Primitive camping near Lebanon, Georgia offers rustic camping opportunities across several wildlife management areas and national forestlands. These sites typically sit at elevations between 1,500-4,000 feet in the southern Appalachians. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer brings average highs near 85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, particularly in July and August.
What to do
Creek exploration: Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area provides access to several waterways for wading and swimming. "The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area," notes Roy B., who camped there in late 2021. Many visitors mention the Cohutta Wilderness trails accessible from this location.
Stargazing: Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "This is one of my favorite types of spots: remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains. I searched on terrain maps for some of the best south facing skies for a great view of the belt of the milky way," shares Tyler J.
Hiking: Preacher's Rock provides summit camping with panoramic views. "Hay como 3 sitios para casas de campaña pequeñas. Es en la cima de una montaña, la subida son unos 40 minutos, al final se vuelve más exigente si lleva mochila grande," explains Ernesto H., noting the challenging 40-minute uphill hike carrying gear.
What campers like
Waterfall access: Dicks Creek Falls Campsites offers campsites near multiple waterfall formations. "There is a 3 mile long dirt road to travel on. There is one large set of falls towards beginning of dirtroad with a porta potty at parking area. Most day users here. The further up you go, you have many spots to pull off to access the creek," explains Lacy S.
Solitude and views: Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area provides camping with scenic vistas. "Nice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some," notes a reviewer identified as The M.
Water features: Jones Creek Dispersed Campground features riverside camping opportunities. "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," shares Billie P., who camped there in 2024.
What you should know
Road conditions: Hidden Creek Campground requires navigating challenging access roads. "The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks. We went right which goes up, passed an open gate followed the road LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES," warns Robyn W. Vehicle clearance remains a significant consideration for accessing many primitive sites.
Navigation challenges: GPS reliability varies considerably throughout the region. "GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road on the right where the big wood sign is," explains Robyn W. regarding Hidden Creek Campground. Several reviewers mention GPS directing visitors to private property.
Bear activity: Wildlife encounters are common at these primitive sites. "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," notes Maria A. about camping at Justus Creek. Food storage protocols are essential.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Justus Creek Campsite offers cooling water features for hot weather camping. "The creek was absolutely freezing cold in July, it was great to rinse some clothes and ourselves off," notes Maria A., highlighting natural water features that children often enjoy.
Group camping considerations: Mountain Side Overlook accommodates larger family groups with established fire pits and room for multiple tents. Higher clearance vehicles may be needed, as one reviewer notes: "4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some."
Site selection timing: Popular primitive sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "We got there around 1 on a Friday and it was full so we headed to the primitive group camping site," shares Gabrielle D. about Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, suggesting earlier arrival times for families seeking preferred locations.
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: The primitive roads leading to most dispersed sites require careful navigation. "We had an suv but I saw a handful of sedans that made it up," notes Gabrielle D. about accessing Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, though most RV users recommend high-clearance vehicles for safely traversing forest roads.
Limited amenities: All primitive camping areas near Lebanon lack hookups and dumping facilities. RVers should arrive fully self-contained with adequate water supplies. Hidden Creek Campground visitor Heidi H. confirms these are "definitely a solid free campsite" but emphasizes preparation is essential.
Leveling challenges: Uneven terrain characterizes many sites. "The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van," advises Steve V. about Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for any RV camping in these areas.
