Best Dispersed Camping near Centerville, GA

Dispersed camping near Centerville, Georgia centers around several primitive sites on public lands, including Rum Creek Wildlife Management Area, Ocmulgee River Camp, Tyler Hunt Camp, and Murder Creek Parking Area. These free camping areas provide basic backcountry experiences with minimal development and no facilities. Rum Creek WMA requires visitors to possess either a hunting or fishing license or a land use pass for overnight stays. Most sites accommodate tent camping, with some areas also suitable for smaller RVs or vans seeking primitive camping experiences.

Access roads to these dispersed sites vary considerably in quality and condition. The route to Ocmulgee River Camp features bumpy gravel surfaces that may challenge low-clearance vehicles but remains passable for most. Murder Creek Parking Area requires some ground clearance to navigate safely. None of these primitive sites offer drinking water, toilets, or hookups of any kind. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and adhere to strict pack-it-out principles. "Very nice a bit bumpy on the drive in but no major holes," noted one visitor about Ocmulgee River Camp. Fire rings exist at some locations, and fires are generally permitted when no seasonal restrictions are in place.

These primitive camping areas provide varying levels of seclusion and natural experiences. Ocmulgee River Camp features open spaces with room for multiple campers while maintaining privacy. Wildlife sightings are common, with reviews mentioning deer encounters and hiking opportunities on nearby horse trails. The Murder Creek Parking Area includes access to water cascades and shoals approximately 200 feet from the parking area. "Besides the faint traffic noise that is mostly drowned out by the waterfall noise, this place was very quiet," reported one camper. Tyler Hunt Camp receives mixed reviews regarding nighttime activity, with some visitors noting vehicle traffic after dark. Hunters frequent several of these areas, particularly during hunting seasons, and campers may hear occasional gunshots in the distance.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Centerville, Georgia (6)

Show More
Showing results 1-6 of 6 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Centerville, GA

3 Photos of 6 Centerville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Centerville, GA

9 Reviews of 6 Centerville Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2023

    Murder Creek Parking Area

    Great quiet place to enjoy the water cascaded

    To be honest, this is a parking lot people use to park and walk the 200 feet down the the shoals and water cascades along Murder Creek. When we arrived, right before sunset in the middle of the week, it was clear that people had camped here (old fire ring near the end of the parking lot). 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. We saw no one that evening or the next morning prior to departure. Had fun walking down to the water. I suspect in the summer this area is quite the hot spot with swimmers. The lot provably does require a little clearance. So, a sedan may not be the best choice. That probably helps with traffic control on this road. The site is at the very end.

  • LeeAnne T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 10, 2024

    Tyler Hunt Camp

    Tyler Campground

    This place is a refuge. There are privately owned homes around but the folks keep to themselves. It's quiet, super dark at night and beautiful. No amenities, you pack it in, you pack it out. The state keeps it and the road in nice. Expect to have a drive thru at least once around 9/10. It's just a see who is in the area type thing. Very nice place

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 13, 2025

    Rum Creek WMA

    Nice and Quite

    Perfect for tent camping. Must have a hunting or fishing license or a land use pass.

  • J
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Ocmulgee River Camp

    Gorgeous site, trails a little rough

    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. It was quite hot but surprisingly not that buggy.

  • Micah C.
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Tyler Hunt Camp

    Secluded Until It Wasn’t

    I enjoyed my stay here during the day, but things changed after dark. There were old weedeaters scattered in the weeds, along with grills and other items that seemed to have been tossed into the woods. I initially brushed it off and didn't think much of it. I was the only one camping at this site. As night fell, I began preparing for bed, but I noticed vehicles coming and going—at least three within an hour. Around 10 PM, a few Mustangs pulled up and sat for about 45 minutes. Feeling uneasy about the situation, I decided to pack up and leave. After sharing my experience with a few friends, many of them expressed their own concerns about this location. I give it 3 stars for the beauty and peacefulness... until nightfall.

  • Greg D.
    Jan. 8, 2024

    Ocmulgee River Camp

    Great Camping Spot

    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 here and there but all around a great spot to really enjoy.

  • J
    Mar. 12, 2024

    Ocmulgee River Camp

    Peaceful beautiful Verizon works perfectly

    Very nice a bit bumpy on the drive in but no major holes. Quiet and peaceful 2 neighbors great amount of space to find a nice spot.

  • SJ W.
    Dec. 18, 2024

    Ocmulgee River Camp

    Nice mostly quiet spot

    It was nice and warm even in December! Almost 70 degrees! Spot with a nice horse trail to hike - saw some deer and a mystery black animal, maybe a boar or a bear - unsure. Had a lot of neighbors on a weekday night - and a mystery trailer with no activity and no truck to pull it. Overall pretty easy gravel road to get to it, was a little buggy since it was humid and by the river but not too bad.

