The Rocky Face area of Georgia sits along the edge of the Cohutta Mountains with elevations ranging from 800 to 4,000 feet. Dispersed camping options concentrate around several Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and national forest lands. Road access varies from well-maintained gravel to challenging forest service roads requiring high clearance vehicles, especially after rainfall when mud can create hazardous conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Multiple spots offer access to freshwater fishing, particularly along the Conasauga River. At Conasauga River Camp, campers enjoy "a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river" that's "accessible easily from a 2WD just off of a long gravel road." Bring fishing gear as the area is known for good catches.
Mountain hiking: The region features numerous trails of varying difficulty. At Jack's River Falls Trail/Cohutta Wilderness Backcountry Group Camp, one reviewer described it as "a tough trail but good for teens looking to challenge themselves in the back country. The views are amazing with rock falls." Most hiking trails connect to water features.
Stargazing: Free camping near Rocky Face, Georgia offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. One camper at Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area noted it's "one of my favorite types of spots: remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains" and suggested visitors "go here on a new moon night in the summer and you're sure to have a great night of uninterrupted beauty!"
What campers like
Solitude: Many dispersed sites provide privacy not found at developed campgrounds. A camper at Hidden Creek Campground shared, "It was quiet and we were alone so overall we enjoyed other than the deep potholes." Weekdays typically offer more seclusion than weekends.
Water access: Sites near creeks and rivers rank among the most popular. One reviewer at Tennessee Wall Camp commented on the "beautiful sites" with fire pits "scattered throughout a small clearing" near the water. Another mentioned there's "plenty of firewood to collect on site."
No-cost camping: Several areas offer free camping near Rocky Face, with minimal restrictions. Blue Hole Dispersed- Crockford-Pigeon Mountain WMA gets praised for being "a great FREE spot!" where campers "stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator." Another reviewer mentioned, "The camp sites are first come, first serve. They are free."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several areas shut down during winter months or hunting seasons. A visitor to Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed warns, "please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night."
Road conditions: Many access roads require careful navigation. At Hidden Creek Campground, a reviewer cautioned there are "a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn't recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle." Another mentioned, "GPS wants to take you to where the road dead ends but the actual turn off is before the end of the road."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack basic amenities. One camper at Blue Hole Dispersed noted, "If you like dispersed camping you'll probably enjoy it. If you prefer a campground, this is not for you." Another reviewer at Prentice Cooper warned about restroom facilities, stating "DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT even think of entering the 'restroom' at Davis Pond. They really should demolish it."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water play: Locations with shallow water access work well for families. At Conasauga River Camp, one camper described it as a "lovely little spot next to a very swimmable and warm crystal clear river - very popular with locals." The water features provide natural entertainment for children.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife are common in the area. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area reviews mention, "There are bears in the area and they love food" and advise visitors to "please don't leave any food out and scare them away if they come around."
Choose sites strategically: Some locations offer easier access than others for families with young children. At SongBird Trail Camp, a regular visitor described that "this area will speak for itself once you arrive. It's very peaceful and calming, beautiful hikes, pretty nature, and great memories!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. At Blue Hole Dispersed, campers successfully stayed with "our 21' pop up camper with our generator" and mentioned that "spots are good size, some only large enough for tent/car camping."
Limited leveling options: Be prepared with blocks or levelers as many sites feature uneven terrain. One reviewer at Ball Field noted, "The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van."
Plan for self-sufficiency: No hookups or dump stations exist at most sites. A reviewer at Blue Hole Dispersed clarified it "has a blue hole an caves no electricity or running water but the camp sites are pretty good" and another mentioned they "never bothered and it's right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail."
