Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Sidney Lanier

Dispersed camp sites at or near the summit of Cowrock Mountain offer wonderfully shaded spots with long range views of the Blue Ridge. Perfect spot for hammocks or tents right off the trail with large rocky outcrops for your views. Easy enough to set up a small fire ring right on the edge for night-time relaxing. There is a water source about .5 miles west on the AT at Baggs Creek Gap or ~1.5 miles east at Hogpen Gap. Closest road access is down the mountain about a mile west at Tesnatee Gap on GA Hwy 348 (Richard B Russell Scenic Hwy)

After one of my favorite stretches of hiking we got to this campsite along the AT. 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. The creek was absolutely freezing cold in July, it was great to rinse some clothes and ourselves off. It was definitely one of our best nights sleep listening to the water!

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. We picked the single on the other side. 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. You can pull your car into the site easily. It’s about a mile from the High Shoals Trailhead. Both waterfalls are lovely. One has a nice swimming hole. The closest town is Hiawasee. Had a grocery and an outfitters if you need supplies. There’s only two sit down restaurants—one had an hour wait; the other had run out of food.

If you’re anywhere near Helen, GA on an ADV Bike, this summit is for you. There are three routes up the mountain so you never have to double back. There are more primitive sites at the top of the mountain (not where the Dyrt pin was dropped) on both sides of the fork. Suitable for tents and hammocks. There is one site that would support a large group or even a camper (or two) if you can get them up the steep rocky hunting trail. Sites were mostly clean with rock fire pits.