Best Dispersed Camping near Alpharetta, GA
Dispersed camping opportunities exist in the Chattahoochee National Forest around Alpharetta, Georgia, approximately 1-2 hours north in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Several free primitive sites are located along Jones Creek, Justus Creek, and near Dick's Creek Falls. The Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area and Preacher's Rock also permit no-fee camping in undeveloped settings. These sites typically lack designated boundaries and operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation systems or formal amenities.
Many dispersed sites require traveling on unpaved forest roads with varying conditions. Jones Creek sites can be accessed via narrow dirt roads suitable for most vehicles, though some reviews note this area attracts dirt bikers and day-use visitors. Preacher's Rock requires a 40-minute hike to reach camping spots, making it less accessible for those with heavy gear. Dick's Creek Falls features a 3-mile dirt road leading to approximately 5-6 primitive campsites, some located closer to water. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available at any of these locations, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.
The area provides a range of camping experiences from creek-side spots to mountain-top locations with panoramic views. Jones Creek offers sites along a gentle river with small waterfalls where visitors can cool off during summer months. Justus Creek campsite along the Appalachian Trail provides creek-side camping with warnings about bear activity in the area. Dick's Creek Falls combines water features with more remote camping options. A review notes that "Preacher's Rock has about 3 spots for small tents at the mountain summit, with challenging access if carrying large backpacks and no nearby water source." Mountain Side Overlook receives positive feedback for its established fire pit and nearby hiking access, though "ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some vehicles."
