Best Dispersed Camping near Braselton, GA

Dispersed camping opportunities near Braselton, Georgia center around several primitive sites in the Chattahoochee National Forest, approximately 1-2 hours north of town. Free camping is permitted at locations like Cowrock Mountain, Justus Creek Campsite, Jones Creek, and Preacher's Rock, with most sites situated along forest service roads or hiking trails. These areas typically feature no designated facilities and follow standard national forest dispersed camping regulations, requiring campers to practice Leave No Trace principles.

Access to these camping areas varies significantly by location. Many sites require travel on unpaved forest roads that can become challenging during wet weather. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground allows drive-in access suitable for larger vehicles, while other locations like Cowrock Mountain and Justus Creek require hiking in with gear. Fire restrictions differ by site—Justus Creek, Preacher's Rock, and Indian Grave Gap permit campfires in established fire rings, while others prohibit fires completely. A recent review noted, "Rocky forest trail, river fords, and steep switchbacks. Camp sites are gravel pads with rock fire pits." No potable water is available at any of these locations, requiring campers to bring all necessary water supplies.

These dispersed camping areas offer scenic mountain terrain with opportunities for hiking and creek access. Sites along creeks provide the soothing sound of running water, with Justus Creek Campsite particularly noted for its proximity to water. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, most sites feature partial shade and established spots for tents or hammocks. The High Shoals Falls Trail area offers "primitive camping alongside High Shoals Creek" with "beautiful Georgia waterfalls." Creek-side sites are especially popular during summer months. Several locations, including Preacher's Rock, provide ridge-top camping with panoramic mountain views. Most sites have minimal light pollution, creating excellent stargazing opportunities during clear nights.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Braselton, Georgia (10)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Braselton, GA

6 Photos of 10 Braselton Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Braselton, GA

10 Reviews of 10 Braselton Campgrounds


  • B
    Apr. 21, 2024

    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.

  • Damion V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2019

    High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed

    Semi-secluded Camping in the Chattahoochee NF

    A relatively moderate 2.4 mile (round trip) hike with primitive camping/ backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek. The trail contains 2 beautiful Georgia waterfalls, Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls. The area is lush with mountain laurel, rhododendrons, and old-growth trees. The cool waters of High Shoals Creek offer rewarding refreshment after a day of exploring the various wildflowers and plant life while serving as a soothing sound to fall asleep too while stargazing.

  • Clay A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2018

    Cowrock Mountain

    Beautiful Views on the AT

    Dispersed camp sites at or near the summit of Cowrock Mountain offer wonderfully shaded spots with long range views of the Blue Ridge. Perfect spot for hammocks or tents right off the trail with large rocky outcrops for your views. Easy enough to set up a small fire ring right on the edge for night-time relaxing. There is a water source about .5 miles west on the AT at Baggs Creek Gap or ~1.5 miles east at Hogpen Gap. Closest road access is down the mountain about a mile west at Tesnatee Gap on GA Hwy 348 (Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy)

  • Kelsey G.
    May. 3, 2019

    Cowrock Mountain

    Tough Chunck of AT with mountain top views

    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. The out and back trail ends at the AT shelter. Halfway through the hike you’re greeted by a flat rock face and these views.

  • Gillian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Indian Grave Gap Campsite

    Good for Big Groups

    Three campsites in the immediate area. Two are on one side of the road. You have to cross thru one to get to the other. All three have creek access. We picked the single on the other side. Not a lot of flat ground options. Each site is huge. We decided to spread out but that meant having to do a lot of walking back and forth for stuff. You can pull your car into the site easily. It’s about a mile from the High Shoals Trailhead. Both waterfalls are lovely. One has a nice swimming hole. The closest town is Hiawasee. Had a grocery and an outfitters if you need supplies. There’s only two sit down restaurants—one had an hour wait; the other had run out of food.

  • Darwin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Indian Grave Gap Campsite

    ADV Bike Motocamping

    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. There are more primitive sites at the top of the mountain (not where the Dyrt pin was dropped) on both sides of the fork. Suitable for tents and hammocks. There is one site that would support a large group or even a camper (or two) if you can get them up the steep rocky hunting trail. Sites were mostly clean with rock fire pits.

  • Maria A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2018

    Justus Creek Campsite

    Justus Creek

    After one of my favorite stretches of hiking we got to this campsite along the AT. We 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. The creek was absolutely freezing cold in July, it was great to rinse some clothes and ourselves off. It was definitely one of our best nights sleep listening to the water!


Guide to Braselton

Dispersed camping opportunities near Braselton, Georgia extend throughout the Chattahoochee National Forest, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 3,500 feet. Most sites sit within mixed hardwood forests featuring oak, hickory, and pine trees. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day with cooler 55-65°F nights, while spring and fall bring increased precipitation on forest service roads.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: High Shoals Falls Trail offers access to two significant waterfalls within a moderate 2.4-mile round trip hike. "The trail contains 2 beautiful Georgia waterfalls, Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls. The area is lush with mountain laurel, rhododendrons, and old-growth trees," notes Damion V. about the High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed area.

Creek wading: During summer months, the shallow creek sections provide natural cooling opportunities. At Jones Creek Dispersed Campground, Billie P. shares, "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."

Summit hiking: Many dispersed sites connect directly to sections of the Appalachian Trail, allowing for day hikes with elevation gain. "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," describes Kelsey G. about the Cowrock Mountain section.

What campers like

Creek-side sleeping comfort: The sound of flowing water creates natural white noise for better sleep. Maria A. recounts her experience at Justus Creek Campsite: "The creek was absolutely freezing cold in July, it was great to rinse some clothes and ourselves off. It was definitely one of our best nights sleep listening to the water!"

Group-friendly locations: Some sites accommodate larger camping parties. "Three campsites in the immediate area. Two are on one side of the road. You have to cross thru one to get to the other. All three have creek access... Each site is huge," explains Gillian S. about Indian Grave Gap Campsite.

Summit views: Ridgeline camping provides exceptional sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities. At Preacher's Rock, Ernesto H. notes, "Hay como 3 sitios para casas de campaña pequeñas. Es en la cima de una montaña, la subida son unos 40 minutos, al final se vuelve más exigente si lleva mochila grande" (There are about 3 sites for small tents. It's at the top of a mountain, the climb takes about 40 minutes, becoming more demanding at the end if carrying a large backpack).

What you should know

Water planning required: No dispersed sites offer potable water sources. While creek water is available at many locations, proper filtration is essential. At Cowrock Mountain, Clay A. advises, "There is a water source about .5 miles west on the AT at Baggs Creek Gap or ~1.5 miles east at Hogpen Gap."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Braselton, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Braselton, GA is Cowrock Mountain with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Braselton, GA?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Braselton, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.