Dispersed camping near Jasper, Georgia offers primitive sites in the Chattahoochee National Forest where campers can experience North Georgia's mountainous terrain at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 feet. The area receives about 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating abundant creeks and streams throughout the camping areas. Most dispersed sites require a high-clearance vehicle to access, especially after rainfall when forest service roads become muddy and rutted.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 5-mile round trip. The Raven Cliff Falls trail offers a moderate hike ending at impressive falls with opportunities to explore rock formations. "Raven Cliff Falls trail is a 2.5 miles hike that ends at a breathtaking waterfall, but the trail doesn't quite end there. Once you arrive at the falls there's plenty of room to roam the dozens of rock structures," notes a visitor.
Creek fishing: Multiple trout streams. Near Long Creek Falls Appalachian Trail, anglers can access confluences of trout streams. A camper advises, "Three different trout streams come together here and the fishing is fun. There are rules about what kind of lures/hooks you can use, so be sure to do your research."
Appalachian Trail access: Southern terminus. Set up base camp and explore sections of the iconic trail. "The southern terminus of the AT. Nice little shelter with about 8 campsites. Stayed here in Sept 2019 water source was non existent. Night time was brisk and windy with a full moon," reports one hiker at Springer Mountain.
Paddle excursions: $5 parking fee. Explore Carters Lake from Ridgeway recreational area. "If you paddle go to ridgeway recreational area. Put in, go right short paddle to Waterfall. Go left into the unknown. Everything's at a 65% slant. 5$ to park. Far off the hwy," shares one paddler.
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Natural white noise. The best tent camping near Jasper, Georgia often features streamside locations. At Raven Cliff Falls, "Our spot was about a quarter mile from the parking area which has public restrooms available, and we were right next to Dodd Creek so we had the peaceful sounds of running water to put us to sleep at night."
Primitive solitude: No cell service. Many campers appreciate the disconnected experience. A camper at Serenity Ridge describes it as "A curated off grid experience" where visitors can enjoy "a weekend of disconnecting."
Bear-proof storage: Essential safety. At Springer Mountain Shelter, campers appreciate the community bear box. "This location also has a bear box/locker for storing food at night so that you don't have to hang your bear bag. Everyone puts their food bags in and the clamp type lock goes on for the night."
Water access: Natural sources. Nearly all sites provide creek access for water filtration. "Water is no problem with the entire trail being directly on a solid flowing stream," mentions a camper at Raven Cliff Falls, though all water requires purification before consumption.
What you should know
Bear activity: Food storage critical. Bears frequently visit campsites in this region. At Raven Cliff Falls, one camper reported, "We were visited by a bear two of the nights. The bear took our neighbors dog food they forgot to pack out. So pack out all food items and trash or hang a bear bag."
Road conditions: Unpaved forest roads. Access to many sites requires driving on rough roads. For Hickory Flatts Cemetery, a caretaker advises, "If you're pulling a camper, I'd suggest you check out FS251 before you drive into the site, its roughly TWO miles. I'd not bring in a big 5th wheel, etc... and PLEASE don't drive out into the grassy areas, you will get stuck."
Military training: Expect activity. The Army conducts exercises in parts of the forest. The same Hickory Flatts caretaker notes, "The Army Rangers use this area of the forest a lot for training."
Water purification: No potable sources. All natural water sources require treatment. A camper at Springer Mountain Shelter mentioned, "There is a privy down the hill, and it's elevated and surrounded by 'walls' for privacy. Just down another small trail is a stream for water. Very reliable in rainy season, but you MUST purify it before drinking."
Tips for camping with families
Tent-only areas: Safer for kids. Woodring Branch Primitive Campground restricts RVs, creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. "I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road," reports a family camper.
Accessible waterfalls: Doable distances. Families can enjoy waterfall hikes with modest distances. Long Creek Falls offers "an easy 1 mile hike in the the falls. Campsites are dispersed in the area along the creek and often have remnants of thru hikers coming down from Springer Mountain."
Pavilion access: Weather protection. Hickory Flatts Cemetery provides covered areas for family meals. "A picnic Pavilion shed is like a 40ft x 60ft shelter. There are tables and a few chairs in the pavilion," notes a caretaker.
Trail angels: Community support. Families benefit from occasional trail magic. At Hickory Flatts, a backpacker discovered, "Trail angels had dropped off two jugs of gatorade, There was a pavilion with picnic benches and a fire ring with a pile of firewood."
Tips from RVers
Small rigs only: Size restrictions. Most tent camping areas near Jasper have limited access for RVs. At Raven Cliff Falls, one RVer noted, "We stayed in the parking lot in our small rig. (Under 26 ft) we had our super quiet generator running and had no issues."
Limited hookups: Self-contained units. No electricity or water hookups exist at most sites. Campers must bring sufficient water and power. Most campgrounds offer vault toilets at trailheads but no shower facilities.
Parking lot overnight: Legal options. When forest roads are impassable, some parking areas permit overnight stays. "Stayed overnight and then went on the 5 mile hike to see the different water falls. Definitely a cool spot. Have to pay $5 per day," reports an RVer at Raven Cliff Falls.
Road clearance: High-profile vehicles. Forest service roads often require vehicles with good ground clearance. Many campers recommend scouting roads before bringing in any trailer or RV, especially after rainfall when conditions deteriorate.
