Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)
Campground · Georgia · 12 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Chattahoochee National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 12
- Bookable sites
- 50 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 8
- People per site
- 1,835 ft
- Elevation
Overview
All campsites are available by reservation only, reservations may be made at recreation.gov
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.
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.
Facilities
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.
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.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (706) 754-6221.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.
The facts
- 12 bookable sites
- 13 sites in total, including non-bookable
- Vehicles up to 50 ft
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: Sandy Bottoms
Site types
- 12 Standard Nonelectric
- 1 Management
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
- Water hookups — not available
- Sewer hookups — not available
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, grills.
13 campsites at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Grade | Water | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Riverfront | 50 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 10 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 11 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 12 | Sandy Bottoms | Management | Back In | Gravel | Moderate | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 13 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Moderate | — | 35 ft | 5 | 🐾 |
| 2 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | Riverfront | 45 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 3 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 4 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 5 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 6 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 7 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | — | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 8 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
| 9 | Sandy Bottoms | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Gravel | Slight | — | 35 ft | 8 | 🐾 |
Getting there
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.
34.78675, -84.23888 · 34°47'12.3"N 84°14'20.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 5.0 | 5.1 | 5.8 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Beginning May 1st, 2025 all sites will require reservations via recreation.gov for camping at the Sandy Bottoms campground
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)
- Can you reserve a site at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)?
- Yes, Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA) is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA) have?
- 13 sites in total, of which 12 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)?
- 50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA).
- Does Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA) have hookups?
- No hookups are recorded here.
- Are campfires allowed at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)?
- Campfires are allowed at Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA). Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Camping near Sandy Bottoms Recreation Area Campground (Clayton, GA)
- Toccoa River Sandy Bottoms Campground less than 0.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Morganton Point 6.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Deep Hole Recreation Area 6.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Frank Gross Campground 7.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cooper Creek Campground (GA) 9.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Lake Blue Ridge Recreation Area 5 mi · Facility
- Lakewood Landing Boat Launch 6.7 mi · Activity pass
- Lakewood Landing Boat Launch 6.8 mi · Facility
- Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery 7.8 mi · Facility
- Mulky Campground 9.5 mi · Campground
- Blue Ridge Ranger District 15.1 mi · Facility
- Lake Winfield Scott Campground 15.5 mi · Campground
Contact
- Email sm.fs.crrd@usda.gov
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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