Top Free Dispersed Camping near Clarkesville, GA

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Clarkesville? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find peaceful dispersed camping near Clarkesville. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Clarkesville's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Clarkesville, GA (37)

Showing results 1-10 of 37 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Clarkesville

48 Reviews of 37 Clarkesville Campgrounds


  • Darwin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Grave Gap Campsite
    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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Soggy Boot Campground
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Soggy Boot Campground

    good camp sites

    the directions get you to the general area fine. the campsites are hard to find in the dark - we ended up just stopping at the first clearing from a fork on the gravel road we saw to set up a tent. road is very bumpy, there’s a stream near some of the spots , we looked for a fire ring where we stopped in the morning and didn’t see one.

  • Gillian S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Grave Gap Campsite
    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Rest Mountain Top
    Aug. 12, 2024

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Hilltop camping with hiking trails

    Great spot with room to turn around. Shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall. Had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet. A bit of extra vehicle clearance is helpful...slow and steady gets you to a great spot. No services here but good dispersed spot.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    May. 17, 2024

    Panther Top Dispersed Site

    Amazing spot with GREAT views

    I had 3 bars of AT&T which worked well. The view from the shore was amazing and in my opinion comparable to some spots in Hawaii. It was nice and quiet, chilly at night, and not too far from murphy. We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning.

    (I just got a new drone and I made a fun little video of the campsite and the hike we did.)

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jones Creek Dispersed Campground
    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.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
    Nov. 16, 2023

    Falls Creek

    Nice secluded spot

    There is room for two vehicles and multiple tent spots. Very secluded and fairly level. Overall a great spot. If it had an epic view I would have it at 5 stars. River is about .6 mile hike away and the road is not bad getting in. Basically 2 track forest road.

  • Robert N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Soggy Boot Campground
    Mar. 15, 2023

    Soggy Boot Campground

    Beautiful clearing

    I went with my girlfriend and dog and had a blast. Is a little confusing to find but just when you question if you’re heading to the right place, you’re greeted with a fork and small trail down to a massive clearing. You could easily fit 8 cars around the area. There’s a very flat area, a fire pit, and creek surrounded by forest and mountains. Will definitely be coming back to this location.

  • Ethan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Bridge
    Jan. 21, 2023

    Blackwell Bridge

    Peaceful ish

    Couple things to know you don't need 4wd to get to the campsite. I do want to say though that the road down to the spot is a little wonky so be prepare for bumpy road. I will like to say there is a road literally 300 feet next to the campsite doesnt seem that busy but you might get a car once every 45 mins. Other wise the campsite is nice there was a good bit of trash thrown around. I tried cleaning up the best I can but be aware pls clean up after yourself. There are two campsite on opposite side of the road if the main one is taken. One of the nice things is if you have a tent you can get right next to the water definitely say beautiful area. Will go back.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Valley Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 17, 2021

    Blue Valley Dispersed Camping

    We love it here

    We have camped at 3 sites at this campground and have loved all of them. We were very secluded and there was very little traffic on the dirt road. Love hearing all the wonderful sounds of nature and nothing else. Wonderful creek/river by every campsite we went to. Some have picnic tables but all have fire rings and lantern posts. There's only about 10-15 sites that you can actually drive up to but I'm sure there's more if you hike in.

  • William S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite
    Sep. 25, 2021

    Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite

    This one's for the hikers

    You can access this campsite by various means, but do your research and save yourself as many steps, because make no mistake, this is a serious hiking trail (a mile to a mile and a half, depending on route) up to the Fire Tower. 

    Part of the Appalachian Train, once you park your car or hike in, you'll make your way uphill over crude-cut rocks, tree roots, and muddy, narrow paths. Hiking poles are strongly recommended. The path down is just as treacherous as the path up, as moisture from the mountain drips down over craggy footholds. 

    While the path is popular with hikers, anyone camping should consider using a very small pack, especially since some of the trails have nothing but a chasm on one side. 

    Once you make it to the Fire Tower, however, all is forgiven. The site from the bottom is breathtaking, and you can see, well, forever. Heading up the tower (the very top is closed to visitors and mothballed), you get an almost full 360º panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains. 

    The camp site itself is very rustic, no amenities other than a rock fire ring, and does not face the vistas. There's a weak LTE signal at the top, but be prepared to lose your signal along the way.

