Desoto Falls Recreation Area

De Soto Falls Recreation Area, Dahlonega, Georgia, United States
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View from the Observation Deck
Foot Bridge(across from host site) that accesses the trail to the upper and lower water falls.

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Pet Friendly Pet Friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
River Access River Access
View all amenities

Available sites

23 total sites
RV Sites 15 sites Check Availability Tent Sites 8 sites Check Availability

About Desoto Falls Recreation Area

Desoto Falls Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service Campground located approximately 2 hours North of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest.  Desoto Falls offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, fishing, picnicking, and beautiful hikes to our nearby waterfalls. The campground is situated along Frogtown Creek with at an elevation of 2.1 ft above sea level, under a dense forest of deciduous and evergreen trees.   23 campsites are neatly arranged in two loops(upper and lower), with each loop having creek sites. The climate here is fairly mild and generally offers all four seasons, so it is a wonderful place to relax and experience each of these throughout the year. North Georgia is a playground for wildlife watchers. An abundance of Deer, Turkey, Bear and, small furbearers can be seen as well as bird watching. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, come to Desoto Falls.   

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Apr 1 to Oct 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Pet friendly Pet friendly
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
River Access River Access
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Grill
  • Fire Pit
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

23 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 1, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 30 ft · Gravel
⛺ 10, Loop: B Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 11, Loop: B Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 12, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 45 × 27 ft · Gravel
⛺ 13, Loop: B Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
🚐 14, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 90 × 33 ft · Gravel
🚐 15, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 45 × 42 ft · Gravel
🚐 16, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 48 × 36 ft · Gravel
🚐 17, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 21 ft · Gravel
🚐 18, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 48 × 36 ft · Gravel
🚐 19, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 36 ft · Gravel
🚐 2, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 15 ft · Gravel
🚐 20, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 45 × 40 ft · Gravel
🚐 21, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 48 × 36 ft · Gravel
🚐 22, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 50 × 27 ft · Gravel
🚐 23, Loop: B RV
Pet Friendly · 45 × 42 ft · Gravel
🚐 3, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · 50 × 36 ft · Gravel
🚐 4, Loop: A RV
Pet Friendly · 45 × 36 ft · Gravel
⛺ 5, Loop: B Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 6, Loop: B Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 7, Loop: B Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 8, Loop: B Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire
⛺ 9, Loop: B Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Campfire

Reviews (323)

Verified Only

What Guests Are Saying

Desoto Falls Recreation Area offers a clean and well-maintained campground with beautiful surroundings and spacious sites, especially along the creek. Many visitors appreciate the friendly camp hosts and the proximity to hiking trails leading to stunning waterfalls. However, some guests note significant road noise from nearby traffic and mention that the facilities could use improvements, particularly the bathrooms. Overall, it remains a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful camping experience in nature.

Review Summary

4.3
323 reviews
5
57.0%
184
4
24.1%
78
3
10.8%
35
2
5.0%
16
1
3.1%
10

Lin W

Verified

November 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 9, Loop: B

4

We stayed at site #9 at the campground. The site is absolutely lovely and we enjoyed the surrounding area as well. Deduct 1 star due to the excessive noise from the road. I think if you stay at a site that is a bit far inside of the campground it would be better. But site #9 is a little close to the main road.

I would definitely come back.

Amanda S

Verified

November 16, 2024 • Stayed at: 10, Loop: B

3

Beautiful little camp site for our tent. This was our second time staying at this campground. The leaves were in full color with tons of them falling out of the trees. We were at camp site 10 which was close to the restrooms which is nice but we could smell them when the wind would blow. Other downside was NO working showers. The doors were locked up tight. I would suggest if they don't want people to shower they could at least provide a restroom with a sink for hand/face washing and teeth brusing.

Emily C

Verified

November 24, 2024 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A

5

It was a great trip, the cars and bikes passing by was kinda loud but other than that it was a great trip, the whole family enjoyed it.

David H

Verified

November 24, 2024 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: B

5

Great site. Level tent pad. Clean fire ring. Nearby clean restrooms with plenty of toilet paper. Nice short hikes to two nearby waterfalls.

Luis R

Verified

November 25, 2024 • Stayed at: 3, Loop: A

5

Great Place

Jaime S

Verified

November 28, 2024 • Stayed at: 13, Loop: B

5

Beautiful campground. Nice waterfall hike right in the area and a creek running through. If you're in the area for the Appalachian Trail, this is a good choice. Very close to Mountain Crossings Outfitter and Neels Gap. Approximately an hour from Amicalola Falls State Park and Springer Mountain. And 30-ish minutes from Brasstown Bald. Closest restaurants are around 30 minutes in Blairsville or Dahlonega. There is NO CELL SERVICE once you get down in the campground. Plan accordingly.

Meaghan G

Verified

February 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 17, Loop: B

5

Desoto Falls Recreation Area is one of my favorite places to camp in northeast Georgia. I loved staying at site 22 because it's huge and it's right on the creek. The campsites and bathrooms are always clean, and the campground is close to town. I can't recommend it enough.

Jackson S

Verified

February 24, 2025 • Stayed at: 23, Loop: B

5

Clean campsites with nice pea gravel, camp tables, fire pits, and parking.

Roads are good. Bathrooms were closed because of the winter, but the exterior looked good.

Ben P

Verified

March 3, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: A

5

Beautiful and serene setting by a stream. The off season description of bathroom facilities was a bit confusing. There is no running water or showers through the end of March. Just permanent outhouses.

Evelynn F

Verified

March 25, 2025 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: A

5

The site was clean and easy access for my car. It was near the stream, beautiful spot. Easy hikes and easy access. Great for quick getaway. It is right next to host site. Very peaceful, tranquil, very minimalist spot. If you’re looking for an easy hike, clean facilities, pleasant overall, this is the spot for you. I will be returning for this spot specifically.

Location & Directions for Desoto Falls Recreation Area

De Soto Falls Recreation Area, Dahlonega, GA 30533 United States

Elevation: 624 ft

Getting There

<p>From Blairsville, GA take U.S. Highway 19/129 South for 17 mi and the campground entrance is on your right. From Dahlonega, GA take Highway 19 North for 18 mi and the entrance in on your left. From Cleveland, GA, take 19/129 North for 16 mi and...

Nearest town

Dahlonega, GA - 17 mi

About 29 min to downtown

Highway access

Desoto Falls Recreation Area is accessible via U.S. Highway 19, with connections to U.S. Highway 129. It is approximately 17 miles from Blairsville and 18 miles from Dahlonega.

Policies & Rules

General

  • During non-peak season (November 1 - April 1), all water is turned off to the entire campground.
  • Be bear aware; keep all food in containers or locked inside a vehicle as much as possible. Remove all food from the area after eating and during nighttime hours. Dispose of garbage promptly in our bear proof garbage dumpster.
  • Limit of two vehicles per campsite except the double site (site #14), which is a maximum of 4 vehicles.
  • No generators, music or other loud noises during this time. Be respectful to other campground visitors.
  • Campfires are permitted in grills only.
  • Pets must be on a leash at all times.
  • Discharging of firearms and fireworks is prohibited.
  • Do not leave fires unattended; they must be fully-extinguished and cold to the touch before check-out.
  • Note: cell phone service may not work in some areas due to tower location and terrain.
  • No day use or picnicking in the campground. Please use the day-use area or the picnic area if you do not have a reservation.

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Last updated: October 22, 2026

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Explore Dahlonega, GA

Population: 7,299

Nearby city: Alpharetta, GA

Approx. 49 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,450 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service