Georgia / Union County / Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area

Open — Open year-round with the North Loop operating first-come, first-served. Bridge replacement work on Georgia 180 near the entrance may cause temporary delays and one-lane traffic during construction. Campers with large rigs are encouraged to use the directions from Dahlonega.

About

Situated high in a mountain valley within Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, approximately 80 miles from Atlanta, Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area offers year-round recreation opportunities centered around the scenic 18-acre lake. The lake, which forms the headwaters of Cooper Creek, was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is surrounded by a diverse forest inhabited by deer, bear, wild turkey, grouse, and songbirds. The recreation area features 31 campsites configured in North and South loops for tent or RV camping. Four sites offer water and electric hookups. The North Loop operates year-round on a first-come, first-served basis, while the South Loop operates seasonally with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Additionally, a rental cabin accommodates up to 12 people with electricity, water, kitchen facilities, and a wood stove. The campground provides showers, flush and vault toilets, grills, picnic tables, and lantern posts, though there is no dump station on-site. Recreation opportunities include swimming at the designated beach area with bathhouse and playground, boating with hand-powered or electric motor craft only, and fishing for catfish, trout, perch, brim, and bass from the accessible fishing dock or boat. Three hiking trails offer options from easy to moderate difficulty, including the 0.4-mile lakeshore trail and two trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail. The recreation area also features reservable picnic pavilions and day-use facilities.

Directions

From Blairsville, take U.S. 19/129 south for 10 miles. Turn right west on Georgia 180 for 7 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 37 at Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area entrance. From Dahlonega, take U.S. 19 north for approximately 20 miles. Turn left west on Georgia 180 for 7 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 37 at Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds