John's Mountain WMA

The last time I camped at Pocket Rec Area was a few years ago.  Since then, they've added picnic tables, metal fire rings with grill grates, and lantern poles at the campsites, as well as bear-proof trash bins and water spigots scattered throughout the campground.  There's a centrally-located bathroom, no showers.  The driveways are asphalt now, used to just be dirt.  A ranger came by and told us they plan to add electric hookups in 2025.  In 2024, reservations will be made online through Recreation.gov, but the ranger told us they would still allow same-day reservations.

We stayed for two nights in October and felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.  There were only a few other campers, none near us.  With ATB senior pass, we paid $7.50/night.

All the sites are heavily wooded and most have trees or large rocks very close on both sides of the driveway.  The driveways are not straight, so you have to jog to one side halfway through backing in.  It's tricky to make that slight turn while avoiding the trees and rocks.  We weren't able to extend our awning all the way because of the trees.  If you have slides, you may not be able to put them out.

There is an easy trail inside the campground and several more not far from the entrance.

Be advised. The camp sites on the creek are shut down by the DNR. We stayed at spot 11. Its the first turn in on the street. Free to camp there and a good fire ring. The neighbors were polite and quiet. Just get there early to get a good spot. Good fishing and hiking in the area.

Nice place to spend the night. If you come up from the south, the first spot contains about 5-6 campsites. If you proceed up the road, you will find other designated spots off both sides of the road. All the sites appear to be relatively close to the road, but it did not feel like the traffic(very little) was intrusive. I only stayed on night and I was passing through so I can't vouch for things to do in the area.