see a bright colored tape around a tiny tree, don't pull it up. I have part of the riverside surrounded by well-marked fence posts all planted. Also, there will be a few trees here and there, but flagged and marked. Please let them grow. Your experience here will be better once these get established. Please keep in mind that there are no refunds within 30 days of booking, so please be sure that you are OK with this work going on before booking. Please don't ask if you can shift booking due to rain. It doesn't work like this. Sorry. You are free to cancel, so calendar is clear. Then IF someone books it I will refund my share of this, but I can't refund Hipcamp's share, and there are no guarantees someone will book it. Please don't get mad at me for this. Read this before booking. If you anyone puts any more nails in my trees, you will be charged $100 per nail. What kind of person uses a Recreation Area and puts nails in a tree? Answer: The kind who doesn't mind paying $100 per nail. I hate to come across like this, but those doing this type of damage are ruining it for everyone else.... Be warned. If there is dangerous weather, flood watch, tornado, etc. I will be happy to refund the time we were under this watch.... PLEASE READ ALL THIS BEFORE BOOKING.....This is a recreation area, NOT A CAMPGROUND. You have access to 44 acres in the mountains of North Georgia, on Tallulah River. Trout fishing, camping in beautiful Rabun County. Lot's of outdoor activities in the area. Forest Service land, and more nearby. This is not a campground, but a private Recreation Area on 43.7 acres on Tallulah River, which we love to share. Yes, there is a house here an there along the border. People choose to camp in the easy to access area, instead of hiking out to more seclude places on the property. So if you have a problem with the house being there across from the "sweet spot" please just choose a different place to spot. I find it so funny people want to come to secluded and be able to DRIVE TO IT, with no other people around. It is mostly secluded, but people do live around here, and a few houses border this property. People have actually given us bad reviews because of this. Hike in and camp away if it bothers you that someone lives across the river. And yes, there are chickens, foxes, coyotes, bears. Yes there is a road. Yes, they cut the trees down along the road to build the new bridge. Yes I have planted trees, and it will be more private as these grow. All this being said, please read on... This is rural neighborhood in Persimmon Community, Georgia. There are neighbors. Act accordingly, the few who do not! We are a few miles from NC line, and about 20 or so from SC line, in the most Northeast corner of Georgia. We are blessed with mountains, water, and a great community. 43.7 acres access, 1,000 feet of Tallulah River frontage (actually, property line is down the middle of the river), there is a nice road to the place, and a field and Tallulah River...... You can drive into the field, have fun in the river, and camp, build a fire, do whatever you like in our space. If you don't like being close to the very nice neighbors across from the car accesable spot, the camp further up the field, or pack by foot up the mountain. We are NOT a campground. We have no fixed sites. The fire pits were made by campers, not by me (the owner.) People have actually complained to me that there are neighbors across the river. CAMP AWAY FROM THERE IF IT BOTHERS YOU. And yes, they have chickens, that will wake you at dawn... Yes, there is a road. Yes there is a field. No, there are no fixed campsites. We are not a campground. We leave you alone. We will try to answer questions, but I do not sit by the phone. This is just us sharing access to the land. We want to preserve this like this, for as long as we can. I genuinely want to share this place. But that being said, I would rather not interface with campers. I live in the middle of nowhere for a reason. I assume you want to visit the middle of nowhere to be left alone. This is what I will do. I do my best to keep this going, and open to being shared. That's my job. But I am not going to find you stuff to do, watch the calendar, or whatever. Just look up THINGS TO DO IN RABUN COUNTY. DON'T TRESPASS ON NEIGHBORS' LAND If people come on the land while you are here, THEY are trespassing. I try to keep it private, but there is the occasional interloper who wanders on. Just tell them you have it lease, it is private. I am sorry for this. People are, well.... PEOPLE.... There is 44 acres here. Over 1,000 feet of river frontage. There is great fishing here. Please respect the property lines. We love our