N
Noah W.
Guide
GuidePreacher's Rock
Sweeping view
Off the road trail leading up to Appalachian trail and incredible view. Very steep rocky switchbacks towards the top. Dispersed sites above the view, decent large spot near vault toilet.
Dispersed Camping near Oakwood, GA
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The Chattahoochee National Forest surrounding Oakwood, Georgia provides numerous dispersed campsites ranging from drive-in spots to hike-in primitive camping along creeks and mountain ridges. Free dispersed camping in this area covers a wide range of settings, from river-access sites to remote ridgeline spots, making it possible to find a fit whether you prefer vehicle access or a short trail hike. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground offers drive-in and walk-in access with fire pits and river access, though reviews indicate the sites show signs of heavy use. Justus Creek Campsite requires hiking in but rewards with creek-side camping. Several sites like Preacher's Rock and Cowrock Mountain require modest hikes but offer ridgeline views, while others like Mountain Side Overlook provide vehicle access with clearance being important for reaching most locations.
Most dispersed sites in the area require self-sufficiency as they lack facilities. No drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available at the majority of locations, with Corbin Creek Tray Mountain being a notable exception with drinking water. Many sites feature established fire rings, with camping generally free across these areas. Access varies significantly, with sites like Indian Grave Gap suitable for larger groups. A camper noted, "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 on both sides of the fork." High Shoals Falls Trail offers "primitive camping alongside High Shoals Creek" with the bonus of two waterfalls and the soothing sounds of flowing water.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Oakwood (15)
1. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground
"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."
2. Dicks Creek Falls Campsites off Main Road
"They have a couple closer to water but most are more remote. There is a 3 mile long dirt road to travel on."
"It was along the road and there were a few cars driving past during the night but not enough to bother us or make us feel unsafe at all."
3. Preacher's Rock
"Off the road trail leading up to Appalachian trail and incredible view. Very steep rocky switchbacks towards the top. Dispersed sites above the view, decent large spot near vault toilet."
4. Justus Creek Campsite
"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."
5. Cowrock Mountain
"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. Pullout Chattahoochee NF
7. Indian Grave Gap Campsite
"All three have creek access. We picked the single on the other side. Not a lot of flat ground options. Each site is huge."
"Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road."
8. Corbin Creek Tray Mountain
"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."
9. High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed
"A relatively moderate 2.4 mile (round trip) hike with primitive camping/ backpacking campsites alongside High Shoals Creek."
"Rough drive up, AWD recommended. Great secluded campsites 0.5-1.0 mile hike-in. Moderate hike, downhill to campsite, uphill to get out."
10. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area
"Nice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some."
"Great location small river but absolutely NO Cell service of any kind."
Drive Time
- 7 min from Gainesville, GA
- 43 min from Atlanta, GA
- 51 min from Athens, GA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Oakwood, GA
12 Photos of 15 Oakwood Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oakwood, GA
17 Reviews of 15 Oakwood Campgrounds
- NNoah W.Guide
High Shoals Falls Trail Dispersed
Hiking In
Rough drive up, AWD recommended. Great secluded campsites 0.5-1.0 mile hike-in. Moderate hike, downhill to campsite, uphill to get out. Larger group sites near creek, great small site right across from Blue Hole.
Dad H.
ScoutMountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Great location
Great location small river but absolutely NO Cell service of any kind.
Leah S.
TravelerJones Creek Dispersed Campground
Creekside for larger groups
Multiple creekside spots for large groups. We have over 12 adults and 8-9 cars. No cell service. Dog friendly.
Jeff P.GuideIndian Grave Gap Campsite
This is a great spot for anything up to an off-road teardrop
These sites are not where Dyrt says they are. The previous reviewer described them well and they have a couple of small creeks running past. Tents to the west, anything including a small off-road camper for the two sites to the east of the road. This is one of those sites I'll probably return to
The true location is just south of the High Falls Trailhead. 34.80718,-83.72466
Audrey C.ScoutIndian Grave Gap Campsite
Private and peaceful
Great site, plenty of space, very private and peaceful.
Ernesto H.GuidePreacher's Rock
Increíbles las vistas desde aquí
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. No hay agua cerca. Y los baños están 40 minutos montaña abajo.
- TThe M.Scout
Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Great spot!
Nice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some.
Darwin R.TravelerIndian Grave Gap Campsite
ADV Bike Motocamping
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.
Guide to Oakwood
The Chattahoochee National Forest around Oakwood offers numerous free dispersed camping options accessible via forest service roads. Jones Creek and Dicks Creek Falls provide stream-side primitive sites with established fire rings but no facilities. Most locations require decent ground clearance, with Corbin Creek Tray Mountain and Indian Grave Gap demanding 4WD vehicles to navigate steep, rocky terrain. Sites typically accommodate tents and hammocks, though some areas like Mountain Side Overlook can fit small RVs with adequate clearance.
Several camping areas sit near notable natural features and hiking trails. Justus Creek Campsite and Cowrock Mountain offer Appalachian Trail access with dispersed sites suitable for backpackers. High Shoals Falls Trail provides primitive camping near two waterfalls with swimming holes, while Preacher's Rock features mountaintop sites with expansive views. A camper noted, "These sites are well used and has years of careless debris around," reflecting the need to practice Leave No Trace principles. Most areas permit campfires except during seasonal restrictions, but none provide drinking water, toilets, or other amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed
campsite near Oakwood, GA?
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Oakwood, GA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Oakwood, GA is Jones Creek Dispersed Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dispersed camping near
Oakwood, GA?
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Oakwood, GA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Oakwood, GA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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