Top Free Dispersed Camping near Gainesville, GA

Looking for dispersed camping near Gainesville? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Georgia excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Gainesville, GA (14)

Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Gainesville

14 Reviews of 14 Gainesville Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Jones Creek Dispersed Campground
    April 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
    November 16, 2023

    Falls Creek

    Nice secluded spot

    There is room for two vehicles and multiple tent spots. Very secluded and fairly level. Overall a great spot. If it had an epic view I would have it at 5 stars. River is about .6 mile hike away and the road is not bad getting in. Basically 2 track forest road.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Soggy Boot Campground
    March 15, 2023

    Soggy Boot Campground

    Beautiful clearing

    I 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Falls Creek
    October 9, 2021

    Falls Creek

    Backcountry Primitive site(s)

    Decent site(s) near chatooga river. Moderate clearance vehicle required, (or hike it).

  • Camper-submitted photo from Soggy Boot Campground
    August 9, 2021

    Soggy Boot Campground

    Big open site next to creek

    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Soggy Boot Campground
    June 22, 2021

    Soggy Boot Campground

    Difficult to find after dusk but awesome spot for 4WD cars

    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.

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Soggy Boot Campground
    September 1, 2018

    Soggy Boot Campground

    Group Site

    I camped here many times while attending the camp down the road. I have also brought many groups of campers here over my summers as a counselor. To get to the site you drive or walk through the river and end up in a large group site right by a small waterfall. If you have the place to yourself it is incredibly secluded and a wonderful spot. 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Chatuge Dispersed
    July 30, 2018

    Lake Chatuge Dispersed

    Lake Chatuge TVA

    Great view of lake. Campsite is right on the water. This site is primitive. Previous campers didn’t take their trash with them. Only negative to this site.

  • 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)

  • 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 Gainesville

Camping near Gainesville, 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 several 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."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the lake at Tugaloo State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "There are a lot of hiking trails as well as the lake where you can rent paddle boats, swim or fish."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Vogel State Park Campground said, "The campground is very clean and well maintained."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpful staff. One reviewer at Fort Mountain State Park Campground remarked, "Campground staff was friendly and helpful."
  • Activities for Kids: Families enjoy the various activities available. A camper at Oconee State Park Campground mentioned, "The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick up twice a day is great!"

What you should know

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground noted, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Road Conditions: Be cautious of narrow roads, especially for larger RVs. A camper 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."
  • Payment Methods: Some campgrounds may require cash for certain transactions. A visitor at Stone Mountain Park Campground mentioned, "You can pay for 1 night, but you need to do it by cash only."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground said, "The kids had loads of fun playing by the little rivers."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check for scheduled events. One family at Tugaloo State Park Campground enjoyed, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and activities. A camper at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping mentioned, "The campground was neat, clean, and quiet."

Tips from RVers

Camping around Gainesville, GA, has something for everyone, from beautiful parks to fun activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gainesville, GA is Cowrock Mountain with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Gainesville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.