This hidden gem of a campground is located on the bank of the Conasauga River
near the Tennessee/Georgia border. Iron Mountain trail is accessed directly
from the campground. This simple campground is quite the treat for you and
your four-legged friends. Day-use parking is available for those accessing the
trail, but not camping.

Photos of campground

This hidden gem of a campground is located on the bank of the Conasauga River near the Tennessee/Georgia border.  Iron Mountain trail is accessed directly from the campground.  This simple campground is quite the treat for you and your four-legged friends.  Day-use parking is available for those accessing the trail, but not camping.Photos of campground

Bird's eye view of the campground

Cottonwood Patch Campground

## Overview

Cottonwood Patch Campground is a multi-use campground focused primarily on
equestrian camping, but welcomes traditional "car" camping. The campground is
located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in the Alaculsy Valley
of the Cohutta Mountains in north Georgia. Cottonwood Patch Campground is a
quaint campground found along the Conasauga River, just above its junction
with the Jacks River. Mixed hardwood forest surrounds the campground. The
campground is partially shaded most of the summer with planted cottonwoods and
sawtooth oaks. Average daytime summer temperatures are in the mid-80s with
average daytime winter temperatures in the 50s.

In the late 1800s into the 1930s, Alaculsy Valley was a thriving community.
The valley contained homes, farms, a church, a post office, a grist mill, a
school, cemeteries, and possibly a furnace for smelting iron. Across the Jacks
River, in Tennessee, were other similar communities, a Civilian Conservation
Corps work camp, and the location of the original U.S. Forest Service facility
that managed the area. Some of the most development in the area was during the
logging boom of the early 1900s. This area was the main hub for logging
operations in the Cohutta Mountains. Train tracks followed the Conasauga and
Jacks Rivers deep into the mountains. Lumbermen in logging camps far back in
the mountains would cut timber and have it loaded onto flat cars. These loaded
railroad cars would be pulled by the powerful Shay locomotives owned by the
Conasauga River Lumber Company to its mill in Conasauga, Tennessee. Once an
area was logged, the camp buildings would be loaded up onto the flat cars by
small steam cranes and unloaded at the next area prepared for a camp. The
Conasauga Trail in Tennessee follows the old railroad bed downstream and the
Jacks River Trail in Georgia follows the old railroad bed upstream into the
Cohutta Wilderness.

Looking at the area today, one would never know such development once existed.
The U.S. Forest Service, along with partnerships with other agencies and
organizations, work together to manage the National Forest lands.

Recreation activities around the Cottonwood Patch Campground include camping,
picnicking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding (visitors must
provide their own horses). Hunting and fishing regulations are set by the
Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

## Recreation

The Cottonwood Patch Campground not only serves as a place to rest and relax
by the campfire, but it serves as a base camp for activities located
throughout the National Forest, such as hiking, horseback riding, hunting,
fishing, and birdwatching.

Cottonwood Patch Campground is a popular area for equestrian users. The start
of the Iron Mountain trail is located in the campground. The trail can be used
by both horse riders and hikers. Horses are permitted on numbered Forest
Service Roads that are both open to traffic and gated. Please be aware and
mindful of vehicular traffic on Forest Service Roads.

Hunting is also a popular activity near the Cottonwood Patch Campground area.
The 96,583 acre Cohutta Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a cooperatively
managed area within the boundaries of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The
U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Department of Natural Resources work together
to provide hunters opportunities to harvest bear, deer, wild hog, and various
species of small game. The Georgia DNR maintains the majority of wildlife
openings/food plots, conduct wildlife surveys, and set the hunting
regulations. The U.S. Forest Service manages the receation facilities, roads,
vegetation, fire, vegetation, and general forest. When hiking or riding horses
during hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and be aware that hunters are out
legally participating in their version of recreational activities.

Amateur naturalists can have a great time seeking out non-game species, such
as birds, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, along with hundreds of
species of plants to check off their life lists.

## Facilities

**This campground and its facilities are maintained by dedicated volunteers of
the Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia (BCHNG) with the support of the
U.S. Forest Service. Please help this campground stay clean by cleaning up
after yourselves and your horses**.

For more information about the Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia, or
volunteer information at this campground, visit the link: Back Country
Horsemen of North Georgia

This campground is gated and a combination is needed for access. This
combination will be given upon making a reservation. **Do Not Share** this
combination with anybody outside of your party. **Please keep the farm gate
closed and locked at all times.**

Cottonwood Patch Campground is an eight (8) site campground with one main
loop. The campground is flat and open, with large trees scattered throughout.
Sites are designated by a unit number at their entrance.

Each campsite has a graveled trailer parking spur, picnic table, fire ring,
and lantern post. Hitching rails and high line posts are located along the
perimeter of the campground. Two horse watering troughs are located in the
campground. Cold water is piped from a nearby stream to keep fresh water
flowing through the troughs. **This water is not meant for human
consumption.**

**Visitors must bring their own drinking water.** There is no potable water
located at this campground.

Campsites vary in size. There are three (3) sites that can accommodate two (2)
horse trailers with two trucks and five (5) sites that can accommodate a
single truck and trailer. Please respect the occupancy limits of the campsites
and park on the gravel parking spurs, these limits are set to help protect the
resource from damage and to provide access for future generations. Extra
vehicles are more than welcome to park in the parking lot adjacent to the
campground.

A free Day Use and Trailhead Parking Area is located just before entering the
campground and a free single unit picnic site is located across from the vault
toilet for day users.

Cell phone service is unreliable in this area.

