Woodring Branch Primitive Campground

Star4.12
41 reviews
Woodring Branch Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540

Quick Facts

Price

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Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Woodring Branch Primitive Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 41 reviews

62 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefullocationwater

"Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Woodring Branch Primitive Campground, consistently giving 5-star ratings. They highlight the beautiful lakeside setting, good facilities, and enjoyable experiences for both primitive camping and more amenity-heavy “glamping.”"

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Best Time to Camp at Woodring Branch Primitive Campground

The campground truly comes alive during the warmer months when the lake beckons with endless possibilities for boating, swimming, and waterside relaxation. Summer days here are made for launching your kayak at dawn, hiking shaded trails during the midday heat, and gathering around the campfire as evening settles over the mountains.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Woodring Branch Primitive Campground

    Tucked away in the heavily wooded shoreline of Carters Lake, Woodring Branch Primitive Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience in the North Georgia Mountains. This rustic retreat serves as your basecamp for exploring the scenic Amadahy and Oak Ridge trails, casting a line into pristine waters, or paddling along 62 miles of undeveloped shoreline where the foothills meet the lake.
    Primitive-style campground consisting of eleven primitive sites in a heavily wooded setting; located on Carters Lake with nearby day-use amenities and trail access.
    Weather and SeasonsThe campground truly comes alive during the warmer months when the lake beckons with endless possibilities for boating, swimming, and waterside relaxation. Summer days here are made for launching your kayak at dawn, hiking shaded trails during the midday heat, and gathering around the campfire as evening settles over the mountains.
    Natural Features and SceneryCarters Lake spreads across 3,200 acres of crystal-clear water, its 62 miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline creating an increasingly rare sense of wilderness solitude. The campground itself sits nestled within dense forest canopy, where the Oak Ridge Nature Trail winds through classic Appalachian upland forest and the Amadahy Trail traces the lake's edge, offering glimpses of morning mist rising off the water and herons fishing in quiet coves. This is the Blue Ridge foothills at their finest—where mountain ridges soften into rolling terrain and the forest meets the water's edge.
    Geological RegionFoothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsites11 campsites

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutHeavily wooded primitive campground with eleven sites; area contains loop-style trails (Amadahy 4-mile loop and Oak Ridge 1-mile nature trail).
    Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov
    Cancellation PolicyChanges and cancellations must be made on Recreation.gov

    Activities you can enjoy

    Recreational opportunities at Woodring Branch focus on upland trails and lake-based activities including boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
    Hiking
    The Amadahy Trail (4-mile loop) at Woodring Branch is described as excellent for beginners with flat to rolling terrain. The Oak Ridge Nature Trail is a shorter one-mile hike through upland forests; both offer diverse plants, animals, and scenic views of Carters Lake.
    Fishing
    Fishing is popular on Carters Lake with major species listed as bass (largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid, striped and spotted), crappie, walleye, bream and catfish. Bank fishing locations are limited due to steep shoreline terrain, and there are six boat ramps around the shoreline for lake access.
    Biking
    Mountain biking is available and the Amadahy Trail treats bikers to beautiful views of Carters Lake along much of the trail's length.
    Boating
    Carters Lake is used for powerboating, sailing and paddling; visitors seek solitude and scenic beauty on the open water and along the shoreline.
    Wildlife viewing
    Trails include a wide diversity of plants and animals, providing opportunities for wildlife and nature viewing along both the Amadahy and Oak Ridge trails.
    Water Sports
    Includes powerboating, sailing and paddling (canoeing/kayaking) as described in the boating recreation text.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsSteep shoreline terrain limits bank fishing at many locations around the lake; primitive facilities imply limited services.

    Weather at Woodring Branch Primitive Campground

    39
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Clear sky
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 65%
    Wind: 8.8 mph
    Clear sky

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresSituated on the Carters Lake Project with direct access to the lake; boating and fishing opportunities available and lake shoreline nearby.

    Campground Map

    Woodring Branch Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
    Driving directionsFrom Atlanta: take I-75 north to Exit 293; follow Highway 411 north. Turn right on Highway 136, then left on old Highway 411. Turn right on Highway 282/76. Campground is located 4.5 miles off Highway 282. From Ellijay, GA: take Highway 282/76 west for 11 miles to the access road and follow signs to the campground.
    Accessible via I-75 (Exit 293) with connecting routes Highway 411, Highway 136, old Highway 411 and Highway 282/76; campground is 4.5 miles off Highway 282.
    Nearby places
    Atlanta — about 70 miles south
    other nearby towns: Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Jasper, Chatsworth (distances not specified).
    Nearby supplies
    Ellijay and nearby towns (Blue Ridge, Jasper, Chatsworth) — towns are noted for restaurants and tourist opportunities

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.1
    41 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Woodring Branch Primitive Campground, consistently giving 5-star ratings. They highlight the beautiful lakeside setting, good facilities, and enjoyable experiences for both primitive camping and more amenity-heavy “glamping.”
    Review Summaries
    Based on 41 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Campers love the beautiful campground and lakeside location, mentioning great lake access for boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, plus a nice beach and swimming area. They also appreciate the...
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    Based on 41 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The only recurring concern mentioned is disruptive behavior from some young adults after holidays, including loud music, drinking, and smoking that negatively affected one family’s stay. Weather...
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    Based on 41 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Be aware that holidays (like after the 4th of July) may attract younger crowds who are louder and more inclined to drink and play music, so consider timing your visit if you prefer a quieter stay....
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    Based on 41 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "Quiet, peaceful, and huge lots by the water! Loved it!" "Beautiful campground at a great rate. Nice boat ramp and swimming area." "A lot of young adults came there after the 4th playing kid music,...
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    Based on 41 reviews

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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