Dispersed camping options around Cohutta, Georgia cluster within the Cherokee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness Management Area at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 feet. Free camping sites typically feature primitive conditions with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, and minimal facilities. Cell service throughout the region is extremely limited with most campers reporting fluctuating single-bar connections or complete dead zones depending on exact location and weather conditions.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area offers exceptional night sky viewing. "This is one of my favorite types of spots: remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains. 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!" shares Tyler J.
Hiking to waterfalls: Jack's River Falls Trail offers challenging but rewarding backcountry trails. "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," notes Anna R.
Fishing in clear waters: The Conasauga River Camp provides direct access to fishing spots. "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. Accessible easily from a 2WD just off of a long gravel road," explains Grayce F.
What campers like
Secluded group sites: The large open field at Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area accommodates multiple camping groups. "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," reports Steve V.
Wildlife watching: The Cohutta Wilderness has diverse forest ecosystems. "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). One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc," advises Roy B. from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area.
Remote lake access: Murrays Lake Primitive offers free camping with boat access. "There is a lake, but it's not all that pretty. There's a boat ramp, but the lake is small and I doubt it's worth the trouble. There are 2 drive in tent spots, with 2 more at the end of a trail. Secluded," explains Karen.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Most free camping near Cohutta requires careful navigation. "The 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," warns Roy B. about Ball Field.
Seasonal restrictions: Some areas close during winter months. At Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed, "This is a beautiful WMA area with tons of offshoots along a service road for camping, but please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night," cautions Raymond H.
Popular weekends: Plan for crowds during peak times. "My go-to spot gets picked up during the fall a lot but best dispersed site I've found in a while," mentions Stephen J. about Conasauga River Camp, while another camper notes the site is "very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Teen-friendly challenges: Lost Creek Campground offers more structured primitive camping. "This campground is incredibly clean + quiet. It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access (some sites are right beside the creek). Sites can accommodate tents and small RVs, complete with concrete picnic tables and a fire ring," details Brittany S.
Water features: Many sites feature kid-friendly creek access. "This little site was a great get away. We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. The highlight would definitely be the creek. There are spots that you can swim around in," shares Scott E. about Lost Creek Campground.
Group camping logistics: For larger family groups, Ball Field offers flexibility. "First location was Hickey Gap, we got there around 1 on a Friday and it was full so we headed to the primitive group camping site. Gravel road, lots of rocks included, and dust but if your not worried about your car do it! We had an suv but I saw a handful of sedans that made it up," says Gabrielle D.
Tips for RVers
Site leveling requirements: Ball Field has uneven terrain. "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.
RV-accessible spots: Some dispersed areas accommodate smaller recreational vehicles. "Land pass required. No alcohol is permitted. This is a wildlife management area. The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free. Only 2 sites with tables. If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you," explains Sarah H. about Blue Hole Dispersed.
Generator considerations: Blue Hole allows generators for small RVs. "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, 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," reports Ava R.
