The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Gainesville. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Gainesville, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"They have a couple closer to water but most are more remote. There is a 3 mile long dirt road to travel on."
"Dispersed camp sites at or near the summit of Cowrock Mountain offer wonderfully shaded spots with long range views of the Blue Ridge."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"All three have creek access. We picked the single on the other side. Not a lot of flat ground options. Each site is huge."
"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."
"A relatively moderate 2.4 mile (round trip) hike with primitive camping/ backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek."
"A 4wd with moderate clearance is helpful. Wonderful stream running through the campsite."
"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."
"Is a little confusing to find but just when you question if you’re heading to the right place, you’re greeted with a fork and small trail down to a massive clearing."
TravelerDont 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.
TravelerA 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.
GuideWe 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.
In the morning we went hunting for the campground and ended up finding at least 10 campsites scattered throughout the mountain and road. The coordinates posted weren’t very helpful so the best way to find this location is to put into the GPS the name of the nearby retreat center called “Ramah Darom”. Once you get to the entrance keep continuing up the mountain. The road will stop being paved and you’ll have a gravel road to continue on that leads you to numerous sites.
The sites arnt difficult to find in the daytime, just know there’s no signs or pointers to tell you which way to go.
I’ll post some pictures to help you find where some of the sites are.
The sites are primitive, with just fire rings but its definitely a cute spot to spend the night.
I don’t recommend RV’s.
ScoutNice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some.
GuideDispersed 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)
LegendThis 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.
GuideThree 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.
ScoutI went with my girlfriend and dog and had a blast. Is a little confusing to find but just when you question if you’re heading to the right place, you’re greeted with a fork and small trail down to a massive clearing. You could easily fit 8 cars around the area. There’s a very flat area, a fire pit, and creek surrounded by forest and mountains. Will definitely be coming back to this location.
ScoutThe coordinates take you to Nottley Dam. We had to drive 37 minutes farther to Lake Chatuge and hopefully we find some campground since it is very dark at the moment. We ended up having to spend over $200 for a hotel. I'm going to delete my acct as other friends have similar issues with Dyrt
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Gainesville, Georgia, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you can immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gainesville, GA is Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Gainesville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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