Dispersed camping near Clarkesville, Georgia offers access to the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains where elevations range from 1,200 to 4,700 feet. The Chattahoochee National Forest sites typically feature a mix of hardwood forest and stream access, with seasonal temperature variations bringing warm 70-85°F summer days and cooler 40-60°F spring and fall conditions. Sites are generally situated between 30-90 minutes from town on unpaved roads with varying degrees of maintenance.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Tray Mountain area sits within one of north Georgia's few dark sky zones. According to a camper at Corbin Creek Tray Mountain, it's "worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia."
Waterfall hiking: Multiple sites provide access to cascades within walking distance. At High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed, visitors can "hike in style camp with the convenience of having your vehicle" with access to "2 beautiful Georgia waterfalls, Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls."
Mountain biking: Forest service roads offer technical riding opportunities for adventure motorcyclists. One rider notes Indian Grave Gap is ideal "if you're anywhere near Helen, GA on an ADV Bike" since "there are three routes up the mountain so you never have to double back."
Fishing access: Many sites border streams with fishing potential. While conditions vary seasonally, most creek-side sites provide direct water access. Blackwell Bridge offers "a great destination for fishing," though campers should note water conditions can be affected by recent rainfall.
What campers like
Stream-side camping: The sound of flowing water is consistently mentioned as a highlight. At Soggy Boot Campground, visitors appreciate that "to get to the site you drive or walk through the river and end up in a large group site right by a small waterfall." Another camper notes, "There's a very flat area, a fire pit, and creek surrounded by forest and mountains."
Seclusion despite proximity: Many sites offer privacy while remaining relatively accessible. A camper at Falls Creek described it as a "nice secluded spot" with "room for two vehicles and multiple tent spots" that's "very secluded and fairly level."
Group-friendly clearings: Several sites accommodate larger gatherings. The largest site at Soggy Boot is described as "a massive clearing where you could easily fit 8 cars" with plenty of space for groups to spread out.
Trail connections: Direct access to hiking paths is valued by many campers. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping features "trailhead leads to waterfalls" and multiple reviewers note the convenience of hiking directly from camp.
What you should know
Vehicle considerations: Access to many sites requires appropriate vehicles. At Corbin Creek Tray Mountain, one camper notes, "It's more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek. But it is possible to get a full size 4*4 truck down the switch back."
Weather impacts: Seasonal conditions significantly affect site usability. After heavy rain, some sites become problematic. At Blackwell Bridge, a camper warns that "if you camp there after a storm like I did, expect a lot of wet puddles and soggy ground."
Finding sites: Many areas lack clear signage or directions. For Soggy Boot Campground, one camper advises: "The best way to find this location is to put into the GPS the name of the nearby retreat center called 'Ramah Darom'. Once you get to the entrance keep continuing up the mountain."
Variable cell service: Most dispersed sites have little to no connectivity. Prepare offline maps and directions before leaving towns like Clarkesville, Helen or Hiawassee where signal is reliable.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-tent sites: Several locations accommodate family groupings with multiple tents. At Indian Grave Gap Campsite, one camper reports, "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."
Stream exploration: Creek-adjacent sites provide natural play areas. Soggy Boot Campground offers opportunities to "hike up or down the stream to get to other beautiful small falls that are perfect for swimming in during the hot summers."
Limited emergency access: Most sites require 30+ minutes to reach medical facilities. Pack appropriate first aid supplies and emergency equipment, especially for families with children.
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. As one camper at Dicks Creek Falls noted, "There is only 5 or 6 spots available for first come first serve camping... It was over full last time I was there summer of 2024."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, a camper advises, "I would be a bit concerned with larger rigs on the small road but small RVs or tents are great."
Road conditions: Forest service roads present challenges for larger vehicles. One Blue Valley visitor explains, "When I arrived the pavement ended and continued onward a very primitive gravel road. Pretty rough in some places and very narrow, let's just say I wouldn't want to end up encountering another car."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require significant leveling for RVs. Campers note the need for leveling blocks and stabilizers due to uneven terrain at most free camping sites near Clarkesville.
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack adequate turning areas for larger vehicles. Scout ahead or research thoroughly before attempting access with anything larger than a small trailer or Class B campervan.
