Dockery Lake Recreation Area
Open
— Open seasonally from April 1 through October 31. Potable water is available during peak season only. The campground is currently closed for winter and typically reopens April 1.
About
Dockery Lake Recreation Area is a small U.S. Forest Service campground located in the Chattahoochee National Forest, nestled among the Cedar Ridge range of the Blue Ridge Mountains approximately 12 miles north of Dahlonega, Georgia. The campground features 11 well-spaced campsites situated under a dense forest canopy along the banks of a 6-acre man-made lake stocked with trout. The setting provides excellent summer shade and showcases spectacular fall foliage displays in October when the mountains transform into brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.
The recreation area offers multiple outdoor activities including fishing on Dockery Lake (electric motors only, carry-down access), hiking the easy 0.5-mile Lakeshore Trail loop, and accessing the more challenging 3.5-mile Dockery Lake Trail that leads to the Appalachian Trail at Miller Gap. The campground operates on a reservable basis during peak season and is situated on a small tributary to Waters Creek. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with frequent sightings of deer, turkey, bear, and various bird species. The area's mild climate and four-season accessibility make it a peaceful retreat from urban life, though winter closures do occur.
Directions
From Dahlonega, take GA Highway 60 north approximately 13 miles to Forest Service Road 654 on the right. Turn right and go 1 mile to the campground. From Blue Ridge, take US 515 north for 4 miles to GA Highway 60, turn right and go 2 miles to Morganton. In Morganton, turn right on GA 60 south for 14.5 miles, then turn right on Forest Service Road 69 for 5.2 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
