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Best Dispersed Camping near Cohutta, GA

60 Reviews

The Cohutta Wilderness and surrounding national forest areas offer several primitive camping options along gravel forest service roads. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area sits at the base of Bald Mountain, providing a large sloped field with multiple established fire rings. "This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga," notes one visitor. The field serves as a trailhead for Emery Creek and Tearbritches Trails, with the latter leading to the summit of Bald Mountain and down to the Conasauga River.

Several riverside camping opportunities exist along the Conasauga River, including primitive sites on Sheeds Creek Road. Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating rough gravel roads best suited for higher-clearance vehicles. Cell service throughout the area is minimal to non-existent, typically showing only one bar if any connection at all. These sites lack amenities - no toilets, running water, or trash collection - making them true pack-in, pack-out destinations. The Jack's River Falls Trail area offers backcountry group camping options accessible only by hiking in. Bear activity is common throughout the region, requiring proper food storage and trash management.

Map showing campgrounds near Cohutta, GeorgiaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cohutta, Georgia (27)

    1. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing). "

    "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.) "

    2. Murrays Lake Primitive

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    17 miles
    Website

    3. Conasauga River Camp

    2 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    19 miles

    "Lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals, and I imagine would be packed on weekends."

    "My go-to spot gets picked up during the fall A lot but best dispersed site I’ve found in a while"

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

    4 Reviews
    Cisco, GA
    21 miles

    "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!"

    5. SongBird Trail Camp (Cohutta WMA)

    1 Review
    Crandall, GA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    6. Conasauga River - Dispersed Site Sheeds Creek Road

    1 Review
    Cisco, GA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 338-3300

    "Right on the river and pit toilets close by."

    7. Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    14 Reviews
    Signal Mountain, TN
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (423) 658-5551

    "Prentice Cooper is an amazing place and offers two campgrounds and several backcountry camping spots."

    "We loved exploring Prentice Cooper State Forest! What a gem! We actually stayed in one of the camping areas, but next time we'd like to backpack instead."

    8. Lost Creek - Cherokee NF

    9 Reviews
    Reliance, TN
    31 miles
    Website

    "The lost cove campground can be found deep in the wilderness of the Cherokee National Forest outside of Benton, TN. The campground is operated and maintained by the USFS."

    "We chose a spot next to the creek. Was clear and flowing due to a lot of rain the few days before we arrived. Sites had concrete picnic tables and a pad. We had to clean ours when we arrived."

    9. Tennessee Wall Camp

    3 Reviews
    Lookout Mountain, TN
    26 miles

    "We really enjoyed our night tent camping here."

    10. Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    5 Reviews
    Rising Fawn, GA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (865) 210-2914

    "Road is pretty well maintained, spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping. We were never bothered and it’s right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail."

    "If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Cohutta, GA

44 Photos of 27 Cohutta Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cohutta, GA

60 Reviews of 27 Cohutta Campgrounds

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2022

    Big Creek Primitive Camping Area

    Remote Primitive Camping

    This is a great off grid camping spot along a creek. There are about 7 spots here with most of them each able to hold multiple vehicles and set ups. We had 3 vehicles (two with rooftop tents and one with a small teardrop trailer) and we still had room for more set ups in the spot we set up in. All the sites have at least 1 fire ring, most had multiple.

    This is primitive camping, so there are no facilities (no bathhouse, no power, no dump station, no trash, ect). It's all pack it in, pack it out. We had no service with Verizon. 

    This is also bear country, so you need to practice bear safety with your food and trash. We did not see any bears in camp, but did spot one just down the road the morning we were leaving. 

    There is hiking in the area and there are areas in the creek deep enough for wading and soaking. 

    This is along Forest Service Road 221 which this section of FS 221 shares driving trails such as the Big Frog Loop, the Georgia Traverse, and the Trans America Trail (TAT), so there could be lots of traffic with overlanders, adventure bikers, and off-roaders.

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Pretty Decent Place to Stay

    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. Also GPS isn’t perfect. It will take u to someone’s private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2024

    Creekside Camp

    Very primitive

    No picnic tables or pit toilets. Flat campsites next to a very nice creek.

  • Roy B.
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Remote. Field.

    34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321

    Stayed here a number of times during each of the four seasons. Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing).  Access is by gravel roads. There are bears in the area and they love food. (A fed bear is a dead bear-please don't leave any food out and scare them away if they come around.)

    No amenities. Lake Conasauga is nearby which has some amenities. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River. One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc. There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north.

    I will post some photos of nearby Bald Mountain and the trail head for Tearbritches Trail. Other photos of the area here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbinv/albums/72157634085883873

    (N34 51.670 W84 38.120) This leads over the highest western-most mountain in the eastern U.S., and then down to Bray Field at the junction of Tearbritches Creek and the Conasauga River(N34 53.897 W84 37.296)- It is a long steep grade down to the Conasauga(1-way distance is 3.4 miles)| 30 August 2013

    Here are some notes I took about the vegetation in the area:

    The north-northeasterly facing slope of Bald Mountain within a half-mile of the summit, elevation 4005'. Mostly New York Fern(Thelypteris noveboracensis) here, but also saw Hay-scented(Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Cinnamon(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and Interrupted Ferns(Osmunda claytoniana) in this immediate area. New York Ferns are common throughout the widerness| Tearbritches Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, N. Georgia Mountains| 30 August 2013

  • Cole T.
    May. 14, 2021

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed

    Great

    Prentice Cooper is an amazing place and offers two campgrounds and several backcountry camping spots. There is a campground not too far after pulling in the gravel road that has some really nice spots. The other campground requires you to drive down a gravel road for approximately 7 miles and then down some trails that require high clearance. This campground is nice and tooked into the woods with a pond nearby. There are several OHV trails in prentice Cooper and the place can get very crowded on the weekends. Definitely recommend going during the week.

  • Roy B.
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

    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.) 

    The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

    The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

    This area is fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though. (It takes patience and a while to get here.) This is a popular mountain bike area and the cyclists can easily hit speeds of 30MPH on the sketchy downhills.

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Large Dispersed Camping Field

    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 the Big Frog Loop and Georgia Traverse). There are multiple fire rings established around the field and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

  • Michael M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2022

    Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA

    Good dispersed camping at the blue hole

    It has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good. An the do have a handicap access area for rvs to do disperse camping also an parking for the bluehole ...no one to bother you!

  • Ava R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 13, 2023

    Prentice Cooper State Forest Camp

    Quiet but muddy

    This is a great FREE spot right outside the hunters entrance of prentice cooper state forest. There are about 12 spots and it wasn’t crowded when we came on a Saturday. It is a bit muddy but it is manageable.

Guide to Cohutta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cohutta, Georgia, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the serene wilderness. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

  • Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area is perfect for those seeking a remote experience, with no amenities and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
  • The gravel roads leading to this site can be rough, but many vehicles, including sedans, have made the journey, making it accessible for various campers.
  • Wildlife enthusiasts should be cautious of bears in the area, as they are known to frequent the vicinity, especially if food is left out.

Top activities while free camping near Cohutta

  • Hiking is a must, with trails like Tearbritches Trail and Emery Creek Trail starting near the Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, offering breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
  • For those looking to cool off, the nearby Lake Conasauga provides opportunities for swimming and fishing, just a short distance from the camping area.
  • Campers can enjoy stargazing in this low-light pollution area, especially on clear nights, making it ideal for viewing the Milky Way.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Cohutta, Georgia

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, as many sites, like Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp, have no trash disposal facilities.
  • Bring your own water, as many dispersed sites, including Murrays Lake Primitive, do not offer drinking water or sanitation facilities.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions and rough terrain; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for accessing some of the more remote areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Cohutta?

Dispersed camping in Cohutta Wilderness is generally free but follows standard US Forest Service regulations. Campsites at Lost Creek - Cherokee NF and similar areas in the national forest require proper waste disposal using bear-proof trash bins where provided. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply where facilities aren't available. Campfires are permitted in existing fire rings, but may be restricted during dry conditions or fire bans. Camping is typically limited to 14 consecutive days. Be aware that some areas like Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed may have seasonal closures during hunting seasons. Always check current regulations with the Chattahoochee National Forest office before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Cohutta Wilderness?

Dispersed camping is available throughout the Cohutta Wilderness area. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area offers a large field for camping along Conasauga Lake Road, popular with both hikers and overlanders. It sits at the base of Bald Mountain with access to Emery Creek and Tear Britches trails. Another option is Hidden Creek Campground, though it's a bit off the highway with some pot holes to navigate. Look for the wooden sign as GPS may direct you to nearby private property. The wilderness area offers numerous other dispersed sites along forest service roads, with spots typically marked by established fire rings.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Cohutta Wilderness?

Dispersed camping in Cohutta Wilderness is truly primitive with minimal amenities. Big Creek Primitive Camping Area offers off-grid camping along a creek with spacious sites that can accommodate multiple vehicles, but no developed facilities. Similarly, Creekside Camp provides flat campsites beside a creek but no picnic tables or pit toilets. Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings, and some areas like Conasauga River Camp have access to fresh water from streams (which should be filtered or treated). Cell service is limited throughout the wilderness. Be prepared to be fully self-sufficient with all necessary supplies including water, waste disposal bags, and toilet paper.

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