Top Free Dispersed Camping near Baldwin, GA
Want to go dispersed camping near Baldwin? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Baldwin, GA (38)
1. Cowrock Mountain
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia2 Reviews•5 Photos•75 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
3. High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed
Helen, Georgia1 Review•5 Photos•74 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
6. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
Highlands, North Carolina8 Reviews•16 Photos•153 SavesDispersed camping in the Blue Valley area. Approximately 22 dispersed sites are available, and most have fire rings and picnic tables. A pit toilet is available. Please pack in and pack out. Wilson Lake is a short distance away offering fishing, swimming, a short trail, and wildlife viewing and birding.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Firewood Available
7. Soggy Boot Campground
Rabun Gap, Georgia4 Reviews•19 Photos•56 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
8. Falls Creek
Long Creek, South Carolina2 Reviews•1 Photo•48 SavesDispersed camping is permitted provided the selected site is 50 feet from streams and trails and .25 miles from the road. Venomous snakes live in these habitats. Practice water safety near the river and be aware of other natural hazards. Also, winter can bring very cold temperatures and hazardous trail conditions.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping
Long Creek, South Carolina2 Reviews•7 Photos•30 SavesFree camping in the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest. This is in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District. Dispersed camping is permitted on the Andrew Pickens Ranger District. Campsites must be at least 50 feet from rivers, streams or trails, and must be at least .25 miles from the road. No permit is required for dispersed camping.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Baldwin
46 Reviews of 38 Baldwin Campgrounds
Lake Chatuge Dispersed
Nice tva campground
Good camp area quite during mid week stay
Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
Blue valley
I went in July and it was cool in day and cold at night nice , secluded
Mountain Rest Mountain Top
Hilltop camping with hiking trails
Great spot with room to turn around. Shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall. Had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet. A bit of extra vehicle clearance is helpful...slow and steady gets you to a great spot. No services here but good dispersed spot.
Chattahoochee National Forest Boggs Creek Recreation Area - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
A breathtaking spot.
Great quietly secluded. Made an effort to go as far as I could. And even through the water in my 2015 Toyota sienna mobbed right on through. Enjoy the views!
Sandy Beach Campsite
Nice campsite right next to the river
Right next to the Chattooga river. You're on the beach.
Jones Creek Dispersed Campground
Beautiful but popular
Dont park where the map tells you, you can drive to the locations on a decent narrow dirt road.
When we first arrived, the camp site we chose was on the river, but also off the main road. This area seems to be popular for local dirt bikers, but we seen people fishing and relaxing all the same.
I would have gave 5 stars, but these sites are well used and has years of careless debris around. We also heard some folks shooting guns( in the distance), which isn’t a problem for us, but reduced the relaxing nature of the visit with all this combined.
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.
Falls Creek
Nice secluded spot
There is room for two vehicles and multiple tent spots. Very secluded and fairly level. Overall a great spot. If it had an epic view I would have it at 5 stars. River is about .6 mile hike away and the road is not bad getting in. Basically 2 track forest road.
Soggy Boot Campground
Beautiful clearing
I went with my girlfriend and dog and had a blast. Is a little confusing to find but just when you question if you’re heading to the right place, you’re greeted with a fork and small trail down to a massive clearing. You could easily fit 8 cars around the area. There’s a very flat area, a fire pit, and creek surrounded by forest and mountains. Will definitely be coming back to this location.
Blackwell Bridge
Peaceful ish
Couple things to know you don't need 4wd to get to the campsite. I do want to say though that the road down to the spot is a little wonky so be prepare for bumpy road. I will like to say there is a road literally 300 feet next to the campsite doesnt seem that busy but you might get a car once every 45 mins. Other wise the campsite is nice there was a good bit of trash thrown around. I tried cleaning up the best I can but be aware pls clean up after yourself. There are two campsite on opposite side of the road if the main one is taken. One of the nice things is if you have a tent you can get right next to the water definitely say beautiful area. Will go back.
Siler Bald Trail Shelter TR 373
Trail photos
Closest shelter to the bald where you can get an amazing view. Well cared for and in an incredible area. Just be prepared for a climb to see the view.
