Blue Ridge, Georgia by RV: The Weekend Trip Worth Doing Right
Blue Ridge is one of those towns that earns its reputation. About 90 miles north of Atlanta, it sits at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a walkable downtown, a scenic railroad, apple orchards, and some of the best camping in the state within a short drive. It's a perfect first RV trip — or a perfect excuse to go back.
Here's how to do it right.
Getting There from Atlanta
From Atlanta, take I-575 North until it becomes GA-515. Follow that north through Canton and Jasper until you hit Blue Ridge. The drive takes about 90 minutes without traffic — longer on Friday afternoons in fall, when half of Atlanta has the same idea.
From our Cumming location: You're already 35 miles ahead of the Atlanta crowd. Take GA-400 North to GA-60 North through Dahlonega. Scenic, less traffic, and you'll pass through wine country on the way.
From our McDonough location: Take I-75 North to I-575 North. Straightforward.
Where to Camp
Morganton Point Recreation Area is the standout. It sits right on Lake Blue Ridge, a 3,290-acre reservoir with clear water and mountain views. Sites have electric hookups, and the lake access is right there. Book through Recreation.gov — sites go fast from May through October.
Lake Blue Ridge Campground (private) is a solid backup with full hookups and a more relaxed booking window.
Toccoa River Campground is worth considering if you want river access and a quieter experience. No hookups, but the setting is hard to beat.
What to Do
The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway runs from downtown Blue Ridge to McCaysville on the Tennessee border. It's a 26-mile round trip through river gorges and mountain scenery. Book tickets in advance — it sells out on fall weekends.
Mercier Orchards is a 300-acre working orchard about 5 miles from downtown. Apple picking runs September through November. The farm market is open year-round and worth a stop for cider, fried apple pies, and produce.
Cohutta Wilderness starts just east of Blue Ridge and offers some of the best hiking in Georgia. The Jacks River Trail is a full-day commitment with multiple creek crossings. The Beech Bottom Trail is more accessible and still delivers.
Downtown Blue Ridge has good food, good coffee, and a walkable main street. Harvest on Main is the local favorite for dinner. Aska Road is a popular cycling and running route that starts right in town.
Practical Notes
- Most campsites in the area are pull-through or back-in with 30-amp service. Our Class C motorhomes and travel trailers work well here.
- Cell service is spotty in the mountains. Download your maps offline before you leave.
- Fall weekends (October especially) are peak season. Book campsites 2–3 months out.
- Bring layers. Even in summer, nights in the mountains get cool.
The Trip in Numbers
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance from Atlanta | ~90 miles |
| Distance from Cumming | ~55 miles |
| Recommended stay | 3–4 nights |
| Best season | April–November |
| Campsite booking | Recreation.gov |
Blue Ridge is the kind of trip that converts people. One weekend up there and you start looking at the calendar for when you can go back.
Check availability on our fleet [blocked] and book your dates. Questions about which rig is right for this trip? Contact us [blocked].