Top Free Dispersed Camping near Athens, GA

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Athens? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Athens

1 Reviews of 2 Athens Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Murder Creek Parking Area
    November 4, 2023

    Murder Creek Parking Area

    Great quiet place to enjoy the water cascaded

    To be honest, this is a parking lot people use to park and walk the 200 feet down the the shoals and water cascades along Murder Creek. When we arrived, right before sunset in the middle of the week, it was clear that people had camped here (old fire ring near the end of the parking lot). We decided to take a chance and were glad we did. Besides the faint traffic noise that is mostly drowned out by the waterfall noise, this place was very quiet. We saw no one that evening or the next morning prior to departure. Had fun walking down to the water. I suspect in the summer this area is quite the hot spot with swimmers. The lot provably does require a little clearance. So, a sedan may not be the best choice. That probably helps with traffic control on this road. The site is at the very end.



Guide to Athens

Camping near Athens, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds, like Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground, have stunning trails. One visitor mentioned, "Nice trails with beautiful scenery, the hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it certainly worth it."
  • Water Activities: At Mistletoe State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. A camper shared, "The fishing is AMAZING! 20 palm-sized shell cracker on the first day!"
  • Family Fun: Fort Yargo State Park Campground has playgrounds and trails. One family said, "We played putt-putt golf, walked along the dam, and played on the playgrounds."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Additional Fees: Be prepared for extra costs, like parking fees at certain parks. One camper at Stone Mountain Park Campground noted, "On top of the $70 a night you must pay a $20 parking fee."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Twin Lakes at Lake Hartwell pointed out, "The bathrooms were dated and dirty with poor lighting."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. One family at Indian Springs State Park Campground enjoyed, "There were lots of other kids there to play with during our 3-night stay."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Fort Yargo State Park Campground mentioned, "We took to the pathways with our dog and enjoyed the many animals roaming through the woods."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at Mistletoe State Park Campground said, "This place has everything, even cheap laundry!"

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Tugaloo State Park Campground mentioned, "The roads were a little narrow for larger rigs but look to be well maintained."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with the dump station locations. A visitor at Don Carter State Park Campground noted, "Dump station is on the way out."
  • Reserve Early: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Unicoi State Park & Lodge advised, "Not paying $75 a night for a campsite. This place has gone downhill since the private company took it over!"

Camping around Athens, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Athens, GA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Athens, GA is Murder Creek Parking Area with a 4-star rating from 1 review.