Dockery Lake Recreation Area

Overview

Dockery Lake Recreation Area is a U.S. Forest Service Campground located approximately 2 hours North of Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains of the Chattahoochee National Forest. Dockery Lake is nestled deep within the mountains 12 miles north of Dahlonega, GA. Dockery Lake Recreation Area offers camping, picnicking and fishing for all ages. Dockery Lake Campground is small and located right along the banks of Dockery Lake. The campground is situated under a dense forest of deciduous and evergreen trees which brings plenty of shade in the summer time. 11 campsites are neatly arranged within close proximity to the Lake and the Day Use area (no fee). The climate here is fairly mild and generally offers all four seasons, so it is a wonderful place to relax and experience each of these throughout the year. North Georgia is a playground for wildlife watchers. An abundance of Deer, Turkey, Bear and, small furbearers can be seen as well as bird watching. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, come to Dockery Lake Recreation Area. 

Recreation

Day Hiking:

Lakeshore Trail - 0.5 mile easy loop around lake.

Dockery Lake Trail( LEADS FROM DAY USE AREA) - 3.5 miles leads to the Appalachian Trail in Miller Gap. 

Other trails within a 30 minute drive:

The Appalachian Trail cross Hwy 60 at Woody Gap, 

The Benton MacKaye Trail crosses Hwy. 60 in two places, approximately 12 miles north.

Dockery Lake - Carry Down Electric Motors Only

Facilities

There are no water or electric hook-ups or dump station available in the campground. 1 flush facility in the campground and 1 vault toilet in the day use area. Standard Amenities (i.e. grill, picnic tables, lantern post, etc) Flush facilty and drinking water is only available from 4/1 through 10/31.

Natural Features

Dockery Lake campground and day-use area is constructed next to a small pond. The area, operated by the U.S. Forest Service of the Blue Ridge Ranger Disctict in the Chattahoochee National Forest, is nestled among the Cedar Ridge range of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Situated on a small tributary to Waters Creek, Dockery Lake is a 6-acre (24,000 m2) man-made lake stocked with trout. During the Month of October, North Georgia’s trees put on a vibrant show. Summer's dark greens change to brilliant reds, oranges and yellows which makes the camping atmosphere amazing. Thousands make the yearly trek into the mountains near Dockery Lake for a front row seat.  

Nearby Attractions

Dockery Lake Recreation Area is about thirty minutes north of Dahlonega, Georgia off GA Highway 60. Just a short drive down the highway is Woody Gap Recreation Area, Chestatee Overlook, or Deep Hole Recreation Area. About fifteen minutes away is Dicks Creek Recreation Area. Nearby water falls to visit are are Dicks Creek Falls, Helton Creek Falls, Dukes Creeks Falls, Long Creek Falls, Fall Branch Falls, and Raven Cliffs Falls. If you turn down Rock Creek Road (FSR 69) you can find the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery, Frank Gross Recreation Area, and access to the Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area. Also nearby, within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, the Brasstown Bald Recreation Area & Visitor Center is a great place to visit. It is the highest point in Georgia, and rises to 4,784 feet above sea level with a 360 degree view of four states.  

Towns within a short drive are Blairsville, Helen, Blue Ridge, and Dahlonega, GA.

Directions From Blairsville, GA take U.S. 19/129 south for 10.0 miles, turn right on GA Hwy 180. Go approximately 11.0 miles. Turn left on GA Highway 60, go 4.0 miles to Forest Service Road 654 on the left. Turn left, go 1.0 mile to campground.

From Dahlonega, GA take GA Highway 60 north approximately 13 miles to Forest Service Road 654 on the right. Turn right, go 1.0 mile to campground.