Pocket Campground, near the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest in Georgia, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature. With its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, it’s perfect for tent and RV camping, though you won’t find any electric hookups or showers here.

Visitors rave about the peacefulness of the area, with many sites located near a lovely creek that adds to the ambiance. One camper mentioned, “Super quiet and peaceful,” highlighting the tranquility you can expect during your stay. The campground is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along, just keep them on a leash.

There are plenty of trails nearby for hiking and biking, making it easy to explore the stunning landscape. Families will appreciate the clean facilities and the nearby wading area for kids. As one reviewer noted, “We try to go during the week, less people,” which is a great tip for those seeking a more secluded experience. 

Whether you're looking to unwind by the creek or tackle some hiking trails, Pocket Campground offers a refreshing getaway in the heart of nature.

## 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. 
## 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 stay right at the Y. After 1 mile look for legal pull-offs for fishing access. (Georgia DNR fishing regulations apply). Johns Mountain Overlook: A U.S. Forest Service overlook where visitors can view the Armuchee Valley and distant Taylor's Ridge. Leaving the campground, turn right onto Pocket Road. After 3 miles turn left at the Johns Mountain Overlook entrance sign (Forest Service Road 208). Follow FSR 208 for 2 miles to the overlook. Keown Falls Picnic Area and Trailhead: A beautiful place to picnic with a loop hike to Keown Falls. Best seen after rain. Leaving the campground, turn right onto Pocket Road. After 2 miles turn left at the Keown Falls Trailhead entrance sign (Forest Service Road 702). Follow FSR 702 for half a mile. The Keown Falls trail is a 3 mile loop trail. The falls are about 1 miles when following the trail counter clockwise. Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range (Fee Area, see Recreation.gov page [Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range][1]): A U.S. Forest Service shooting range to hone your shooting skills. You must provide your own firearm, ammunition, and targets. Leaving the campground, turn right onto Pocket Road. After 4.6 miles turn right onto Furnace Creek Road. After 2 miles on Furnace Creek Road, turn right onto GA-136. Follow GA-136 for 5.7 miles. Turn left at the Chestnut Mountain Shooting Range entrance sign (Forest Service Road 212). Follow FSR 212 for a half mile. Houston Valley OHV Area (Fee Area, see Recreation.gov page [Houston Valley OHV Area][2]): A U.S. Forest Service ATV trail system. This is a designated area with 25 miles of various levels of trails where visitors can legally ride dirt bikes and ATVs (under 50 inches). On the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest ATVs and dirt bikes are limited to designated OHV trails and not allowed to be driven on roads designated as Forest Service Roads (National Forest Roads ARE NOT part of the county road system). Visitors must provide their own vehicles at this facility. Leaving the campground, turn right onto Pocket Road. Follow Pocket Road for 7.3 miles then turn left onto GA-136. After 1/10th of a mile turn right onto GA-201. Follow GA-201 for approximately 5.5 miles and veer left onto Old Ringgold Road. After approximately 5 miles turn left onto Houston Valley Road. After 2 miles turn onto Capehart Road. Follow Capehart Road into the Houston Valley OHV parking lot. 

[1]: https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/9b26cdb8-77c3-11eb-85f2-9a53ea04ed79
[2]: https://www.recreation.gov/activitypass/AP21150

Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

Villanow, GA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Villanow, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Villanow

The Best Camping Near Villanow, Georgia

Really had a lovely time. Very easy hiking and the trails are kept up with no signs of litter. 

Fun times at pocket

**The Pocket Recreation Area** is a very secluded, Rustic little park. The campground is made up of secluded sites with no electric.

Some are right up near the road others sit back in the woods. The restroom is in the middle of all the sites, no showers.

I picked number six because of direct access to the creek, which my dogs love playing in.

GPS 34.5856\. -85.0796

Unique!

**POCKET PICNIC SHELTER** is adjacent and within the Pocket Recreation area. Bring your water shoes, bug spray, towel and change of clothes cause the creek is irresistible!

Natural Spring, Stone work and a trail to enjoy while you visit.

Very unique little area!

