Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
4.2829 reviews48 Forest Service Rd. 44, Helen, GA
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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
Camping fee is $12 per site per night. The Interagency Senior and Access Passes and the Golden Age and Access Passports entitle holders to a 50% discount.
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About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the Upper Chattahoochee River, this tranquil mountain retreat offers 19 thoughtfully placed campsites where the gentle rush of water provides nature's perfect soundtrack. Just moments from the charming Bavarian-themed town of Helen, this North Georgia gem invites you to cast a line in crystal-clear waters, explore winding forest trails, and discover why the Southern Appalachians have captivated adventurers for generations.
The campground supports developed camping with 19 sites, but no RV-specific or glamping facilities.
Historical SignificanceJust down the mountain road lies Helen, Georgia's remarkable transformation story. Once a struggling lumber town facing economic decline, local visionaries reimagined their community in the 1970s as an authentic Alpine village. Today, this Bavarian-inspired destination delights visitors with its distinctive architecture, traditional festivals, and Old World charm, creating an unexpected cultural experience in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints this mountain sanctuary with its own distinct palette. Spring arrives in a spectacular burst of pink and white rhododendron blooms, while summer brings warm days perfect for river adventures and cool nights ideal for campfire stories. Autumn transforms the forest canopy into a tapestry of gold and crimson, and winter's crisp air and occasional dustings of snow create a peaceful wonderland that rewards the hardy visitor with solitude and stark beauty.
ElevationPerched at 2,260 feet in the Southern Appalachians, the campground offers a natural respite from summer's heat. This elevation creates a microclimate where temperatures run 10-15 degrees cooler than the valleys below, making it an ideal escape when the lowlands swelter. The mountain air carries the scent of pine and hardwood, while morning mists often drift through the river valley, creating ethereal scenes that photographers dream about.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient hardwoods and towering pines create a living cathedral above the campground, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The Upper Chattahoochee River, still young and energetic at this elevation, tumbles over smooth river rocks, creating pools where native trout hide in the shadows. Hidden waterfalls reward those who venture along nearby trails, their misty spray nurturing delicate ferns and wildflowers that thrive in these mountain hollows.
Geological RegionSet within the ancient Blue Ridge province of North Georgia, the campground rests on some of the oldest exposed rock formations in North America. The Upper Chattahoochee River has carved its path through these billion-year-old mountains, creating a landscape of rounded peaks, deep valleys, and exposed granite outcroppings. This mature mixed forest ecosystem represents one of the most biodiverse temperate regions on Earth, where northern and southern species meet in a remarkable confluence of life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned except for wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as being relatively large.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creek-side sites for better views; practice bear safety and avoid food storage outside tents.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out time unspecified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact number of guests permitted not specified.
Groups
No group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout19 developed sites arranged along the Upper Chattahoochee River with dispersed camping along River Road 44.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen March 15 through October 31; closed for the winter.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are made online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is by reservation only. No walk-up or first-come-first-served sites available.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly mentioned.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers limited recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The nearby Horse Trough Falls is a main attraction.
Hiking
Several trails are available, including the unmarked Tate Branch trail which is about 3 miles long and features waterfalls and orchids. The Horse Trough Falls trail is a 0.3-mile hike.Fishing
Fishing is permitted, and the Upper Chattahoochee River is stocked with rainbow trout. A Georgia fishing license and trout stamp are required.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings are possible. Bears, owls, and wolves have been noted by users. "Got the chance to see my first bear in the wild," one user mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed; details about restrictions or seasons not mentioned.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBears are common; ticks are also mentioned as a concern.
Active alertsSite is temporarily closed due to lack of restroom facilities and tornado damage.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Helen Police Department (8 miles away), nearby ranger station at Chattahoochee National Forest.
Good to know
Peak season datesMarch 15 to October 31.
Trash and recyclingThere are no specific trash and recycling facilities mentioned, but users stress the importance of packing out trash. "Please keep that in mind. Just a friendly reminder from a concerned citizen," said one review.
Proximity to water featuresLocated alongside the Upper Chattahoochee River with nearby waterfalls and streams.
Common complaintsGravel road leading to the campground is steep and challenging, maintenance issues like overgrown sites and rusty picnic tables noted.
HostNo details available about campground hosts.
Campground Map
48 Forest Service Rd. 44, Helen, GA
Driving directionsTake Georgia 75 north from Helen for approx. 8 miles. Just beyond mile marker 15 turn left onto the graveled Chattahoochee River Road and follow for 5 miles.
River Road 44 is gravel, single lane with turnouts. It is also steep in places with some switchbacks.Nearby places
Helen, GA (approximately 8 miles, 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Helen, GA (groceries, camping supplies, dining, and entertainment).
Camper Reviews
4.3
29 reviews
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's remote location, natural beauty, and peaceful environment. However, there are frequent complaints about poor maintenance and lack of amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 29 reviews
What Campers Love
"The stars are very bright and plentiful," "Beautiful campground with a nice waterfall in the back," "Quiet, peaceful, and relaxing," "Horse Trough Falls is a must-see," "Great stargazing."
Based on 29 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Bathrooms were always dirty," "Port-a-johns are extremely nasty," "Some campsites are overgrown," "The road leading to the campground is rough," "The campground has not been maintained in years."
Based on 29 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Be prepared to be one with nature," "Practice bear safety," "Come prepared as there are no stores nearby," "Wear long pants and inspect for ticks," "Drive in a vehicle suited for rough roads."
Based on 29 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is more popular during the summer and fall seasons. During spring, the area is appreciated for blooming rhododendrons. Winter sees reduced activity due to seasonal closure.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Be sure to come prepared camping since it’s such a long ways in and out." - Destin. "Campground closes Oct 31, but there are year-round huge dispersed campsites for free before you get to the...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific details are limited, but some sites are overgrown and need maintenance. Not all sites are creekside.
Based on 29 reviewsAccessibility Features
Mixed reviews. Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but the road and some campsites may present challenges.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pets, but users stress the importance of practicing bear safety.
Based on 29 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025