neighbors, and they love us. We want to keep it this way. Be aware that the property if BELOW the bridge, all the way back to the old cabin. That next branch is the property line. I will try and provide a plat, or map so you will be aware of the lines. There is also plenty of public property in Rabun County. Rabun County is 65% US Forest Service land. If 44 private acres isn't enough, then check out some of the wonderful public places around here. Look in photos for plat of the property. You agree to not trespass. Also, property line is down the middle of the river. Please don't trespass across the river. For exact direction put this exact string into Google Maps: VFX6+M7 Clayton, Georgia We are also pet-friendly, so long as your animal is well behaved. And while we are at it, please do not do doughnuts in the hay field. Every young kid from Athens seems to want to tear up the hay field. Please don't! We expect it to be left mostly like it was. Thanks! There are 44 acres here on Tallulah River. Come camp wherever you want on here. That's it. Lot's of photos on here. Let's of people with 100 questions! Hopefully they are all answered here. Please, be aware it is just a piece of land in the mountains of North Georgia. Help us preserve it for your use! Enjoy it! Leave it like you found it! All happy! CANCELLATION POLICY Also please keep in mind that there are no last minute cancellations. I cannot re-book it after a certain point, so please make sure this is where you want to stay. If I have one more person come and say it is too isolated, or not isolated enough, or there is dirt, or whatever. Buyer be informed. We charge very little to share this gorgeous private land with you. We try to make this simple, friendly, and answer as best we can any questions you have. But just beware that there are NO REFUNDS unless more than 30 days before the booking dates. THE RIVER Tallulah River has great atmosphere, trout fishing, and more. But please be aware that when rain comes, the river can rise quickly. We try to be aware, but you need to stay aware. This is on a flood plain, so it does flood sometimes, and fast. BE AWARE and Stay safe. Our mission is to preserve this beautiful mountain land the way it is, and to share it with people who will enjoy, appreciate, and take care of it. FACILITIES We don't have regular facilities. But we do offer nice new camp toilet for $22. You are expected to either bring your own camp toilet, and bag your waste out, or you can buy a toilet bucket and some plastic bags, and cat litter. This is a brand new unopened toilet lid and a brand new 5 gallon bucket. Bring some cat litter, and some bags to line the bucket, and some Ziploc bags to put this in and seal. The cost of a bucket potty is $22 NO MORE KITTY TRENCHES. You are expected to remove your waste and put it in your trash each time you use it. This is for consideration of others. IF YOU LEAVE TRASH YOU WILL BE CHARGED $50 FOR CLEANUP. IF YOU LEAVE HUMAN WASTE, YOU WILL BE CHARGED $500 FOR CLEANUP.......... I am only saying this because as we get more experience, we learn what people are actually capable of. Most people are very good about everything. But there have been a few people who actually expected me to clean up their waste, and then they gave me a bad review, etc. I am a decent guy. I will share my million dollar property with you for $40 a night. I will leave you alone. But please.... PLEASE... don't expect me to clean up after you. And when I do have to clean up after you, please don't curse me, divert, give excuses. If you camp here you are expected to be decent, and treat me decently. This is only for that 1%... Thanks. THERE WILL BE NO MORE CAT HOLE TOILET USE.... YOU ARE EXPECTED TO BRING A CAMP TOILET, OR PURCHASE ONE.... IF YOU BOOK MY PROPERTY, YOU AGREE TO THESE TERMS. PLEASE READ ALL THIS AGAIN BEFORE YOU BOOK. Other than that, please come enjoy! Thanks! For exact direction put this exact string into Google Maps:

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Goat Hill Camp

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Athens Clarke County Unified Government (Balance), GA

My residential acres are surrounded by old growth forest with a creek and the North Oconee river. My home is up on the hill, overlooking the campsites, and the goats are busy landscaping the Hill. You can enjoy the river and go for hikes along the trails in the woods. You’re very close to the Eastside, Of Athens, and all the commercial needs. The property backs up to Uga’s golf course.

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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.

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.