1 campground with availability next weekend
National forest lands surrounding Dillard, Georgia provide numerous options for tent camping, with both established and dispersed sites available within a short drive. Burrells Ford Campground in South Carolina, just 15 miles southeast of Dillard, offers walk-in tent sites along the Chattooga River. Blue Valley Dispersed Camping in North Carolina, approximately 10 miles northeast of Dillard, features primitive tent campsites with fire rings and lantern posts. Raven Cliff Falls in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest provides secluded backcountry tent camping with access to hiking trails and waterfalls.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and tent pads, with some offering picnic tables and lantern poles. Vault toilets are available at select locations like Burrells Ford and Ammons Branch Campground, though many primitive sites lack facilities entirely. Access roads to tent camping areas often require driving on gravel forest service roads, with some sites requiring short hikes from parking areas. Campers should bring water or filtration systems as drinking water is rarely available. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage using bear boxes where provided or by hanging food at least 14 feet off the ground.
During weekdays and off-season periods, tent campers often find complete solitude at these sites. According to reviews, Blue Valley Dispersed Camping offers "very secluded" sites with "wonderful creek/river by every campsite" and "very little traffic on the dirt road." At Burrells Ford, one visitor noted the campground provides "a nice large picnic table and lantern pole" with "a hanging system for food since this place is in bear country." The proximity to water features is a consistent highlight, with many tent campsites positioned near streams or rivers that provide both ambient sound and recreational opportunities. Most tent camping areas feature ample tree cover for shade and hammock setups, with natural forest surroundings creating a true wilderness experience.
"Campground Review: In March 2017, our family of 6 went on our 1st overnight backpacking trip. A friend had recommended the Chattooga River Trail in South Carolina."
"Trail/Campground Review: The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! "
"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."
"Location is actually about 1.5. Miles further than shown on map. Just keep going. Stayed for a week. About 7 campsites with fire rings. Great trails and people camping near were respectful."
"Drive in sites are spaced a really nice distance from one another. Challenging to fit a larger rv."
"You couldn’t see our site from the road, huge site, lots of woods surrounding for kids to play and explore, right beside a gorgeous large creek."
"There are only four sites available, but there are tent pads, lantern poles, and fire rings."
"Tent sites in need of maintenance.."
"It is right next to the Chauga River, which makes it really nice for swimming and fishing. I actually saw some people cooking up fish in their campsite that they caught that day."
"Vault toilet was clean and maintained. Most campsites are River side"
"You have to hike in a little way to get to the campground/climbing and it can be a little challenging to find so consult a map and some of the many online guidebooks."
"This is a beautiful little secluded site along the AT right near Albert Mountain. It is a well-established site that has a built-up fire-pit and plenty of level ground for tents."
"This is another small campground down the road from the nearby summer camp. I prefer this site to the one up the road since it is a little smaller and closer to a beautiful swimming hole/waterfall."
"Leave no trace!"
"Panther Creek was honestly my trip into the world of hiking and backpacking (aside from my military experience). But mice wife got me into hiking again and now we are backpacking a lot!"
from $4 / night
"Located in a great area as a jumping off point in the area.... if trout fishing is your thing best campground close to Hwy 28 area of the Chattooga Delayed Harvest Area.... nice bend of the West Fork with"
from $10 / night
GuideSites are not level. Thousand trails is currently not investing. Any money in improving the sites. Half of the sites in the park are going back to nature. The roads are falling apart and the inclines are not big rig friendly.
TravelerBeautiful spot in the smoky mountains. State park style amenities, no showers. No hookups. Very busy very open campground. Nice that some trails are walking distance from campground. I would not camp here again as I prefer more separation and privacy. No cell service. STARLINK is usable but obstructed with tree canopy
ScoutWe stayed for a week in late October. Quiet and secluded but right outside of Franklin. Very. Nicely decorated. Has small campstore, very nice laundryroom, and a guest event center. Rick, the campsite host, helped me get backed in and asked if I needed any more help. Some pull-throughs. Some sites are a little tight but others really nice. We will definitely come back.
ScoutWhatever person or group of persons designed the campground were clueless as to how to develop a campground. Sites are packed in the most preposterous configuration to have tents, trailers motorhomes all jammed together nearly touching each other with zero privacy. Come for the hikes and views of the gorge but come with the lowest expectations for the campground and you’ll be fine
TravelerFantastic National Park! Elkmont is really nice but lacking in hookups and there are no showers. Hard to stay too long without power, water, sewer and showers. Still, an amazing site along the river!
TravelerMy son, daughter-in-law, and twin grandchildren, and I camped here to watch the full solar eclipse in 2017. We had a beautiful tent site. There was a little playground that the kids really enjoyed and abundant shade at the camping site. Bathrooms were clean, wood for campfires was available, and we had a wonderful time.
GuideA sign on the gate says that the area has been closed "due to vandalism and unauthorized activity".
GuideThis is one of several USFS campgrounds that are within a few miles of each other. The cost is only $8/night, first come first served. The sites are fairly large with about half of them on a wide, clear creek. There is no running water, but there are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets that were fairly clean, but didn't smell great.
There is free potable water and an RV dump station about a mile away at the North River Game Checking Station on River Road near the Spivey Cove campground..
The campsite was clean with picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern post. The fire ring was almost full of ashes and it appears that campers have to clean them out themselves.
The Green Cove Angler store is a couple miles away and has ice, firewood and other camper things.
