Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Beginning May 1st, 2025 Sandy Bottoms campground requires reservations be made through recreation.gov to camp at this campground. The First Come, First Served practice ends 4/30. After May 1st all sites in this campground will be reservation only.
Whether you plan your trip during the rebirth of Spring or later in the year during the display of the prominent North Georgia Fall colors, this 13-site developed campground is sure to heighten the innate beauty of the season. Graced with various species of hardwoods and resting on the shore of Tallulah River, Sandy Bottoms provides a rustic experience for the outdoor enthusiast to camp, swim, fish, or just enjoy the scenery.
The campground offers 13 campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and a lantern post at each site. There is a new vault toilet and trash bins located at the center of the campground. Drinking water is available by hand pump during the entire season the campground is open.
Need to Know
Beginning May 1st, 2025 Sandy Bottoms campground will require reservations be made via recreation.gov for all campsites at this facility
Camping or maintaining a campsite in developed and dispersed areas in excess of 14 days within any 30-day time period. After the camper(s) has accumulated 14 days within any 30-day time period, the camper(s) must leave that area/campground and move from Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest land before returning for another stay. 36 CFR Section 261.58(a).
No driving, unloading, or loading of any ATVs, UTV, or Golf Carts allowed on or near all the campgrounds and the Tallulah River Road outside of the private properties in Tate City.
Generators may be used up to 4 total hours per day between the hours of 6:00 am and 10:00 pm. The hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am are the required quiet hours, no generators, music, or other noises that are disturbing other campers are to be used. If at any time generators are not operated at a volume so as to not disturb other campers they may be asked to turn them off.
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood in some states is illegal. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
Click here for more information on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
No hunting within any developed campground, developed campsite, developed trail, or other developed recreation site on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.
Check out time is 12:01 pm and check in time starts at 2:00 pm
Natural Features
Natural Features: Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, a place of exploration and wonder. This National Forest is rich in history and is said to be a hiker's paradise with its winding trails, scenic mountains, and rolling hills.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors to the campground can enjoy scenic drives when going to visit nearby Rabun Bald the second-highest peak in Georgia at 4696 ft above sea level. Continue your exploring and you can find many waterfalls to see and trails to hike. One of the longest trails in the area is the National Recreational Bartram Trail. If some water activities are on your mind the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River has fishing, whitewater rafting, canoe, and kayak possibilities with outfitter and guide services available if you enjoy your time on the river. Tallulah Gorge State Park and historic Lakemont are also a close drive. Lake Rabun and Lake Burton are great places to put a boat in the water and enjoy those memories you are ready to make. Within an hour's drive, you can spend some time visiting the city of Helen a beautiful alpine village in White County if you find yourself there be sure and stop by Anna Ruby Falls, Dukes Creek Falls, or Ravens Cliff Wilderness for more hiking fun. While in the neighborhood a short drive around will find you at Brasstown Bald the highest peak in Georgia rising to 4784 ft above sea level.
Recreation
Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground is in a unique area. You can enjoy walking along the Tallulah River. Fishing is a popular sport in the Tallulah River. If a hike is what you desire, take a short drive along the Tallulah River Road through Tate City to the end of the road, which not only has some great views but at the end of the road is Beech Creek Trail and Buck Creek Trail both are found in the Southern Nantahala Wilderness Area. Looking for an easier hike, you can go the other direction on Tallulah River Road for approximately 5 miles to bridge #1 where you will find a small parking area for the Coleman River Trail a 1.1 in and out trail that runs along a portion of the Coleman River that flows with the Tallulah River.
Contact Information
Mailing
9975 Hwy 441 So Lakemont GA 30552
Physical
4841 Tallulah River Road Clayton GA 30525
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 5, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 9, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 8, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 10, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 13, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 1, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 7, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 11, Loop Sandy Bottoms, Type Standard Nonelectric
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