I have frequented this area often over the past several years. It is extremely clean, extremely quiet, and, best of all, free. The campsites are first come first serve but all are near a natural spring. The camping area is a short distance from a modest lake and a stocked trout stream. The trout stream offers primitive camping first come first serve as well. This area is closes to Rome, Calhoun, Dalton, Ga and Chattanooga TN

Free family fun

The Pocket Wilderness is one of the best kept secrets in North Georgia. there are hikes for all skill levels including a wonderful Boardwalk leading to a waterfall that hovers over some of the most biodiverse Wildflower specimens in the southeast. the pocket is also near the Stellar Pigeon Mountain Grill which features locally raised beef and local beers that will quench your thirst after a night hike. there are more strenuous trails to enjoy to the go up over and behind the Falls as well as some intriguing dispersed campsites especially my personal favorite in an old barn near a really spectacular Meadow with views of Pigeon Mountain. there are site suitable for hammock or tent campers but this is definitely more of a backpacking scenario than a car camping or RV friendly spot. Be prepared for a slightly rough road on your way in sometimes that involves minor water crossings. I've done it before in a Ford Fiesta, but low riding cars should be cautious.

One of North Georgia's Best Kept Secrets

The Pocket,

I thoroughly enjoying camping at the pocket. Although there are not many sites to camp I honestly do love this place. Most of the campsites within walking distance of the creek we can catch the occasional trout! There's a trail that runs the length of the creek so I can try your hand at different spots. Just up the road there are a few good hiking trails I would recommend check out as well. Overall a good time and close to home!

The  Pocket

This is a nice place beautiful quiet has a creek running through it 2 1/2 mile walking trail covered with older growth trees great to bring your family for a barbecue or stay the night there’s no power but it has water Great for small trailers I would try to stay under 25 feet my grandchildren played in the natural spring and creek pretty much the whole time we were there there is a large area covered for bigger functions I believe up to 60 people we enjoyed it

Nice place 


The Pocket in the 
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. Another beautiful place we've never been before! Nice tent camp spot, not sure I would stay several days but we really enjoyed the weekend. This was our last chance since the camp closes on Nov. 9 this year. The sites along the creek are nice but the rest is well laid out with fire rings, lantern poles and tables. No showers but the restrooms were clean and in good order. Cell service is totally nonexistent in the whole area. 

Nice overnight 

Lots of trails, one in the campground. Wading area for kids. Bathrooms always clean and host always very nice. We try to go during the week, less people. Not super secluded sites, but OK. Pet friendly as long as they are on a leash. Some amazing trails just a short drive away. Highly recommend. 

Our favorite local spot for a quick get away.

The Pocket recreation area in northwest Georgia is named for lying in a low area surrounded by the steep ridges of Horn and Mill Mountains, and is the former site of Civilian Conservation Corp Camp F-16. Families camping here can enjoy the vibrant spring colors of mountain laurel as well as the brilliant fall color mix provided by mixed hardwoods. tent pads, tables, and lantern poles. Adjacent day use recreation area.

Good for families and groups

1/24/21: We were looking for somewhere near the Pocket to camp out for a night after a nice mountain bike ride on the Pinhotti Trail. The main campground in the area is closed in the winter. We pulled off the road onto Gentry Gap and found the perfect spot at the end of the road (~1 mile, easy dirt road). The Forest Service has done a nice job blocking off areas from vehicles (to stop erosion). There are 4 or 5 spots that are perfect for dispersed tent camping, and a small stream across the road for added ambiance. Super quiet and peaceful. 

Dispersed winter camping near the Pocketocket

The Pocket is our favorite place to camp. You're under a good canopy, so lots of shade. The creek is great for kids to play in. There's no need to bring water, just a container. There's a natural spring that flows out of the ground in the day area. We drink this water every day. We are local to The Pocket, so we fill jugs for home here as well. It is very cold water. No matter the temperature, you'll cool off in the spring. No showers but they do have a bathroom house. No water or power hookups. Site 10 is right next to the creek and gets the most sun. Site 7 is close to the day area, and people tend to intrude on your privacy in this site. Other than that, the campground is awesome! Our favorite sites are 6 and 23.

Photos of Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest

Real photos from real campers