  • M
    Nov. 11, 2023

    Ocmulgee River Camp

    Nice Camping a Mile Off the Road

    Nice open camp site with plenty of spots for camping. Only a mile off the road, which is a little bumpy but manageable.


Guide to Centerville

Dispersed camping near Centerville, Georgia encompasses several primitive camping areas nestled within the central Georgia landscape where dense pine forests transition to deciduous trees along river corridors. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-95°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Seasonal hunting activity substantially impacts camping patterns across these public lands, with camper volume decreasing during peak hunting seasons.

What to do

Creek exploration: 200 feet from the camping area at Murder Creek Parking Area, visitors can access water cascades and shoals. "Had fun walking down to the water. I suspect in the summer this area is quite the hot spot with swimmers," notes one camper. The creek features moderate flows during spring and early summer.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Ocmulgee River Camp provide opportunities to observe native wildlife. "Saw some deer and a mystery black animal, maybe a boar or a bear - unsure," reports a camper who visited in December. Dawn and dusk offer optimal viewing times when animals are most active.

Hiking horse trails: Several primitive campsites connect to equestrian trail systems. "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," notes a visitor to Ocmulgee River Camp. Most trails remain unmaintained and unmarked, requiring navigation skills.

What campers like

Winter camping conditions: The region offers year-round primitive camping with milder winters than northern states. "It was nice and warm even in December! Almost 70 degrees!" reports a visitor to Ocmulgee River Camp. January campers note: "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."

Cell service reliability: Unlike many remote camping areas, some dispersed sites maintain functional connectivity. A camper at Tyler Hunt Camp shares: "This place is a refuge. There are privately owned homes around but the folks keep to themselves. It's quiet, super dark at night and beautiful." Many sites maintain adequate Verizon coverage.

Spacious camping areas: The dispersed sites typically provide ample room between campers. "Nice open camp site with plenty of spots for camping. Only a mile off the road, which is a little bumpy but manageable," notes a visitor to Ocmulgee River Camp. Sites accommodate multiple tents with natural separation between camping areas.

What you should know

Night safety considerations: Some primitive sites experience unexpected traffic after dark. A camper at Tyler Hunt Camp reported: "I enjoyed my stay here during the day, but things changed after dark. As night fell, I began preparing for bed, but I noticed vehicles coming and going—at least three within an hour." Local advice suggests camping in groups when possible.

License requirements: Primitive camping at Rum Creek WMA requires documentation. "Must have a hunting or fishing license or a land use pass," confirms a recent visitor who rated the area 5-stars. Georgia hunting/fishing licenses cost $15 for residents and $60 for non-residents, while land use passes cost $30 annually.

Noise factors: Despite remote settings, campers should expect some background sounds. "Besides the faint traffic noise that is mostly drowned out by the waterfall noise, this place was very quiet," notes a camper at Murder Creek Parking Area. Train horns, distant gunshots during hunting seasons, and occasional vehicle traffic affect different sites to varying degrees.

Tips for camping with families

Site security selection: When camping with children, prioritize locations with minimal nighttime disruptions. "Expect to have a drive thru at least once around 9/10. It's just a see who is in the area type thing," notes a visitor to Tyler Hunt Camp, explaining ranger patrols that contribute to site safety.

Bug preparation: Humidity levels significantly impact insect activity at riverside locations. "It was quite hot but surprisingly not that buggy," notes a summer visitor to Ocmulgee River Camp. Mosquito populations peak from May through September, requiring appropriate repellents and protective clothing.

Water safety awareness: Creeks and rivers near camping areas feature variable conditions. At Murder Creek, "the shoals and water cascades" provide natural features, but water levels fluctuate seasonally. No lifeguards or safety equipment exists at any primitive sites, requiring constant supervision of children.

Tips from RVers

Ground clearance requirements: Access roads to primitive sites require appropriate vehicles. For Murder Creek Parking Area, "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." Most sites remain accessible to high-clearance vans and smaller RVs under 25 feet.

Site levelness: Primitive areas offer varying terrain for parking. "Open spaces and very quiet this time of the year," notes a winter visitor to Ocmulgee River Camp, where the camping area provides multiple flat spots suitable for vans and small trailers. Bringing leveling blocks remains essential for most sites.

Turnaround space: Limited maneuvering room exists at some primitive sites. Most dispersed camping areas accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet in length, but backing into spots may be required. The mile-long access road to Ocmulgee River Camp includes limited turn-around options for larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Centerville, GA is Rum Creek WMA with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Centerville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.