Dispersed camping near Hiawassee, Georgia includes multiple seasonal considerations affecting site selection. Winter temperatures at higher elevation sites like Albert Mountain Firetower can drop below freezing at night, while summer brings thunderstorms and humidity to lower-lying areas. Water crossings at several locations, particularly after rainfall, can become impassable without high-clearance 4WD vehicles.
What to do
Waterfall exploring: The High Shoals Falls Trail offers backpackers access to swimming opportunities at multiple falls. One visitor reports, "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."
Night sky viewing: Tray Mountain provides exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. According to a Corbin Creek Tray Mountain camper, "Worth it if you're into astrophotography as all of tray mountain sits within the few dark areas within north Georgia."
Mountain summit hiking: The climb to Albert Mountain Firetower Dispersed Campsite offers panoramic views. "Once you make it to the Fire Tower, however, all is forgiven. The site from the bottom is breathtaking, and you can see, well, forever. Heading up the tower, you get an almost full 360º panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains."
What campers like
Creek-side setups: Many dispersed camping areas feature mountain stream access. At Indian Grave Gap Campsite, "Three 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."
Secluded group sites: Larger clearings accommodate multiple tents and vehicles. A camper at Soggy Boot notes, "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."
Hammock-friendly areas: Several sites feature suitable tree spacing for hammock camping. At Bly Gap, one visitor mentioned, "Multiple flat areas for tents and/or trees for hammocks alongside the trail as it crests the ridge just north of the GA/NC border."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many sites require specialized vehicles. A Soggy Boot Campground reviewer cautions, "The road will stop being paved and you'll have a gravel road to continue on that leads you to numerous sites."
Location challenges: Coordinates can sometimes lead campers astray. One Lake Chatuge camper reported, "The 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."
Water sources: Natural water requires treatment. At Bly Gap, "Running water out of a pipe (it's a spring I guess?) just south of the ridge, but you'll need to boil or filter before drinking."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose sites with flat ground for tent setup. At Indian Grave Gap, "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."
Prepare for temperature shifts: Mountain elevations can experience significant day-night temperature changes. At Bly Gap, one camper noted, "I was here in the middle of November and so it was cold and windy at night."
Supply planning: Limited services require advance preparation. According to a camper at Fires Creek Hunters Camp/Huskins Branch, "This is a little loop drive across from a day use area on Fires Creek. Pick a spot, and set up your tent. There is a concrete outhouse but no potable water."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Dispersed camping around Hiawassee generally accommodates smaller RVs only. A Soggy Boot camper advises, "I don't recommend RVs."
Site navigation: Finding suitable locations requires daylight hours. One camper noted, "The campsites are hard to find in the dark - we ended up just stopping at the first clearing from a fork on the gravel road we saw to set up a tent."
Alternative facilities: Established campgrounds offer amenities when needed. At Tallulah River Road, "Nice wide camping spot. Very primitive and if you desperately need toilet facilities, there are a couple of established campgrounds just down the road."
