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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 2,080 feet 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.
The primary attractions to this area are the two waterfalls along Frogtown Creek, which lead from the wooden bridge across from the Host Site. This hike’s relatively short, kid-friendly distance and moderate elevation change make it one of North Georgia’s most popular waterfall hikes. .25 hike to lower falls and .75 to the upper falls. The trail hikes through several large exposed rock outcrops, beautiful rhododendron, and under the shade of several enormous old-growth pine trees with their wide trunks reaching high into the forest canopy above. The waterfall’s newly built observation deck makes a great spot for a mid-hike rest or picnic, and a great place to soak up the waterfall’s beauty.
Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall.
April 1st through October 31st, the campground has drinking water, warm showers, and flush toilets. The bathhouse has warm water outdoor showers connected to a flush facility, and is located on the lower loop. Hydrants are centrally located throughout the entire campground for your convenience. Centrally located in the upper loop is a vault toilet, which is a short walk from most campsites. **NOTE: There are no hookups or a dumpstation avaliable in the campground. From November 1st - March 31st, fees are reduced because no water is available.**
A dumpster is located near site #3 for all bagged trash to be disposed of. Amenities include a picnic area, picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, lantern posts, drinking water, flush toilets, water hydrants, water front sites, and garbage service.
Desoto Falls is part of the Chattahoochee National Forest and is located in a 650-acre (2.6 km2) area designated as the Desoto Falls Scenic Area. This area of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia make up part of the Appalachian Mountain range stretching all the way to Canada. The hardwood coves, rushing waterfalls, creeks, and steep canyons are crisscrossed with abundant trails for hiking and fishing. During the Month of October, North Georgia’s trees put on a vibrant show. Summer's dark greens change to brilliant reds, oranges and yellows which makes the camping atmosphere amazing. Thousands make the yearly trek into the mountains near Desoto Falls for a front row seat.
Just 1.5 miles north on 19/129 is Neels Gap and the Appalachian Trail. Drive just a short piece down to Byron Herbert Reece parking area on the left, and the Appalachian Trail can be easily accessed there. Nearby water falls to visit are are Helton Creek Falls, Dukes Creeks Falls, and Raven Cliffs Falls.
Just a short drive and located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Brasstown Bald Recreation Area & Visitor Center is a great place to visit. It is the highest point in Georgia, rising 4,784 feet above sea level with a 360 degree view of four states.
Towns within a short drive to visit are Blairsville, Helen, and Dahlonega, GA
From Blairsville, GA take U.S. Highway 19/129 South for 17.0 miles and the campground entrance is on your right. From Dahlonega, GA take Highway 19 North for 18 miles and the entrance in on your left. From Cleveland, GA, take 19/129 North for 16 miles and the entrance to the camprground is on your left.
**DURING NON-PEAK SEASON THE FEES CHANGE TO HALF PRICE**
Standard Non Electric
$10.00
Standard Non Electric Double Site
$20.00
Tent Only Non Electric
$10.00
Beautiful campground area, definitely more woodsy than some others I've seen, more wildlife activity warnings than others that I've seen as well. We only walked through one path that took us to a small overlook to a smaller scaled water fall, but it was still beautiful! It's worth the trip!
Went for our 40 yr anniversary weekend hiked both water falls
Love this place clean and well taken care of will visit again
Awesome hike on a gorgeous day! All clean and well marked! The falls were amazing!
Nobody to check you into the campground to answer questions. Stayed 2 nights and 3 days never seeing anyone from campground. You could camp for free! Site 20 was a great spot. Restroom had outdoor shower with hot water. I did walk to the waterfall and it was a little difficult. Not easy and not hard just take your time.
