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Dispersed Camping near Ball Ground, GA

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    Several free dispersed camping areas can be found in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Ball Ground, Georgia. Jones Creek and Justus Creek offer primitive campsites along waterways, with Jones Creek allowing drive-in access on narrow dirt roads while Justus Creek requires hiking in. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area provides elevated camping with views, though ground clearance is necessary for access. "A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn't recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle," noted one camper about Hidden Creek Campground.

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area provides a large open field for multiple groups, situated near Lake Conasauga with access to hiking trails including Tearbritches and Emery Creek. Forest service roads leading to most sites are rough gravel with significant potholes, making high-clearance vehicles advisable. A visitor reported, "Remote for eastern U.S. Access is by gravel roads. There are bears in the area and they love food." Most dispersed sites permit campfires and allow alcohol and pets, but lack amenities such as toilets, trash service, or drinking water. Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent.

    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Ball Ground (23)

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      1. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground

      4.5(2)22mi from Ball Ground

      "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."

      2. Justus Creek Campsite

      5.0(1)28mi from Ball Ground

      "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."

      3. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area

      4.5(2)29mi from Ball GroundRVs, Tents

      "Nice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some."

      "Great location small river but absolutely NO Cell service of any kind."

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      4. Preacher's Rock

      5.0(2)32mi from Ball GroundRVs, Tents

      "Off the road trail leading up to Appalachian trail and incredible view. Very steep rocky switchbacks towards the top. Dispersed sites above the view, decent large spot near vault toilet."

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      5. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

      4.7(6)39mi from Ball Ground

      "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.) "

      "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"

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      6. Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road

      5.0(2)34mi from Ball GroundTents

      "They have a couple closer to water but most are more remote. There is a 3 mile long dirt road to travel on."

      "It was along the road and there were a few cars driving past during the night but not enough to bother us or make us feel unsafe at all."

      7. Hidden Creek Campground

      3.9(7)42mi from Ball GroundTents

      "A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle."

      "GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks."

      8. Hightower Gap Camp

      Be the first to review26mi from Ball Ground

      9. Cowrock Mountain

      4.5(2)39mi from Ball Ground

      "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."

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

      4.5(4)45mi from Ball Ground

      "This is a tough trail but good for teens looking to challenge themselves in the back country. The views are amazing with rock falls. Camping is primitive as back country can be but worth the trek."

      "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!"

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    Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ball Ground, GA

    35 Photos of 23 Ball Ground Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ball Ground, GA

    47 Reviews of 23 Ball Ground Campgrounds

    • Michael D.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 7, 2026

      Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

      MDC XT16HR in the Ball Field

      Pulled in the middle grassy area to get full sun on my solar panels. I actually found a perfectly level spot even with leaving my truck hooked up. I came here via Mill Creek Road to Cowpen Road, made the first 6 miles in 2WD towing my 5700 lb MDC camper. At the hairpin turn at Cowpen Road I had to engage the 4WD High and manually shifting 1st to 2nd for towing. I didn't air down and my Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires didn't break loose in any of the gravel or rocks, but it was dry conditions, just slightly wet. Great spot and as quiet as it can get in nature. I'm leaving today and planning to try the other way out, going right it's less unpaved gravel, but either way out it should be downhill and easier than getting here.

    • N
      Sep. 17, 2026

      Preacher's Rock

      Sweeping view

      Off the road trail leading up to Appalachian trail and incredible view. Very steep rocky switchbacks towards the top. Dispersed sites above the view, decent large spot near vault toilet.

    • N
      Sep. 17, 2026

      High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed

      Hiking In

      Rough drive up, AWD recommended. Great secluded campsites 0.5-1.0 mile hike-in. Moderate hike, downhill to campsite, uphill to get out. Larger group sites near creek, great small site right across from Blue Hole.

    • matt E.
      Aug. 29, 2026

      Conasauga River Camp

      Closed Right Now (Seems great but the site is closed for road work)

      Hopefully they open it up soon but we drove about an hour to get here just for it to be closed. The whole road seems to be closed for the time being for road work. I hope this helps someone!.

      The 5-8 miles up to this area do seem a little sketchy but we were hoping the actually site would be nice and hopefully it will be after the work they are doing right now.

    • Tylor C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 29, 2026

      Hidden Creek Campground

      Johns mountain

      About 5 dispersed spots scattered along an accessible road. Only about 3 spots available that hasn’t been ruined from trash and belongings from people that was staying there long term and left everything. Okay for an overnight stay. All the trash really ruined any vibe to be had. I stayed at the spot on top of the steep hill

    • Bonnie M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 27, 2026

      Big Creek Primitive Camping Area

      Nice, secluded spot

      Nice spot next to a cool little creek. There was a good bit of trash in several of the fire rings, and found human waste and toilet paper about 5 feet from the waterline between a camp and the water, that was pretty disappointing. Leave no trace!! This includes hiking away from camp to bury your business. We still really enjoyed our stay. The road in was a little rougher than onX off-road let on, but had no issues getting in with my 4x4. Lots of wildlife, we even saw a bear a few minutes from camp.

    • Leah S.The Dyrt Pro User
      Mar. 31, 2026

      Jones Creek Dispersed Campground

      Creekside for larger groups

      Multiple creekside spots for large groups. We have over 12 adults and 8-9 cars. No cell service. Dog friendly.

    • Jeff P.The Dyrt Pro User
      Mar. 22, 2026

      Indian Grave Gap Campsite

      This is a great spot for anything up to an off-road teardrop

      These sites are not where Dyrt says they are. The previous reviewer described them well and they have a couple of small creeks running past. Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road. This is one of those sites I'll probably return to

      The true location is just south of the High Falls Trailhead. 34.80718,-83.72466

    Guide to Ball Ground

    Several free dispersed camping options exist in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Ball Ground, Georgia. Jones Creek and Justus Creek offer primitive campsites along waterways, with Jones Creek accessible via dirt roads while Justus Creek requires hiking in. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area provides tent and RV camping with mountain views, though ground clearance is necessary for access. According to one visitor, "4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some."

    Road conditions vary throughout the area, with many sites requiring navigation of rough forest service roads. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, located in a more remote section, provides south-facing views ideal for stargazing but demands patience on sketchy gravel roads. A camper noted, "Remote, field. Access is by gravel roads. There are bears in the area and they love food." Fire regulations differ between sites, with most permitting campfires except Ball Field and several backcountry locations. None of these dispersed areas provide amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ball Ground, GA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ball Ground, GA is Jones Creek Dispersed Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ball Ground, GA?

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

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