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Chattahoochee-Oconee/Desoto Falls
Overview
Desoto Falls Campground offers a secluded escape within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This site is deeply rooted in local legend, named after explorer Hernando de Soto, whose expedition reportedly left a piece of armor in the area centuries ago. It provides a classic woodland experience where the rhythmic sounds of Frogtown Creek replace the noise of the city, making it a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate the North Georgia mountains and a slower pace of life.
Location & Surroundings
Situated near Cleveland, this park sits at a high elevation that keeps the air crisp and cool, even during the humid Georgia summers. The campground is nestled under a dense canopy of hardwoods and lush rhododendrons, providing ample shade and privacy between sites. Its primary feature is its immediate proximity to the cascading waterfalls, which are accessible via scenic hiking trails that wind through the rugged mountain terrain surrounding the facility.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a traditional forest service campground, meaning it prioritizes a rustic connection to nature over modern luxury. RVers will find specific features designed for a comfortable stay in the wilderness:
- Paved parking pads that help level your rig in the mountainous terrain.
- Individual sites equipped with a fire ring, lantern post, and picnic table.
- Access to centrally located vault toilets and potable water hydrants.
Because there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups, this park is best suited for those prepared for a dry camping experience in a serene environment.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The main draw for visitors is the trail system leading to the Lower and Upper Desoto Falls, where you can view water plunging over massive rock faces. Nature enthusiasts will also enjoy several other activities in the immediate vicinity:
- Trout fishing in the cold, clear waters of Frogtown Creek.
- Exploring the Appalachian Trail access points just a short drive away.
- Visiting the nearby Alpine village of Helen for unique shopping and dining.
The area is a photographer's dream, especially during the spring bloom or the vibrant autumn leaf-change seasons.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for the self-contained traveler who enjoys boondocking and values a deep connection with the outdoors. It is perfect for hikers, birdwatchers, and families who want to unplug from digital distractions. If you prefer serene forest settings and have a smaller to mid-sized RV that can navigate winding mountain roads, this campground serves as a premier basecamp for your North Georgia adventures.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
You Who
A great little campground. The campsites are large and private. The facilities are well kept. There is road noise at night until 10pm or so. Two short hikes to the falls. And it is very dark at night! There are many hiking trails along RBR Scenic Highway
Valerie Uhlir
Despot has beautiful waterfalls but is not well maintained. Bathrooms are the worst (so many issues from poor lighting to poor ventilation). The waterfalls have old dead trees that have not been cleared. Signage is good here but they should have the length of each hike on the initial board by parking. Parking should be $5 but there is almost no cell service, so unless you pre-pay via the Recreation App, it’s rough to pay. The parking via cash/envelope box is down and clearly has been for a while since the tape is worn off now (photo included). Details on the hike- going the left to the “lower falls” it’s actually a fairly strenuous hike straight up. But short. Going to the right is a longer 3/4 mile hike to the better and bigger waterfall and it mostly follows a stream and is a fairly flat/ easy walk. I’m included a photo of the parking lot that usually has enough parking. But it worth repeating that there is almost no cell coverage in this area at the bottom of blood Mountain.
Fatih Gul
A beautiful camping site. The only issue is it is very close to road. And that road is favorite of motorcycle riders because of its beautiful wavy path. Specifically on Sunday there are too much noisy riders Other than everything was great. The upper fall has a beautiful scene
dineshkumar chokkalingam
DeSoto falls have 2 falls, upper falls and lower falls. Lower falls is about half mile walk and upper falls is 1.25 miles walk each way. I personally did not enjoy the falls since you cannot wet your feet or swim but the Trek was green and great. It's dense forest and you will see the running water throughout the Trek to the falls. There is a great picnic area with tables, plenty of camping grounds around. There is no network once you start walking towards falls. One time visit won't disappoint you. There is a restroom in the parking area but it was closed and I assume because it was off season May be.
Brittany B
This was a gorgeous, lush, green recreational area. That has a little parking lot you can park at by restrooms. Then, the trail to the falls has signs to easily follow. You walk past some of the camping areas. Then go over the bridge and river and can go one way to a shorter trail, to the lower falls one and the other one takes you 3/4 of a mile to the top falls. It was so nice up there. And at the top of the lower falls, they have a little bench to sit and view the waterfall for a little bit. This isn't like a perfectly straight level path, there will be some roots and some spots to go up hill some and some to eventually go down hill or step over some trees that may be fallen. But overall easy.
Christopher Schneider
Upper and lower falls were both good. Upper is about 9/10 mile from the parking lot. Lower is about 3/10 mile. Upper is harder with more elevation gain but easy overall. Not very crowded and parking is easy.
Justin Sutherland
The campground is nice and well maintained. There are some simple trails to waterfalls or to just spend some time in the woods. The campground is close to Helen, GA so that is a plus. The downside of the campground is the road noise you get non-stop. The campground is right off the main road so you’ll have a constant hum of cars and motorcycles. Overall this campground is great and I would definitely recommend it.
Cheryl
Lovely little hike to 2 pretty waterfalls. Easy enough for kids, very pet friendly. The lower falls is more of an incline but not bad. Upper falls is longer but less strenuous. $5 parking. Vault toilets at trailhead. Picnic area too. There is also a campground that looked nice but we did not camp there, just went for the day. Great way to enjoy the outdoors!
Melissa Flowers
Very nice area to hike. There is a campground here. Plenty of parking, there’s a kiosk to pay for parking, $5. It was not working when we visited, QR code to pay. Service isn’t the best and you have to download the app if you don’t have it, I didn’t. There were several of us having issues. I eventually got it down before we left. Upper falls is the longest, not too difficult. The trail is like most well marked roots and rocks here and there. The lower falls is short distance but all incline! We have been here several times. I actually managed not to miss the entrance this time.
Alex Monsrud
Beautiful park and campground. To hit both the waterfalls is about 2 miles and small elevation gain. I would rate it on the easier side of moderate. The trails are well maintained and marked. You can bring dogs as long as they are leashed. 5$ parking unless you have an interagency pass.