Desoto Falls Recreation Area
Cleveland, Georgia · USDA Forest Service

Photo: Recreation.gov
About
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. 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 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
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.
Location
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.
Details
- State
- Georgia
- City / area
- Cleveland
- Agency
- USDA Forest Service
- Parent area
- Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
- Campsites
- 23
- Reservable
- Yes
- Typical price
- $10–$40 / night
- Rating
- 4.23 / 5 (330 reviews on Recreation.gov)
- Equipment
- Tent, RV, Trailer, Caravan/Camper Van, Pickup Camper, Fifth Wheel, Pop up
Nearby campgrounds
- Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area 4.4 km away · dump mentioned
- Dockery Lake Recreation Area 7.6 km away · dump mentioned
- Upper Chattahoochee River Campground 15.1 km away
- Cooper Creek Campground (GA) 15.8 km away
- Andrew's Cove Campground 18.1 km away
- Deep Hole Recreation Area 20.9 km away · dump mentioned