## Natural Features

Cottonwood Patch Campground is located in the Georgia mountains near the
Tennessee/Georgia state line. It is surrounded by thousands of acres of
national forest, free flowing mountain rivers, and babbling streams. It is
located along the Conasauga River and near the border of the the Cohutta
Wilderness.

The Conasauga River watershed is one of the most ecologically diverse
watersheds in the United States. This watershed contains 76 species of fish,
more than the entire Columbia and Colorado Watersheds combined. Rare crayfish,
mollusks, and even the Federally Endangered Blue Shiner are found in the
Conasauga River. The U.S. Forest Service along with conservation partners
annually place spawning logs in the river to provide habitat for Blue Shiners.

Adjacent to Cottonwood Patch Campground is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big Frog
Wilderness (the largest Federally Designated Wilderness Area east of the
Mississippi River). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous
backpacking trails. The 1964 Wilderness Act requires Federally established
Wilderness Areas to maintain a wild character about them. Wilderness trails
are maintained by volunteers, Forestry Technicians, and partner organizations.
Directed by the Wilderness Act, trails are cleared using traditional hand
tools, such as crosscut saws and sling blades. The use of gas powered and
mechanized equipment is prohibited, even for forest managers in the Cohutta
Wilderness. These trails are minimally managed and minimally marked, keeping
with Wilderness character. These trails are not meant for simple strolls
through the forest. Trails are frequently blocked by trees and undergrowth,
making them difficult to follow at times. Orienteering skills using terrain
features, map, and compass are extremely important and essential in the
Cohutta Wilderness, as GPS is unreliable and not recommended.

An array of colorful wildflowers can be found throughout spring and summer
months. In spring, the beautiful purple/blue flowers of Virginia Bluebells can
be found in large colonies along the Conasauga River. Numerous trilliums
carpet the forest floor. Wild Geraniums, Blood Root, Mayapple and many other
wildflowers provide flashes of color to the the new spring forest. Summer
gives way to asters, rhododendron, and other flowers, providing a splash of
color until the changing leaves provide the color in fall. Please only look at
wildflowers, do not pick them.

## Nearby Attractions

**Conasauga River Blue Hole:**

The Conasauga River has an array of colorful and unique fish species. The best
way to see them is to get in the water with them. The Cherokee National Forest
in Tennessee maintains a small picnic area and snorkeling area located 1.5
miles north of Cottonwood Patch Campground in Tennessee. Visitors can either
snorkel on their own (provide your own equipment) or take a guided tour with
the Cherokee National Forest. For guided tours and more infomation visit the
Cherokee National Forest at the following link. Conasauga River Blue Hole

Directions: Turn left out of the campground onto Forest Service Road 16.
Follow FSR 16 for 3/4 mile. Cross the metal Jacks River Bridge and turn left
onto Sheeds Creek Road. Follow Sheeds Creek road 3/4 mile until reaching the
entrance to the Conasauga River Blue Hole parking lot on the left.

**Sumac Creek Shooting Range (Digital Fee Area, see Recreation.gov page):** A
U.S. Forest Service shooting range provided to hone your shooting skills. You
must provide your own firearm, ammunition, and targets. For more information
visit: Sumac Creek Shooting Range

Directions: Leaving the campground, turn right onto Forest Road 16. Follow
this road for approximately 7 miles. The entrance to the shooting range is on
the left where gravel road turns back into pavement.

