
Dispersed (primitive) camping—Dispersed camping is available in multiple locations throughout the forest, and is intended to provide a rustic, less manicured and natural experience. Whether you decide to camp within a Congressionally-designated Wilderness or the general forest area, we ask that you follow the principles of Leave No Trace. By leaving no trace you are reducing your impact to the natural environment and preserving the quality of experience for f...
Dispersed (primitive) camping—Dispersed camping is available in multiple locations throughout the forest, and is intended to provide a rustic, less manicured and natural experience. Whether you decide to camp within a Congressionally-designated Wilderness or the general forest area, we ask that you follow the principles of Leave No Trace. By leaving no trace you are reducing your impact to the natural environment and preserving the quality of experience for future visitors. Basic Leave No Trace principles include the following:
- Secure all food and keep safe from bears.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Do not leave campfires unattended.
- Be sure to completely put out any campfire before leaving your site unattended.
Please click here to view details of all Leave No Trace principles and suggestions for safety when camping.
In addition to these general rules, Regional Foresters and Forest Supervisors may issue orders which close or restrict use of certain areas when the need arises. The purpose of these types of closures would be to protect human life and to prevent damage to natural resources. Copies of these orders can be found in any Forest Service office. Many times they are posted on the information board at a recreation site, as well.
[Expand Text]
Dispersed Camping Areas
-
Appalachian Trail in Georgia
-
Blue Ridge Ranger District
The Blue Ridge Ranger District is the central part of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The district office is on the north side of US Highway 76, 1.5 miles west of the intersection of US 76 and US 19 in the town of Blairesville, GA.
Recreation Activity Overview
-
Chattooga River District
The Chattooga River Ranger District covers 261,035 acres in the northeast part of Georgia. Terrain ranges from the Piedmont in the southern part of the district to Georgia's second highest mountain, Rabun Bald at 4,696 feet above sea level. To the east is the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. In the central part of the district are Lake Burton, Seed Lake, and Lake Rabun where you'll find the Rabun Beach Campground. In the western part of the district are the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River and the Upper Chattahoochee River Campground. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes through the district. There are many waterfalls across the district including the twin waterfalls of Anna Ruby Falls Scenic Area. Take your time exploring the district on this website and feel free to give them a call for more information.

Looking southeast from the Dukes Creek Falls recreation area we see Mount Yonah in the distance about 6 miles away.
-
Chattooga River Trail
-
Wildcat Creek Road Corridor
-
Conasauga Ranger District
The Conasauga Ranger District covers the western third of the Chattahoochee National Forest. A diverse set of landscapes make up the Conasauga district, from the ridges and valleys west of Interstate 75 to the Cohutta Mountains northeast of Chatsworh, GA.
As you'll find in the links below, this part of the forest offers some of the best scenery and outdoor recreational activities in north Georgia.
-
Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area
-
Bear Creek Trail
-
Pinhoti Trail in Georgia
-
Oconee Ranger District
Approximately 60 miles southeast of Atlanta, the Oconee National Forest is an easy drive and has much to offer those in the heart of the state. Boasting group campsites, the largest lake in the state, and recreational opportunities galore, the Oconee District is one not to miss.

The swimming area at Lake Sinclair is a great summer time get away.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/conf/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=10454&actid=34