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Best Dispersed Camping near Blairsville, GA

120 Reviews

Chattahoochee National Forest offers free backcountry camping options surrounding Blairsville, with sites ranging from accessible roadside spots to remote mountain locations. Cowrock Mountain provides primitive campsites along the Appalachian Trail with long-range Blue Ridge views, though hikers must pack in water from water sources at Baggs Creek Gap or Hogpen Gap. High Shoals Falls Trail features tent sites alongside the creek about a mile from the trailhead, accessible via a moderate 2.4-mile round-trip hike past Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls.

For vehicle access, Corbin Creek near Tray Mountain requires 4WD with moderate clearance, with sites featuring creek access. Indian Grave Gap offers three large campsites suitable for groups, all with creek access and approximately one mile from the High Shoals Trailhead. Dick's Creek Falls provides 5-6 first-come, first-served spots with some near the water, accessed via a three-mile dirt road. According to one visitor, "There is a 3 mile long dirt road to travel on. There is one large set of falls towards beginning of dirt road with a porta potty at parking area." Most sites lack amenities, though a few locations have fire rings. Pack out all trash, as previous campers have sometimes left sites messy.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Blairsville, Georgia (69)

    1. Cowrock Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, GA
    12 miles

    "Dispersed camp sites at or near the summit of Cowrock Mountain offer wonderfully shaded spots with long range views of the Blue Ridge."

    "This section of the AT isn’t easy breezy, but it levels out and the trees thin out on the mountain ridges to relatively open, flat land for camping Ran into som AT’ers packing up for the morning."

    2. Lake Chatuge Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Hiawassee, GA
    13 miles

    3. Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    3 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6928

    "A 4wd with moderate clearance is helpful. Wonderful stream running through the campsite."

    "This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek."

    4. Fires Creek Hunters Camp/Huskins Branch

    3 Reviews
    Hayesville, NC
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    "This is a little loop drive across from a day use area on Fires Creek. Pick a spot, and set up your tent. There is a concrete outhouse but no potable water."

    5. Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road

    1 Review
    Suches, GA
    13 miles

    "They have a couple closer to water but most are more remote. There is a 3 mile long dirt road to travel on."

    6. High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed

    1 Review
    Helen, GA
    13 miles
    Website

    "A relatively moderate 2.4 mile (round trip) hike with primitive camping/ backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek."

    7. Preacher's Rock

    1 Review
    Suches, GA
    13 miles
    Website

    8. Indian Grave Gap Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    15 miles
    Website

    "All three have creek access. We picked the single on the other side. Not a lot of flat ground options. Each site is huge."

    "If you’re anywhere near Helen, GA on an ADV Bike, this summit is for you. There are three routes up the mountain so you never have to double back."

    9. Panther Top Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Tusquitee National Forest, NC
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (828) 837-5152

    "Great spot right on the little lake. You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable. There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping."

    "We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning. I just got a new drone and I made a fun little video of the campsite and the hike we did.)"

    10. Miller Branch Camp

    1 Review
    Hiawassee, GA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6928
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Blairsville, GA

139 Photos of 69 Blairsville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Blairsville, GA

120 Reviews of 69 Blairsville Campgrounds

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Big Creek Primitive Camping Area

    Remote Primitive Camping

    This is a great off grid camping spot along a creek. There are about 7 spots here with most of them each able to hold multiple vehicles and set ups. We had 3 vehicles (two with rooftop tents and one with a small teardrop trailer) and we still had room for more set ups in the spot we set up in. All the sites have at least 1 fire ring, most had multiple.

    This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash, ect). It's all pack it in, pack it out. We had no service with Verizon. 

    This is also bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash. We did not see any bears in camp, but did spot one just down the road the morning we were leaving. 

    There is hiking in the area and there are areas in the creek deep enough for wading and soaking. 

