This is the stream that flows through the Pocket Recreation Area
Entrance sign for Pocket Campground
View from Spring Branch from Pocket Picnic Area Entrance.

Pocket Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter. Reopens April 1, 2026. The campground operates seasonally through October 31. Reservations accepted via Recreation.gov starting spring 2026.

From Recreation.gov

The window to make reservations at the Pocket Campground will open in the Spring of 2026.

Red Flag Warning issued April 12 at 10:15PM EDT until April 13 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Peachtree City GA

April 12th, 10:15 PM — 8:00 AM

Default overview section The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a Red Flag Warning for low relative humidities and gusty winds in portions of north Georgia, which is in effect from noon to 8 PM EDT Monday. Due to ongoing drought and lack of rainfall, critical fire weather conditions are reached at relative humidity values of 30% or less. * Affected Area...North Georgia including the following: Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Fannin, Gilmer, Union,Towns, Chattooga, Gordon, Pickens, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Floyd, Bartow, Cherokee, and Polk. * Timing...Noon to 8 PM Monday * Winds...10 to 15 mph; with gusts to 20 to 25 mph. * Relative Humidity...Less than 30% * Temperatures...80 to 85 degrees * Impacts...With elevated winds and low relative humidities, critical fire weather conditions are possible. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

About

Pocket Campground is located in a unique geographical pocket formed by limestone dissolution, creating a low-lying valley between the steep ridges of Horn and Mill Mountains in northwest Georgia's Ridge and Valley Province. Named for the iron ore pockets found in the surrounding ridges, this quiet campground is steeped in history as the former site of Civilian Conservation Corps Camp F-16, which operated from 1938 to 1942. Remnants of the CCC camp, including building foundations, drainage trenches, retaining walls, and a spring box, can be found throughout the recreation area. The campground provides access to two nearby hiking trails: the 1.5-mile Pocket Interpretive Trail with educational signage about local habitat and wildlife, and the 2.5-mile Pocket Loop Trail that shares some tread with the interpretive trail. A small creek called Spring Branch meanders through the recreation area, featuring a CCC-era spring box that releases cold water, providing a refreshing spot to wade during summer. The adjacent picnic area includes tables, grills, a reservable shelter, and access to the trailheads. Deer and turkeys thrive in the surrounding mixed pine and oak forest, while spring wildflowers and autumn colors showcase the region's natural beauty. Johns Creek, less than a mile away, offers quality trout fishing opportunities. The campground also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions including Johns Mountain Overlook, Keown Falls, and other recreation areas within the national forest.

Directions

From I-75, take exit 320 west on Georgia Highway 136 for approximately 14 miles. Turn left onto Pocket Road for approximately 7 miles. The recreation area will be on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $15

Vehicle

Max RV Length 28ft
Max Trailer Length 28ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (706) 695-6736

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

This is the stream that flows through the Pocket Recreation Area
Entrance sign for Pocket Campground
View from Spring Branch from Pocket Picnic Area Entrance.
This is a very small pond on the Pocket Interpretive Trail.  A short spur trail leads from the main trail to this pond.

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