Camping is a time-honored tradition in Georgia that draws crowds from all over the country each season. Whether you’re camping high in the North Georgia mountains, or along the Georgia coast, our state has some pretty phenomenal camping spots. But what if we told you there were a few incredible campgrounds in Georgia, where no reservation was required? Sounds too good to be true, right? Except…

1. Conasauga District's Cohutta Wildlife Management Area
Flickr Doug Bradley
This is a beautifully stunning Wildlife Management Area-run campground along the Conasauga District’s Cohutta Mountains. There are two designated campgrounds here, both with equally enjoyable views and a ton of sites. With more than 95,000 acres of land at your disposal, you’ll never run out of land to scavenge and hike.
2. Dawson Forest WMA - Wildcat Creek
Google/Thomson M.
Dawson Forest is over 10,000-acres of public use forest, maintained by the WMA, as well. Camping is allowed anywhere on WMAs or National Forest land unless otherwise specified. This means that you can arrive, set up shop, and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer in Georgia for free, or for a small fee.
3. Hickey Gap Campground
Flickr Stanislav Vitebskiy
Hickey Gap Campground is located in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in the same area as the Cohutta WMA. Driving along Mill Creek Road, simply follow the signs to Lake Conasauga. After almost a mile and a half, Hickey Gap Campground begins. While camping, make sure to hike to Mill Creek Falls for a quick dip in the water!
4. 6-Mile Put-in Campground - Amicalola River
Amicalola Church Road, Amicalola Church Rd, Georgia, USA
Flickr Mike Boening Photography
Along the Amicalola River, you'll find six spots available for primitive camping. It's first come, first served, so no reservations are required, however, you will need to pay a small fee for a license or Georgia pass. Just make sure you bring out what you brought in. They do have fire rings, so firewood is a must if you want to start a campfire.

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5. Rood Creek Park
Rood Creek Landing Road, Rood Creek Landing Rd, Georgia 31821, USA
Flickr Mr. Seb
Located near the famed Lake Eufaula Rood Creek Park is a small alcove of the lake open year round with 30, no reservation camping sites. This overnight stay is perfect for those looking to spend a weekend casting a reel and kicking back. The easiest directions will have you follow U.S. Hwy 82 East to Georgetown GA. Turn left on State Hwy 27 for 2 miles, and then turn left on State Hwy 39 North for 13.2 miles. Follow the signs from there!
6. Rabun Beach Campground
Lake Rabun Campground, 4726 Lake Rabun Rd, Lakemont, GA 30552, USA
Flickr JWagnonPhotography
Wouldn't it be nice to camp for under $20 with no reservation and wake up to hit the trails to a stunning waterfall? At Rabun Beach Campground you can do just that. Open seasonally, there are 80 total sites open and ready to be occupied. For directions, start in Clarkesville, and take State Rt. 197 north 16 miles to the Rabun Beach Recreation Area sign.
7. Woody Gap - Dahlonega
Flickr G. DAWSON
With about 15 no-reservations-required campsites, Woody Gap is a popular campground located in Dahlonega, Georgia. There are magical views and a ton of hiking opportunities for those outdoor enthusiasts. Keep in mind, however, this beautiful campsite can get quite crowded, especially since it is the trailhead for the famed Appalachian Trail.
8. Andrews Cove Campground
Andrews Cove Campground, Unicoi Turnpike, Helen, GA 30545, USA
Yelp Shasta S.
Located along the Unicoi Turnpike in Alpine Helen, Georgia, the no-reservation Andrews Cove Campground will have you sleeping to the sounds of the running creek every night. Known for its picturesque setting and natural landscape, you won’t want to leave this little slice of heaven. Except maybe to go explore Helen!

While some of the above-motioned campsites are free (whoa!), others do require a small fee depending on if you’re in an RV or tent camping. Most fees, however, do not exceed $20-25, which is a bargain to become immersed in everything our great state of Georgia has to offer!

If you love the outdoors and are looking for more great things to do in Georgia, then check out the ultimate North Georgia Road Trip that’s a perfect natural adventure.

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Free Camping in Georgia

Marisa Roman | May 31, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in Georgia?

Camping is somewhat of a tradition for many residents throughout the state, so it’s only right that Georgia is chock full of beautiful campsites. Whether you’re choosing between the no-reservation campgrounds in Georgia or state park camping, there will be quite a few spots to consider. Some of the best campgrounds in the Peach State include Jekyll Island Campground, Rivers End Campground, Skidaway Island State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Tallulah Gorge State Park, Cumberland Island, and Vogel State Park.

Are you allowed to camp in state parks?

For those wondering about state park camping in Georgia, there are plenty of campgrounds open throughout state parks that are perfect for family camping or solo camping. In fact, some of the coolest campgrounds in Georgia happen to be located within the state park system. The great thing about camping in Georgia state parks is that you can choose primitive sites and bring your own tent or RV, or you can choose from the variety of accommodations available within the park. For instance, visitors to Cloudland Canyon have the option to camp in yurts, while other parks may have cabins available for overnight stays.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?

Generally speaking, camping requires quite a bit of preparation in order to fully enjoy the experience. There are plenty of items that you will need to bring in order to feel comfortable, especially at the free campgrounds that don’t offer much in terms of amenities. It’s always best practice to research the area in advance where you will be camping in order to understand what is already offered. However, a few general items that you should consider bringing include a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp table and chairs, headlamps or flashlights, an ax or hammer, a first aid kit, pocket knife, fresh water, and food.

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