Dispersed camping near Crandall, Georgia offers primitive sites throughout the Cherokee National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Heavy rainfall is common between March and May, with forest service roads becoming especially challenging during and after precipitation events.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Big Creek Primitive Camping Area, campers can wade and soak in multiple deep areas. "There are areas in the creek deep enough for wading and soaking," notes one visitor, who adds that the location has "hiking in the area" with convenient access from Forest Service Road 221.
Wildlife observation: The Cohutta Wilderness area contains numerous black bears and diverse bird species. At Jack's River Falls Trail, one camper reports: "This is a tough trail but good for teens looking to challenge themselves in the back country. The views are amazing with rock falls."
Stargazing: Many dispersed sites offer minimal light pollution for exceptional night sky viewing. "Go here on a new moon night in the summer and you're sure to have a great night of uninterrupted beauty!" advises a camper about Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, who specifically "searched on terrain maps for some of the best south facing skies for a great view of the belt of the milky way."
Fishing: Conasauga River offers fishing opportunities with clear water for visibility. "Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river," reports a visitor to Conasauga River Camp, suggesting campers "bring your river walking shoes or a fishing rod!"
What campers like
River sounds: Many campers appreciate falling asleep to water sounds. At Jack's River Falls Trail, one camper shared: "Fall asleep to the rushing waters of Jack's River!" Their group of ten "spread out over this little 'island' very easily" with "two campfire areas already in place."
Remoteness: The isolation appeals to many visitors seeking quiet. At Lost Creek Campground, a camper described it as "incredibly clean + quiet—and completely free. It's in the middle of nowhere (7 miles down a gravel forest road), surrounded by forest, with easy creek access."
Established sites: Despite being dispersed, many areas have basic amenities. Lost Creek offers "concrete picnic tables, lantern post, a pit toilet and bear safe trash receptacles," according to one reviewer, though they note "there is no potable water available from a spicket and no Verizon cell reception."
Group compatibility: Several sites accommodate multiple camping setups. Big Creek Primitive Camping Area contains "about 7 spots here with most of them each able to hold multiple vehicles and set ups," according to a camper who fit "3 vehicles (two with rooftop tents and one with a small teardrop trailer) and we still had room for more set ups."
What you should know
Bear safety: Bears actively visit camping areas. "This is also bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash," warns a Big Creek Primitive visitor who "did not see any bears in camp, but did spot one just down the road the morning we were leaving."
Limited facilities: Most sites have no amenities beyond fire rings. At Creekside Camp, a camper reports finding "no picnic tables or pit toilets" but notes there are "flat campsites next to a very nice creek."
Weekend crowds: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer months. A camper at Conasauga River Camp stated it's their "go-to spot" but warned it "can be crowded on the weekends." Another visitor at Lost Creek similarly noted it was "nice but super crowded on the weekend."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is minimal throughout the region. At Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, a camper noted "cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar (or no cell)," emphasizing the area is "fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle."
Tips for camping with families
Trail difficulty evaluation: Match hikes to your children's abilities. A visitor to Goforth Creek Campground mentioned "the hike up the creek is really beautiful and a much less traveled trail than others in the area," recommending families "going all the way to the end and taking a little dip. The water feels wonderful on a hot summer day."
Space planning: Some sites accommodate larger family groups. Jack's River Falls Trail has a "great group campsite not far from Jack's River Falls," according to one camper who noted "we had a group of 10 that spread out over this little 'island' very easily."
Safety preparations: Bears and snakes require extra awareness with children. A Jack's River Falls Trail visitor warned "we didn't see any wildlife at this site, but we did see a copperhead at another earlier in the trip, so be aware!"
Bathroom planning: Most sites lack toilets, requiring portable options for families. Lost Creek was described as having a "restroom, although primitive (no water—bring along some hand sanitizer), is incredibly clean," while most other dispersed sites have no facilities at all.
Tips from RVers
Road condition assessment: Many forest service roads challenge larger vehicles. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area sits at "the base of Bald Mountain" and is accessible via "rough gravel forest service roads best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though."
Leveling requirements: Some sites have significant slopes. One camper noted that Ball Field is "fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van."
Site selection timing: Arriving early improves chances for suitable spots. A camper heading to Hickey Gap reported "we got there around 1 on a Friday and it was full so we headed to the primitive group camping site," noting they saw "a handful of sedans that made it up" despite the challenging road conditions.
Size limitations: Smaller trailers and vans work better than large RVs. Lost Creek "sites can accommodate tents and small RVs, complete with concrete picnic tables and a fire ring," according to a camper, making it one of the more RV-friendly free camping options near Crandall, Georgia.