    Side note: I came through the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, which has numerous signs posted that you cannot camp there. However, it's part of the larger National Forest and it's not exactly clear where camping begins to be allowed, as there were several rustic sites along the trail at the upper end.

    If you do come driving through the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory path, be prepared for narrow, steep gravel lanes. And keep in mind that if you do park your car on one of the (few) spaces available, you're going to be very far from it, and the site didn't appear to be patrolled in any way.

  • William S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Bridge
    Sep. 23, 2021

    Blackwell Bridge

    Primitive site with rough access

    This camping site is unmarked and almost literally under a bridge. There's a pull-off to either side of the structure, which quickly goes from asphalt to a very uneven dirt road which had been graveled long ago, snaking down to the river. My small car had difficulty getting down it and the drop-off from the asphalt is abrupt.

    When I visited, it had rained heavily so both the road and the site were wet and muddy. The camping site itself is open, with no designated tent sites, but there is a fire ring made of rock and a few stumps and rocks to sit on.

    On the plus side, there's a sign posted that the river is open trout fishing all year, with no lure or size restrictions. 

    There appeared to be another trail on the other side of the bridge, but I didn't travel that as I wasn't sure my car could handle the mud road.

  • Noah S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Soggy Boot Campground
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Soggy Boot Campground

    Big open site next to creek

    Plenty of space for groups or even just to have some tucked back privacy. Only bad part was there was trash everywhere when we got there.

  • t
    Camper-submitted photo from Soggy Boot Campground
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Soggy Boot Campground

    Difficult to find after dusk but awesome spot for 4WD cars

    We came looking for this campsite past dark and after a half hour of driving on a gravel road we gave up searching and just parked on the side of the road for the night.

    In the morning we went hunting for the campground and ended up finding at least 10 campsites scattered throughout the mountain and road. The coordinates posted weren’t very helpful so 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. The road will stop being paved and you’ll have a gravel road to continue on that leads you to numerous sites.

    The sites arnt difficult to find in the daytime, just know there’s no signs or pointers to tell you which way to go.

    I’ll post some pictures to help you find where some of the sites are.

    The sites are primitive, with just fire rings but its definitely a cute spot to spend the night.

    I don’t recommend RV’s.

  • t
    Camper-submitted photo from Unicoi Gap Dispersed
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Unicoi Gap Dispersed

    Coordinates are wrong, don’t go here

    We drove here to find that the coordinates given by the app took us to a neighborhood and once you get there the pin that shows where the campsite is supposed to be has a sign saying “disaster area”. Don’t waste your time driving here unless the coordinates get updated.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite
    May. 1, 2021

    Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite

    Protected backcountry site

    This is a backpacking campsite on the NC Bartram trail that sits right along the trail and has a clearing for about 1 tent or multiple hammocks. Although the site itself is fairly wooded you can walk 5 min up the trail to get to an opening in the trees and have some incredible views. Additionally, the water source nearby is only about a 10-15 min walk. This section of trail is part of the Bartram trail which is a wonderful through hike starting at the border with Georgia and traveling all the way up through Franklin and ending at Cheoah Bald and Stecoah Gap. You can find detailed maps of the entire route on the NC Bartram Trail website where they mark out all the campsites and water options. Definitely check out my other reviews though since some of the marked sites are better than others. This specific site sits right in the gap between two mountains where the trail dips downhill before heading back uphill. It is definitely one of the nicer sites that exist right alongside the trail and is fairly well established. Overall, I prefer the next site that is on the peak of Whiterock Mountain this is a pretty close second place and would be the better option if you are arriving late in the afternoon and need to get camp set up quick.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wesser Bald Fire Tower
    May. 1, 2021

    Wesser Bald Fire Tower

    Incredible View

    We always do this hike for sunrise since it is a quick trek up and gives the best views of the area. Camping here is also nice but not the most comfortable. The best option would be to bring a hammock and perch up in some of the nearby trees. There is a small spot on the ground you could set up a tent or just sleep on top of the firepower. Either way, make the trek! The main advantage of camping here is to not have to wake up as early to see the sunrise from on top of the fire tower.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite
    May. 1, 2021

    Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite

    WOW! Amazing Views

    This site is located at the top of a small peak a short way off of the main Whiterock Mountain Trail. The split is clearly marked and will take you up a short (slippery) climb to this incredible overlook. The campsite itself is large enough for 1 or 2 tents and has several nice established fire pits. Although there isn't a water source up top you will pass a small creek slightly off the trail that provides a good place to pump water before heading up to the peak. This section of trail is part of the Bartram trail which is a wonderful through hike starting at the border with Georgia and traveling all the way up through Franklin and ending at Cheoah Bald and Stecoah Gap.  You can find detailed maps of the entire route on the NC Bartram Trail website where they mark out all the campsites and water options. Definitely check out my other reviews though since some of the marked sites are better than others. Overall, this specific site is well worth the short off-route trek. Make sure to watch both of my video reviews since I got a little confused thinking I had found the site but then realized I was wrong....

