GA · Southeast
North Georgia Mountains
WanderRank's top underrated domestic pick for ATL locals. Cascading waterfalls, Appalachian Trail access, and the Chattahoochee National Forest all within 2 hours. Amicalola Falls is the longest east of the Rockies. Free dispersed camping on public land.
- 1.5 hours from Atlanta, the easiest possible escape from the city
- Multiple free or <$15 camping options in Chattahoochee National Forest
- Waterfalls everywhere: Raven Cliffs, Dukes Creek, Anna Ruby, DeSoto
- Appalachian Trail access: hike as little or as much as you want
- October color rivals Vermont at a fraction of the crowd level
Free camping near North Georgia Mountains
Chattahoochee NF: Cooper Creek Dispersed Area
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
One of the best free dispersed camping areas in the Southeast. Pull off anywhere along Cooper Creek Road. Cold clear stream, hemlock forest, excellent fishing. Less than 2 hours from Atlanta.
How to get there
From Blairsville GA, take US-19/129 south to GA-60. Turn north on GA-60, then right on Cooper Creek Road (FS-236). Free dispersed camping begins within 1 mile.
Chattahoochee NF: Toccoa River Dispersed
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Riverside dispersed camping along the Toccoa River. Popular with kayakers and fishermen. Several pullouts along FS road with direct river access.
How to get there
Take GA-60 north past Suches. The Toccoa River corridor runs alongside, so watch for NF dispersed signs.
Dispersed camping ground rules
- Usually a 14-night limit in one area, then you move on
- Camp at least 200 ft from water, trails and roads
- Pack out all trash. Leave no trace.
- Check local fire restrictions before building a campfire
- No potable water: bring or filter everything you drink
Rules vary by forest and BLM field office, so check with the local ranger district or field office before you go.
Find more free spots
Get an app like iOverlander to find places to camp on public land for free in the states. Other campers post what's there, how rough the road is and whether a ranger moved them on.
- iOverlander (opens in a new tab)Free. Campsites reported by other travelers, with recent notes on access, signal and rangers.
- Campendium (opens in a new tab)Free to browse. A map of free campsites across the US, much of it on public land, with reviews.
Spots change. Read the newest reports and any posted rules before you set up, and pack out everything you bring in.
When to go
- January
- February
- March: best month
- April: best month
- May: best month
- June
- July: month to skip
- August: month to skip
- September
- October: best month
- November: best month
- December
WanderRank Scores
Daily Cost
$10 to $40
per day (food + transit)
Campsites: $10/night
or free on nearby public land
Plus gas for the drive
Recommended Stay
2 to 4
days · easy difficulty
Drive time from your airport
Avoid if
- You expect Western mountain scale. These are rolling Appalachian ridges, not 14,000-ft peaks
- You're going on a fall color weekend. Every trailhead parking lot in Blue Ridge fills by 8am