<h2>Overview</h2>
Cottonwood Patch Campground is a multi-use campground focused primarily on equestrian camping, but welcomes traditional "car" camping. The campground is located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in the Alaculsy Valley of the Cohutta Mountains in north Georgia. Cottonwood Patch Campground is a quaint campground found along the Conasauga River, just above its junction with the Jacks River. Mixed hardwood forest surrounds the campground. The campground is partially shaded most of the summer with planted cottonwoods and sawtooth oaks. Average daytime summer temperatures are in the mid-80s with average daytime winter temperatures in the 50s. 
In the late 1800s into the 1930s, Alaculsy Valley was a thriving community. The valley contained homes, farms, a church, a post office, a grist mill, a school, cemeteries, and possibly a furnace for smelting iron. Across the Jacks River, in Tennessee, were other similar communities, a Civilian Conservation Corps work camp, and the location of the original U.S. Forest Service facility that managed the area. Some of the most development in the area was during the logging boom of the early 1900s. This area was the main hub for logging operations in the Cohutta Mountains. Train tracks followed the Conasauga and Jacks Rivers deep into the mountains. Lumbermen in logging camps far back in the mountains would cut timber and have it loaded onto flat cars. These loaded railroad cars would be pulled by the powerful Shay locomotives owned by the Conasauga River Lumber Company to its mill in Conasauga, Tennessee. Once an area was logged, the camp buildings would be loaded up onto the flat cars by small steam cranes and unloaded at the next area prepared for a camp. The Conasauga Trail in Tennessee follows the old railroad bed downstream and the Jacks River Trail in Georgia follows the old railroad bed upstream into the Cohutta Wilderness. 
Looking at the area today, one would never know such development once existed. The U.S. Forest Service, along with partnerships with other agencies and organizations, work together to manage the National Forest lands. 
Recreation activities around the Cottonwood Patch Campground include camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding (visitors must provide their own horses). Hunting and fishing regulations are set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Cottonwood Patch Campground not only serves as a place to rest and relax by the campfire, but it serves as a base camp for activities located throughout the National Forest, such as hiking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. 
Cottonwood Patch Campground is a popular area for equestrian users. The start of the Iron Mountain trail is located in the campground. The trail can be used by both horse riders and hikers. Horses are permitted on numbered Forest Service Roads that are both open to traffic and gated. Please be aware and mindful of vehicular traffic on Forest Service Roads. 
Hunting is also a popular activity near the Cottonwood Patch Campground area. The 96,583 acre Cohutta Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a cooperatively managed area within the boundaries of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service and Georgia Department of Natural Resources work together to provide hunters opportunities to harvest bear, deer, wild hog, and various species of small game. The Georgia DNR maintains the majority of wildlife openings/food plots, conduct wildlife surveys, and set the hunting regulations. The U.S. Forest Service manages the receation facilities, roads, vegetation, fire, vegetation, and general forest. When hiking or riding horses during hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and be aware that hunters are out legally participating in their version of recreational activities. 
Amateur naturalists can have a great time seeking out non-game species, such as birds, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, along with hundreds of species of plants to check off their life lists.
<h2>Facilities</h2>
This campground and its facilities are maintained by dedicated volunteers of the Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia (BCHNG) with the support of the U.S. Forest Service. Please help this campground stay clean by cleaning up after yourselves and your horses.
For more information about the Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia, or volunteer information at this campground, visit the link: <a href="https://www.bchng.org" rel="nofollow">Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia</a> 
This campground is gated and a combination is needed for access. This combination will be given upon making a reservation. Do Not Share this combination with anybody outside of your party. Please keep the farm gate closed and locked at all times.
Cottonwood Patch Campground is an eight (8) site campground with one main loop. The campground is flat and open, with large trees scattered throughout. Sites are designated by a unit number at their entrance.   
Each campsite has a graveled trailer parking spur, picnic table, fire ring, and lantern post. Hitching rails and high line posts are located along the perimeter of the campground. Two horse watering troughs are located in the campground. Cold water is piped from a nearby stream to keep fresh water flowing through the troughs. This water is not meant for human consumption. 
Visitors must bring their own drinking water. There is no potable water located at this campground.   
Campsites vary in size. There are three (3) sites that can accommodate two (2) horse trailers with two trucks and five (5) sites that can accommodate a single truck and trailer. Please respect the occupancy limits of the campsites and park on the gravel parking spurs, these limits are set to help protect the resource from damage and to provide access for future generations.  Extra vehicles are more than welcome to park in the parking lot adjacent to the campground.
A free Day Use and Trailhead Parking Area is located just before entering the campground and a free single unit picnic site is located across from the vault toilet for day users. 
Cell phone service is unreliable in this area.
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Cottonwood Patch Campground is located in the Georgia mountains near the Tennessee/Georgia state line. It is surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest, free flowing mountain rivers, and babbling streams. It is located along the Conasauga River and near the border of the the Cohutta Wilderness. 
The Conasauga River watershed is one of the most ecologically diverse watersheds in the United States. This watershed contains 76 species of fish, more than the entire Columbia and Colorado Watersheds combined. Rare crayfish, mollusks, and even the Federally Endangered Blue Shiner are found in the Conasauga River. The U.S. Forest Service along with conservation partners annually place spawning logs in the river to provide habitat for Blue Shiners. 
Adjacent to Cottonwood Patch Campground is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness (the largest Federally Designated Wilderness Area east of the Mississippi River). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous backpacking trails. The 1964 Wilderness Act requires Federally established Wilderness Areas to maintain a wild character about them. Wilderness trails are maintained by volunteers, Forestry Technicians, and partner organizations. Directed by the Wilderness Act, trails are cleared using traditional hand tools, such as crosscut saws and sling blades. The use of gas powered and mechanized equipment is prohibited, even for forest managers in the Cohutta Wilderness. These trails are minimally managed and minimally marked, keeping with Wilderness character. These trails are not meant for simple strolls through the forest. Trails are frequently blocked by trees and undergrowth, making them difficult to follow at times. Orienteering skills using terrain features, map, and compass are extremely important and essential in the Cohutta Wilderness, as GPS is unreliable and not recommended. 
An array of colorful wildflowers can be found throughout spring and summer months. In spring, the beautiful purple/blue flowers of Virginia Bluebells can be found in large colonies along the Conasauga River. Numerous trilliums carpet the forest floor. Wild Geraniums, Blood Root, Mayapple and many other wildflowers provide flashes of color to the the new spring forest. Summer gives way to asters, rhododendron, and other flowers, providing a splash of color until the changing leaves provide the color in fall. Please only look at wildflowers, do not pick them.

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Conasauga River Blue Hole:
The Conasauga River has an array of colorful and unique fish species. The best way to see them is to get in the water with them. The Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee maintains a small picnic area and snorkeling area located 1.5 miles north of Cottonwood Patch Campground in Tennessee. Visitors can either snorkel on their own (provide your own equipment) or take a guided tour with the Cherokee National Forest. For guided tours and more infomation visit the Cherokee National Forest at the following link. <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/cherokee/recarea/?recid=35026" rel="nofollow">Conasauga River Blue Hole</a> 
Directions: Turn left out of the campground onto Forest Service Road 16. Follow FSR 16 for 3/4 mile. Cross the metal Jacks River Bridge and turn left onto Sheeds Creek Road. Follow Sheeds Creek road 3/4 mile until reaching the entrance to the Conasauga River Blue Hole parking lot on the left. 
Sumac Creek Shooting Range (Digital Fee Area, see Recreation.gov page): A U.S. Forest Service shooting range provided to hone your shooting skills. You must provide your own firearm, ammunition, and targets. For more information visit: <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/43f96dca-77bd-11eb-86df-e60b5d20d0e4" rel="nofollow">Sumac Creek Shooting Range</a> 
Directions: Leaving the campground, turn right onto Forest Road 16. Follow this road for approximately 7 miles. The entrance to the shooting range is on the left where gravel road turns back into pavement.

