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Best Dispersed Camping near Allatoona Lake

11 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas exist in the mountain regions north of Allatoona Lake, Georgia. Hidden Creek Campground features primitive sites requiring vehicles with adequate clearance due to deep potholes. A wooden sign marks the public access point, as GPS directions often lead to private property. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground offers free riverside camping with easy water access, though sites show signs of heavy use.

The Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area in Cohutta Wildlife Management Area provides a large sloped field with multiple fire rings suitable for group camping. Located at the base of Bald Mountain near Lake Conasauga, this remote area requires travel on rough gravel forest roads. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain WMA and Justus Creek Campsite offer additional primitive options. Most dispersed sites enforce a 14-day camping limit and have seasonal fire restrictions. According to one visitor, "This is one of my favorite types of spots: remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains." No drinking water or facilities are available at these locations, and cell service ranges from intermittent to nonexistent.

Map showing campgrounds near Allatoona Lake, GeorgiaExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Allatoona Lake (7)

    1. Hidden Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Calhoun, GA
    33 miles

    "A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle."

    "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. The first road is pretty nice but then the road forks."

    2. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    5 Reviews
    Crandall, GA
    48 miles
    Website

    "This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) "

    "This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on"

    3. Jones Creek Dispersed Campground

    1 Review
    Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, GA
    42 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."

    4. Mountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Cherry Log, GA
    46 miles
    Website

    "Nice firepit, hiking across the way. 4x4 is not required, but ground clearance makes it non-accessible to some."

    5. SongBird Trail Camp (Cohutta WMA)

    1 Review
    Crandall, GA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (706) 695-6736

    6. Justus Creek Campsite

    1 Review
    Suches, GA
    49 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."

    7. Hightower Gap Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Suches, GA
    47 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Allatoona Lake

21 Photos of 7 Allatoona Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Allatoona Lake

11 Reviews of 7 Allatoona Lake Campgrounds

  • hThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Pretty Decent Place to Stay

    A little farther off the highway than I wanted to go, but definitely a solid free campsite. There are a few substantial pot holes, so wouldn’t recommend for someone driving a super low vehicle. Also GPS isn’t perfect. It will take u to someone’s private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use.

  • Roy B.
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

    This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) 

    The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

    The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

    This area is fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though. (It takes patience and a while to get here.) This is a popular mountain bike area and the cyclists can easily hit speeds of 30MPH on the sketchy downhills.

  • Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Large Dispersed Camping Field

    This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on the Big Frog Loop and Georgia Traverse). There are multiple fire rings established around the field and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

  • Roy B.
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Remote. Field.

    34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321

    Stayed here a number of times during each of the four seasons. Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing).  Access is by gravel roads. There are bears in the area and they love food. (A fed bear is a dead bear-please don't leave any food out and scare them away if they come around.)

    No amenities. Lake Conasauga is nearby which has some amenities. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River. One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc. There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north.

    I will post some photos of nearby Bald Mountain and the trail head for Tearbritches Trail. Other photos of the area here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbinv/albums/72157634085883873

    (N34 51.670 W84 38.120) This leads over the highest western-most mountain in the eastern U.S., and then down to Bray Field at the junction of Tearbritches Creek and the Conasauga River(N34 53.897 W84 37.296)- It is a long steep grade down to the Conasauga(1-way distance is 3.4 miles)| 30 August 2013

    Here are some notes I took about the vegetation in the area:

    The north-northeasterly facing slope of Bald Mountain within a half-mile of the summit, elevation 4005'. Mostly New York Fern(Thelypteris noveboracensis) here, but also saw Hay-scented(Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Cinnamon(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and Interrupted Ferns(Osmunda claytoniana) in this immediate area. New York Ferns are common throughout the widerness| Tearbritches Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, N. Georgia Mountains| 30 August 2013

  • 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.

  • Robyn W.
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Hidden Creek Campground

    Very Decent Primitive Spot

    Overall we enjoyed this stay! 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. 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. The road then opens up to a four way, we kept going straight, followed the road down and then came to three sites all empty. It was quiet and we were alone so overall we enjoyed other than the deep potholes. Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn’t too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well. We were there on a Friday

  • Tyler J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 19, 2020

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Dispersed & wonderful view of Southern sky

    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. Go here on a new moon night in the summer and you're sure to have a great night of uninterrupted beauty!

  • Gabrielle D.
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

    Group camping

    First location was Hickey Gap, we got there around 1 on a Friday and it was full so we headed to the primitive group camping site. Gravel road, lots of rocks included, and dust but if your not worried about your car do it! We had an suv but I saw a handful of sedans that made it up. We got to the group site at 1:20 or so and there was only one person at first but slowly people start trickling in. We stayed 2 nights but a lot of people stayed for 1. The look out driving up is awesome and the lake it gorgeous. Watch out for bears.

Guide to Allatoona Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Allatoona Lake in Georgia, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor adventures without the crowds. This area offers a variety of spots for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Scenic River Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The Jones Creek Dispersed Campground provides access to a picturesque river, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water.
  • Visitors have noted the beauty of the river and its low current, making it ideal for wading and enjoying the surrounding nature.
  • While the area is popular with local dirt bikers, it still offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to unwind in a natural setting.

Adventure Awaits at Hidden Creek

  • Hidden Creek Campground is known for its remote location and quiet atmosphere, making it a great choice for solitude seekers.
  • The access road can be challenging due to deep potholes, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended for those venturing in.
  • Campers have enjoyed the freedom to explore the area without the need for permits, allowing for a more spontaneous outdoor experience.

Perfect Spot for Stargazing

  • The Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area is a favorite among stargazers due to its remote location and minimal light pollution.
  • With multiple fire rings available, this area is perfect for gathering around a campfire while enjoying the night sky.
  • Hikers can easily access nearby trails, making it a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free dispersed camping at Allatoona Lake?

While Allatoona Lake itself has limited free dispersed camping options, nearby alternatives exist. Hidden Creek Campground offers free dispersed camping within driving distance of Allatoona Lake. This solid free campsite requires navigating some pot holes, so it's not ideal for low-clearance vehicles. When searching for the entrance, look for the big wooden sign rather than relying solely on GPS, which can lead to private property. Free dispersed camping in the area typically means primitive sites without amenities like running water or electrical hookups.

How do I get to the dispersed camping areas at Allatoona Lake?

To reach dispersed camping areas near Allatoona Lake, precise navigation is essential. For Jones Creek Dispersed Campground, don't park where map applications direct you—instead, continue on the narrow dirt road to reach actual camping locations along the river. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area is accessible via Conasauga Lake Road, though the gravel road contains rocks and can be dusty. While SUVs handle the terrain better, sedans can make it with careful driving. Look for established fire rings around the field to identify camping spots.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Allatoona Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Allatoona Lake is Hidden Creek Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Allatoona Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Allatoona Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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