Tallulah River Rd Dispersed Camping
Nice but doesnt blow your mind
Nice wide camping spot. Very primitive and if you desperately need toilet facilities, there are a couple of established campgrounds just down the road
Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
We love it here
We have camped at 3 sites at this campground and have loved all of them. We were very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road. Love hearing all the wonderful sounds of nature and nothing else. Wonderful creek/river by every campsite we went to. Some have picnic tables but all have fire rings and lantern posts. There's only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in.
Falls Creek
Backcountry Primitive site(s)
Decent site(s) near chatooga river. Moderate clearance vehicle required, (or hike it).
Mountain Rest Mountain Top
Backcountry Primitive site
Large mountain top camp site. Moderate clearance vehicle is required to access, (or hike it) ;)
Blackwell Bridge - Dispersed Camping
Shhh, secret sweet spot…
Access is rough, (moderate clearance vehicles required). Also, as courtesy - cruise the bridge and see if people are down there first, (both sides).
Sweet backcountry spot! Nice gurgling stream and hiking trails.
Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite
This one's for the hikers
You can access this campsite by various means, but do your research and save yourself as many steps, because make no mistake, this is a serious hiking trail (a mile to a mile and a half, depending on route) up to the Fire Tower.
Part of the Appalachian Train, once you park your car or hike in, you'll make your way uphill over crude-cut rocks, tree roots, and muddy, narrow paths. Hiking poles are strongly recommended. The path down is just as treacherous as the path up, as moisture from the mountain drips down over craggy footholds.
While the path is popular with hikers, anyone camping should consider using a very small pack, especially since some of the trails have nothing but a chasm on one side.
Once you make it to the Fire Tower, however, all is forgiven. The site from the bottom is breathtaking, and you can see, well, forever. Heading up the tower (the very top is closed to visitors and mothballed), you get an almost full 360º panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
The camp site itself is very rustic, no amenities other than a rock fire ring, and does not face the vistas. There's a weak LTE signal at the top, but be prepared to lose your signal along the way.
Side note: I came through the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, which has numerous signs posted that you cannot camp there. However, it's part of the larger National Forest and it's not exactly clear where camping begins to be allowed, as there were several rustic sites along the trail at the upper end.
If you do come driving through the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory path, be prepared for narrow, steep gravel lanes. And keep in mind that if you do park your car on one of the (few) spaces available, you're going to be very far from it, and the site didn't appear to be patrolled in any way.
Blackwell Bridge
Primitive site with rough access
This camping site is unmarked and almost literally under a bridge. There's a pull-off to either side of the structure, which quickly goes from asphalt to a very uneven dirt road which had been graveled long ago, snaking down to the river. My small car had difficulty getting down it and the drop-off from the asphalt is abrupt.
When I visited, it had rained heavily so both the road and the site were wet and muddy. The camping site itself is open, with no designated tent sites, but there is a fire ring made of rock and a few stumps and rocks to sit on.
On the plus side, there's a sign posted that the river is open trout fishing all year, with no lure or size restrictions.
There appeared to be another trail on the other side of the bridge, but I didn't travel that as I wasn't sure my car could handle the mud road.
Soggy Boot Campground
Big open site next to creek
Plenty of space for groups or even just to have some tucked back privacy. Only bad part was there was trash everywhere when we got there.
Soggy Boot Campground
Difficult to find after dusk but awesome spot for 4WD cars
We came looking for this campsite past dark and after a half hour of driving on a gravel road we gave up searching and just parked on the side of the road for the night.
In the morning we went hunting for the campground and ended up finding at least 10 campsites scattered throughout the mountain and road. The coordinates posted weren’t very helpful so the best way to find this location is to put into the GPS the name of the nearby retreat center called “Ramah Darom”. Once you get to the entrance keep continuing up the mountain. The road will stop being paved and you’ll have a gravel road to continue on that leads you to numerous sites.
The sites arnt difficult to find in the daytime, just know there’s no signs or pointers to tell you which way to go.