Cottonwood Patch Campground with horse trough

Trough and campground

A photo of facility Cottonwood Patch Campground

Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia sign Cottonwood Patch Campground

Proudly maintained by Volunteers from Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia, partner of the U.S. Forest Service.

Back Country Horsemen Sign

Entrance Sign for Cottonwood Patch Campground

Cottonwood Patch Entrance Sign

Horse trough at Cottonwood Patch Campground

Horse highlines, scattered around perimeter of campground

Highlines

Hitching Rails Cottonwood Patch Campground

The Cottonwood Patch Campground CXT Vault Toilet

Vault Toilet

Wide angle view of Cottonwood Patch Campground.

Cottonwood Patch

Entrance to the Cottonwood Patch Campground

Cottonwood Patch Campground entrance

BCHNG sign

Camping Loop

Campground

## Overview

The Lake Conasauga Recreation Area is a remote recreation area located within
the Chattahoochee National Forest in northwest Georgia. Getting to Lake
Conasauga involves a beautiful forested drive along 15 or more miles of
graveled mountain roads through the Cohutta Mountains. Visitors may
occasionally see bear, deer, and turkeys on their drive. Wildflowers can be
found blooming from February through November in various parts of the
mountains.

Completed in 1940, Lake Conasauga was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC) under the guidance of the U.S. Forest Service. Tucked between Grassy
Mountain and Little Bald Mountain, the 17 acre lake sits at an elevation of
3,150 feet, making it the highest elevation lake in the State of Georgia. At
this elevation, air temperatures at Lake Conasauga are usually 10-15 degrees
cooler than the surrounding valleys, allowing for a comfortable camping
experience even in the middle of summer.

Outdoor activities at the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area include camping,
hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming.

## Recreation

A swimming and picnic area with a picnic shelter is located across the lake
opposite the campground. A swimming dock is provided for visitors to take a
swim in the cold natural spring waters of Lake Conasauga. There is no
lifeguard on duty, so please swim at your own risk.

Hiking trails include the Lake Loop Trail (1 mile loop), the Songbird Trail
(2.8 mile loop), and the Tower Trail (4 miles round trip).

A small boat launch provides boating access for canoes, kayaks, and small
boats (electric motors only). Fishermen may catch bass, bream, and even an
occasional catfish. A fishing dock is provided. The Lake Loop Trail provides
various locations along the shoreline for fishermen to cast. A Georgia fishing
license is required for those 16 and older.

## Facilities

The Lake Conasauga Campground is a 30 site campground with two camping loops.
The Lower Loop is located within view of the lake. The Upper Loop is a
forested loop above the lake.

Each campsite has a gravel parking spur, a gravel tent pad, picnic table,
lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There is a restroom with flush
toilets located in both camping loops (no showers, no hot water). Water
hydrants are located throughout the campground. There is no electricity at
this campground. There is no dump station at this campground. Cell phone
service is very limited.

A cabin for the campground host is located in the campground. This cabin is a
private residence for the host and is not an office or a store. Please respect
their space and privacy.

Driving on steep, narrow, winding, mountain roads is required to get to this
campground. Tents, pop-up campers, and travel trailers under 25 feet are
recommended for this campground due to access and campsite size limitations.

GPS is not recommended for navigating to this area as satellite service is
regularly interrupted by mountains and trees.

## Natural Features

Surrounded by forested mountains, Lake Conasauga is a 17 acre man-made lake
located near the summit of Grassy Mountain in northwest Georgia. It is the
highest elevation lake in Georgia, sitting at an elevation of 3,150 feet. No
matter the route taken to get to Lake Conasauga, visitors will pass mountain
streams, overlooks, and beautiful scenery.

The Songbird Management Area is located within the Lake Conasauga Recreation
Area. Centered around a large beaver pond, the Songbird Management Area
provides a peaceful interpretive nature hike. Many bird species and
wildflowers can be found along the interpretive nature hike in this area.

Adjacent to the Lake Conasauga Recreation area is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big
Frog Wilderness (the largest designated wilderness area east of the
Mississippi River.). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous
backpacking trails.

## Nearby Attractions

**Barnes Creek Picnic Area:**

This small picnic area was historically used as a rock quarry by the Civilian
Conservation Corps and U.S. Forest Service in the 1930s. The picnic tables sit
near the base of a waterfall. A short trail from the parking area leads to an
observation deck above the waterfall.

Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Campground and follow Forest Road 68 for
4.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for another 2.5
miles.

**Gennett Poplar:**

The Gennett Poplar is the second largest tree in the state of Georgia with a
circumference of 18 feet. This tree was left by the Conasauga River Lumber
Company as a tribute to the size of the trees that once inhabited the
Appalachian Mountains.

Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Campground and follow Forest Road 68 for
4.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for 3.5 miles and
turn left onto Forest Road 90. Follow Forest Road 90 for 2 miles and turn left
onto Forest Road 241. Follow Forest Road 241 for 2 miles until it dead ends.
Follow the trail upstream for 3/4 mile.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The Lake Conasauga Recreation Area is a remote recreation area located within the Chattahoochee National Forest in northwest Georgia. Getting to Lake Conasauga involves a beautiful forested drive along 15 or more miles of graveled mountain roads through the Cohutta Mountains. Visitors may occasionally see bear, deer, and turkeys on their drive. Wildflowers can be found blooming from February through November in various parts of the mountains. 
Completed in 1940, Lake Conasauga was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) under the guidance of the U.S. Forest Service. Tucked between Grassy Mountain and Little Bald Mountain, the 17 acre lake sits at an elevation of 3,150 feet, making it the highest elevation lake in the State of Georgia. At this elevation, air temperatures at Lake Conasauga are usually 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding valleys, allowing for a comfortable camping experience even in the middle of summer. 
 
Outdoor activities at the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area include camping, hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and swimming.
<h2>Recreation</h2>
A swimming and picnic area with a picnic shelter is located across the lake opposite the campground. A swimming dock is provided for visitors to take a swim in the cold natural spring waters of Lake Conasauga.  There is no lifeguard on duty, so please swim at your own risk.
Hiking trails include the Lake Loop Trail (1 mile loop), the Songbird Trail (2.8 mile loop), and the Tower Trail (4 miles round trip). 
A small boat launch provides boating access for canoes, kayaks, and small boats (electric motors only). Fishermen may catch bass, bream, and even an occasional catfish. A fishing dock is provided. The Lake Loop Trail provides various locations along the shoreline for fishermen to cast. A Georgia fishing license is required for those 16 and older.
<h2>Facilities</h2>
The Lake Conasauga Campground is a 30 site campground with two camping loops. The Lower Loop is located within view of the lake. The Upper Loop is a forested loop above the lake. 
Each campsite has a gravel parking spur, a gravel tent pad, picnic table, lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There is a restroom with flush toilets located in both camping loops (no showers, no hot water). Water hydrants are located throughout the campground. There is no electricity at this campground. There is no dump station at this campground. Cell phone service is very limited. 
A cabin for the campground host is located in the campground. This cabin is a private residence for the host and is not an office or a store. Please respect their space and privacy.
Driving on steep, narrow, winding, mountain roads is required to get to this campground. Tents, pop-up campers, and travel trailers under 25 feet are recommended for this campground due to access and campsite size limitations. 
GPS is not recommended for navigating to this area as satellite service is regularly interrupted by mountains and trees.
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Surrounded by forested mountains, Lake Conasauga is a 17 acre man-made lake located near the summit of Grassy Mountain in northwest Georgia. It is the highest elevation lake in Georgia, sitting at an elevation of 3,150 feet. No matter the route taken to get to Lake Conasauga, visitors will pass mountain streams, overlooks, and beautiful scenery. 
The Songbird Management Area is located within the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area. Centered around a large beaver pond, the Songbird Management Area provides a peaceful interpretive nature hike. Many bird species and wildflowers can be found along the interpretive nature hike in this area. 
Adjacent to the Lake Conasauga Recreation area is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness (the largest designated wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous backpacking trails. 

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Barnes Creek Picnic Area: 
This small picnic area was historically used as a rock quarry by the Civilian Conservation Corps and U.S. Forest Service in the 1930s. The picnic tables sit near the base of a waterfall. A short trail from the parking area leads to an observation deck above the waterfall.
Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Campground and follow Forest Road 68 for 4.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for another 2.5 miles. 
Gennett Poplar:
The Gennett Poplar is the second largest tree in the state of Georgia with a circumference of 18 feet. This tree was left by the Conasauga River Lumber Company as a tribute to the size of the trees that once inhabited the Appalachian Mountains.
Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Campground and follow Forest Road 68 for 4.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for 3.5 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 90. Follow Forest Road 90 for 2 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 241. Follow Forest Road 241 for 2 miles until it dead ends. Follow the trail upstream for 3/4 mile.

Lakefront

Portal

Lake Conasauga glass

Bears are Active! Please place all trash in can, do not leave outside of cans.

Wildlife Proof Trash Cans

Upper Loop Restrooms.  No hot water, No showers

Upper Loop Restrooms

Interesting information is located around recreation area to inform visitors about uniqueness of the area.

Ecosystem Information

Lower Loop Restrooms.  No hot water, no showers

Lower Loop Restrooms

Lakeside Seat

Lake Conasauga Campground

**Bears are very active at the Lake Conasauga Campground!** As a reminder,
store**all** coolers, food, pots, pans, utensils, and drinks inside your
**locked** vehicle when not in use. Keep pets **leashed and under physical
restraint** at all times. For more tips and information about recreating in
Bear Country, visit www.Bearwise.org.

Bears are very active at the Lake Conasauga Campground! As a reminder, store all coolers, food, pots, pans, utensils, and drinks inside your locked vehicle when not in use. Keep pets leashed and under physical restraint at all times. For more tips and information about recreating in Bear Country, visit www.Bearwise.org.

## Overview

The Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground is a small campground with six non-
reservable campsites. This location is available on a first-come, first-served
basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to
purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by
scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app or by following
instructions for depositing cash or checks in the fee deposit box. Download
the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as
some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

The Overflow Campground is within the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area. The main
Lake Conasauga Campground is approximately one mile away and is a camping by
reservation only campground.

## Recreation

Approximately 1/2 mile from the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground, visitors
can access the Lake Conasauga Picnic Area. A swimming and picnic area with a
picnic shelter, along with tables and grills are provided. A swimming dock is
provided for visitors to take a swim in the cold natural spring waters of Lake
Conasauga.

