DeSoto Falls Recreation Area

Area Status: Open
tent nestled in forest at DeSoto Campground

Camping at DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is open. The DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is located off Highway 129 just inside the National Forest boundary.  The campground is a scenic spot with easy access for either a weekend of camping or a quick hike to the falls.  There are two waterfalls which can be easily viewed along the DeSoto Falls trails. Trout fishing is popular along Frogtown Creek which flows adjacent to the campground. A mature forest provides the perfect setting for a family recreation getaway.  
 

At a Glance

Current Conditions: Pay for you activity pass at DeSoto Falls Day Use with the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Log into your Recreation.gov account through the mobile app and scan the QR code at the area and follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one to use Scan & Pay. 

You can purchase the DeSoto Falls Day Use Annual Pass at Recreation.gov or a Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Annual Pass for $25 is available at Forest Service offices in Gainesville, Blairsville, Chatsworth, Lakemont, and Eatonton, Georgia. The DeSoto Falls Day Use daily activity pass must be purchased at the area. 
Operational Hours: Open 24 hours a day. Quiet hours 10pm – 6am.  
Reservations: Reservations are required to camp in this campground. Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). The website (www.Recreation.gov) offers convenient round the clock access to the Online Reservation Service or visitors may call NRRS at 1-877-444-6777 (toll free) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

You may reserve camp sites the same day as you arrive and as far as six (6) months in advance. Reservations are not available at the facility.
Fees: Camping Peak Season: April 1 - October 31
$20 per night/site
$40 Double Site (Site #14)

Camping Non-Peak Season(no water): November 1 - March 31
$10 per night/site
$20 Double Site (Site #14)

Day Use $5 per vehicle/day
Pay for you activity pass at DeSoto Falls Day Use with the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Log into your Recreation.gov account through the mobile app and scan the QR code at the area and follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one to use Scan & Pay. 

​You can purchase the DeSoto Falls Day Use Annual Pass at Recreation.gov or a Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Annual Pass for $25 is available at Forest Service offices in Gainesville, Blairsville, Chatsworth, Lakemont, and Eatonton, Georgia. The DeSoto Falls Day Use daily activity pass must be purchased at the area. 
Open Season: Yearlong
Restrictions:
  • 14 day stay limit.
  • Maximum 2 vehicles per campsite
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Closest Towns: The nearest town is approximately 10 miles, or 15 minutes, in Cleveland, GA.  Here campers will find restaurants, grocery stores, etc.
Water: Drinking water is provided by faucets centrally located in the campground
Restroom: One flush facility with warm water shower and 4 chemical flush facilities
Passes: The Interagency Senior and Access Passes and the Golden Age and Access Passports are accepted. These passes entitle the pass holder to a 50% discount for single family campsites and some day use fees.  Click here for detailed information on passes!

The Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Annual Pass for $25 is available at Forest Service offices in Gainesville, Blairsville, Chatsworth, Lakemont, and Eatonton, Georgia. This pass will allow you to enjoy selected recreation opportunities on the Chattahoochee and the Oconee NF, without having to pay daily fees at each site. The Forest Annual Pass will be good for one year from the month of purchase. Those who have a Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior or Interagency Access Pass will receive a 50% discount off of the Forest Annual Pass. The Forest Annual Pass is not valid at concession sites.
Information Center: Please contact the Blue Ridge Ranger District office at 706-745-6928.  

General Information

Directions:

From Blairsville, GA take U.S. Highway 19/129 south for 17.0 miles to campground entrance on right.

From Dahlonega, GA take Highway 19 north for 18.0 miles to campground entrance on left.



Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

There are no water or electric hook-ups or dump station available in the campground. Several campsites are located along Frogtown Creek. 

  • 24 camping sites neatly arranged in two loops (upper and lower). 
  • Drinking water is provided by faucets centrally located in the campground.
  • The lower camping loop has a warm water outdoor shower complex connected to a flush facility. 
  • The upper camping loop has four chemical flush facilities.
  • Standard amenities (i.e. grill, picnic tables, lantern post, etc)

River and Stream Fishing

Fishing in Frogtown Creek with a State fishing license and trout stamp for native and stocked trout is also popular. Check State fishing regulations before fishing (www.gofishgeorgia.com).

 

Fish Species Trout

Day Hiking

The DeSoto Falls Trail begins at the bridge in the lower loop of the DeSoto Falls Recreation Area campground. The trail is an easy to moderate trail. The Lower Falls are 0.25 mile downstream and the Upper Falls are 0.75 mile upstream from this point. For your safety and protection, please do not climb around the waterfalls.

Other trails within a 30 minute drive:

Picnicking

A day use area is available for those looking to picnic along Frogtown Creek. Eight picnic sites are available, each including a fire ring/grill. This area can be accessed from the day use parking lot.