Dispersed camping opportunities near Bishop, Georgia exist primarily on public land within the Oconee National Forest and surrounding Wildlife Management Areas. These rustic camping sites typically require self-sufficiency, with no facilities or amenities provided on-site. Most access roads are unpaved and can become rutted or difficult to navigate during wet weather conditions, requiring vehicles with adequate ground clearance.
What to do
**Creek exploration: When camping at Murder Creek Parking Area, visitors can access the water features just a short walk from the camping area. "Had fun walking down to the water. I suspect in the summer this area is quite the hot spot with swimmers," notes one camper who visited during cooler months.
Hiking horse trails: The trail system near Ocmulgee River Camp offers hiking opportunities on established paths. A recent visitor reports, "Spot with a nice horse trail to hike - saw some deer and a mystery black animal, maybe a boar or a bear - unsure."
Wildlife observation: Animal sightings are common throughout these primitive camping areas. One camper at Ocmulgee River Camp shared, "Beautiful campsite, just a few neighbors, tons of flat space and a few fire pits. There are hunters around and we heard a good deal of shots. Saw some deer on a walk."
What campers like
Dark skies: The remote location of these sites creates optimal stargazing conditions. A visitor to Tyler Hunt Camp described it as "quiet, super dark at night and beautiful. No amenities, you pack it in, you pack it out."
Natural water features: The cascades at Murder Creek provide a natural attraction for campers. "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," according to one overnight visitor.
Mild winter conditions: The climate allows for comfortable primitive camping even during winter months. A December visitor to Ocmulgee River Camp reported, "It was nice and warm even in December! Almost 70 degrees!" Another winter camper noted, "Open spaces and very quiet this time of the year (January) train horn in the distance and gunshots in the distance as well from hunters."
What you should know
Hunter activity: Game management areas around Bishop are actively used by hunters during hunting seasons. One camper at Ocmulgee River Camp observed, "There are hunters around and we heard a good deal of shots." Another mentioned, "gunshots in the distance as well from hunters here and there but all around a great spot to really enjoy."
Vehicle traffic patterns: Some primitive sites experience unexpected vehicle activity after dark. A camper at Tyler Hunt Camp reported, "Expect to have a drive thru at least once around 9/10. It's just a see who is in the area type thing." Another visitor experienced more concerning traffic: "As night fell, I began preparing for bed, but I noticed vehicles coming and going—at least three within an hour."
Road conditions: Access to these rustic camping areas requires navigating unpaved roads of varying quality. A visitor described Ocmulgee River Camp access as "a little bumpy on the drive in but no major holes," while another called it "a mile off the road, which is a little bumpy but manageable."
Tips for camping with families
Water access planning: When visiting Murder Creek with children, prepare for the short hike to water features. One visitor notes, "This is a parking lot people use to park and walk the 200 feet down to the shoals and water cascades along Murder Creek," making it manageable for families with older children.
Bug preparation: Humidity levels affect insect activity near water sources. A summer visitor to Ocmulgee River Camp observed, "It was quite hot but surprisingly not that buggy," though conditions vary by season and rainfall.
Space considerations: Many sites offer adequate room for family setups. One camper described Ocmulgee River Camp as having "quiet and peaceful 2 neighbors great amount of space to find a nice spot," allowing families to establish comfortable camping areas with some privacy.
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Access roads to these rustic camping sites often require vehicles with adequate ground clearance. Regarding Murder Creek Parking Area, a visitor advised, "The lot probably does require a little clearance. So, a sedan may not be the best choice. That probably helps with traffic control on this road."
Site selection: RVers should scout appropriate parking areas before committing. At Ocmulgee River Camp, a camper found "nice open camp site with plenty of spots for camping," providing options for positioning larger vehicles.
Communications: Cell service is available at some locations, which can be important for RVers needing connectivity. One visitor to Ocmulgee River Camp specifically mentioned "Verizon works perfectly" in their review title, providing valuable information for those requiring reliable communications.