Hiking trails include the Lake Loop Trail (1 mile loop), the Songbird Trail
(2.8 mile loop), and the Tower Trail (4 miles round trip).

A small boat launch provides boating access for canoes, kayaks, and small
boats (electric motors only). Fishermen may catch bass, bream, and even an
occasional catfish. A fishing dock is also provided. The Lake Loop Trail
provides various locations along the shoreline for fishermen to cast. A
Georgia fishing license is required for those 16 and older.

## Facilities

Tent pads, parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts are
provided at each campsite. Bear-Proof trash cans are centrally located in the
campground. **There is no running water, no electricity, and no dumping
station located at this campground.** A pit toilet is provided for visitors.
Access to the Songbird Trail is located within the campground.

## Natural Features

Surrounded by forested mountains, Lake Conasauga is a 17 acre man-made lake
located near the summit of Grassy Mountain in northwest Georgia. It is the
highest elevation lake in Georgia, sitting at an elevation of 3,150 feet. No
matter the route taken to get to Lake Conasauga, visitors will pass mountain
streams, overlooks, and beautiful scenery. The Lake Conasauga Overflow
Campground is approximately one mile past the main Lake Conasauga Campground.

The Songbird Management Area is located across the road from the Lake
Conasauga Overflow Campground. Centered around a large beaver pond, the
Songbird Management Area provides a peaceful interpretive nature hike. Many
bird species and wildflowers can be found along the interpretive nature hike
in this area.

Adjacent to the Lake Conasauga Recreation area is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big
Frog Wilderness (the largest designated wilderness area east of the
Mississippi River.). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous
backpacking trails.

## Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general
information, please call: (706) 695-6736.

## Nearby Attractions

**Lake Conasauga Picnic Area:**

This is a picnic/day use area located in the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area.
Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the area, along with a shelter
and swimming area with a dock.

Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground onto FSR 49. Follow
FSR 49 approximately 1/4 mile to an intersection. Turn left at this
intersection. The parking lot for the Picnic Area is approximately 1/4 miles
from this intersection. Signs can be found directing visitors to the picnic
area.

**Barnes Creek Picnic Area:**

This small picnic area was historically used as a rock quarry by the Civilian
Conservation Corps and U.S. Forest Service in the 1930s. The picnic tables sit
near the base of a waterfall. A short trail from the parking area leads to an
observation deck above the waterfall.

Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground and follow Forest Road
68 for 5.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for another
3.5 miles.

**Gennett Poplar:**

The Gennett Poplar is the second largest tree in the state of Georgia with a
circumference of 18 feet. This tree was left by the Conasauga River Lumber
Company as a tribute to the size of the trees that once inhabited the
Appalachian Mountains.

Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Campground and follow Forest Road 49/68
for 5.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for 3.5 miles
and turn left onto Forest Road 90. Follow Forest Road 90 for 2 miles and turn
left onto Forest Road 241. Follow Forest Road 241 for 2 miles until it dead
ends. Follow the trail upstream for 3/4 mile.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground is a small campground with six non-reservable campsites. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app or by following instructions for depositing cash or checks in the fee deposit box. Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

The Overflow Campground is within the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area. The main Lake Conasauga Campground is approximately one mile away and is a camping by reservation only campground.
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Approximately 1/2 mile from the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground, visitors can access the Lake Conasauga Picnic Area. A swimming and picnic area with a picnic shelter, along with tables and grills are provided. A swimming dock is provided for visitors to take a swim in the cold natural spring waters of Lake Conasauga.  
Hiking trails include the Lake Loop Trail (1 mile loop), the Songbird Trail (2.8 mile loop), and the Tower Trail (4 miles round trip).  
A small boat launch provides boating access for canoes, kayaks, and small boats (electric motors only). Fishermen may catch bass, bream, and even an occasional catfish. A fishing dock is also provided. The Lake Loop Trail provides various locations along the shoreline for fishermen to cast. A Georgia fishing license is required for those 16 and older.
<h2>Facilities</h2>
Tent pads, parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts are provided at each campsite. Bear-Proof trash cans are centrally located in the campground. There is no running water, no electricity, and no dumping station located at this campground. A pit toilet is provided for visitors. Access to the Songbird Trail is located within the campground.
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Surrounded by forested mountains, Lake Conasauga is a 17 acre man-made lake located near the summit of Grassy Mountain in northwest Georgia. It is the highest elevation lake in Georgia, sitting at an elevation of 3,150 feet. No matter the route taken to get to Lake Conasauga, visitors will pass mountain streams, overlooks, and beautiful scenery. The Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground is approximately one mile past the main Lake Conasauga Campground. 
The Songbird Management Area is located across the road from the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground. Centered around a large beaver pond, the Songbird Management Area provides a peaceful interpretive nature hike. Many bird species and wildflowers can be found along the interpretive nature hike in this area.  
Adjacent to the Lake Conasauga Recreation area is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness (the largest designated wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous backpacking trails. 

