DeSoto Falls Recreation Area
Camping at DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is open. The DeSoto Falls Recreation Area is located off Highway 129 just inside the National Forest boundary. The campground is a scenic spot with easy access for either a weekend of camping or a quick hike to the falls. There are two waterfalls which can be easily viewed along the DeSoto Falls trails. Trout fishing is popular along Frogtown Creek which flows adjacent to the campground. A mature forest provides the perfect setting for a family recreation getaway.
Reservations
Reservations are required to camp in this campground. Reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS). The website (www.Recreation.gov) offers convenient round the clock access to the Online Reservation Service or visitors may call NRRS at 1-877-444-6777 (toll free) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
You may reserve camp sites the same day as you arrive and as far as six (6) months in advance. However, reservations cannot be made on-site. Please book them online or via the NRRS phone number.
General Information
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.
This campground is open all year long, and seasonal rates apply.
April 01, 2025 - October 31, 2025 (Peak Season)
Standard Nonelectric - $20.00
Group Standard Nonelectric - $40.00
November 01, 2025 - December 31, 2025 (Non-Peak Season)
Standard Nonelectric - $10.00
Group Standard Nonelectric - $20.00
Open 24 hours a day. Quiet hours 10pm – 6am.
The Interagency Senior and Access Passes and the Golden Age and Access Passports are accepted. These passes entitle the pass holder to a 50% discount for single family campsites and some day use fees. Click here for detailed information on passes!
The Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Annual Pass for $25 is available at Forest Service offices in Gainesville, Blairsville, Chatsworth, Lakemont, and Eatonton, Georgia. This pass will allow you to enjoy selected recreation opportunities on the Chattahoochee and the Oconee NF, without having to pay daily fees at each site. The Forest Annual Pass will be good for one year from the month of purchase. Those who have a Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency Senior or Interagency Access Pass will receive a 50% discount off of the Forest Annual Pass. The Forest Annual Pass is not valid at concession sites.
- 14 day stay limit.
- Maximum 2 vehicles per campsite
- Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Camping Peak Season: April 1 - October 31
$20 per night/site
$40 Double Site (Site #14)
Camping Non-Peak Season(no water): November 1 - March 31
$10 per night/site
$20 Double Site (Site #14)
Day Use $5 per vehicle/day
Pay for you activity pass at DeSoto Falls Day Use with the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Log into your Recreation.gov account through the mobile app and scan the QR code at the area and follow the on-screen instructions. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one to use Scan & Pay.
You can purchase the DeSoto Falls Day Use Annual Pass at Recreation.gov or a Chattahoochee-Oconee Forest Annual Pass for $25 is available at Forest Service offices in Gainesville, Blairsville, Chatsworth, Lakemont, and Eatonton, Georgia. The DeSoto Falls Day Use daily activity pass must be purchased at the area.
Address: 2042 Highway 515 West Blairsville, GA 30512
Phone: 706-745-6928
Hours: Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 to 4:30. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Directions
From Blairsville, GA take U.S. Highway 19/129 south for 17.0 miles to campground entrance on right.
From Dahlonega, GA take Highway 19 north for 18.0 miles to campground entrance on left.
Parking
Day-Use Visitors should park in the main lot immediately on the left upon entering the recreation area. Visitors who have reserved a campsite are permitted a maximum of two vehicles per site.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restroom information is not currently available for this site.
Water
Potable water is available at this site.
Potable water is available from April 1 - October 31.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.
Other Amenities
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
