Jacks River Fields Campground

4.37

68 reviews

Featured in:Primitive Camping Georgia

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest site

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,700 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest site

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Jacks River Fields Campground

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for camping at Jacks River Fields is $5 per night. Payments are made on-site either in cash or through a QR code system using the...

Standard Site Fee$5.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

706-695-6736

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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 68 reviews

72 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietwell-maintainedsites

"Overall, campers appreciate the remote and serene atmosphere of Jacks River Fields Campground. Reviews highlight the clean facilities, access to trails, and the opportunity to escape urban noise. However, some visitors mention challenges accessing the site due to rough roads."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Jacks River Fields Campground

34.8634, -84.5201

Driving directionsLocated in North Georgia, Jacks River Fields Campground can be accessed via Forest Road 157. It is approximately 8 miles down a rutted forest service road from the main highway. Slow driving is advised, especially for vehicles with low clearance.

Access involves a challenging drive on unpaved, gravel roads. This road often has potholes and is only one lane in parts, requiring careful navigation and patience. Vehicles such as trucks, jeeps, or other high-clearance options are highly recommended.

Best Time to Camp at Jacks River Fields Campground

Perched at 2,700 feet, Jacks River Fields offers a natural air conditioning system that transforms sweltering summer days into comfortable mountain evenings perfect for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests explode into a painter's palette of crimson, gold, and amber—creating one of nature's most spectacular shows. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though adventurers should come prepared for genuine mountain conditions. The gravel access roads can become treacherous ribbons of ice, demanding careful navigation and proper vehicle preparation for those brave enough to experience the campground's quiet winter magic.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

At 2,700 ft it offers cooler summer evenings; busy but comfortable for visitors.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn foliage and pleasant temperatures make fall a popular, scenic season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Busy season with vibrant wildflowers and songbirds; reviewers note strong spring visitation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Fewer visitors in winter; limited services and less to do reduce seasonal appeal.

Planning Tips

About Jacks River Fields Campground

Nestled deep in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jacks River Fields Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This intimate campground offers just 7 thoughtfully designed sites, each complete with tent pads, parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts that cast a warm glow as evening falls. What sets this hidden gem apart is its equestrian-friendly nature—horseback riders will discover well-maintained corrals and sturdy hitching posts, making it a perfect basecamp for exploring miles of mountain trails on horseback. Whether you're drawn by the melodic songs of native birds at dawn, the promise of secluded hiking trails, or simply the desire to disconnect from the modern world, this mountain sanctuary delivers an experience that feels wonderfully removed from time.

Jacks River Fields Campground is a small, primitive campground offering a rugged outdoor experience. It supports tent and equestrian camping. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Historical SignificanceLong before tents dotted these clearings, the area known as Upper Jacks River thrived as a bustling mountain community. Today, keen-eyed visitors can still discover echoes of this forgotten settlement hidden among the trees. Perhaps most intriguing are the traces of early conservation history—this was once the domain of federal game wardens who patrolled the newly established national forest in the early 1900s, protecting these wild lands for future generations. Their legacy lives on in the pristine wilderness that surrounds modern campers, a testament to over a century of careful stewardship.

Weather and SeasonsPerched at 2,700 feet, Jacks River Fields offers a natural air conditioning system that transforms sweltering summer days into comfortable mountain evenings perfect for campfire stories. As autumn arrives, the surrounding forests explode into a painter's palette of crimson, gold, and amber—creating one of nature's most spectacular shows. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, though adventurers should come prepared for genuine mountain conditions. The gravel access roads can become treacherous ribbons of ice, demanding careful navigation and proper vehicle preparation for those brave enough to experience the campground's quiet winter magic.

ElevationAt 2,700 feet above sea level, Jacks River Fields occupies that sweet spot where southern hospitality meets mountain majesty. This elevation gifts the campground with refreshingly cool breezes that provide natural relief from summer's heat, making it a coveted retreat for those escaping the sweltering valleys below. Yet this mountain perch comes with its own personality—winter visitors should prepare for genuine alpine conditions, where snow can dust the tent pads and morning frost transforms spider webs into delicate crystal chandeliers. The elevation creates its own microclimate, where weather can change as quickly as the mountain moods themselves.

