Dispersed camping near Cisco, Georgia includes sites throughout the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area and Cherokee National Forest, with elevation ranging from 1,200 to 4,200 feet. Most camping options are found in mountainous terrain with dense forest cover and rapid weather changes, particularly in spring and fall. The region receives approximately 60 inches of annual rainfall, creating numerous creek-side camping opportunities.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: Visitors at Hickey Gap Campground can access a large waterfall approximately one mile down the trail. "There's a giant waterfall down the trail if you can make the trek," notes camper Julia B., who recommends bringing "a bathing suit and some good hiking shoes."
Swimming holes: Creek access is a major feature at many tent campsites near Cisco. At Lost Creek Campground, the adjacent creek offers natural swimming areas. One camper reports, "The highlight would definitely be the creek. There are spots that you can swim around in."
Whitewater activities: The Ocoee River, 20 minutes from most Cisco-area camping, offers class III-V rapids. According to one visitor at Outdoor Adventure Rafting Campground, "This is a great spot if you either want to go rafting for a weekend or spend the day tubing the lower Ocoee and have a campground all ready for you."
What campers like
Sunrise views: Several backcountry campsites offer sunrise viewing points. At Fort Mountain State Park Backcountry, site #4 provides special sunset access. "The best part of site #4 is that it's about 0.2 miles from a beautiful west facing overlook where I enjoyed the sunset," shares one camper.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, some sites maintain well-kept facilities. At Chilhowee Campground, a camper noted, "Our site was clean, shaded and level. We had plenty of space for our 6 x 12 converted cargo trailer camper and Outback, a pop up screen house for the dogs, and could have easily fit a tent or canopy as well."
Creek sounds: Many campsites near Cisco feature the natural white noise of flowing water. At Creekside Camp, the primitive sites sit directly beside a creek. One camper describes them as "Flat campsites next to a very nice creek," though notes there are "No picnic tables or pit toilets."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest service roads to camping areas can be challenging. One camper at Big Frog Area advises, "It's all uphill from Big Frog Trailhead to the summit though so be prepared with plenty of water."
Water sources: Most primitive camping areas lack reliable water. A hiker passing through Big Frog noted a campsite had "Very limited water sources nearby (some trickles on Big Frog north)," making it essential to pack in water.
Wildlife considerations: Snakes are common in summer and fall. One camper at Hickey Gap reported, "I saw 3 copper heads at the creek," requiring awareness when walking near water sources.
Cell service: Most camping locations have no cellular coverage. At Lost Creek, campers report "no Verizon cell reception," making it necessary to download maps and coordinates before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility concerns: Families with small children should consider whether remote sites match their needs. At Hickory Creek Trail Backcountry Campground, one camper reported: "We lost the trail several times and ended up doing a 1 night hike in then hike out the same way we came in the next day."
Seasonal planning: Late summer brings intense bug activity at creek-side sites. A visitor to Hickory Creek Trail noted, "We were hiking in the area in late summer hoping to do a 3 day/2 night loop... What we got was an overgrown buggy trail that wound through the woods."
Swimming options: Children enjoy the natural water features at many sites. Lost Creek Campground features "direct access to the creek" with a camper noting each site has "a concrete table, fire pit, and tent platform. Some have direct access to the creek."
Tips from RVers
Small trailer access: Most forest roads accommodate small trailers but require planning. At Chilhowee Group Camp, a camper with a "6 x 12 converted cargo trailer camper" found the site "clean, shaded and level" with enough room for their setup plus additional gear.
Road gradient challenges: Small RVs may struggle with steep forest roads. Lost Creek requires navigating "Gravel 7 miles to here" and a camper notes "I could see them being bad after a heavy storm."
