Toccoa GA, Stephens County & Northeast Georgia

The Chattahoochee River Campground is very picturesque and is situated along the Upper Chattahoochee River in tall, mature mixed woods. This is an excellent campground for relaxing, fishing, enjoying the scenery and visiting Helen. There is camping also dispersed along River Road 44 all the way down to Helen.

This is bear country; so make sure to practice safe food storage techniques.

The German alpine-designed village of Helen is a great place to visit, walk around, shop and eat. The town was a classic example of a failing "Small-Town USA". In the early 1970s, some business people within the town came up with the idea of redeveloping Helen as a Bavarian village. The town is prospering now with many tourists enjoying this quaint "Bavarian village".

After visiting Helen, continue down River Road 44 (rather than going back up to State Rt. 17/75). This stretch of road meanders alongside and over the river and provides a very scenic drive. This is especially true when the rhododendrons are blooming in June.

Other Opportunities near the campground
For hikers and sightseers, the Appalachian Trail is nearby, as well as Horse Trough Falls and the Mark Trail Wilderness Area.

For fishing enthusiasts, the Chattahoochee River is stocked with rainbow trout.

Site Information
Expect narrow, curving and steep roads to and from the area. Loop through recreation area is gravel.

Site Amenities
The Chattahoochee River Recreation Area has toilets accessible to people with disabilities. Drinking water is available. The campground has 10 tent sites and 24 combined (Tent or RV) sites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, tent pad, lantern posts and grill. There are 4 RV Pull Throughs. Accessible campsites are available at this area. A campground host resides here during a portion of the season.

Requirements
Area opens late March and closes mid December. Open for wildlife management area hunts in November and December. A $10 fee is required with a 14-day maximum stay. This area is open 24 hours a day for camping use.

Recommended Seasons
Spring/Summer/Fall

MPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:
Taken directly from the US Forestry Service website for the Chattahoochee/Oconee Forest - July 18, 2005: Reconstruction of the Chattahoochee River Road is scheduled to begin this month or in August. Work will continue for appoximately one year. Sections of the road will be closed during weekdays and reopened from 12:00 noon Fridays until Monday morning. Please call the Chattooga Ranger District office at 706 754-6221 for the latest status of the project and road conditions.

For More Information
Contact USDA Forest Service
Chattooga Ranger District
Phone: (706) 754-6221

Directions
From downtown Toccoa, take US-123/W. Currahee St. to the Jeanette Jamieson Intersection. Turn right onto US-123 South/GA Hwy. 17 North/GA-365 North. Turn right onto GA Hwy. 115/GA Hwy. 17. Continue for approximately six miles to downtown Clarkesville. Turn left onto Monroe St./GA Hwy. 115/GA Hwy. 17. Go approximately 2 miles and turn right onto GA Hwy. 17/Unicoi Turnpike. Go through downtown Helen and continue on GA Hwy. 17/GA Hwy. 75 for approximately 8 miles. Just beyond mile marker 15 turn left onto the graveled Chattahoochee River Road and follow for 5 miles.

Scenic Attractions

Chattahoochee River Campground