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mooney to Bearpen Gap Backcountry Campground
    May. 1, 2021

    Mooney to Bearpen Gap Backcountry Campground

    Small Wooded Backcountry Site

    This is a small site along the AT that has a nice clearing and enough space for 1-2 tents with an established fire pit. Check out my video review below to get a better idea of the site layout. The major thing I would be aware of is that this site can get a little flooded after heavy rain. There is also not an easy access water source nearby so either be prepared to hike a little distance or carry in what you will need for the night. Overall though even though it isn't the best site in the area it is close to some incredible overlook spots and in a beautiful area so well worth a visit.

  • Myron C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Siler Bald Trail Shelter  TR 373
    Apr. 27, 2021

    Siler Bald Trail Shelter TR 373

    Trail Shelter along the Appalachian Trail

    Siler Bald is not to be confused with Silers Bald, which borders the NC/TN state line in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Siler Bald is actually in the Nantahala National Forest and is close to Wayah Bald along the Appalachian Trail. The shelter is aptly named after the adjacent mountain bald. I first went to Siler Bald many years ago but did not go to the trail shelter. This second time, I did go to the trail shelter, which is about nine-tenths of a mile past the Siler Bald summit if you are hiking north on the Appalachian Trail. If you are hiking from Wayah Bald, it is a little over three and a half miles. Since this is a trail shelter, it does not have electrical hookups. You will need to take a water filtration system for fresh water. Instead of searching for firewood, we used my old Coleman stove for dinner. Surprisingly, there were no other groups in the shelter the night we stayed there. The best things about this trail shelter are its proximity to the Appalachian Trail, the quietness you’ll experience since it is away from major highways, and its proximity to the Siler Bald summit. The summit provides a fantastic 360 degree view since it is a grassy bald, but it is a steep climb from the base to the summit. This is not an RV campground, and you do have to pack everything in(and out). You cannot go to the store to get supplies without hiking a long way, so be prepared. Overall, I loved it because of its peace and solitude.



Guide to Clarkesville

Camping near Clarkesville, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Nice trails with beautiful scenery," while another noted, "The hike to the base of the Gorge is strenuous with LOTS of stair steps back up but if you can do it certainly worth it."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Vogel State Park Campground, families can enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake. A reviewer shared, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."
  • Rafting: For those seeking thrills, nearby rivers offer rafting opportunities. One camper at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping mentioned, "We had a great time rafting in the nearby river."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained bathhouses at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground. A visitor stated, "The campground was clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers have praised the helpful staff at Devils Fork State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Ranger staff was super friendly."
  • Scenic Views: The breathtaking views at Tugaloo State Park Campground are a highlight. A camper noted, "We had a decent view of the lake through the tall pines that provided some shade."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds, like Vogel State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. A camper mentioned, "The sites are a little closer than I'd like, but positioned well."
  • Road Conditions: If you're bringing a larger RV, be cautious of the narrow roads at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground. One reviewer advised, "Research the roads if you have a large camper."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Oconee State Park Campground, may have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "The sites are notoriously NOT level."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Fort Yargo State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The playground with a sweet stream and lake access was great for the kids."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. One family at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping enjoyed hiking and exploring the falls.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along essentials like snacks and games to keep the kids entertained. A camper at Tugaloo State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Before booking, check the size of the sites. A reviewer at Devils Fork State Park Campground mentioned, "The tent pads were a bit on the small side."
  • Be Prepared for Narrow Roads: If you're driving a big rig, be cautious of the roads at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground. One camper advised, "The roads are steep and kind of narrow."
  • Bring a Good Flashlight: Many campgrounds have limited lighting. A visitor at Oconee State Park Campground suggested, "Make sure you bring a good headband light or strong flashlight."

Camping around Clarkesville, Georgia, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clarkesville, GA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clarkesville, GA is Soggy Boot Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 37 dispersed camping locations near Clarkesville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.