Top Free Dispersed Camping near Dawsonville, GA

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Dawsonville, GA (23)

Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Dawsonville

25 Reviews of 23 Dawsonville 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Gabrielle D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Group camping

    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. We got to the group site at 1:20 or so and there was only one person at first but slowly people start trickling in. We stayed 2 nights but a lot of people stayed for 1. The look out driving up is awesome and the lake it gorgeous. Watch out for bears.

  • Steve V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Creek Primitive Camping Area
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Big Creek Primitive Camping Area

    Remote Primitive Camping

    This is a great off grid camping spot along a creek. There are about 7 spots here with most of them each able to hold multiple vehicles and set ups. We had 3 vehicles (two with rooftop tents and one with a small teardrop trailer) and we still had room for more set ups in the spot we set up in. All the sites have at least 1 fire ring, most had multiple.

    This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash, ect). It's all pack it in, pack it out. We had no service with Verizon. 

    This is also bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash. We did not see any bears in camp, but did spot one just down the road the morning we were leaving. 

    There is hiking in the area and there are areas in the creek deep enough for wading and soaking. 

    This is along Forest Service Road 221 which this section of FS 221 shares driving trails such as the Big Frog Loop, the Georgia Traverse, and the Trans America Trail (TAT), so there could be lots of traffic with overlanders, adventure bikers, and off-roaders.

  • Steve V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Large Dispersed Camping Field

    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 and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

  • Roy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

    This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) 

    The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

    The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

    This 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.

  • Roy B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Remote. Field.

    34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321

    Stayed here a number of times during each of the four seasons. Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing).  Access is by gravel roads. 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.)

    No amenities. Lake Conasauga is nearby which has some amenities. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River. One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc. There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north.

    I will post some photos of nearby Bald Mountain and the trail head for Tearbritches Trail. Other photos of the area here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbinv/albums/72157634085883873

    (N34 51.670 W84 38.120) This leads over the highest western-most mountain in the eastern U.S., and then down to Bray Field at the junction of Tearbritches Creek and the Conasauga River(N34 53.897 W84 37.296)- It is a long steep grade down to the Conasauga(1-way distance is 3.4 miles)| 30 August 2013

    Here are some notes I took about the vegetation in the area:

    The north-northeasterly facing slope of Bald Mountain within a half-mile of the summit, elevation 4005'. Mostly New York Fern(Thelypteris noveboracensis) here, but also saw Hay-scented(Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Cinnamon(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and Interrupted Ferns(Osmunda claytoniana) in this immediate area. New York Ferns are common throughout the widerness| Tearbritches Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, N. Georgia Mountains| 30 August 2013

  • Karen
    Camper-submitted photo from Murrays Lake Primitive
    Jun. 5, 2021

    Murrays Lake Primitive

    It's in Georgia, not Tennesse!

    Although there is a Murray's Lake in TN, as you'll note on the location map, this campsite is in Georgia.

  • Karen
    Camper-submitted photo from Murrays Lake Primitive
    Jun. 5, 2021

    Murrays Lake Primitive

    It's Primitive

    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. The road in can be handled by a sedan.

  • Clay A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bly Gap - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Bly Gap - Dispersed Camping

    AT campsites at the Gnarly Oak

    Camped here 1 night while hiking the AT. Multiple flat areas for tents and/or trees for hammocks alongside the trail as it crests the ridge just north of the GA/NC border. Running water out of a pipe (it's a spring I guess?) just south of the ridge, but you'll need to boil or filter before drinking. I was here in the middle of November and so it was cold and windy at night.

  • Tyler J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
    Mar. 19, 2020

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Dispersed & wonderful view of Southern sky

    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!

  • Damion V.
    Camper-submitted photo from High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed
    May. 7, 2019

    High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed

    Semi-secluded Camping in the Chattahoochee NF

    A relatively moderate 2.4 mile (round trip) hike with primitive camping/ backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek. The trail contains 2 beautiful Georgia waterfalls, Blue Hole Falls and High Shoals Falls. The area is lush with mountain laurel, rhododendrons, and old-growth trees. The cool waters of High Shoals Creek offer rewarding refreshment after a day of exploring the various wildflowers and plant life while serving as a soothing sound to fall asleep too while stargazing.

  • Kelsey G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowrock Mountain
    May. 3, 2019

    Cowrock Mountain

    Tough Chunck of AT with mountain top views

    This section of the AT isn’t easy breezy, but it levels out and the trees thin out on the mountain ridges to relatively open, flat land for camping Ran into som AT’ers packing up for the morning. The out and back trail ends at the AT shelter. Halfway through the hike you’re greeted by a flat rock face and these views.

  • Clay A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowrock Mountain
    May. 31, 2018

    Cowrock Mountain

    Beautiful Views on the AT

    Dispersed camp sites at or near the summit of Cowrock Mountain offer wonderfully shaded spots with long range views of the Blue Ridge. Perfect spot for hammocks or tents right off the trail with large rocky outcrops for your views. Easy enough to set up a small fire ring right on the edge for night-time relaxing. There is a water source about .5 miles west on the AT at Baggs Creek Gap or ~1.5 miles east at Hogpen Gap. Closest road access is down the mountain about a mile west at Tesnatee Gap on GA Hwy 348 (Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy)

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp
    May. 31, 2018

    Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp

    Wilderness dispersed camping, lots of room for groups

    Great group campsite not far from Jack's River Falls. We had a group of 10 that spread out over this little "island" very easily. There were two campfire areas already in place and most sites very level and well covered by trees. Obviously very close to the river to filter water from. We didn't see any wildlife at this site, but we did see a copperhead at another earlier in the trip, so be aware! Fall asleep to the rushing waters of Jack's River!

  • Maria A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Justus Creek Campsite
    May. 24, 2018

    Justus Creek Campsite

    Justus Creek

    After one of my favorite stretches of hiking we got to this campsite along the AT. We were warned about bears in the area so were very cautious about hanging our bear bag a little extra distance away on the opposite side of the creek. The creek was absolutely freezing cold in July, it was great to rinse some clothes and ourselves off. It was definitely one of our best nights sleep listening to the water!



Guide to Dawsonville

Camping near Dawsonville, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "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."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and fishing at Tugaloo State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The lake is right across the way from us for some beautiful views, nice beach swimming and parking the boat."
  • Family Events: Participate in seasonal activities at Stone Mountain Park Campground. One family noted, "In October there are different activities for the kids. Fall fest and Halloween parade."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground said, "The best shower of my camping experience so far! Hot water and great water pressure- what a treat!"
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Fort Yargo State Park Campground remarked, "The staff were able to get me added and discounted my staff which was nice."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground stated, "Absolutely a perfect campground, in a mature forest, with a lake, streams, hiking trails."

What you should know

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are closer together. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Access Fees: Be prepared for additional fees at some parks. One visitor at Stone Mountain Park Campground noted, "On top of the $70 a night you must pay a $20 parking fee."
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow or steep roads. A reviewer at Black Rock Mountain State Park Campground advised, "If you have a big RV it may be hard to get in and out of the park."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan Activities: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly events. A family at Tugaloo State Park Campground said, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."
  • Choose Spacious Sites: Opt for sites that offer more room. A camper at Fort Yargo State Park Campground mentioned, "The place is broken up with many cottages, yurts and other tent areas to reserve."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. One visitor at Vogel State Park Campground shared, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."

Tips from RVers

Camping near Dawsonville, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Dawsonville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.