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Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Gravel roads lead to this large open field where dispersed camping spreads across multiple sites with established fire rings. Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area sits within the Chattahoochee National Forest, offering free camping without amenities or reservations required.

The sloped terrain means campers with trailers or rooftop tents need leveling blocks, while multiple groups can spread out across the expansive space. Bears frequent the area, making proper food storage essential. Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground sits just down the road for those wanting developed facilities.

Access requires navigating rocky gravel roads that challenge low-clearance vehicles, though sedans do make the trip. The field serves as a popular base for hikers accessing Emery Creek Trail and Tearbritches Trail, both with trailheads at the site. "One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc," notes Roy B., who documents the area's diverse plant life including New York ferns throughout the surrounding wilderness.

Weekend crowds fill the field quickly, particularly on Friday afternoons. For campers preferring more developed amenities, SongBird Trail Camp (Cohutta WMA) provides an alternative with different access requirements nearby.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area is located in Georgia

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.8558 N
84.657989 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 4/2/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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4.5

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5 Reviews

A primitive dispersed camping area offering remote mountain location with excellent stargazing. Multiple campers appreciated the large field accommodating many groups, though the sloped terrain and gravel road access require preparation.

Gabrielle D.
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2022

Group camping

First location was Hickey Gap, we got there around 1 on a Friday and it was full so we headed to the primitive group camping site. Gravel road, lots of rocks included, and dust but if your not worried about your car do it! We had an suv but I saw a handful of sedans that made it up. We got to the group site at 1:20 or so and there was only one person at first but slowly people start trickling in. We stayed 2 nights but a lot of people stayed for 1. The look out driving up is awesome and the lake it gorgeous. Watch out for bears.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Gabrielle D., October 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Gabrielle D., October 16, 2022
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Gabrielle D., October 16, 2022
  • (12) View All
Steve V.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2022

Large Dispersed Camping Field

This is a large field for dispersed camping along Conasauga Lake Road that is popular with both hikers (Emery Creek Trail and Tear Britches Trail both have trailheads here) and Overlanders (site is on the Big Frog Loop and Georgia Traverse). There are multiple fire rings established around the field and this field can handle many groups. No water or facilities here, but you can go down to the Lake Conasauga Campground about a mile away and use their facilities for a $5 fee. The field is fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Steve V., April 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Steve V., April 19, 2022
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Steve V., April 19, 2022
  • (9) View All
Roy B.
Reviewed Nov. 6, 2021

Grassy Field in forested mountainous area.

This is a primitive group camping area close to Lake Conasauga. GPS is 34.86064073010609,-84.63659794105651. (Photos and this review are from my last stay here on 31 Oct- 02 Nov 2021.) 

The camping field is at the base of Bald Mountain, altitude 4005'. Nearby Tearbritches Trail will take you to the summit of Bald Mountain and then down to the Conasauga River. The Emery Creek Trail is at the back of the camping area. There are some fire pits in the open field. 

The cell connection is intermittent and usually only one bar(or no cell). 

This area is fairly remote and the rough gravel forest service roads are best traveled by a higher clearance vehicle. 2x2 usually works ok though. (It takes patience and a while to get here.) This is a popular mountain bike area and the cyclists can easily hit speeds of 30MPH on the sketchy downhills.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Roy B., November 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Roy B., November 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Roy B., November 6, 2021
  • (6) View All
Roy B.
Reviewed Oct. 13, 2021

Remote. Field.

34.860688452654024,-84.63670121000321

Stayed here a number of times during each of the four seasons. Fairly remote for eastern U.S, (but I have watched, over the past 2 decades, Atlanta grow northward, and a lot of development in Ellijay and Blue Ridge areas, and it is a little depressing).  Access is by gravel roads. There are bears in the area and they love food. (A fed bear is a dead bear-please don't leave any food out and scare them away if they come around.)

No amenities. Lake Conasauga is nearby which has some amenities. One can hike up to the top of nearby Bald Mountain and then hike down to the Conasauga River. One can look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc. There are many trails in the Cohutta Wilderness, which is just to the north.

I will post some photos of nearby Bald Mountain and the trail head for Tearbritches Trail. Other photos of the area here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rbinv/albums/72157634085883873

(N34 51.670 W84 38.120) This leads over the highest western-most mountain in the eastern U.S., and then down to Bray Field at the junction of Tearbritches Creek and the Conasauga River(N34 53.897 W84 37.296)- It is a long steep grade down to the Conasauga(1-way distance is 3.4 miles)| 30 August 2013

Here are some notes I took about the vegetation in the area:

The north-northeasterly facing slope of Bald Mountain within a half-mile of the summit, elevation 4005'. Mostly New York Fern(Thelypteris noveboracensis) here, but also saw Hay-scented(Dennstaedtia punctilobula), Cinnamon(Osmundastrum cinnamomeum), and Interrupted Ferns(Osmunda claytoniana) in this immediate area. New York Ferns are common throughout the widerness| Tearbritches Trail, Cohutta Wilderness, N. Georgia Mountains| 30 August 2013

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Roy B., October 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Roy B., October 13, 2021
  • Review photo of Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area by Roy B., October 13, 2021
  • (4) View All
Tyler J.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Mar. 19, 2020

Dispersed & wonderful view of Southern sky

This is one of my favorite types of spots: remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains. I searched on terrain maps for some of the best south facing skies for a great view of the belt of the milky way. Go here on a new moon night in the summer and you're sure to have a great night of uninterrupted beauty!

Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area located and how do I get there?

Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area is located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, situated at the base of Bald Mountain (elevation 4,005 ft). The precise GPS coordinates are approximately 34.8606, -84.6367. To reach the site, travel along Conasauga Lake Road. The camping area is positioned near Lake Conasauga and serves as a trailhead for both the Emery Creek Trail and Tearbritches Trail. Access requires navigating a gravel road with rocks and dust, though both SUVs and sedans can make the journey with careful driving.

What are visitors saying about Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area in their reviews?

Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area receives high praise for its remote mountain setting and excellent stargazing opportunities. Campers highlight the minimal light pollution, making it ideal for viewing the Milky Way during summer new moons. The area attracts both hikers and overlanders, with its location near popular trails including Emery Creek Trail and Tearbritches Trail. Many visitors appreciate experiencing the area across all four seasons, though some note increasing development in surrounding regions. The large field layout accommodates multiple groups with established fire rings throughout the site.

What facilities and amenities are available at Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area?

Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area is a primitive group camping site with minimal facilities. The area features multiple established fire rings scattered throughout the field. There are no designated campsites, allowing campers to choose their own spots within the large open field. As a dispersed camping location, expect no running water, electricity, or permanent restroom facilities. The site serves as a trailhead for hiking trails including Emery Creek Trail and Tearbritches Trail. This is truly a primitive camping experience, so visitors should plan to bring all necessary supplies including water.

Are there any fees or permits required for camping at Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area?

Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area follows standard dispersed camping regulations for the Chattahoochee National Forest, which typically means no fees are required for camping. As with most dispersed camping areas on national forest land, stays are generally limited to 14 days. No advance reservations are needed as the site operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most current information on any potential permit requirements or seasonal restrictions, check with the Chattahoochee National Forest district office before your trip.

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