Lots of sites from which to choose when we arrived in Mid-April. We decided to stay in the older campground, Area 1 - it was a little more rustic and more peaceful, as well as considerably cheaper than the newer campground, Area 2. Here we are on site 54, an "inland" site. We liked it because it was off by itself and sunnier than many sites. We still had a nice view down the hill to the lake.

Date of Visit: April 2015

We'll start our tour of Area 1 at sites 17,19 and 20, which are out on a point of land.

Some nice sunny sites, 82-90, are located on another little point.

There are some very nice waterfront sites in Area 1. These are 49-50. There are a couple of issues with most of of the sites in Area 1: they are quite small and generally not very level at all. I would also say that Area 1 is not big rig friendly.

There are also "inland" sites, such as sites 67-69, shown here, that are $3 cheaper than the waterfront sites.

Here are some more waterfront sites, 40-46 on the left, with "inland" site 47 on the right.

These are sites 55-58. Spring cleanup was underway while we were here. In fact shortly after we got set up on our site a worker showed up with a leaf blower and went to work just ahead of us. And he was back the next day for a several more hours. Who invented those %^&*! things anyway? They should be banned in campgrounds.

Let's mosey across the road to Area 2. This area is obviously much newer than Area 1 with larger sites that are a little more level, although not perfect. At least big rigs can fit in here. These are inland sites A11,A13,A15,A17, located on a hill back from the lake.

Sites A27, A29, A31 and A33 are up on the hill with a view of the lake.

I think these sites, B1, B3, B5, B7 and B9 are about the best in the park.

On site B4 was this old Airstream motorhome.

Sites C3-C6 are shaded waterfront sites.

Sites E7, E5, E3 and E1.

This rather interesting Igloo trailer was on site A42.

Both campgrounds have modern bathhouses with free hot showers.

A major activity here is boating. There is a paved boat ramp where you can get your boat into the water. Then you can tie up right in front of your campsite.

The Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds' historic Pioneer Village offers visitors the opportunity to learn about mountain life as it once was. Authentic and antique structures from the nearby area were permanently moved to the fairground in order to preserve the area's rich history. During special events, visitors can tour a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a repair shop and an "old mountain home." The Pioneer Village comes alive during select events with mountain-life activities of the past that include soap-making, moon shining, hominy making and blacksmithing.

Also in this area are 65 rustic craft booths. The booths provide a completely covered shelter for artists to display their work as fair guests stroll along shaded and paved pathways during various events at the fairgrounds.

Anderson Music Hall has hosted countless musical legends since it was constructed in 1979. This 2,900-seat theatre is an ideal spot to take in a performance during the many musical events scheduled at the fairgrounds throughout the year. Anderson Music Hall is also available for private groups and functions.

Located within the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, the Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens, open year-round, boasts one of the largest collections of hybrid rhododendrons in the state of Georgia. With more than 3,000 plants in bloom from early April to late May, visitors are invited to tour the gardens along their pine bark trail on the shores of Lake Chatuge. Admission is $3 per person.

Amenities

Area 1:

92 sites with W/E(30/50A)/CATV - $24-$27

Open April - October

Area 2:

97 sites with W/E(30/50A)/S/CATV - $32-$35

Open all year

Wekly and monthly rates availale

Showers, RV dump station

Verizon 4G coverage

Coorrdinates: 34.963927 N, 83.771546 W

Elevation: 1952'