Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower

Star4.40
143 reviews
2726 West Wildcat Rd., Clayton, GA

Quick Facts

2,420 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $10 per site per night. Senior or Access Pass holders receive a 50% discount ($5 per site per night). Payments can be made via cash...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 143 reviews

120 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethikingwater

"User reviews emphasize the campground's rustic and primitive nature, scenic location beside Wildcat Creek, and limited facilities. The lack of cell service and amenities is either appreciated for solitude or criticized for inconvenience."

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Campground Map

2726 West Wildcat Rd., Clayton, GA

Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower

2726 West Wildcat Rd., Clayton, GA

Driving directionsFrom Clayton, GA, take U.S. Rt. 76 west for 9.7 miles to State Rt. 197. Turn left onto Rt. 197 and go 5.1 miles to Wildcat Rd. (Forest Rt. 26). Turn right onto Wildcat Rd. and go 2.8 miles to campground. NOTE: Wildcat Rd. is gravel, steep (in places), single lane with turnouts. There are minimal potholes and washboards.
Access is challenging due to the gravel, steep inclines, single lane with turnouts, and minimal potholes and washboards. The road is currently closed to motorized vehicles due to landslides, requiring foot travel.
Nearby places
Clayton, GA (approximately 15.6 miles, ~25 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely located in Clayton, GA. Specific store names or distances are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower

Perched at 2,420 feet, this mountain retreat experiences the full drama of Appalachian seasons. Summer transforms the campground into a verdant paradise, where morning mist clings to the canopy and afternoon thunderstorms roll through with spectacular displays. Winter strips the forest bare, revealing hidden vistas and offering profound solitude to cold-weather campers brave enough to embrace the chill. Spring and fall deliver those perfect camping days—crisp mornings giving way to sun-dappled afternoons. The elevation ensures cooler temperatures year-round, providing welcome relief during Georgia's sweltering summers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer is verdant and misty but draws more visitors and road issues persist.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Appalachian fall colors plus waterfalls and trails make fall especially scenic.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring should be strong for waterfalls and new growth; trails and streams are highlighted in reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter offers solitude per reviews but is cold; access/road closures can limit visits.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Currently closed until road repairs are completed. The campground is open year-round otherwise.
  • Current Alerts: Closed to motorized travel due to road hazards. Funding for repairs is underway. Safety concerns due to remaining landslides.

About Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of North Georgia's mountains, Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This tent-only sanctuary sits alongside the babbling waters of Wildcat Creek, where rainbow trout dart through crystal-clear pools during stocking season. Here, primitive camping takes on its truest form—no RVs, no generators, just you and the ancient forest. While current road conditions have temporarily limited access, this hidden gem remains a coveted destination for adventurous souls who understand that the best campsites are often the hardest to reach.
Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower offers primitive tent camping only, with limited amenities.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay: 21 consecutive days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, although current access is restricted due to road conditions.
HikingMultiple user reviews mention hiking trails along Wildcat Creek and Amicalola Creek, with various footbridges and waterfall views. Trails are described as scenic and suitable for day-long hikes.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Wildcat Creek, which is seasonally stocked with rainbow trout. A Georgia fishing license and trout stamp are required.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a common activity, with user reviews mentioning evidence of wildlife in the area, although sightings may vary.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad hazards due to landslides (4 slides since 2019) have restricted access. The area also features rough terrain, steep roads, and possible wildlife encounters.
Active AlertsClosed to motorized travel due to road hazards. Funding for repairs is underway. Safety concerns due to remaining landslides.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower

Reviews

4.4
143 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Wildcat Creek Campground #1 Lower is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the campground's rustic and primitive nature, scenic location beside Wildcat Creek, and limited facilities. The lack of cell service and amenities is either appreciated for solitude or criticized for inconvenience.
Review Summaries
Based on 143 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground's natural beauty, proximity to waterfalls and Wildcat Creek, and opportunities for hiking and fishing. Some reviewers appreciate the quiet, primitive camping experience.
Based on 143 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the rough road conditions, lack of maintenance for vault toilets, absence of trash facilities, and occasional misuse of the site (e.g., trash left behind by other campers).
Based on 143 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing high-clearance vehicles due to challenging road access, purchasing fishing or hunting licenses online before arrival, practicing Leave No Trace camping, and bringing...
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Based on 143 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is noted for its solitude. Summer may attract more visitors, but rough road conditions persist year-round. Rainy conditions can make the road 'soupy and slidey,' as noted by a reviewer.
Based on 143 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bring your license! Wardens working hard to keep bums out. Beautiful place. I camped, nice sites all primitive. Stocked trout😁" - Jonathan Webb; "Hidden Gem! Great place to camp! Nice hike along...
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Based on 143 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Users mention creekside sites are highly desirable for their natural beauty. Privacy varies, with sparse vegetation between sites.
Based on 143 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility features or reviews from disabled campers are mentioned.
Based on 143 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address experiences with pets, although dogs are mentioned as accompanying some campers.
Based on 143 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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