Several free dispersed camping areas surround Cartersville within Georgia's Wildlife Management Areas and national forest lands. Hidden Creek Campground features primitive sites accessible via dirt roads with significant potholes that require vehicles with decent clearance. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area in the Cohutta Wilderness offers a large sloped field with established fire rings near trailheads for Emery Creek and Tearbritches Trails. Both locations provide no amenities, though Ball Field sits about a mile from Lake Conasauga where facilities can be used for a $5 fee.
Blue Hole Dispersed Camping in Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA requires a land pass and prohibits alcohol. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground allows both tent and RV camping with access to the creek, though campers report "these sites are well used and has years of careless debris around." Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain WMA provides camping with good hiking access but requires vehicles with ground clearance to reach. Most sites throughout the region feature fire rings but no water, toilets, or other facilities. As one camper noted about Ball Field, it offers "remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains" making it ideal for stargazing on moonless summer nights.
"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."
"While there is a free dispersed campground nearby, it requires advanced registration on their website. This is a good spot for passers by who wing trips without reservations."
"I’m giving this place a 5/5 starts for my first experience primitive camping on my own with some friends. We were the first ones there so we had the leisure of picking which site we wanted."
"Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping. We were never bothered and it’s right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail."
"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"
"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."
"Nice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some."
"Great location small river but absolutely NO Cell service of any kind."
TravelerNice place but you gotta have a land pass or a hunting or fishing license to camp here. Access is easy to get in here. AT&T signal is good so this is very doable except it’s not free. To camp here for three days cost me 20 bucks.
ScoutPulled in the middle grassy area to get full sun on my solar panels. I actually found a perfectly level spot even with leaving my truck hooked up. I came here via Mill Creek Road to Cowpen Road, made the first 6 miles in 2WD towing my 5700 lb MDC camper. At the hairpin turn at Cowpen Road I had to engage the 4WD High and manually shifting 1st to 2nd for towing. I didn't air down and my Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires didn't break loose in any of the gravel or rocks, but it was dry conditions, just slightly wet. Great spot and as quiet as it can get in nature. I'm leaving today and planning to try the other way out, going right it's less unpaved gravel, but either way out it should be downhill and easier than getting here.
GuideAbout 5 dispersed spots scattered along an accessible road. Only about 3 spots available that hasn’t been ruined from trash and belongings from people that was staying there long term and left everything. Okay for an overnight stay. All the trash really ruined any vibe to be had. I stayed at the spot on top of the steep hill
ScoutGreat location small river but absolutely NO Cell service of any kind.
TravelerMultiple creekside spots for large groups. We have over 12 adults and 8-9 cars. No cell service. Dog friendly.
TravelerI’m giving this place a 5/5 starts for my first experience primitive camping on my own with some friends. We were the first ones there so we had the leisure of picking which site we wanted. The designated camping area was recently scorched, so ground critters/excessive shrubbage was minimal. Was easy to find and collect firewood.
The site we chose has trash/metal in the fire pit and a hallow tree stump was used for a trash can. Don’t be those people. We cleaned up the campsite and made it our own. We had neighbors show up round 9pm, but they were friendly, quiet, and kept to themselves. The area was peaceful and I got some pretty stunning pics. It was truly a great camping experience. I did see a non-venomous rat snake a little ways away from the main camp area, so just watch your step.
We hiked at Cloudland the next day and it was so packed (we went camping literally the first day of Spring), so if you want a more relaxed, secluded camping vibe close to Cloudland, this is your spot. Highly recommend getting a Georgia land pass before camping here ($30 and easy to get online).
ScoutAll the free spots there except for one up on a hill is occupied by people that are staying there long term.
ScoutMe and my wife had a good time, plenty of spots for hammocks
TravelerGroup of 5+ dispersed sites in a flat area of the forest. Empty on a December Wednesday night, but I found smouldering ashes and plenty of trash so don't be surprised if there are partiers using the area.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Cartersville, Georgia provide access to rugged wilderness within multiple Wildlife Management Areas and national forest lands. Many sites require vehicles with adequate ground clearance to navigate unpaved forest roads. The terrain features a mix of mountain slopes and creek-side locations at varying elevations, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-90°F and winter lows around 30-40°F.
Stargazing at high elevation: Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area sits at the base of Bald Mountain at 4,005 feet elevation, creating exceptional night sky viewing. "I searched on terrain maps for some of the best south facing skies for a great view of the belt of the milky way. Go here on a new moon night in the summer and you're sure to have a great night of uninterrupted beauty," notes Tyler J.
Hiking nearby trails: Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area serves as a hub for multiple trails. "There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River," shares Roy B. The Emery Creek Trail and Tearbritches Trail both have trailheads directly from the camping area.
Creek exploration and swimming: The Blue Hole at Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA features a natural swimming area and caves. "The spring looked amazing," mentions Richard C., though he notes the campground can fill up quickly. Jones Creek offers gentle water features appropriate for families. "This river is amazing, low current makes it easy to walk in and there are a few little water falls we enjoyed hanging on for a bit," reports Billie P.
Secluded camping spots: Many dispersed sites near Cartersville offer privacy from other campers. "We went out and found this place and setup our campsite very nice secluded and away from people very few people out here," writes Patrick R. about Hidden Creek Campground.
Peace and wildlife: The natural setting provides a calm environment for nature observation. "This area will speak for itself once you arrive. It's very peaceful and calming, beautiful hikes, pretty nature, and great memories! I've been here every year since I was 16 and I will continue to return," shares John B. about SongBird Trail Camp in the Cohutta WMA.
Free camping access: Nearly all dispersed sites in the region are free to use. "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size," writes Ava R. about Blue Hole Dispersed, noting they "were never bothered" during their stay.
Vehicle requirements: Many access roads have challenging conditions. "We went right which goes up, passed an open gate followed the road LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES. Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn't too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well," advises Robyn W. about Hidden Creek Campground. Similarly, at Mountain Side Overlook, "4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some," according to The M.
Permit requirements: Some areas require special permits or have specific regulations. At Blue Hole Dispersed Camping, "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area," notes Sarah H.
Site conditions: Many sites show signs of heavy use. "These sites are well used and has years of careless debris around. We also heard some folks shooting guns in the distance," reports Billie P. about Jones Creek Dispersed Campground.
Navigation challenges: GPS directions can be unreliable in these remote areas. "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," warns Robyn W. about Hidden Creek. At Ball Field, Roy B. provides exact coordinates: "34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321" to help locate the site.
Leveling equipment: Prepare for uneven terrain at many sites. "The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van," advises Steve V. about Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in these wilderness areas. "Watch out for bears," warns Gabrielle D. about camping near Ball Field. Roy B. elaborates: "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."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Some areas can accommodate RVs despite being primitive. "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator. Spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping," shares Ava R. about Blue Hole Dispersed.
Facility access: While most sites lack amenities, some nearby options exist. "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," notes Steve V. about camping at SongBird Trail Camp.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service is minimal in most areas. "The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar or no cell," reports Roy B. about the Ball Field area, an important consideration for those needing to stay connected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cartersville, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cartersville, GA is Hidden Creek Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cartersville, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Cartersville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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