    This is along Forest Service Road 221 which this section of FS 221 shares driving trails such as the Big Frog Loop, the Georgia Traverse, and the Trans America Trail (TAT), so there could be lots of traffic with overlanders, adventure bikers, and off-roaders.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2019

    Glen Falls Backcountry Campground

    Ranger Review: Red Ledge Free Rein Jacket at Glen Falls Backcountry

    Campground Review:

    There are two ways to access this campsite and one definitely requires significantly more sweat (that’s the route we took). The backcountry site is located near the far trailhead at Glen Falls located at the end of a forestry road. We hiked in from the trailhead that most people use to access the falls and continued down the trail past the typical turnaround point until you reach the bottom of the valley. The site is on the nicer side for a backcountry campground as it is level and has multiple areas for tents along with a large fire pit surrounded by logs for sitting on. The main advantage of this site over others in the area is that it is located on the inside of a curve in the river so the creek surrounds almost the entire site giving easy access to water and a relaxing sound to help you sleep at night. The hike down from the upper trailhead is relatively steep and involves going down many (many) stairs but is well worth it for the views of Glen Falls. This is a well-traveled and also well cared for route and we saw many other hikers while we were there. However, most people do not make it all the way down to this site so you will most likely find a significant amount of privacy if you plan on camping here. Since it is National Forest you will have no issues with camping just make sure to follow leave no trace practice and keep your fire under control. I would also highly recommend a dip in the cool waters to help with the heat during the middle of the summer. Overall, this is a beautiful secluded campsite very close to Highlands that provides both tranquility and also some strenuous hiking.

    ...........................

    ****Product Review:** **

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products while out adventuring. At this campground, I stayed dry using the Red Ledge Free Rein Jacket. After multiple rainy hikes and wet campground days some of my favorite features are:

    1. Dryness (obviously): Although it is the main purpose of a raincoat I still want to mention that this design is highly effective at keeping you dry. Not only is the material incredibly water-resistant and all seams are well sealed but it also has a dual closure system in the front to keep every last drop of water away from your body. I also know that this effectiveness will last since my wife has been using a Red Ledge raincoat for many years and only recently did it need a fresh waterproofing treatment. The small touches like a multi-cinching hood and velcro wrist straps make this an incredibly effective raincoat.
    2. Breathability: Where I am hiking in the south breathability is just as important as waterproofing since the heat will often cause you to become wetter from sweat than anything the rain can do. I found that this raincoat although still being hot was significantly more breathable than others I have used with the same rain protection. It has huge armpit zipper openings and several large mesh pockets that can be opened to increase airflow. The only negative I found was that the sizes for men run slightly smaller than usual so the tightness decreased airflow. However, this can be easily solved by getting a size larger than your usual. 
    3. Color Options: One of the things that often frustrates me about men's hiking clothing and gear is that the colors are typically boring and flat. They stick to dull greens and blues or grays and blacks. But not these raincoats! They come in bright reds and greens and many other color options to fit your individual personality. This was a big plus for me and is important if you want to be seen while hiking in areas that allow hunting or don't want to get lost from your hiking partner in a torrential downpour. 

    Overall, for the very reasonable price of these raincoats, they are incredibly effective and comfortable and I would highly recommend seriously considering them for your next raincoat purchase.

  • Kaylee D.
    Apr. 4, 2021

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Absolutely gorgeous!

    Wow! Amazing primitive campsites! Each has a picnic table, fire pit/grill, and level area for 1-2 tents (a few can accommodate more if you’re ambitious), and lake views (most have lake access if you want to put in a kayak or canoe). Sites are so spread out it feels like you’re the only one on the lake! Most parking next to campsites could fit camper van or tiny trailer and at the end of the road there is a turn around space if needed; however every site has steps down to the level area (L9 has the longest straight down hill to the lake), so you won’t be parking right next to the site if that is a problem...it wasn’t for me). Just drive carefully( lots of big potholes and blind curves)! Overall, a beautiful area to set up camp (up to 14 days)! I didn’t want to leave.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Creekside Camp

    Very primitive

    No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek.

  • Natalie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 9, 2024

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Quiet, nice spaces, and clean!

    Such a great find! I was hoping to car camp a little closer to NOC but not in a campground but this is the closest I could find in February. I would definitely stay here again! Very quiet and clean and the sites are very well laid out and maintained! No hook ups of any kind but it’s worth it! Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn’t feel as necessary as some.

