Pocket Campground

Overview

The Pocket Recreation Area is located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in the ridges and valleys of northwest Georgia. The campground sits in a low lying geographical area between Horn and Mill mountains. This low lying area was formed by limestone dissolving, leaving the ridges above and valleys below. These ridges are rich in iron ore "pockets" giving this area its name. Deer and turkeys thrive in the surrounding forest. Spring wildflowers and autumn colors abound, showcasing the beauty of the region. Nearby trails and overlooks allow visitors to enjoy the National Forest from different perspectives.

The Pocket area is rich in cultural and historical history. In the mid-1800s until the Great Depression in the 1930s, this area consisted of two communities, Pocket and Zone. These communities consisted of farms, churches, home places, a grist mill, a saw mill, and a general store. Between 1938 and 1942, the Pocket Recreation Area was the site of a thriving Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp for Company 3435. The men of the CCC, under the guidance of the U.S. Forest Service, had a tremendous impact on the area. They were involved in building roads, bridges, erosion control, tree planting, fighting wildfires, and the construction of recreation sites. The CCC played an instrumental part in helping local farmers with erosion control and road maintenance. Remnants of the camp can be found throughout the Pocket Recreation Area. These remnants include foundations for buildings, drainage trenches, retaining walls, and spring box in the picnic area.

Activities in the Pocket Recreation Area include camping, picnicking, hiking, and trout fishing in nearby Johns Creek.

Recreation

The Pocket Campground is a quiet campground which not only serves as a place to rest and relax by the campfire, but serves as a base camp for activities located within other parts of the National Forest.

Adjacent to the campground is the Pocket Picnic Area, complete with tables, grills, a reservable picnic shelter, and a vault toilet. The trail heads for the Pocket Loop Trail and Pocket Interpretive Trail are located in the picnic area. A Civilian Conservation Corps spring box is located in the creek, releasing cold water from deep below the surface. This is a great place to wade and cool off during long summer days.

Hiking the 1.5 mile Pocket Interpretive Trail contains signs to provide an educational walk through multiple types of habitat where an array of wildlife and plant species can be found. The 2.5 mile Pocket Loop Trail provides a similar, but longer experience, sharing some of the same tread with the interpretive trail.

Trout fishing in Johns Creek (less than a mile away) is a great place to wet a line and fill one's creel. Georgia DNR fishing regulations apply.

Facilities

The Pocket Campground is a 26 site campground with one main loop. The campsites are located in a forested setting. A creek flows through the adjacent Day Use/Picnic Area.

Each campsite has a paved parking spur, a gravel tent pad, picnic table, lantern post, and a fire ring with a grill. There is a restroom with flush toilets centrally located (no showers). Water hydrants are located throughout the campground. There is no electricity at this campground. There is no dump station at this campground. Cell phone service is very limited.

A host site is located at the entrance to the campground. This site is a host residence, not a store or office.

Campsites vary in size, accommodating various types of camping opportunities from tents up to 28 foot travel trailers. The roads leading to the Pocket Campground are paved and easy to travel.

Natural Features

Surrounded by the horseshoe ridges formed by Horn and Mill Mountains, the Pocket Campground is located in a geographical region known as the Ridge and Valley Province of Northwest Georgia, part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This region consists of long narrow ridges, sweeping valleys, creeks, streams, ponds, and waterfalls.

A small creek, locally known as Spring Branch (a tributary to nearby Johns Creek) meanders through the recreation area, providing a cool relief in the summer months. An informational interpretive loop trail and the Pocket Loop Trail leads visitors through a mixed pine/oak forest, past a small wildlife pond, and near wildlife food plots. This variety of natural features provides habitat for deer, turkeys, a multitude of song birds, and aquatic life, such as amphibians and beavers.

The Johns Mountain Overlook and the Keown Falls Picnic Area are found nearby. These two beautiful recreation sites showcase the natural features of the surrounding region.

Nearby Attractions

Johns Creek Trout Fishing Area: A great place to go trout fishing managed by the U.S. Forest Service and GA DNR with the help of Trout Unlimited.

Leaving the campground, turn left onto Pocket Road. After 1/4 mile…

Managed by a US federal agency. Data source: ridb.recreation.gov.