Dispersed camping near Dillard, Georgia offers backcountry experiences within the Chattahoochee National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,800 to 4,500 feet. Weather varies significantly by season with summer temperatures averaging 80°F during day and 60°F at night, while winter nights often drop below freezing. Forest roads accessing most sites become increasingly difficult after rainfall, with some requiring creek crossings that can be impassable during wet periods.
What to do
Swimming in natural pools: Several sites provide access to creeks ideal for cooling off during hot summer months. At Blue Valley Dispersed Camping, campers note "hiking trails near by" with "almost all [sites] near a creek of some sort." Sites often feature natural swimming areas where water collects in deeper pools.
Explore waterfall hikes: Many dispersed camping areas connect to waterfall trails within 1-3 miles. Near Glen Falls Backcountry Campground, the main trail features multiple waterfall views along a steep descent. "The hike down from the upper trailhead is relatively steep and involves going down many (many) stairs but is well worth it for the views of Glen Falls."
Stargazing opportunities: Open clearings at higher elevation sites provide unobstructed night sky viewing. At Mountain Rest Mountain Top, campers experience "dead silent and relaxing" nights with "great view of the stars during early spring/late winter." Pack red-filtered headlamps to preserve night vision while moving around camp.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the separation between camping areas. One Blue Valley visitor noted: "Beautiful, large, private sites. You couldn't see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore." This privacy comes from natural vegetation and terrain features.
Creek-side camping access: Sites positioned along waterways offer both practical water sources and ambient sounds. Visitors to Mooney Gap Backcountry Group Campsite appreciate its location "near the Mooney gap trailhead and near the AT that is perfect for heading up to the nearby Albert Firetower." Many sites feature creek access within 50-100 feet.
Elevated views: Several backcountry sites reward hikers with panoramic vistas. At Whiterock Mountain Backcountry Campsite, "you can walk 5 min up the trail to get to an opening in the trees and have some incredible views." These viewpoints often require short side-trails from main camping areas.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many roads require appropriate vehicles. For Mountain Rest Mountain Top, one visitor notes: "Moderate clearance vehicle is required to access, (or hike it)," while another states, "you don't need 4 wheel drive or a truck like some of these people are saying, I did it fine in my honda civic, just don't have anything with worse clearance than that."
Navigation issues: GPS coordinates can be unreliable in this region. For Unicoi Gap Dispersed, one camper warned: "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'."
Variable site conditions: Campsite quality differs substantially, even within the same area. At Soggy Boot Campground, a visitor found "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." Always inspect sites upon arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Spacious sites for exploration: Certain areas provide extra room for children to play safely. A Blue Valley camper shared: "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."
Water features for entertainment: Creeks and small waterfalls keep children engaged. Near Soggy Boot Campground, "you drive or walk through the river and end up in a large group site right by a small waterfall... You can also hike up or down the stream to get to other beautiful small falls that are perfect for swimming in during the hot summers."
Protected camping spots: Areas sheltered from weather and hazards work best for families. Whiterock Gap Backcountry Campsite offers "a clearing for about 1 tent or multiple hammocks... This specific site sits right in the gap between two mountains where the trail dips downhill before heading back uphill." These protected locations buffer against wind and rain.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites have limited turning radius and overhead clearance. For Falls Creek, one camper noted: "There is room for two vehicles and multiple tent spots... River is about .6 mile hike away and the road is not bad getting in. Basically 2 track forest road."
Leveling challenges: Few sites offer naturally level parking. Bring leveling blocks and test spots before committing to setup. Small recreational vehicles under 20 feet have more site options than larger units.
Road condition preparedness: Access roads deteriorate quickly after rain. Allow extra travel time and avoid arrival after dark when possible. One Soggy Boot visitor advised: "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."
