A planning guide, not a campsite directory. We have not verified individual campsites. This page summarizes what land managers publish; your exact location and dates decide what is allowed. Last checked October 15, 2026.
📋 Rules at a glance
| Topic | What the agency says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Stay limit | Forest-wide order CO-08-03-00-25-02: camping stay limit 14 days in any 30-day period, issued May 6, 2025 and effective through May 6, 2030. | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest orders |
| Dispersed camping | Allowed in most places within the forest boundary. Camping outside developed campgrounds is limited to 14 days, and a new campsite may not be re-established for 30 days. | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest |
| Fires | Do not leave campfires unattended. The Forest Service does not issue burn permits; those come from the Georgia Forestry Commission. | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest |
| Food and bears | Secure all food from bears. Overnight campers on a five-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail from Jarrard Gap to Neels Gap must use bear-resistant canisters. | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest orders |
🗺️ Land you will run into
National forest
Some Blue Ridge Ranger District areas (Montgomery, Nimblewill and Jones Creek) were limited to designated campsites under an order listed through July 25, 2025. Check the current orders page to see whether it was renewed.
State land
We did not verify Georgia state wildlife management area or state forest camping rules.
✅ Also plan around
- Motor vehicles: ATV and OHV use is limited to designated trails; wilderness is non-motorized.
Hazards: Summer heat and storms, rough forest roads, and bears. Wildfire and drought restrictions can close areas. Check the National Weather Service for current forecasts.
➡️ Next steps
- First boondocking trip: beginner guide
- Resource calculator: what runs out first?
- BLM RV camping guide and national forest RV camping guide
- Overnight RV parking guide for travel nights
- Georgia RV parks and campgrounds in our directory for a paid, serviced stay
- Great Smoky Mountains RV travel guide
- Blue Ridge Parkway RV travel guide
❓ Common questions
How long can I camp in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest?
Up to 14 days in any 30-day period under the forest-wide order effective through May 6, 2030.
Are bear canisters required?
On the Appalachian Trail between Jarrard Gap and Neels Gap, overnight campers must use bear-resistant canisters. Secure food elsewhere in the forest too.
📚 Official sources
Checked October 15, 2026. Rules, closures and local orders change; confirm with the land manager before you travel.