Dockery Lake Recreation Area

Star3.92
121 reviews
950 Dockery Lake Rd, Dahlonega, GA, 30533
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,753 ft

Price

$4 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open season: 4/1-12/...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service, Blue Ridge Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Dockery Lake Recreation Area
$4.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$8 per night during peak season (4/1-10/31), $4 per night during non-peak season (11/1-12/31).
Standard Site Fee$8.00
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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Provider
706-745-6928
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What Campers Say

3.92

Mixed Reviews

Based on 121 reviews

76 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationhikingwell-maintainedsites

"Overall, Dockery Lake Recreation Area is praised as a peaceful and scenic campground with a strong sense of community among campers. Many visitors highlight the simplicity of the facilities and the stunning natural backdrop. However, some negative reviews mention maintenance issues and limited privacy at certain sites."

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Campground Map

950 Dockery Lake Rd, Dahlonega, GA, 30533

Dockery Lake Recreation Area

950 Dockery Lake Rd, Dahlonega, GA, 30533

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Access requires driving on Forest Service Road 654, which may have significant potholes and washboard areas as noted by user reviews. The road is unpaved and can be challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Seasonal closures occur from 1/1-3/31 when the campground is closed.
Nearby places
- Dahlonega, GA: 12 miles, approximately 20 minutes - Blairsville, GA: 22 miles, approximately 30 minutes
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel can be found in Dahlonega, GA, approximately 12 miles away. Walmart is noted as a reliable location for firewood and water, and general supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Dockery Lake Recreation Area

Each season paints Dockery Lake in dramatically different hues. Autumn transforms the mountainside into a breathtaking tapestry of golds, crimsons, and burnt oranges that draw visitors from across the region. Summer brings gentle mountain breezes and cool shade beneath the dense tree cover, offering relief from the heat of lower elevations. Winter occasionally works its magic, transforming the lake into a crystalline wonderland when temperatures dip low enough to freeze its surface. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and the songs of returning birds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and active Apr–Oct: fishing, boating, trails available though busier in peak season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn 'breathtaking tapestry' of colors; fall is particularly popular for leaf-peeping.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens April 1; spring offers accessible trails, fishing and the start of peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed Jan 1–Mar 31; campground not available for most winter months.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1st to October 31st.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: 4/1-12/31. Closed season: 1/1-3/31.
  • Current Alerts: /Potential road hazards/ (potholes) on the access road due to washboarding.

About Dockery Lake Recreation Area

Tucked away in the heart of the North Georgia mountains, Dockery Lake Recreation Area offers an intimate escape where 11 thoughtfully placed campsites nestle beneath a canopy of deciduous and evergreen trees. This hidden gem centers around a pristine 6-acre lake, regularly stocked with trout, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking tranquility away from the crowds. Here, dappled sunlight filters through the forest canopy while wildlife moves quietly through the understory, offering campers a genuine connection with nature.
Dockery Lake Recreation Area offers primitive camping options suitable for tents and small pop-up campers. It is an ideal site for those seeking a quiet, off-grid experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Dockery Lake Recreation Area offers a mix of activities for nature enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The recreation opportunities are enhanced by its proximity to the Appalachian Trail and the tranquil setting of Dockery Lake.
HikingTwo main hiking trails are available: the Lakeshore Trail (a 0.5-mile easy loop around the lake) and the Dockery Lake Trail (3.5 miles leading to the Appalachian Trail at Miller Gap). The trails feature diverse terrain and are marked for ease of navigation. User reviews highlight the natural beauty and moderate difficulty of the trails, with blue trail markers aiding hikers.
FishingFishing is a key activity at Dockery Lake, which is stocked with trout. However, some reviewers noted that fishing can be hit or miss depending on the season, with spring generally offering better conditions.
BoatingOnly non-motorized boating, such as canoeing and kayaking, is permitted. Electric motors are allowed. There are no dedicated docking facilities.
Wildlife viewingThe area offers ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including deer, turkey, bear, and various bird species. The lush forest and serene lake make it a prime spot for nature observation.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity, requiring strict food storage rules. The campground does not have cell service, which may pose challenges during emergencies.
Active Alerts/Potential road hazards/ (potholes) on the access road due to washboarding.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Dockery Lake Recreation Area

Reviews

3.9
121 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Dockery Lake Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Dockery Lake Recreation Area is praised as a peaceful and scenic campground with a strong sense of community among campers. Many visitors highlight the simplicity of the facilities and the stunning natural backdrop. However, some negative reviews mention maintenance issues and limited privacy at certain sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 121 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects commonly mentioned include the tranquility of the location, well-maintained campsites, great fishing opportunities, and proximity to hiking trails. Many reviewers also appreciated...
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Based on 121 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include maintenance issues, such as locked or clogged toilets and non-functional water pumps. A few visitors noted that the access road has potholes and can be challenging to...
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Based on 121 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing extra supplies, such as water and firewood, as on-site amenities are limited. They also suggest arriving early on weekends or holidays to secure a campsite due to the...
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Based on 121 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the peak season (April to October), the campground is more crowded, but facilities such as flush toilets and drinking water are available. The fall season is particularly popular due to the...
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Based on 121 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Such an awesome little campground! We brought our two furbabies here for their very first camping trip and we were not disappointed." - Adriana Morales. "Amazing hidden gem! The campground is small...
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Based on 121 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 7 is spacious and close to the water, offering great views and easy trail access. Site 9, a lakefront site, has been highlighted for its calm atmosphere, though some maintenance issues were...
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Based on 121 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback about accessibility accommodations was provided in the reviews.
Based on 121 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed at the campground, and many visitors brought their dogs. The hiking trails were noted as being pet-friendly, making it an enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners.
Based on 121 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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