Top Free Dispersed Camping near Helen, GA

Looking for the best dispersed camping near Helen? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Helen's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Helen, GA (44)

Showing results 1-10 of 44 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Helen

84 Reviews of 44 Helen Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Rest Mountain Top
    August 12, 2024

    Mountain Rest Mountain Top

    Hilltop camping with hiking trails

    Great spot with room to turn around. Shaded and at trailhead of a trail down to creek and near a second trail to a waterfall. Had a few people during the day but evenings were totally quiet. A bit of extra vehicle clearance is helpful...slow and steady gets you to a great spot. No services here but good dispersed spot.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    May 17, 2024

    Panther Top Dispersed Site

    Amazing spot with GREAT views

    I had 3 bars of AT&T which worked well. The view from the shore was amazing and in my opinion comparable to some spots in Hawaii. It was nice and quiet, chilly at night, and not too far from murphy. We also hiked up to a nearby fire tower and it was a fun little hike. 10/10 will be returning.

    (I just got a new drone and I made a fun little video of the campsite and the hike we did.)

  • 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 Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    April 1, 2024

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Great site!

    This was such a nice quiet campground. We arrived around 8am and got the first campsite we saw. This is the most established dispersed campsite that I’ve stayed at as it has a fire circle, a grill and a picnic table. It’s very quiet and very few cars passed. There’s a walking/hiking trail across the lake where we saw some hikers and some people on horseback. The site was very clean minus a few pieces of trash that we later picked up. The dogs loved it because our site was right on the lake. We drove down the gravel road to check out the other campsites and they all seem great if you’re tent camping! We car camped and our campsite was perfect because it had a parking space right in front of it whereas the other sites had parking spaces across the road. Overall a great place. I can’t wait to go back!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    February 9, 2024

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Quiet, nice spaces, and clean!

    Such a great find! I was hoping to car camp a little closer to NOC but not in a campground but this is the closest I could find in February. I would definitely stay here again! Very quiet and clean and the sites are very well laid out and maintained! No hook ups of any kind but it’s worth it! Highway Patrol and Park Rangers patrol pretty frequently so I felt really safe as a solo female. I still took all the safety precautions but didn’t feel as necessary as some.

  • 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 Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    November 7, 2023

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Well maintained free camping

    We were fortunate to get a site that allowed us to pull the car right into the site for our roof top tent. Not very far to walk to reach the lake and the fishing wasn’t bad at all. Bass and Bluegills. Fairly quiet besides the rice burners heading to Tail of the Dragon. Very good overall.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    October 27, 2023

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Stunning 😍

    GPS coordinates got me exactly to where I wanted to go. Lots of twists and turns going up the dragon with beautiful scenery of the trees changing colors in late October. There are a handful of Lots located right along the lake with a beautiful view of the mountains in the distance. My dog absolutely loved how much space she had to roam around and how clear the water was excellent for swimming.

    Some of the plots you can only fit one tent others you could fit up to three or four

  • Camper-submitted photo from Panther Top Dispersed Site
    September 9, 2023

    Panther Top Dispersed Site

    Panther Top Dispersed

    Great spot right on the little lake. You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable. There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping. My overland rig fit in the small parking area fine, but I had to find a few rocks to level my truck so the rooftop tent was level. It is obviously a spot that locals come to party on the weekends but I had no issues. There looks like there are only 2 primary camping spots with fire rings and tent pads. My spot had a picnic table and two tent pads, a pole for your lantern and was just feet from the lake. Lots of fish jumping and I caught a 1 pound large mouth bass on a silver spinning lure. Over all a great spot. No bugs, but you will likely need to bring firewood, as all of the fallen trees had been scavenged. Since there are only two spot, definitely have a backup plan, especially on the weekends.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    July 16, 2023

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Field test truck camping

    First site(L1)was open so I took it. I spent two nights there. First time dispersed camping in National Forest and truck camping. Even though I've been camping my whole life, all my equipment was new so it was a learning experience. 😁 Parking was pretty level, but behind my rear wheels it declined toward the lake. The tent pad, picnic table and fire ring was on level ground. It was really quiet during the day, but there were some very loud frogs(?) during the night, enough to wake you up. 2nd night I played music and I slept good. Lol If your GPS says that you have reached your destination, you probably have passed the gravel road. Once on gravel road, veer to the right and you will pass the cemetery on your left, then you'll see kiosk. Sign shows you have to register there at the kiosk. I enjoyed my time there and hopefully can go back again this year. Hope y'all are enjoying the great outdoors. LIV'N!

