Upper Chattahoochee River Campground
USFS — Chattahoochee-Oconee NF
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
19-site developed campground near the headwaters of the Chattahoochee. Short walking trail to Horse Trough Falls right from the back of the campground. Beautiful mountain approach.
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
34.78000, -83.73000 · ~2,800 ft
Get directions
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Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:19 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Helen, GA.
Today
86°F
Sunny
1% rain · wind 0 mph
Tonight
67°F
Mostly Clear
wind 0 mph
Friday
86°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
20% rain · wind 0 mph
Friday Night
68°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
55% rain · wind 0 mph
Saturday
80°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
92% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Saturday Night
67°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
92% rain · wind 0 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Community pulse (curated note)
Scenic approach; Horse Trough Falls is the highlight.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (approx. from metro Atlanta / Conyers)
- ~2h 0m
- Access
- Any vehicle · gravel road
- Hike-in
- Drive-up / no significant hike
- Pass required
- None for camping
- Parking
- Included
- Camping fee
- Check Recreation.gov
- Max stay
- 14 days
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: 6 months
- Elevation
- 2,800 ft
Schedule this trip
Pick nights that show openings, save them to My Trips, then reserve on Recreation.gov so the campsite is actually held for you.
Immerse helps you plan and track dates. Official reservations (and payment) happen on Recreation.gov for public campgrounds — that's what actually holds your site.
Must-sees & highlights
- ▸Horse Trough Falls (short trail from campground)
- ▸Headwaters of the Chattahoochee
- ▸Scenic FS road approach
Amenities
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~2h 0m + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Explore: Horse Trough Falls (short trail from campground)
- Explore: Headwaters of the Chattahoochee
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
Share your adventure
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