Great in the fall
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.