Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

Area Status: Temporarily Closed

Horse Trough Falls is only a short walk from the main campground

The drive up through the winding misty roads of North Georgia leading to this 19-site, developed campground is almost as breath-taking as the site itself. Although the drive leaves one feeling as if civilization has been left far, far behind, the ever popular and beloved alpine village of Helen, Georgia is less than a half hour away. Camping here, visitors can enjoy the pleasure of Georgia’s number one vacation spot with shopping, dining, and entertainment in the city of Helen and recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, and fishing in the campground. Visitors should keep an eye out for the interpretive information available on the Chattahoochee River Watershed and how the river affects water usage for Georgia, Alabama, and Florida, posted upon entering the campground area.

CLOSED FOR THE WINTER SEASON

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	The campground is closed for the winter season. There is no water available. All Camping is by Reservation Only. There is no First Come/First Service. Reservations are done online at: www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777.
Operational Hours:	Upper Chattahoochee River Campground is closed for the winter season. Will reopen March 15, 2025. Quiet hours are from 10 pm-6 am, generators can not be operated during quiet hours.
Reservations:	All camping is by Reservations only. There are No First Come, First Serve sites. All camping will need to be purchased online at www.recreation.gov or by phone at (877) 444-6777.
Fees:	Camping: $12/site/night
Permit Info:	Georgia fishing license and trout stamp required for fishing
Open Season:	03/15/2025 - 10/31/2025
Restrictions:	The maximum stay is 14 day. Pick out your site and pay the fee within 30 minutes after arrival. Quiet hours from 10pm-6am. No generators to be operating during quiet hours. No UTV's, ATV's, or Golf Carts to be unloaded or used in or around the campground or the Upper Chattahoochee River Road aka Willis Road. After the camper(s) has accumulated 14 days within any 30-day time period, the camper(s) must leave that area/campground and move from Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest land for 30 days before returning for another stay.
Closest Towns:	The nearest town is approximately 15 miles, or 25 minutes to Helen, GA. Here campers will find restaurants, grocery stores, etc.
Water:	No water available.
Restroom:	4 portable toilets
Passes:	The Interagency Senior and Access Passes and the Golden Age and Access Passports are only passes accepted. These passes entitle the pass holder to a 50% discount on camping fees. Please write your pass number on the fee envelope upon payment into the fee tube by the kiosk.
Operated By:	USDA Forest Service
Information Center:	Please contact the Chattooga River Ranger District office at 706-754-6221 or sm.fs.crrd@usda.gov. The onloading or offloading of any Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) to include ATV, UTV, or Golf Carts is not allowed. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 pm to 0600 am. Checkout time is no later than 1:00 pm and check-in time is 2:00 pm.

General Information

Directions:

Physcial Address: 48 Forest Service Rd. 44, Helen, GA

Take 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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

This wheelchair friendly area is in tall mature mixed woods. Sites have tables, grills, lantern poles, tent pads and gravel parking aprons. 10 sites are tent only, 10 tent/rv sites with largest apron 10' × 60'.

River and Stream Fishing

Be prepared to experience the real deal when it comes to fishing a mountain stream. The headwaters of the Chattahoochee River skirt the edge of the campground. If you like to fish, you'll have a blast.

Day Hiking

Located near the rear of the campground visitors will find the Horse Trough Falls Foot Trail - This 0.2 mile leading to the stunning Horse Trough Falls and viewing deck where the beginning of the Chattahoochee River can be seen, provides an easy, short hike with a great payoff. This is a wonderful trail for seniors.