Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)

$15.00/night

Show on mapsm.fs.crrd@usda.gov
4841 Tallulah River Road
Clayton, GA 30525

Overview

All campsites are available by reservation only, reservations may be made at recreation.gov

Whether you plan your trip during the rebirth of Spring or later in the year during the display of the prominent North Georgia Fall colors, this 13-site developed campground is sure to heighten the innate beauty of the season. Graced with various species of hardwoods and resting on the shore of Tallulah River, Sandy Bottoms provides a rustic experience for the outdoor enthusiast to camp, swim, fish, or just enjoy the scenery. 

Recreation

Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground is in a unique area. You can enjoy walking along the Tallulah River. Fishing is a popular sport in the Tallulah River. If a hike is what you desire, take a short drive along the Tallulah River Road through Tate City to the end of the road, which not only has some great views but at the end of the road is Beech Creek Trail and Buck Creek Trail both are found in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area. Looking for an easier hike, you can go the other direction on Tallulah River Road for approximately 5 miles to bridge #1 where you will find a small parking area for the Coleman River Trail a 1.1 in and out trail that runs along a portion of the Coleman River that flows with the Tallulah River.

Facilities

The campground offers 13 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a lantern post at each site. There is a new vault toilet and trash bins located at the center of the campground. Drinking water is available by hand pump during the entire season the campground is open.

Natural Features

Natural Features: Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, a place of exploration and wonder. This National Forest is rich in history and is said to be a hiker's paradise with its winding trails, scenic mountains, and rolling hills.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to the campground can enjoy scenic drives when going to visit nearby Rabun Bald the second-highest peak in Georgia at 4696 ft above sea level. Continue your exploring and you can find many waterfalls to see and trails to hike. One of the longest trails in the area is the National Recreational Bartram Trail. If some water activities are on your mind the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River has fishing, whitewater rafting, canoe, and kayak possibilities with outfitter and guide services available if you enjoy your time on the river. Tallulah Gorge State Park and historic Lakemont are also a close drive. Lake Rabun and Lake Burton are great places to put a boat in the water and enjoy those memories you are ready to make. Within an hour's drive, you can spend some time visiting the city of Helen a beautiful alpine village in White County if you find yourself there be sure and stop by Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, or Ravens Cliff Wilderness for more hiking fun. While in the neighborhood a short drive around will find you at Brasstown Bald the highest peak in Georgia rising to 4784 ft above sea level.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (706) 754-6221.

Camp site features

Across 12 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 12 sites
  • Pets allowed: 11 of 12 sites
  • Longest RV: 50 ft
  • Largest party: 8 people

Fees

Beginning May 1st, 2025 all sites will require reservations via recreation.gov for camping at the Sandy Bottoms campground

Directions

Take U.S. 76 west from Clayton, Georgia for 8 miles; turn right (north) on Persimmon Road for 4.2 miles; turn left (northwest) on Tallulah River Road (Forest Service Road 70) for 4.6 miles to arrive at Sandy Bottoms Campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

29 reviews
5 stars
19
4 stars
6
3 stars
4
Kale C
Loop:Sandy Bottoms
Site:
Reviewed 8 days ago
Beautiful place to camp and fish. Will be visiting again.
David C
Loop:Sandy Bottoms
Site:
Reviewed 24 days ago
Fairly remote, but easy to get to campground. No cell service which is wonderful. All of the campsites are nice. Obviously, those that back up to the river are the most popular. Always enjoy my time there.
Hank B
Loop:Sandy Bottoms
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Very clean and well maintained campsite
Hollye R
Loop:Sandy Bottoms
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Great river access. Will be back.
Ralph C
Loop:Sandy Bottoms
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Sandy Bottoms is a very remote 14 site primitive campground. We stayed on site 7 which I believe is the best site in the campground. But, you need to book site 8 with it to be assured of privacy because 7 is too close to 8. Luckily no one showed up on 8 until our last night there.
Julie R
Loop:Sandy Bottoms
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
It is primitive camping at it's best- quiet with large sites right on the River. Has been one of our favorite family camping spots for a long time.
Availability

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

Reserve

Season dates

Peak season

Mar 15, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026

Reservable online

Peak season

Jan 1, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027

Reservable online

Peak season

Mar 15, 2028 – Oct 30, 2028

Reservable online

Camp Sites

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