I’ll post some pictures to help you find where some of the sites are.
The sites are primitive, with just fire rings but its definitely a cute spot to spend the night.
I don’t recommend RV’s.
Unicoi Gap Dispersed
Coordinates are wrong, don’t go here
We drove here to find that the coordinates given by the app took us to a neighborhood and once you get there the pin that shows where the campsite is supposed to be has a sign saying “disaster area”. Don’t waste your time driving here unless the coordinates get updated.
Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite
Protected backcountry site
This is a backpacking campsite on the NC Bartram trail that sits right along the trail and has a clearing for about 1 tent or multiple hammocks. Although the site itself is fairly wooded you can walk 5 min up the trail to get to an opening in the trees and have some incredible views. Additionally, the water source nearby is only about a 10-15 min walk. This section of trail is part of the Bartram trail which is a wonderful through hike starting at the border with Georgia and traveling all the way up through Franklin and ending at Cheoah Bald and Stecoah Gap. You can find detailed maps of the entire route on the NC Bartram Trail website where they mark out all the campsites and water options. Definitely check out my other reviews though since some of the marked sites are better than others. This specific site sits right in the gap between two mountains where the trail dips downhill before heading back uphill. It is definitely one of the nicer sites that exist right alongside the trail and is fairly well established. Overall, I prefer the next site that is on the peak of Whiterock Mountain this is a pretty close second place and would be the better option if you are arriving late in the afternoon and need to get camp set up quick.
Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite
WOW! Amazing Views
This site is located at the top of a small peak a short way off of the main Whiterock Mountain Trail. The split is clearly marked and will take you up a short (slippery) climb to this incredible overlook. The campsite itself is large enough for 1 or 2 tents and has several nice established fire pits. Although there isn't a water source up top you will pass a small creek slightly off the trail that provides a good place to pump water before heading up to the peak. This section of trail is part of the Bartram trail which is a wonderful through hike starting at the border with Georgia and traveling all the way up through Franklin and ending at Cheoah Bald and Stecoah Gap. You can find detailed maps of the entire route on the NC Bartram Trail website where they mark out all the campsites and water options. Definitely check out my other reviews though since some of the marked sites are better than others. Overall, this specific site is well worth the short off-route trek. Make sure to watch both of my video reviews since I got a little confused thinking I had found the site but then realized I was wrong....
Mooney to Bearpen Gap Backcountry Campground
Small Wooded Backcountry Site
This is a small site along the AT that has a nice clearing and enough space for 1-2 tents with an established fire pit. Check out my video review below to get a better idea of the site layout. The major thing I would be aware of is that this site can get a little flooded after heavy rain. There is also not an easy access water source nearby so either be prepared to hike a little distance or carry in what you will need for the night. Overall though even though it isn't the best site in the area it is close to some incredible overlook spots and in a beautiful area so well worth a visit.
Siler Bald Trail Shelter TR 373
Trail Shelter along the Appalachian Trail
Siler Bald is not to be confused with Silers Bald, which borders the NC/TN state line in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Siler Bald is actually in the Nantahala National Forest and is close to Wayah Bald along the Appalachian Trail. The shelter is aptly named after the adjacent mountain bald. I first went to Siler Bald many years ago but did not go to the trail shelter. This second time, I did go to the trail shelter, which is about nine-tenths of a mile past the Siler Bald summit if you are hiking north on the Appalachian Trail. If you are hiking from Wayah Bald, it is a little over three and a half miles. Since this is a trail shelter, it does not have electrical hookups. You will need to take a water filtration system for fresh water. Instead of searching for firewood, we used my old Coleman stove for dinner. Surprisingly, there were no other groups in the shelter the night we stayed there. The best things about this trail shelter are its proximity to the Appalachian Trail, the quietness you’ll experience since it is away from major highways, and its proximity to the Siler Bald summit. The summit provides a fantastic 360 degree view since it is a grassy bald, but it is a steep climb from the base to the summit. This is not an RV campground, and you do have to pack everything in(and out). You cannot go to the store to get supplies without hiking a long way, so be prepared. Overall, I loved it because of its peace and solitude.
Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
Hidden gem
8 very well kept campsites. Almost all near a creek of some sort. Hiking trails near by. No facilities. Room for larger groups ~40 people max for the biggest site ~6 for the smallest
Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite
Incredible View
This campground is located at the top of Albert Mountain right next to the fire tower. It is along a section of the AT and is a great place to camp for the night. This site is also accessible via car by driving up the forestry road though you will still have to hike in a short way. The site itself is a small clearing with a little built up firepit. There is plenty of space for 1-2 tents and it is somewhat protected by shrubs. Overall it's worth camping at this site since you can climb up the tower to get an incredible view for either sunrise or sunset. When we were here the gate to the top of the firetower was locked but you could still get up the stairs and have a nice view.
King Creek
Campsite Close to Hiking, Waterfalls, and Whitewater
King Creek is accessible via a short drive along a forest road and then another short drive down a muddy road slightly overgrown with vegetation. The only sign you will see is one saying camping is allowed, and it is difficult to see unless you are looking carefully. I was surprised that it had a spacious parking area and a spacious camping area. It is NOT for RVs. First of all, the road is narrow and vegetation hangs low along the road. It is uneven and sometimes muddy.
There is enough room to set up three or four tents, and there is a fire pit but no toilet. You only have to walk a few steps to your vehicle to get anything. You will also need to take in water or a water filter, any personal hygiene products, and your own little table if you want to cook off of the ground.
There is a tributary of the Chatooga River within a few steps of the campsite, so you can hear the sounds of the creek all night long. The fire pit is large, but there was a lot of trash in it. There are no gravel pads, which I like, but there was a grassy area to set up my tent, which I did like.
Unfortunately, the forest road was close enough that I could hear traffic passing by going to waterfalls and other areas. However, there is very little sound at night other than the creek. You cannot make reservations for the site(s), so it is first come, first served.
You won’t have any problems with noisy neighbors since it is limited to very few tents. It is actually recommended for only one tent, but it is big enough for a group with more than one tent.
Overall, it is a great place for solitude and since it is not easy to find, so not many people stay there.
Guide to Baldwin
Camping near Baldwin, Georgia, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. With stunning landscapes and plenty of activities, it’s a great place for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "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."
- Swimming: Enjoy the refreshing waters at Tugaloo State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The lake is right across the way from us for some beautiful views, nice beach swimming and parking the boat."
- Fishing: Cast a line at Devils Fork State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Crystal clear water allowed us to look at the schools of fish swimming with us."
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground said, "The campground is very clean and well maintained."
- Friendly staff: Many campers have praised the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground staff was friendly and helpful."
- Scenic views: The beautiful surroundings are a big hit. A reviewer at Stone Mountain Park Campground said, "The park was a little pricey but the lake is nice."
What you should know
- Site proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "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. One visitor at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping mentioned, "BEWARE- there is a steep 24% grade getting to the campground."
- Cash payments: Some campgrounds require cash for certain transactions. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground shared, "You can pay for 1 night, but you need to do it by cash only."
Tips for camping with families
- Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. A reviewer at Stone Mountain Park Campground said, "In October, there are different activities for the kids."
- Clean bathrooms: Choose campgrounds with well-kept facilities. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "Bath houses are kept clean and stocked."
- Playgrounds: Check for nearby playgrounds. One visitor at Vogel State Park Campground mentioned, "The park has a very nice and well-stocked visitor center."
Tips from RVers
- Site selection: Look for spacious sites that can accommodate larger rigs. A camper at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground said, "The campground was clean and well maintained. The views are amazing."
- Road conditions: Be aware of narrow roads in some campgrounds. A visitor at Tugaloo State Park Campground advised, "The roads are a little narrow for larger rigs but look to be well maintained."
- Reservations: Make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground mentioned, "It's crowded. Reserve way in advance."
Camping near Baldwin, Georgia, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors with family and friends. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or just relaxing, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Baldwin, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Baldwin, GA is Cowrock Mountain with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Baldwin, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 dispersed camping locations near Baldwin, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.