At the Gold n Gem Grubbin! in the nearby town of Cleveland you can pan for gold just like the miners did in the early 1800s. You may find gold or gems here, and the staff will help you with your finds. This mine has a quite a history, back to pre-Civil War days, and has been open to the public since the 1980. There is a campground for RVs and tents, with electric and water hookups. There is also tent camping along the river with no hookups. This campground is 18 miles from Dahlonega.
If you like fishing and camping, this is the place. It is 15 miles from Dahlonega, on State Highway 52, and in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can camp in the woods, in fields or along a river or creek. The main attraction is a 15-acre fishing lake that is stocked with catfish, brim and largemouth bass. It is on private property, so no fishing license is needed. You may also fish in the streams and river, but you'll need a license to do so. There are six campgrounds. Two of them are geared toward RV users, and have full hookups and cable TV. Three other sites have hookups and are available for tents or for RV use. Along the river there is primitive tent camping with no hookups.
The Etowah River is an attraction in itself throughout Lumpkin County. The river flows gently, making it ideal for floating and tubing. There is plenty of fishing too. The Etowah River Campground has 30 tent sites on the river's edge. There are also 62 RV sites with full hookups. This campground is 10 minutes from Dahlonega.
Amicalola Falls is a 729-foot waterfall near the town of Amicalola, about 18 miles southwest of Dahlonega. There is an eight-mile trail around the falls, which connects to the Appalachian Trail. Several other trails are on and around the 829-acre park. This park has lodges, cabins and many accommodation options. There are 24 sites with hookups that may be used by tent campers or RVs.
