My family has visited the campground and beach area for 60 years, we come every year we are able and there's a reason for that!! Limited cell service and no wifi gives you the ability to disconnect and recharge your soul (Verizon & T-mobile have cell signal, AT&T does not as of June 2023). This is one of the greatest mountain gems and it remains almost the same as the years continue. The bathhouse/restroom has been closed for over 7 years, they are supposed to tear down and rebuild, but that timeline is uncertain. There is a port-a-potty available, so if you can't hang with those types of facilities, I suggest you use the bathroom before arriving. There is a boat launch conveniently accessible next to beach area parking lot. They have several picnic table areas with charcoal grills at each table, perfect for a family/friends lake day. You can bring your hammocks, as they have several great spots for hammocking in the picnic area. More crowded on weekend, if you're there by noon during the week, you are likely to experience a private beach/lake area for a while. During the week, most folks trickle in around 2pm or shortly after, as campers check-in/finish setting up and come experience the cold, refreshing lake.
‼️‼️Please read the signs!!! They have rules for a reason and it was despicable to have seen and picked up the garbage folks left behind this week on the beach (mid June 2023) and on top of the trash cans out front, simply because people were unaware of how to open the bear-proof receptacles. THERE ARE LATCHES UNDER THE HANDLE. PLEASE THROW AWAY YOUR GARBAGE INSIDE THE CAN, NOT ON TOP. That quite literally defeats the purpose of a bear-proof trash can. You have to pay for parking ($5/car) unless you are camping in the Rabun campground, and they do enforce that fee, so if parks and rec come by the parking area and you do not have your fee tag hanging/visible, they will write you a ticket. Just pay the $5 cash and save yourself the hassle. The fees go directly to upkeep and maintenance of these beautiful grounds, so you really should pay, seems fair if you're going to be using the grounds. Parks & Rec are not your maids and shouldn't have to pick up your McDonald's cups or chip baggies, so please pack in and pack out properly. Leave no trace. We are in the wildlife's environment and should try to keep them safe and respect their home, as we use it ONLY for recreation. And for the love of the universe, LEAVE THE DUCKS ALONE!! They won't bother you if you don't bother them. They're pretty harmless, so stop chasing them and tell your kids to stop pestering them too :)