  • 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 Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    February 25, 2023

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Great spot

    I will say there isn’t a lot of campsites but the ones they have are great. Fishing from the banks is possible and it was relatively clean and quiet. Definitely worth a visit

  • Camper-submitted photo from Blackwell Bridge
    January 21, 2023

    Blackwell Bridge

    Peaceful ish

    Couple things to know you don't need 4wd to get to the campsite. I do want to say though that the road down to the spot is a little wonky so be prepare for bumpy road. I will like to say there is a road literally 300 feet next to the campsite doesnt seem that busy but you might get a car once every 45 mins. Other wise the campsite is nice there was a good bit of trash thrown around. I tried cleaning up the best I can but be aware pls clean up after yourself. There are two campsite on opposite side of the road if the main one is taken. One of the nice things is if you have a tent you can get right next to the water definitely say beautiful area. Will go back.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites
    January 16, 2023

    Long Hungry Road Dispersed Campsites

    Nice camping ground but closed

    This is a good camping ground especially if you get the one right off the lake. When we arrived the campground was closed for vehicles. So we walk in a took around. Great spots right of the lake. They say it won't open till April. There is a another campsite less than 4 miles up the road you can camp at, but over all good area. Any vehicle can get to location its bumpy bit that's bc its half gravel half dirt. Keeeepp exploring the wilderness must be explored. Ps. Clean up after yourself

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    January 4, 2023

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Great free place with amazing views

    This camp site is free to use and it is a great little place. The sites are huge like you could probably fit a few different set ups in each site. It’s a little confusing if you get here in the dark while it’s pouring rain but I just took the first right onto the gravel road where the bathrooms are and there is 3 sites down there with greats views of the lake.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
    January 2, 2023

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Lakeside site with good view

    Nice lakeside side with good lake views. Park next to site. Toilet facility available, site next to marina on north side. Cellphone service with Verizon ok 1or 2 bars.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeetlah Dispersed
    January 2, 2023

    Lake Santeetlah Dispersed

    Nice sites with good views of the lake

    Stayed at the site next to the marina on the North side. Lake sudd access and can park next to the site. Also has a toilet facility. Cell phone service with Verizon was 1 to 2 bars. Sometimes good others not so.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Santeelah Dispersed
    October 21, 2022

    Lake Santeelah Dispersed

    Nice serene lakeside spots

    It's an absolutely beautiful lake in the forest. The trees are turning and the sky is blue. Only drawback is the Pine Ridge Rd dispersed camping is along the roadside. Not really private. You have to walk to your site if you want to set up a tent. No room for a large RV. But the scenery is beautiful. AT&T works just fine!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sourwood Campground
    July 22, 2022

    Sourwood Campground

    Great little spot

    Great area to camp. Only complaints are having to spend an hour picking up others trash that they left. Also reverify your directions. Google maps brought me to a spot 30 miles away



Guide to Helen

Camping near Helen, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer from Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground saying, "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."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Cades Cove Campground mentioned, "Had numerous sightings of wildlife even in the campground."
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy the water activities at Devils Fork State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "The lake was beautiful! So many fun things to explore with it being so big and all by boat."

What campers like

What you should know

  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have closely packed sites. A camper at Tallulah Gorge State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are a little closer to each other than what I'm used to."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Cades Cove Campground noted, "There is no cell service with T-Mobile, so have a good book."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Vogel State Park Campground advised, "Reserve way in advance."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at Oconee State Park Campground enjoyed, "The staff is so kind, and the garbage pick up twice a day is great!"
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids during hikes. One camper at Tugaloo State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has awesome activities through the summer for the kids and for families."
  • Plan for Quiet Nights: Many campgrounds have quiet hours, making it easier for families to rest. A visitor at Devils Fork State Park Campground said, "It was pretty quiet and no loud, drunk people."

Tips from RVers

Camping near Helen, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 44 dispersed camping locations near Helen, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.