Dispersed camping areas near Alpharetta, Georgia follow no-trace principles for waste management in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Camping is available year-round, though summer weekends often reach capacity by Friday afternoon. Winter provides more solitude but requires additional cold-weather gear and preparation for potentially muddy forest roads.
What to do
Creek exploration: During summer months at Jones Creek Dispersed Campground, visitors cool off in gentle currents. "This river is amazing, low current makes its easy to walk in and there are a few little water falls we enjoyed hanging on for a bit," notes camper Billie P.
Backpacking: The Appalachian Trail connects several dispersed sites including Justus Creek Campsite, offering multi-day hiking opportunities. "After one of my favorite stretches of hiking we got to this campsite along the AT... it was definitely one of our best nights sleep listening to the water!" writes Maria A.
Photography: Early morning at mountain viewpoints provides optimal lighting conditions for landscape photography. At Preacher's Rock, morning fog often fills valleys below, creating dramatic sunrise compositions against the blue ridge backdrop.
What campers like
Waterside camping: The sites at Dicks Creek Falls Campsites provide direct water access. "We backtracked a bit to a site along the stream with ample space for at least two or three tents. It was along the road and there were a few cars driving past during the night but not enough to bother us," reports Jennifer M.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer chances to spot deer, turkey, and various bird species. Bear activity requires proper food storage, particularly in the Justus Creek area where Maria A. notes they "were warned about bears in the area so were very cautious about hanging our bear bag a little extra distance away on the opposite side of the creek."
Trail connections: Many sites connect directly to hiking trails. Jennifer M. describes Dick's Creek Falls: "There was a trail at this site as well just on the other side of the water which went a few miles around to the road and looped back but it hadn't been maintained in a bit so there was a decent amount of climbing and exploration."
What you should know
Site availability: No reservation system exists for these free camping areas near Alpharetta, Georgia. "There is only 5 or 6 spots available for first come first serve camping," notes Lacy S. about Dick's Creek Falls, adding it "was over full last time I was there summer of 2024."
Road conditions: Forest roads leading to most dispersed sites require vehicles with adequate clearance. At Mountain Side Overlook, "4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some," according to reviewer "The M."
Seasonal crowding: Summer brings increased visitor numbers, particularly at waterfall locations. Lacy S. confirms Dick's Creek Falls is a "very popular place in summer time" when day use visitors fill parking areas.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with natural boundaries and flat tent areas. At Jones Creek, families with children often select sites farther from dirt bike activity areas to reduce noise and dust exposure.
Water safety: Creek depths vary seasonally and after rain events. Even in July, Maria A. found Justus Creek "absolutely freezing cold" when rinsing off, indicating water temperatures remain chilly year-round despite air temperatures.
Trail difficulty: Plan hikes appropriate for children's abilities. Preacher's Rock requires preparation as "the subida son unos 40 minutos, al final se vuelve más exigente si lleva mochila grande," according to Ernesto H., who notes the climb becomes demanding with heavy packs.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most forest roads cannot accommodate large RVs or trailers. Small campervans under 20 feet have better access options at Dick's Creek Falls, where the "winding road to the few campgrounds along the way was beautiful but narrow," according to Jennifer M.
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as most dispersed sites lack graded surfaces. At Mountain Side Overlook, the established fire pit area provides the most level parking for small recreational vehicles.
Water planning: No hookups exist at any dispersed camping locations, requiring self-contained water systems. The nearest potable water sources are typically 30-45 minutes away by vehicle in nearby towns.
