Camping spots north of Atlanta

[WinstonSmith]

I went to a spot out by the outlet mall in Dawson once but doubt it's still there. Area much more built up now. On a bend in a small river and you could jump from the cliff into the deep bend.

 

[hikingthehills]

So I used to go camping with friends in high school all the time, up towards toccoa / Rabun County area. We always went to some area called Panther Creek?? Not sure how to get there anymore since it’s been about 18 years since we did that. Any knowledge of that area from you guys is a big help.
Anyhow, my 5 year old son has been asking me lately to take him camping. I feel like he’s about old enough now.
Need some advice on good spots north of Atlanta.
Some specifics:

- not overrun with RVs or people
- somewhere safe to park the car then walk a shorter distance ( due to my little guy not having to hike for miles) to cleared areas that allow building fires.
- areas that are reasonably cleared to set up a tent.

I’ve been camping all my life but just haven’t gone in a long time. Not familiar with good sites these days.

We would only be going for one night, just to see how he does on his first trip.

please let me know if you guys have some good spots. Thanks!

We're going up to Rock creek this weekend. https://www.theoutdoorstrader.com/t...rout-stream-meet-and-greet-may-29-31.2158114/

 

[Phydoux]

I went to a spot out by the outlet mall in Dawson once but doubt it's still there. Area much more built up now. On a bend in a small river and you could jump from the cliff into the deep bend.

Yea that’s the Steele bridge/devils elbow area, good trout fishing during delayed harvest, below the bridge.

 

[antique41]

FYI - Panther Creek in Habersham County is closed. The FS towed a bunch of cars off that were parked there illegally. Wildcat Creek in Rabun County is also closed and gated. You can walk to Sliding Rock from the parking lot at the gate, but the first campground is a couple of miles uphill from the parking lot. All National Forest lands are closed to camping, but not heavily patrolled. All state parks are open. Moccasin Creek State Park is a good one for kids.

 

[DirtySouth]

All National Forest lands are closed to camping...

Not true anymore. Here is a list of what is closed and what is open.


https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/conf/maps-pubs/?cid=FSEPRD706439&width=full

 

[edindah]

Vogel State Park. https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/vogel-state-park/GA/530201/overview

North of Dahlonega and south of Blairsville on Hwy 129.

I remember my father taking us kids there when I was 12 (almost 60 years ago). It was great - and (obviously) made an impression on me.