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (706) 695-6736.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Lake Conasauga Picnic Area:
This is a picnic/day use area located in the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the area, along with a shelter and swimming area with a dock.
Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground onto FSR 49. Follow FSR 49 approximately 1/4 mile to an intersection. Turn left at this intersection. The parking lot for the Picnic Area is approximately 1/4 miles from this intersection. Signs can be found directing visitors to the picnic area. 
Barnes Creek Picnic Area: 
This small picnic area was historically used as a rock quarry by the Civilian Conservation Corps and U.S. Forest Service in the 1930s. The picnic tables sit near the base of a waterfall. A short trail from the parking area leads to an observation deck above the waterfall. 
Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground and follow Forest Road 68 for 5.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for another 3.5 miles.  
Gennett Poplar: 
The Gennett Poplar is the second largest tree in the state of Georgia with a circumference of 18 feet. This tree was left by the Conasauga River Lumber Company as a tribute to the size of the trees that once inhabited the Appalachian Mountains. 
Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Campground and follow Forest Road 49/68 for 5.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for 3.5 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 90. Follow Forest Road 90 for 2 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 241. Follow Forest Road 241 for 2 miles until it dead ends. Follow the trail upstream for 3/4 mile.

This campground currently accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.

**Use the following steps to pay with a credit card:** Download the
Recreation.gov app and create an account **prior to arrival**. Once you have
the Recreation.gov app and an account on your mobile device, **no internet
service is needed**. Upon arrival, **pick your campsite** , then **open your
Recreation.gov app and tap the Scan function within the app** on your device.
The app will access your phone's camera. **Using the app, Scan the QR code.**
Follow the prompts to pay. Once again, **no internet service is needed as long
as you have and use the Recreation.gov app prior to arrival**. These
instructions are also on site.

Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground

Overflow campsites

Lake Conasauga Overflow

Overflow Campground

Restrooms

## Overview

The Jacks River Fields Campground is a seven site campground located in the
Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia on the Conasauga Ranger District of the
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. **This campground accomodates horses and
mules.** This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and
claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR
code using the Recreation.gov mobile app or by following instructions for
depositing cash or checks in the fee deposit box. Download the free
Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some
remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

Located along the South Fork of the Jacks River, the Jacks River Fields
Campground sits at an elevation of 2700' and surrounded by mixed hardwoods,
hemlock, and rhododendron. Wildlife such as bear, deer, and wild turkey can be
found in the surrounding forest. Wildflowers are abundant throughout the
mountains during spring, summer, and fall.

From the late 1800s into the early 1900s this area was a thriving community
known as the Upper Jacks River Community, complete with home-sites, a church,
and possibly a grist mill. One of those houses was later turned into a Federal
game warden station. The game warden was tasked with patrolling the newly
established national forest. The community long gone, including the game
warden station, visitors can now enjoy a quiet camping experience deep in the
mountains. The multi-use South Fork Trail is located adjacent to the
campground, allowing for horses, bikes, and hikers.

## Recreation

**Hiking and Horseback Riding:**

This campground is located adjacent to the South Fork Trail, which is a multi-
use trail for hiking, biking, and horse riding. The Cohutta Wilderness is
nearby and allows for arduous overnight backpacking trips along the Jacks and
Conasauga Rivers.

**Hunting:**

Hunting for bear, deer, and wild hogs is a long standing fall tradition in the
North Georgia Mountains. This campground is located within the Cohutta
Wildlife Management Area, a cooperatively managed area between the U.S. Forest
Service and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The WMA is located
completely within the boundaries of the Chattahoochee National Forest.

**Birding:**

During spring and summer, songbirds abound. Beginning in early spring,
neotropical migrant birds are found traveling from South America and Mexico to
their breeding grounds in the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Canada,
many are only encountered during migration. For many birds, this area is the
only place in the Southern Appalachians they breed, making for a unique
experience for forest visitors.

**Wildflowers:**

The Southern Appalachians are one of the most diverse regions in the world for
plants. Many of these plants produce flowers which are brightly colored,
luring in pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Other flowers are hidden beneath the leaf litter, unnoticed by the majority of
visitors, yet noticed by the beetles that pollinate the unique flowers. These
flowers eventually turn into fruits and seeds, feeding birds and small
mammals.

## Facilities

Tent pads, parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts are
provided at each campsite. Bear-Proof trash cans are centrally located in the
campground. There is no running water, no electricity, and no dumping station
located at this campground. A vault toilet is provided for visitors.

A horse trailer day use parking area is located at the back of the recreation
area, along with horse corrals and hitching posts.

## Natural Features

Surrounded by forested mountains, the Jacks River Fields Campground is
situated in a small hollow in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The South Fork of the
Jacks River flows alongside the campground, joining other tributaries, forming
the Jacks River.

Jacks River meanders through the 45,000 acre Cohutta Wilderness from the
southeast to the northwest, joining the Conasauga River near the
Tennessee/Georgia state line. The Conasauga River is one of the most diverse
rivers in the United States. The Conasauga Watershed contains 76 native fish -
more than the Columbia Watershed and Colorado Watershed combined! The
geography and elevation changes of the Southern Appalachian Mountains has
enabled aquatic species in small watersheds to attain extreme levels of
diversity compared to the much larger western watersheds. Salamanders,
mussels, snails, crayfish, and other invertebrates show similar levels of
diversity.

## Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general
information, please call: (706) 695-6736.

## Nearby Attractions

**South Fork Trail:**

The South Fork Trail is located approximately 1/8th of a mile from the Jacks
River Fields Campground. This trail meanders through fields and hardwood
forests along the banks of the south fork of the Jacks River. One river ford
is experienced near the north end of the trail. Be alert, this is a multi-use
trail open to equestrians, hikers, and bicycles.

**Cohutta Wilderness:**

Located nearby is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness (the largest
Congressaionally designated Wilderness Area located east of the Mississippi
River.). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous backpacking
trails. Horses are allowed on some of the trails in the Wilderness, please
contact the Conasauga Ranger Station for more information.

