Desoto Falls Recreation Area

$10.00–$40.00/night

CAUTION Waterfall Dangers

While beautiful, waterfalls pose risks to visitors. Each year serious injuries and fatalities occur at Georgia waterfalls.

The best way to enjoy a waterfall is from a safe distance. Heed posted warning signs indicating danger and stay on established trails. Never climb on or around waterfalls and never play in the water above a waterfall. Rocks can be slippery and it is easy to lose your balance. Currents near waterfalls can be extremely swift even in areas further upstream.

Never jump off waterfalls or dive into plunge pools at the base of waterfalls. Rocks and logs can be hidden and swirling water currents can drag and keep you underwater.

Even if you have seen other people enjoy playing around waterfalls, be aware that they have been lucky to escape unharmed. Waterfalls are constantly changing with varying water flows and erosion of the rocks around them. The current from one place to the next may be faster than you anticipate, and the arrangement of rocks or other debris such as logs in the plunge pool is ever changing.

Waterfalls are exciting and rivers are a great place to cool off on a hot day, but both pose risks to visitors.

Have fun and enjoy the beauty, but please be safe!

Overview

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.

Recreation

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 is 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.

Facilities

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.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

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

Camp site features

Across 23 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 23 sites
Pets allowed: all 23 sites
Group sites: 1 of 23 sites
Largest party: 10 people
Equipment: CAR, CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Fees

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

Directions

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 campground is on your left.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

330 reviews

5 stars

183

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

patrick t

Loop:Upper Loop

Site:

Reviewed 10 days ago

Beautiful area and nice camp sites but the noise from the road was ridiculous. As much as we like those campsites, we don't see ourselves going back. Constant motorcycles and race cars enjoying the curvy roads.

Todd C

Loop:Upper Loop

Site:

Reviewed 11 days ago

The campsite itself was great. Nice and level and large. The fire pit and the grill attached to it was fine. The picnic table was in good shape. However, the entire campsite is way too close to the road. Constant noise of loud motorcycles and other vehicles was a huge distraction. The bathrooms are VERY basic. Bathrooms with real toilets and running water would have made the experience much better.

Robert M

Loop:Upper Loop

Site:

Reviewed 16 days ago

Bathhouse stunk. Kids on bicycles running around park at night with bright flash lights disturbing the peace. People with dogs not picking up there dogs mess.

Carol R

Loop:Lower Loop

Site:

Reviewed 18 days ago

We had a site that was tight getting into right across from the dumpsters. Ditch on both sides. Once in all was grand. Visited the upper falls which was nice, the lower falls was closed due to storm damage in the area. Beautiful area. We visited fall 50 miles east and 50 miles west and right there in-between.

Eddie B

Loop:Upper Loop

Site:

Reviewed 20 days ago

Really enjoyed out time in nature there. Love the No. Ga. mountains.

Loren S

Loop:Upper Loop

Site:

Reviewed 21 days ago

This is such a wonderful campground. Well-maintained, friendly people. The hike to the falls is really nice. And the camp caretaker is so friendly and helpful! I really enjoyed my stay. I highly recommend.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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