Georgia / Floyd County / Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

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.

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.

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