Free Camping in Georgia

Photo: Thomson200, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Yes, you can camp for free in Georgia. The biggest free option is dispersed camping on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, which covers much of the North Georgia mountains and a large tract near Lake Oconee. You can also stay at Appalachian Trail shelters and at designated sites on many state Wildlife Management Areas, though WMAs require a license or pass. Below is where free camping is allowed, the rules that apply, and how to do it safely. We checked the rules on October 15, 2026, against the Forest Service and Georgia DNR.

• Best free optionDispersed camping on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
• Stay limit14 days on national forest land, then a 30-day wait before setting up again
• FacilitiesNone: no water, toilets or trash pickup. Pack it in, pack it out
• Not freeGeorgia State Parks campsites and most developed Forest Service campgrounds

• National Forest
• Appalachian Trail
• Wildlife Management Areas
• Safety Tips
• Cheap Campgrounds
• Common Questions

Dispersed Camping on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

The Forest Service allows dispersed, or primitive, camping in most places within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest boundary, at no charge and with no permit for ordinary camping. The Chattahoochee covers the North Georgia mountains from the Cohutta Wilderness east to the Chattooga River, and the Oconee section lies between Madison, Greensboro and Eatonton.

Appalachian Trail Shelters

The Appalachian Trail runs nearly 80 miles through Georgia from Springer Mountain to the North Carolina line, with three-sided shelters along the way that are free and first-come, first-served. They are meant for hikers on the trail, so plan to walk in. Expect crowds in March and April, when northbound thru-hikers start at Springer, and bring a tent as backup. From March 1 to June 1 each year, a Forest Service rule requires an approved bear-resistant canister for overnight camping on the roughly 5-mile stretch between Jarrard Gap and Neel Gap near Blood Mountain, including its shelters.

Camping on Wildlife Management Areas

Many of Georgia DNR’s Wildlife Management Areas allow primitive camping, but only at designated sites, and it is not completely free. Anyone using a WMA needs a Georgia hunting or fishing license or a Lands Pass. The general rules:

• Camp only in designated campsites or camping areas; some WMAs, such as Treat Mountain, do not allow camping at all.
• Campsites are limited to 14 consecutive days, followed by a vacancy of at least 7 days, and you may not set up again on the same WMA or within 1 mile during that time.
• Some WMAs need a camping permit. At Dawson Forest, for example, campers must carry a permit and camp only in designated areas on set dates.
• Some DNR campgrounds charge fees and take reservations through GoOutdoorsGeorgia.
• WMAs are hunting lands. During deer season, wear blaze orange and check each area’s hunt dates in our Georgia hunting guide and Georgia deer season dates.

Every WMA posts its own rules at trailheads and check stations. Our individual WMA guides, such as Chattahoochee WMA, Coopers Creek WMA and Warwoman WMA, link to DNR’s current page for each area.

Free Camping Safety Tips

Bears: Black bears live throughout the North Georgia mountains. Store all food, trash and toiletries in a vehicle, a bear canister or a proper hang, and never feed wildlife.

Water: Dispersed sites have no drinking water. Bring your own or treat creek water.

Fire: Check for burn bans and Forest Service fire restrictions before you go, keep fires small and in existing rings, and drown them completely before leaving.

Roads: Gravel Forest Service roads can wash out after storms. A high-clearance vehicle helps, and cell service is unreliable, so download maps before you lose signal.

Cheap Campgrounds When You Want a Restroom

Developed Forest Service campgrounds cost far less than private campgrounds. For example, The Pocket near Lafayette charges $15 a night in season. Georgia State Parks campsites cost more, but they come with showers, and our best Georgia state parks for camping guide compares them. For mountain trip planning, see 20 best things to do in North Georgia.