Discover Free Camping Options in Chattooga River Ranger District: Your Ultimate Guide
Discover the serene beauty of the Chattooga River Ranger District in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts and camping aficionados. This expansive district spans over 109,000 acres of lush forests and stunning landscapes, offering over 250 miles of trails for hiking and exploring. Popular campgrounds like Sawmill and Horse Cove provide well-maintained facilities and easy access to the crystal-clear waters of the Chattooga River, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. For those seeking a budget-friendly adventure, consider the numerous dispersed camping options available throughout the district, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the cost of a traditional campsite. Wildlife watchers will delight in spotting deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species that call this area home. With its breathtaking scenery and diverse recreational opportunities, the Chattooga River Ranger District is an unbeatable spot for your next camping trip.
Lake Rabun Beach Rec Area is located in the Chattooga River Ranger District, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (1 hr 3 min northeast of Gainesville, GA) with an elevation of 1,709 feet. There are a total of 75 campsites. The campground is normally open from the beginning of April to the end of October. 74 sites can accommodate RVs between 24 and 40 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 24 sites have electric and water hookups. 1 site has electric hookups. Fees range from $24.00 to $75.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include boating, fishing, floating sports.
Lake Russell Rec Area is located in the Chattooga River Ranger District, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (41 min northeast of Gainesville, GA) with an elevation of 1,051 feet. There are a total of 41 campsites including 25 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 16 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 30 and 67 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $24.00 to $48.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Tallulah Gorge Campground is part of Tallulah Gorge State Park in Georgia (50 min northeast of Gainesville, GA) with an elevation of 1,640 feet. There are a total of 50 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 25 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 12 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. All sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $34.00 to $37.00. Some amenities include shower, dump station, restroom. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Willis Knob Horse Camp is located in the Chattooga River Ranger District, Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests (1 hr 38 min northwest of Anderson, SC) with an elevation of 1,653 feet. There are a total of 7 campsites. The campground is open all year. Max equipment length is 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. All sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $20.00 to $40.00. Activities include horseback riding.
map icon in the lower right corner.
*Earn our 
Show your commitment in keeping our forests healthy and protecting our public lands by earning the Leave No Trace badge.