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Fork of the Jacks River serves as the campground's liquid lifeline, its gentle murmur providing nature's perfect white noise for peaceful sleep. Towering hemlocks stand sentinel alongside ancient hardwoods, while understory thickets of native rhododendron create natural privacy screens between campsites. Spring and summer bring breathtaking wildflower displays that carpet the forest floor in delicate blooms, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds in abundance. Wildlife enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise—black bears lumber through the woods (proper food storage essential!), wild turkeys strut across clearings, and white-tailed deer often graze in the soft light of dawn and dusk. This is the Appalachian forest at its finest, where every sunrise reveals new natural treasures.

Geological RegionJacks River Fields rests within the ancient embrace of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where millions of years of geological drama have sculpted a landscape of stunning beauty. The campground's setting showcases the region's signature tapestry of mixed hardwood forests intertwined with evergreen hemlocks and the glossy-leaved native rhododendron that bloom in spectacular fashion each summer. The South Fork of the Jacks River has carved its own story through this mountain terrain, creating a ribbon of life that supports an incredibly diverse ecosystem. This is quintessential Appalachian high country, where the very rocks beneath your feet tell stories that predate human memory.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Site occupancy begins upon payment. No check-in desk or personnel.

Check-out

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

24 hours per fee paid. Checkout time is 2 p.m., but additional payment is required to stay post-checkout.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specified limit of guests in the authoritative content.

Groups

There are no designated group sites mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutConsists of distinct numbered sites, each equipped for tents with parking spurs and space for vehicles.

Reservation PlatformsOn-site payment through Recreation.gov app QR codes.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis with physical check-ins only. Users must arrive early to secure a campsite during busy weekends.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are non-refundable and cannot be modified after payment is made. Payment is required upon arrival for each full day occupying your site.

AccessibilityThe campground includes basic accessibility features such as a vault toilet. However, due to its remote nature and lack of paved roads, the site may not be fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe campsites are modest in size and are designed to accommodate tents and smaller vehicles. There are no specific dimensions provided.

PrivacyThe campground offers a relatively secluded camping experience, with sites surrounded by forest and located along the South Fork of the Jacks River. However, it is noted that the proximity of sites may limit privacy during busy weekends.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites closer to the river tend to offer scenic views and white noise from flowing waters.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, hunting, and exploring wildflowers. The South Fork Trail, adjacent to the campground, serves as a multi-use trail suitable for equestrians, hikers, and bikers. Nearby attractions include the Cohutta Wilderness, which offers challenging backpacking trails.

HikingThe South Fork Trail is a multi-use trail adjacent to the campground, supporting hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Additionally, the nearby Cohutta Wilderness offers strenuous backpacking opportunities.

FishingFishing opportunities are available along the South Fork of the Jacks River. Specific details on fish types are not provided.

BikingBiking is allowed on the South Fork Trail, which is a multi-use trail that passes near the campground.

Wildlife viewingThe campground's location in the Blue Ridge Mountains provides opportunities to observe wildlife such as bears, deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of songbirds.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears and other wildlife attractions, slippery rocks near trails, and the narrow gravel roads leading to the campground.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Jacks River Fields Campground

Reviews

4.4

68 reviews

Recommended

Jacks River Fields Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, campers appreciate the remote and serene atmosphere of Jacks River Fields Campground. Reviews highlight the clean facilities, access to trails, and the opportunity to escape urban noise. However, some visitors mention challenges accessing the site due to rough roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 68 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers praise the pristine and quiet setting, well-maintained vault toilet, and proximity to trails. "A wonderful find along the loop," one reviewer noted. "The campsites were excellent and the...

Based on 68 reviews

Common Concerns

Some common issues include the difficulty of driving on the rough, narrow gravel roads leading to the site. Lack of running water and limited cell service were also mentioned as drawbacks. One...

Based on 68 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing sufficient water and supplies as there are no facilities for running water or stores nearby. It's also recommended to arrive early to secure a site as all are first-come,...

Based on 68 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during weekends and holidays in spring, summer, and fall. Visitors noted the vibrant display of wildflowers and songbirds during the warmer months. Fewer visitors come...

Based on 68 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful place. Two small corrals for horses." - K.G. "Great place for the family to relax and picnic." - Amanda Thibodeaux "Quiet, lovely location... near a trailhead." - Kristi Gibbons

Based on 68 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific details are not provided, but users appreciate the proximity of sites to the river and trails.

Based on 68 reviews

Accessibility Features

The rugged terrain and remote location may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues. There are no detailed reviews addressing accessibility features.

Based on 68 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Visitors with pets appreciated the serene environment for dog-friendly walks but noted the importance of keeping pets secure due to wildlife.

Based on 68 reviews

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