Best Dispersed Camping near Murrayville, GA

Several dispersed camping areas dot the Chattahoochee National Forest near Murrayville, Georgia. Primitive sites are found along forest service roads and creek-side locations, with notable areas including Justus Creek, Dicks Creek Falls, Preacher's Rock, and Jones Creek dispersed campgrounds. These free sites typically feature simple clearings with established fire rings but lack amenities. Camping locations range from creek-adjacent spots to mountain overlooks along the Appalachian Trail, with sites like Cowrock Mountain offering ridge-top camping opportunities.

Access to most dispersed sites requires travel on unpaved forest roads that range from well-maintained gravel to rough, rutted paths. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching sites like Jones Creek and Indian Grave Gap, while some locations like Justus Creek and High Shoals Falls require hiking in. Most areas permit campfires when no fire bans are in effect, but campers must bring their own water as drinking sources are generally unavailable. A review noted that at Jones Creek, "you can drive to the locations on a decent narrow dirt road," though the area "seems to be popular for local dirt bikers." Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days in a 30-day period.

These primitive camping areas provide varying degrees of seclusion and natural features. Creekside sites offer the peaceful sound of running water, while higher elevation spots deliver mountain views. One camper described High Shoals Falls Trail as "a relatively moderate 2.4 mile hike with primitive camping/backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek" where "the cool waters of High Shoals Creek offer rewarding refreshment." Sites at Dicks Creek Falls include "5 or 6 spots available for first come first serve camping" with "a couple closer to water but most are more remote." Campers should be prepared for minimal facilities, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles, as several reviews mentioned finding debris from previous visitors.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Murrayville, Georgia (26)

    1. Justus Creek Campsite

    1 Review
    Suches, GA
    19 miles

    "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."

    2. Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road

    1 Review
    Suches, GA
    19 miles

    "They have a couple closer to water but most are more remote. There is a 3 mile long dirt road to travel on."

    4. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground

    1 Review
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    19 miles

    "Dont park where the map tells you, you can drive to the locations on a decent narrow dirt road.

    When we first arrived, the camp site we chose was on the river, but also off the main road."

    5. Cowrock Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, GA
    21 miles

    "Dispersed camp sites at or near the summit of Cowrock Mountain offer wonderfully shaded spots with long range views of the Blue Ridge."

    "This section of the AT isn’t easy breezy, but it levels out and the trees thin out on the mountain ridges to relatively open, flat land for camping Ran into som AT’ers packing up for the morning."

    6. Indian Grave Gap Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    28 miles
    Website

    "All three have creek access. We picked the single on the other side. Not a lot of flat ground options. Each site is huge."

    "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."

    7. High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed

    1 Review
    Helen, GA
    29 miles
    Website

    "A relatively moderate 2.4 mile (round trip) hike with primitive camping/ backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek."

    8. Corbin Creek Tray Mountain

    2 Reviews
    Helen, GA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6928

    "A 4wd with moderate clearance is helpful. Wonderful stream running through the campsite."

    "This is by far my favorite place we’ve been off grid camping. It’s more Jeep friendly than full size vehicles, to get a spot down by the creek."

    10. Miller Branch Camp

    1 Review
    Hiawassee, SC
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 745-6928
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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Murrayville, GA

28 Reviews of 26 Murrayville Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Unicoi Gap Dispersed

    Helen Hideaway

    Free dispersed primitive camping minutes from Helen Ga and local wineries. Great spot next to the creek. Quiet and any potential neighbors are far enough away that you have total privacy

  • B
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Jones Creek Dispersed Campground

    Beautiful but popular

    Dont park where the map tells you, you can drive to the locations on a decent narrow dirt road.

    When we first arrived, the camp site we chose was on the river, but also off the main road. This area seems to be popular for local dirt bikers, but we seen people fishing and relaxing all the same.

    I would have gave 5 stars, but these sites are well used and has years of careless debris around. We also heard some folks shooting guns( in the distance), which isn’t a problem for us, but reduced the relaxing nature of the visit with all this combined.