<h2>Overview</h2>
The Jacks River Fields Campground is a seven site campground located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia on the Conasauga Ranger District of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. This campground accomodates horses and mules. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app or by following instructions for depositing cash or checks in the fee deposit box. Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. 
Located along the South Fork of the Jacks River, the Jacks River Fields Campground sits at an elevation of 2700' and surrounded by mixed hardwoods, hemlock, and rhododendron. Wildlife such as bear, deer, and wild turkey can be found in the surrounding forest. Wildflowers are abundant throughout the mountains during spring, summer, and fall. 
From the late 1800s into the early 1900s this area was a thriving community known as the Upper Jacks River Community, complete with home-sites, a church, and possibly a grist mill. One of those houses was later turned into a Federal game warden station. The game warden was tasked with patrolling the newly established national forest. The community long gone, including the game warden station, visitors can now enjoy a quiet camping experience deep in the mountains. The multi-use South Fork Trail is located adjacent to the campground, allowing for horses, bikes, and hikers.
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Hiking and Horseback Riding:
This campground is located adjacent to the South Fork Trail, which is a multi-use trail for hiking, biking, and horse riding. The Cohutta Wilderness is nearby and allows for arduous overnight backpacking trips along the Jacks and Conasauga Rivers.   
Hunting:
Hunting for bear, deer, and wild hogs is a long standing fall tradition in the North Georgia Mountains. This campground is located within the Cohutta Wildlife Management Area, a cooperatively managed area between the U.S. Forest Service and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The WMA is located completely within the boundaries of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
Birding: 
During spring and summer, songbirds abound. Beginning in early spring, neotropical migrant birds are found traveling from South America and Mexico to their breeding grounds in the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Canada, many are only encountered during migration. For many birds, this area is the only place in the Southern Appalachians they breed, making for a unique experience for forest visitors. 
Wildflowers:  
The Southern Appalachians are one of the most diverse regions in the world for plants. Many of these plants produce flowers which are brightly colored, luring in pollinators such as native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Other flowers are hidden beneath the leaf litter, unnoticed by the majority of visitors, yet noticed by the beetles that pollinate the unique flowers. These flowers eventually turn into fruits and seeds, feeding birds and small mammals.
<h2>Facilities</h2>
Tent pads, parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts are provided at each campsite. Bear-Proof trash cans are centrally located in the campground. There is no running water, no electricity, and no dumping station located at this campground. A vault toilet is provided for visitors. 
A horse trailer day use parking area is located at the back of the recreation area, along with horse corrals and hitching posts.
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Surrounded by forested mountains, the Jacks River Fields Campground is situated in a small hollow in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The South Fork of the Jacks River flows alongside the campground, joining other tributaries, forming the Jacks River. 
Jacks River meanders through the 45,000 acre Cohutta Wilderness from the southeast to the northwest, joining the Conasauga River near the Tennessee/Georgia state line. The Conasauga River is one of the most diverse rivers in the United States. The Conasauga Watershed contains 76 native fish - more than the Columbia Watershed and Colorado Watershed combined! The geography and elevation changes of the Southern Appalachian Mountains has enabled aquatic species in small watersheds to attain extreme levels of diversity compared to the much larger western watersheds. Salamanders, mussels, snails, crayfish, and other invertebrates show similar levels of diversity. 

<h2>Contact Info</h2>
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (706) 695-6736.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
South Fork Trail:
The South Fork Trail is located approximately 1/8th of a mile from the Jacks River Fields Campground. This trail meanders through fields and hardwood forests along the banks of the south fork of the Jacks River. One river ford is experienced near the north end of the trail. Be alert, this is a multi-use trail open to equestrians, hikers, and bicycles. 
Cohutta Wilderness:
Located nearby is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness (the largest Congressaionally designated Wilderness Area located east of the Mississippi River.). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous backpacking trails. Horses are allowed on some of the trails in the Wilderness, please contact the Conasauga Ranger Station for more information.

This campground currently accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.

**Use the following steps to pay with a credit card:**

  * Download the Recreation.gov app and create an account prior to arrival. Once you have the Recreation.gov app and an account on your mobile device, no internet service is needed. 
  * Upon arrival, pick your campsite, then open your Recreation.gov app. 
  * Tap the Scan function within the app on your device. 
  * The app will access your phone's camera. 
  * Using the app, Scan the QR code. 
  * Follow the prompts to pay. 
  * Once again, no internet service is needed as long as you have and use the Recreation.gov app prior to arrival. These instructions are also on site.

View from the Mountaintown Overlook, near Jacks River Fields

Mountaintown Overlook

Entrance to Jacks River Fields Campground

Preview image Jacks River Fields

Jacks River Fields entrance sign

Campsite at Jacks River Fields

Jacks River Fields Campground

This quaint, secluded campground is situated on the bank of the south fork of
the Jacks River. Surrounded by the yellow poplar, oak, hickory, and white pine
forests of north Georgia, these 7 campsites are popular with campers, hikers
and equestrians.

Photos of campground

This quaint, secluded campground is situated on the bank of the south fork of the Jacks River.  Surrounded by the yellow poplar, oak, hickory, and white pine forests of north Georgia, these 7 campsites are popular with campers, hikers and equestrians.<a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYweSJ0G-AAjoR0h4Nci992sAm4zffzyM9N1S_IDY0wyDJRBABZRw4s/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNTE0MzAwMDAwMDA!/?ss=110803&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=10459&groupid=116164&ttype=photogallery&pname=Photos%20&%20Multimedia" rel="nofollow">Photos of campground</a>

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