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Chattahoochee-Oconee/Lake Winfield Scott

Overview

Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area offers a tranquil escape nestled deep within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this historic mountain retreat centers around a pristine 18-acre lake. At nearly 3,000 feet in elevation, the air is crisp and the scenery is lush, making it a favorite for those looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature in one of Georgia's highest altitude parks.

Location & Surroundings

Located in Suches, Georgia, an area often called the Valley Above the Clouds, the park is surrounded by high ridges and dense hardwood forests. The drive to the park involves winding mountain roads that offer stunning vistas but require careful navigation for those towing trailers. The surrounding wilderness of the North Georgia mountains provides a dramatic backdrop, ensuring that every campsite feels secluded and deeply immersed in the Appalachian landscape.

Amenities & Park Features

While the park provides a rustic experience, it includes essential facilities for a comfortable stay. RVers will find primitive campsites that accommodate smaller rigs and trailers up to 25-30 feet. The park features a designated swimming area with a seasonal beach and a bathhouse with hot showers, which are welcome luxuries after a day of exploration. There are also several picnic pavilions and multiple fishing piers strategically placed around the lake for easy access to the water.

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the direct access to the Jarrard Gap Trail, which leads hikers up to the famous Appalachian Trail. The lake itself is ideal for non-motorized boating, such as canoeing or kayaking, and is frequently stocked for trout fishing. For a scenic day trip, the nearby Wolf Pen Gap Road offers one of the most beautiful drives in the state, leading travelers toward other natural landmarks like the towering Brasstown Bald.

Who This Park Is Best For

This destination is ideal for dry campers and small RVers who prioritize natural beauty and silence over modern hookups and resort amenities. It is a haven for avid hikers and anglers who want to be steps away from the trailhead or the water’s edge. If you enjoy a traditional camping atmosphere and the unique charm of a historic CCC-era park, Lake Winfield Scott is the perfect high-altitude sanctuary for your next mountain adventure.

Amenities

- Recreational Facilities

• Lake
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Ramp
• Body Of Water (Lake Winfield Scott)
• Playground
• Kayaking/Canoeing

- Policies

• Pets Welcome
• Day Max Stay (14)
• Tent Camping Allowed

- Other Amenities & Services

• Restroom and Showers

- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)

• Hiking

- Facility

• Type (National Forest)
• Partial Handicap Access

- On-Site Rentals

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- Sites

• Spaces Available (31)
• Width (13)
• Max Length (48)
• Gravel Sites (31)
• Water (4)
• Electric (4)
• No Hookups (27)
• Pull-thrus (6)
• Pull-thru Size (13 x 48)
• Back-ins (15 x 22)
• Site Length (48)

User Reviews

Patrick Emm

November 08, 2025

USFS Primitive campground. Very nice and quiet. Off the beaten path. We went for a day of fishing, hiking and picnic lunch!

S Yahoo DR

September 03, 2025

Lovely lake and trails. Campgrounds are small but nice and some have power. Could be an exceptional place to view wildlife, but too many dog walkers have ruined any chances of that.

Alfred Hussein Neuman

August 17, 2025

Great campground. Almost every campsite on the south and north loop were very good. Added pictures of the Restrooms - a bit dirty, it the restroom at the beach pavilion was very nice.

Sarah Reed

June 06, 2025

Loved the campground for years. Still do, but it's a shame the people handling it aren't taking good care of it. We were there 6 days and only noticed the bathrooms cleaned once. There's even a sign above the toilets saying they're cleaned several times daily. Please take care of this gem of a campground.

vaishali tambe

May 01, 2025

We camped at lake Winfield Scott as a big group.. awesome campsite. No cellphone network so it was a much needed digital detox. No stores nearby so plan accordingly.

Daryl Wiggins

September 07, 2024

I stayed in a cabin here for 3 weeks while doing trail maintenance for Vogel state park and it was awesome! Great swimming lake with a floating dock and lots of camp sites. Right up mountain from Vogel. Lots of great hiking trails all around.

Jack Orr

August 01, 2024

Came up to the mountains for a quick one night in our little camper. Perfect secluded campground. The host was very nice. Nice short trail to the lake with a boat ramp and dock plus a swimming area. Trails to connect to the AT right out the back of the campground too. Site 12 was an easy pull through spot (although might be a little narrow for larger rigs). Overall a little expensive, but for the location and power and water hookups I’m not docking any stars. Did have a mom and cub run up on us while we were having morning coffee (7 or 8 am on 7/27). We scared them as much as they scared us but just be bear aware. Also no ATT service.

Tom W

October 14, 2023

There was one other camper there. No staff, restrooms closed and water off in the 1st come area of 18 sites but the sites are wonderful. It probably is much more populated during summer with day users. It was a great overnight since we are completely self sufficient. There is a couple trails, one 1.8 miles around the lake and the other goes off into the wilderness.

jeff payne

June 07, 2023

This is a really great place to go for low crowds. The lake offered fair fishing for me but was really taken in how quiet it was. There is a $5.00 charge PER PERSON for day use. There is a nice beach area and the bathrooms have showers and are well maintained. It is real close to Vogel State Park but seems more secluded. The are a lot of steps to get to the swimming area. I think the builders were paid according to the number if steps the could put in. Bring all that you may need cause the nearest store...aint near.

Rose H

November 08, 2021

We have been here every year for the past seven years, but this summer was the first time we had a bad experience. The camp host in the north loop was a single old guy who was rude when we first arrived because I think he was trying to seduce a lady that was camping there and I had told her to call her dog away from our site. It looked more like she was living there permanently. She would let her dog loose in order to strike up conversations with the incoming campers. The camp host was playing his 80's hair band music super loud and was always coming around her tent. It was weird and didn't feel like other years where it was more family oriented. The previous camp hosts were always friendly, respectable older couples that kept a nice environment. Also the sites weren't taken care of very well. The tables were in need of repairs and there was grass/weeds on the area where the tent was supposed to be placed. Even walking over the steps was a trip hazard.

Map for Chattahoochee-Oconee/Lake Winfield Scott

Contact information