Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area

About

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area is a year-round destination in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest centered around an 18-acre CCC-era lake that forms the headwaters of Cooper Creek. The campground consists of 31 sites arranged in north and south loops. The north loop operates first-come, first-served with 17 sites including one double site and one accessible site. The south loop offers reservable sites, with sites 12-15 featuring water and electric hookups. A rental cabin accommodating up to 12 guests is also available. Recreation options include a designated swimming beach with bathhouse, fishing for trout, bass, catfish, and perch from shore or an accessible fishing dock, and boating via the boat ramp (hand-powered and electric motors only). Day-use hiking trails parallel the lakeshore, and the 1-mile Jarrard Gap Trail and 2.7-mile Slaughter Creek Trail both connect to the Appalachian Trail. The campground provides flush toilets and showers during peak season, vault toilets during off-peak periods, grills, picnic tables, and lantern posts at each site. Trash bins are available. No dump station exists on-site, but Vogel State Park nearby offers one for a small fee.

Directions

From Blairsville, take US 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 US 19 north for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Georgia 180 for 7 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 37.