  • Sara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2025

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Great but lower your expectations

    We arrived pretty late, close to midnight after hitting a lot of traffic traveling from Fl. The coordinates took us directly here, and upon first arriving we did see a campsite to the left which was being used. Continuing on for about another twenty minutes down a one-way gravel road we did not see anymore sites until the end of the road which has a beautiful sunrise view. There are hundreds of downed trees, I am assuming from Hurricane Helene. Which were chopped up, perfect for a firering.

    We went almost to the end of the road before turning around and just pulling over onto a little 'shoulder' to set up the tent for the night.

    Pros- Dead silent and relaxing Great view of the stars during early spring/late winter

    Cons- Not car accessible (road is narrow and very bumpy. 4x4 recommended but I made it down in a 2x4 fullsize pickup) Have not seen nor heard any creek despite one being in the photos.

    Definitely would come back

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 27, 2021

    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.

  • Roy B.
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

    This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) 

    The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

    The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

    This area is fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though. (It takes patience and a while to get here.) This is a popular mountain bike area and the cyclists can easily hit speeds of 30MPH on the sketchy downhills.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2022

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great peaceful spot

    The only downside to this campground is that for half of the sites the parking is across the small access road. This would be most ideal for tent camping.

Guide to Blairsville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blairsville, Georgia, where nature lovers can find serene spots to pitch a tent or park an RV. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views at Cowrock Mountain for Dispersed Campers

  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while camping at Cowrock Mountain, a spot known for its stunning landscapes and open camping areas.
  • The site is accessible via a hike, making it ideal for those who appreciate a bit of adventure to reach their camping destination.
  • Campers can set up near rocky outcrops, providing a perfect backdrop for evening fires and stargazing.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Blairsville, Georgia

  • When visiting Fires Creek Hunters Camp/Huskins Branch, remember to bring your own firewood, as it is not provided on-site.
  • This area allows for primitive camping, so be prepared to claim your spot and enjoy the natural surroundings without designated sites.
  • Keep in mind that there are no trash facilities at Tallulah River Rd Dispersed Camping, so plan to pack out what you bring in to keep the area clean.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Blairsville

  • Hike the trails around High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed to discover beautiful waterfalls and lush greenery, perfect for nature photography.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Justus Creek Campsite, where the cold creek water is ideal for cooling off and catching fish.
  • Explore the nearby trails from Indian Grave Gap Campsite, which offers access to scenic routes and the chance to encounter local wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best free dispersed camping spots near Blairsville, GA?

The Blairsville area offers several excellent free dispersed camping options. Lake Chatuge Dispersed provides drive-in access with spots suitable for larger rigs and beautiful lake views. For a more secluded experience, Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area near Lake Conasauga offers primitive group camping at the base of Bald Mountain with access to hiking trails. Other noteworthy options include Preacher's Rock for scenic mountain views, Indian Grave Gap for easy access sites, and Corbin Creek Tray Mountain for campsites with water access. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving mid-week or early in the day is recommended during peak season.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping around Blairsville, GA?

Dispersed camping around Blairsville in the Chattahoochee National Forest typically requires no permits for stays under 14 days. However, several regulations must be observed: camp at least 150-200 feet from water sources, practice Leave No Trace principles, and use existing fire rings when possible. At Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites, camping is limited to designated sites only. Some areas like Fires Creek Hunters Camp/Huskins Branch may have seasonal restrictions during hunting seasons. Always check with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest office for current regulations, as they can change based on fire danger levels, wildlife protection needs, or maintenance activities.

What amenities or facilities are available at dispersed camping sites near Blairsville, GA?

Dispersed camping sites near Blairsville typically offer minimal amenities. Big Creek Primitive Camping Area features creek access and spacious sites that can accommodate multiple vehicles and setups, but no developed facilities. At Creekside Camp, you'll find flat campsites next to a creek but no picnic tables or pit toilets. Some areas like Lake Santeetlah Dispersed have well-maintained sites with fire rings but no hookups of any kind. A few dispersed sites may have rudimentary picnic tables and fire pits/grills, but generally, you should be prepared to be fully self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and other necessities.

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