    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.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2023

    Panther Top Dispersed Site

    Panther Top Dispersed

    Great spot right on the little lake. You can hear the gun range from the Camp Spot, but it is barely noticeable. There are two main spots right on the lake that are set up for tent camping. My overland rig fit in the small parking area fine, but I had to find a few rocks to level my truck so the rooftop tent was level. It is obviously a spot that locals come to party on the weekends but I had no issues. There looks like there are only 2 primary camping spots with fire rings and tent pads. My spot had a picnic table and two tent pads, a pole for your lantern and was just feet from the lake. Lots of fish jumping and I caught a 1 pound large mouth bass on a silver spinning lure. Over all a great spot. No bugs, but you will likely need to bring firewood, as all of the fallen trees had been scavenged. Since there are only two spot, definitely have a backup plan, especially on the weekends.

  • Damion V.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2019

    High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed

    Semi-secluded Camping in the Chattahoochee NF

    A relatively moderate 2.4 mile (round trip) hike with primitive camping/ backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek. 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. The cool waters of High Shoals Creek offer rewarding refreshment after a day of exploring the various wildflowers and plant life while serving as a soothing sound to fall asleep too while stargazing.

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2021

    Mooney to Bearpen Gap Backcountry Campground

    Small Wooded Backcountry Site

    This is a small site along the AT that has a nice clearing and enough space for 1-2 tents with an established fire pit. Check out my video review below to get a better idea of the site layout. The major thing I would be aware of is that this site can get a little flooded after heavy rain. There is also not an easy access water source nearby so either be prepared to hike a little distance or carry in what you will need for the night. Overall though even though it isn't the best site in the area it is close to some incredible overlook spots and in a beautiful area so well worth a visit.

  • t
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Soggy Boot Campground

    Difficult to find after dusk but awesome spot for 4WD cars

    We came looking for this campsite past dark and after a half hour of driving on a gravel road we gave up searching and just parked on the side of the road for the night.

    In the morning we went hunting for the campground and ended up finding at least 10 campsites scattered throughout the mountain and road. The coordinates posted weren’t very helpful so the best way to find this location is to put into the GPS the name of the nearby retreat center called “Ramah Darom”. Once you get to the entrance keep continuing up the mountain. The road will stop being paved and you’ll have a gravel road to continue on that leads you to numerous sites.

    The sites arnt difficult to find in the daytime, just know there’s no signs or pointers to tell you which way to go.

    I’ll post some pictures to help you find where some of the sites are.

    The sites are primitive, with just fire rings but its definitely a cute spot to spend the night.

    I don’t recommend RV’s.

  • Clay A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2018

    Cowrock Mountain

    Beautiful Views on the AT

    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)

  • Kelsey G.
    May. 3, 2019

    Cowrock Mountain

    Tough Chunck of AT with mountain top views

    This section of the AT isn’t easy breezy, but it levels out and the trees thin out on the mountain ridges to relatively open, flat land for camping Ran into som AT’ers packing up for the morning. The out and back trail ends at the AT shelter. Halfway through the hike you’re greeted by a flat rock face and these views.


Guide to Murrayville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Murrayville, Georgia, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Murrayville

  • Enjoy breathtaking views and shaded spots at Cowrock Mountain, where you can set up camp right off the Appalachian Trail and soak in the scenery.
  • Experience the refreshing waters of Justus Creek at Justus Creek Campsite, perfect for rinsing off after a day of hiking and enjoying the sounds of nature.
  • Explore the stunning waterfalls at High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed, where you can hike alongside beautiful creeks and lush vegetation.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Dicks Creek Falls

  • The Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road offer a few first-come, first-served spots, making it a great choice for spontaneous trips.
  • With a short drive down a dirt road, you can access multiple sites that lead to the creek, providing a perfect backdrop for fishing and relaxation.
  • This area is popular in the summer, so arriving early can help you secure a prime spot near the water.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Murrayville, Georgia

  • When visiting Jones Creek Dispersed Campground, be prepared for a lively atmosphere, as it attracts local dirt bikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Always hang your food securely to avoid attracting wildlife, especially in areas like Justus Creek Campsite, where bears have been spotted.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider hiking into High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed, where you can find primitive campsites nestled among the trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Murrayville, GA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Murrayville, GA is Justus Creek Campsite with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Murrayville, GA?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 dispersed camping locations near Murrayville, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.