Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens in spring and operates seasonally. Reservations required via Recreation.gov starting May 1st, 2025.
Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 4:03AM EDT until April 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA
Default overview section * Affected Area...North Georgia including the following: Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union and Towns. * Timing...Noon to 8 PM Sunday * Winds...10 to 15 mph; with gusts to 20 to 25 mph. * Relative Humidity...Less than 25% * Temperatures...80 to 85 degrees * Impacts...With elevated winds, low relative humidities, and dry fuels, critical fire weather conditions are possible. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.
About
Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground offers a rustic camping experience along the Tallulah River in the Chattahoochee National Forest. The 13-site campground is graced with various species of hardwoods and provides direct river access for swimming and fishing. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post, with drinking water available via hand pump and vault toilets at the center of the campground. The location serves as an excellent base for exploring North Georgia's mountain scenery. Campers can walk along the Tallulah River, fish its waters, or take short drives to numerous hiking opportunities. The Beech Creek Trail and Buck Creek Trail are accessible at the end of Tallulah River Road in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area, while the Coleman River Trail offers an easier 1.1-mile option in the opposite direction. Nearby attractions include Rabun Bald, Georgia's second-highest peak at 4,696 feet, Tallulah Gorge State Park, Lake Rabun, and Lake Burton. The campground operates seasonally and requires reservations through Recreation.gov beginning May 1st, 2025. Standard camping regulations apply, including a 14-day limit within any 30-day period, quiet hours from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am, and generator use restricted to 4 hours daily between 6:00 am and 10:00 pm.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| sm.fs.crrd@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (706) 754-6221 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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