Two of Georgia’s state parks in north Georgia have exceptional opportunities for fall campers. Tallulah Gorge has a wooded campground named Terrora, which has crowded campsites each October due to the beauty of the gorge in combination with the leaf change. Bring your mountain bike for a breathtaking ride throughout the park or hike to the bottom of the gorge and reflect on the changing seasons from riverside. Amicalola Falls is the other state park with outstanding views during autumn. Its small campground is also heavily visited during the fall color season. Amicalola’s campsites are spacious. Tent sites feature a picnic table, grill, specially designed tent space and a good looking wood railing which gives each site a feeling of personal space. There are also recreational vehicles sites with similar features. Amicalola is close to Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site, which during Saturday afternoon Appalachian Jam sessions go on from mid-April to mid-October from 2-5 p.m. Mosey over for a taste of north Georgia folk music.
Georgia is home to several National Parks and National Historic Sites, but only one offers camping, Cumberland Island National Seashore. Ferry over to Cumberland for a fall camp out at one of two developed campgrounds or try the backcountry. All of it is sandy and close to the beach. Carry water if you opt for the backcountry campsites. Either way, your car stays on the mainland as the ferry is for passengers and their gear; no bikes, pets or vehicles allowed. Use a NPS hand cart to transport your camping gear to the campground.
The Corps has several lakes with campgrounds around the state. West Point Lake lies 35 miles along the Chattahooche River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. Camp at R. Shaefer Heard campground on the edge of the lake for a fall fishing and camping trip. The campground has 117 sites with electric and water hookups. West Point Lake is known for excellent fishing along its 500 miles of shoreline. The Corps has other campgrounds on the north part of the lake. Crisp mornings under the sun offer a comfortable autumn fishing and camping visit.
Oconee and Chattahooche are National Forests situated in the state. Each provides campgrounds and allows backcountry camping. Oconee has hiking and horse trails. Water sports are popular on Lake Sinclair. Chattahoochee has 430 miles of hiking trails. Hike and camp along the start of the Appalachian Trail while enjoying the leaf change.
Use a Georgia highway map to find cities near your target area. Contact the Chamber of Commerce to locate privately-owned campgrounds. Check chain campgrounds for local partners.