Unfortunately, while we were there, it was bear hunting season and another camper had multiple barking and baying dogs that went on and on for hours.
ScoutWalk to trail sites, clean bathrooms, sites close together…water and electric at site. Sites are sloped gravel.
The Nantahala and Chattahoochee National Forests surrounding Dillard, Georgia create a diverse camping environment at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 feet. Weather patterns shift quickly in these mountains, with summer temperatures averaging 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby Atlanta. Several campgrounds feature improved fire rings with cooking grates, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods.
Fishing opportunities: The Burrells Ford area offers excellent trout fishing access along the Chattooga River. "Good amount of camping with a short hike in. Sites are right on the Chatooga River. This river is stoked with trout. Fishing license is required but both SC and GA are acceptable as the river is the state line," notes Jason D.
Waterfall hiking: Several trailheads near the best tent camping near Dillard provide routes to notable waterfalls within 1-3 miles. At Grapevine campground, you'll find "great hiking nearby! I always enjoy doing the nature loop. It is great for all ages. My favorite time of year to come is late spring/summer when all the flowers are in bloom," shares Ashley W.
Swimming holes: Many camping areas feature natural swimming spots ideal for cooling off during warmer months. "Great for swimming and Hammocking!" reports Elise W. about Burrells Ford, while another camper notes that Blue Valley offers "wonderful creek/river by every campsite."
Secluded sites: The Blue Valley Dispersed Camping area provides privacy between campsites. "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, right beside a gorgeous large creek," explains Kristin S.
Water proximity: Nearly all tent camping options near Dillard feature creekside or riverside locations. "We love camping here! Spacious campsites (they have small picnic table and fire ring)," writes Andrew G. about camping along the water at Grapevine.
Low traffic: Many sites remain relatively uncrowded, especially midweek. Blue Valley offers "very secluded" camping with "very little traffic on the dirt road," according to Kelli.
Access roads: Most dispersed camping requires driving on unpaved forest roads of varying quality. For Ammons Branch Campground, "you have to travel curvy, mountain roads. It is not a campground for large RVs. Once you get on Bull Pen Road, which is a national forest road, you have to drive about 1.2 miles on gravel," explains Myron C.
Weather preparation: Mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly, especially at night. One camper at Burrells Ford reports temperatures dropping to 17 degrees unexpectedly during their spring trip, forcing their "plan to stay in 2 tents quickly changed to everybody in the 4-man/3-season tent."
Campsite logistics: Most sites include basic amenities like fire rings, but many lack potable water. "Sites typically include fire rings... a nice large picnic table and lantern pole," notes a visitor to Burrells Ford, while others mention the need for water filtration systems.
Kid-friendly spots: Select campsites with safe water access and room to explore. At Blue Valley Camp, "limestone pools and plenty of seclusion" create natural playgrounds, according to Valerie D.
Trail difficulty: Consider shorter, less challenging trails for younger campers. "The East Fork trail at the end of Burrells Ford is quite an easy trail! It's 2.5 miles one way," shares Melissa R., making it manageable for most ages.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage practices. "Bear activity is common throughout the region," requiring "proper food storage using bear boxes where provided or by hanging food at least 14 feet off the ground," advises a regular camper.
Size restrictions: Many camping areas near Dillard have limited access for larger vehicles. At Hurricane Creek Horse and Primitive Campground, the more secluded atmosphere means "this site should be high on your list of overnight adventure destinations," but "it is not a campground for large RVs," notes Olen B.
Alternative parking: Some campgrounds require a short walk from parking areas to tent sites. At Burrells Ford, one visitor observed campers "taking there stuff down with a hand truck which is a very good idea. So you can either backpack it in or take a wagon to take your stuff in."
Limited hookups: None of the tent camping areas near Dillard offer water, electric, or sewer connections. Small, self-contained RVs under 25 feet work best at most locations, with boondocking capabilities essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at tent campgrounds in Dillard, Georgia?
Tent campgrounds near Dillard offer varying amenity levels. Gateway to the Smokies provides large, private campsites on spacious land with convenient access to US Highway 441. For hikers, Mountain Crossings - Neel Gap offers both camping and a store for resupplying essentials. Many primitive sites like Burrells Ford have minimal amenities, requiring you to pack in water or bring filters. Some areas feature basic facilities like fire pits and picnic tables, while others like Hickory Flatts Cemetery offer vault toilets but no running water or electricity.
What are the best tent camping grounds near Dillard, GA?
The Dillard area offers excellent tent camping options within a short drive. Raven Cliff Falls is highly rated for its primitive feel with car camping convenience, offering secluded sites along one of Northeast Georgia's most scenic highways. For a more remote experience, Blue Valley Dispersed Camping provides secluded sites with creek access and minimal traffic, perfect for enjoying nature's sounds without interruption. Other quality options include Burrells Ford for riverside camping and Ammons Branch Campground for smaller vehicles and tents.
When is the best season for tent camping in Dillard, GA?
Spring and fall are the prime seasons for tent camping around Dillard. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, vibrant scenery, and fewer insects. Ammons Branch Campground showcases beautiful mountain landscapes in these mild seasons. Summer brings warmer temperatures but remains pleasant at higher elevations like Deep Gap Shelter on the AT, though afternoon thunderstorms are common. Winter camping is possible with proper gear, as temperatures can drop into the 30s. Always check road conditions in winter as access to remote sites can become difficult after snow or ice.
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