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Best Dispersed Camping near Carters Lake

38 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities surround Carters Lake in northern Georgia, with several free primitive sites available in the nearby Cohutta Wilderness and Wildlife Management Areas. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area offers a large open field that accommodates multiple camping groups with established fire rings. SongBird Trail Camp provides basic amenities including picnic tables and trash collection. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain WMA features tent and RV-suitable sites with fire permissions.

Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on Forest Service roads with varying conditions. According to reviews, "This area is fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle." Vehicles with standard clearance can navigate most roads with caution, but deep potholes may present challenges for low-clearance vehicles. GPS directions can be unreliable; watch for wooden signs indicating public land access.

These sites are located in bear country, requiring proper food storage and waste management. Campers report occasional bear sightings near camping areas. Cell service ranges from intermittent to nonexistent, with most locations offering one bar at best. Pack all necessary supplies, as drinking water is not available at dispersed sites. Several campers noted that Lake Conasauga Campground, approximately one mile from Ball Field, offers facilities for a $5 fee.

Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings, though fire regulations vary seasonally. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities, with trailheads for Emery Creek Trail and Tearbritches Trail accessible from Ball Field. The Tearbritches Trail leads to Bald Mountain (elevation 4,005 feet) and continues to the Conasauga River. Creek access at many sites provides opportunities for wading, fishing, and water collection for filtration.

Map showing campgrounds near Carters Lake, GeorgiaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Carters Lake (30)

    1. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    15 miles
    Website

    "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.) "

    "This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on"

    2. SongBird Trail Camp (Cohutta WMA)

    1 Review
    Crandall, GA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    3. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Cherry Log, GA
    16 miles
    Website

    "Nice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some."

    4. Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp

    4 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    22 miles

    "This is a tough trail but good for teens looking to challenge themselves in the back country. The views are amazing with rock falls. Camping is primitive as back country can be but worth the trek."

    "Obviously very close to the river to filter water from. We didn't see any wildlife at this site, but we did see a copperhead at another earlier in the trip, so be aware!"

    5. Murrays Lake Primitive

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    22 miles
    Website

    6. Conasauga River Camp

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, TN
    24 miles

    "Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."

    "My go-to spot gets picked up during the fall A lot but best dispersed site I’ve found in a while"

    7. Conasauga River - Dispersed Site Sheeds Creek Road

    1 Review
    Cisco, TN
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    "Right on the river and pit toilets close by."

    8. Hidden Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Calhoun, GA
    29 miles

    "A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle."

    "GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks."

    9. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    36 miles
    Website

    "The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS."

    "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."

    10. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground

    1 Review
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    26 miles

    "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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Carters Lake

31 Photos of 30 Carters Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Carters Lake

38 Reviews of 30 Carters Lake 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.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Pretty Decent Place to Stay

    A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle. Also GPS isn’t perfect. It will take u to someone’s private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Large Dispersed Camping Field

    This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on the Big Frog Loop and Georgia Traverse). There are multiple fire rings established around the field and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

  • Roy B.
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Remote. Field.

    34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321

    Stayed here a number of times during each of the four seasons. Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing).  Access is by gravel roads. There are bears in the area and they love food. (A fed bear is a dead bear-please don't leave any food out and scare them away if they come around.)

    No amenities. Lake Conasauga is nearby which has some amenities. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River. One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc. There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north.

    I will post some photos of nearby Bald Mountain and the trail head for Tearbritches Trail. Other photos of the area here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbinv/albums/72157634085883873

    (N34 51.670 W84 38.120) This leads over the highest western-most mountain in the eastern U.S., and then down to Bray Field at the junction of Tearbritches Creek and the Conasauga River(N34 53.897 W84 37.296)- It is a long steep grade down to the Conasauga(1-way distance is 3.4 miles)| 30 August 2013

    Here are some notes I took about the vegetation in the area:

    The north-northeasterly facing slope of Bald Mountain within a half-mile of the summit, elevation 4005'. Mostly New York Fern(Thelypteris noveboracensis) here, but also saw Hay-scented(Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Cinnamon(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and Interrupted Ferns(Osmunda claytoniana) in this immediate area. New York Ferns are common throughout the widerness| Tearbritches Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, N. Georgia Mountains| 30 August 2013

  • Michael M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Good dispersed camping at the blue hole

    It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An the do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole ...no one to bother you!

  • 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.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Panther Top Dispersed Site

    Panther Top Dispersed

    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. My overland rig fit in the small parking area fine, but I had to find a few rocks to level my truck so the rooftop tent was level. It is obviously a spot that locals come to party on the weekends but I had no issues. There looks like there are only 2 primary camping spots with fire rings and tent pads. My spot had a picnic table and two tent pads, a pole for your lantern and was just feet from the lake. Lots of fish jumping and I caught a 1 pound large mouth bass on a silver spinning lure. Over all a great spot. No bugs, but you will likely need to bring firewood, as all of the fallen trees had been scavenged. Since there are only two spot, definitely have a backup plan, especially on the weekends.

Guide to Carters Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Carters Lake in Georgia, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers several unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Dispersed campers should check out Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

  • This location is nestled in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, providing a remote experience with stunning views and ample space for groups.
  • The site is accessible via a gravel road, making it suitable for various vehicles, though higher clearance options are recommended due to rough terrain.
  • With no amenities available, campers can enjoy a true back-to-nature experience, but be mindful of wildlife, including bears.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Carters Lake in Georgia

Exploring the natural wonders of Lake Conasauga

  • The Conasauga River - Dispersed Site Sheeds Creek Road offers easy access to the river, making it a great spot for fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • Campers can enjoy hiking trails nearby, with options like the Emery Creek Trail leading to breathtaking views and natural rock formations.
  • This area is well-loved for its tranquility and scenic beauty, making it a perfect getaway for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available for dispersed camping around Carters Lake?

Dispersed camping around Carters Lake is typically primitive with minimal amenities. Creekside Camp offers flat campsites adjacent to a creek but no picnic tables or pit toilets. At Blue Hole Dispersed, you'll find decent campsites with no electricity or running water, but they do offer handicap-accessible areas for RV dispersed camping. Most sites in the region feature established fire rings, though you should bring all your own supplies including water, food, toilet paper, and waste disposal bags. Cell service is generally spotty throughout the area.

Where can I find free dispersed camping at Carters Lake in Georgia?

While Carters Lake itself has limited dispersed camping, several nearby free options exist in the surrounding area. Hidden Creek Campground offers solid free campsites, though be aware of potholes if driving a low-clearance vehicle. GPS directions can be imprecise, sometimes leading to private property, so look for wooden signage. For alternatives, consider Jones Creek Dispersed Campground which features riverside sites accessible via a narrow dirt road. Always check local regulations as dispersed camping rules may change seasonally.

When is the best season for dispersed camping at Carters Lake, Georgia?

Spring and fall offer the best conditions for dispersed camping around Carters Lake. At Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, campers report enjoyable experiences across all four seasons, though spring provides flowing creeks and wildflowers, while fall delivers spectacular foliage. Summer can be hot and humid with increased insect activity. At Dicks Creek Falls Campsites, the proximity to water makes summer bearable, but weekends get crowded. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cold temperatures, especially at higher elevations where freezing conditions are common.

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