Desoto Falls Recreation Area

De Soto Falls Recreation Area, Dahlonega, Georgia, United States
Check Availability
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

Kristin B

Verified

October 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: B

4

Very clean and well kept campground. Dry toilet houses were clean and well stocked with decent window lighting. Sites were far enough apart from each other to afford more privacy than other campgrounds.

Christina L

Verified

October 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A

5

Campsite #1 was perfect! It was next to the restroom and the hosts but still very private. The road was right there, but it was quiet at night. We live in midtown Atlanta so I guess we're used to traffic noise. The best part was the creek running next to the campsite which provided a lovely running water ambiance.

Gregory K

Verified

October 14, 2021 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: B

5

Camp hosts do a great job here and make each stay enjoyable.

Nathan S

Verified

October 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 1, Loop: A

4

These are very nice campsites in a beautiful setting. The campsites are fairly large with a nice, gravel tent area. Bathrooms were below average with no lights and no TP in the men's room while we were there. Great location right at the trailhead for the DeSoto falls trail, plus just down the street from Blood Mountain and Vogel State Park hiking opportunities. The biggest negative of the trail is it is right near the highway and there is considerable road noise. I was aware there would be some, but it was louder than expected. Particularly given the popularity of the roadway with motorcycles and sports cars you get some extremely loud engines roaring through the area. I would not pick for an extended stay, but was nice for the night.

Riley N

Verified

October 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 2, Loop: A

5

Very nice campground. Well maintained and quiet. Two very easy waterfall hikes at the campground. The campground hosts are sooo hospitable and nice :) will be back!!

Lia A

Verified

September 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 21, Loop: B

5

This campground is amazing! With just a short walk to the beautiful waterfalls from site 21! The campsites were large with several that backed up to the river! It is close to lots of other beautiful hiking locations, winery's, ATV recreation, and Helen. Even though it rained and we were tent camping it was perfect! I cant wait to return soon

Frank S

Verified

September 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 4, Loop: A

5

It was a great time at the camp ground. The extreme noise at times from the highway was annoying.

Jennifer S

Verified

September 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 12, Loop: B

5

It was absolutely wonderful the only thing that I would change is the last time my family went there was no camp post was wondering where they were a campsite can get out of hand quickly if a host is not monitoring it

allison h

Verified

September 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 6, Loop: B

2

Too close to the road. It’s an area that attracts motorcycles and they are very loud. The falls are wonderful and the hike is pretty easy. Great for a day trip but not over night.

Gregory K

Verified

September 8, 2021 • Stayed at: 20, Loop: B

5

Camp host do a great job making this campsite enjoyable.

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.

Nearby Campgrounds

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area
Closed for Season

Campground / RV park

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area

Suches, GA

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area provides year-round activities such as camping, picnicking, boating, swimming, and hiking around the scenic lake. Located in a mountain valley within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, it is about 80 mi f...

9 RV Sites
16 Tent Sites
4.5 (180)

Campground / RV park

Postcard Cabins Chattahoochee

Suches, GA
3.4 (5)
Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
Instant Book

Campground / RV park

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground

Helen, GA

Upper Chattahoochee River Campground features a scenic 19-site campground accessible via winding roads in North Georgia. Despite the remote feel, the charming alpine village of Helen is less than an hour away, offering shopping, dining, and entert...

14 RV Sites
19 Tent Sites
3.5 (10)

Nearby destinations

Suches
Helen
Cleveland

Last updated: October 22, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Dahlonega, GA

Population: 7,299

Nearby city: Alpharetta, GA

Approx. 49 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 1,450 ft

Learn more about Dahlonega

From our Travel Guides

View all guides
USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service