WOODRING CAMPGROUND

For those of us in Georgia who crave the peace and beauty of a lakeside retreat, Woodring Campground offers an idyllic escape. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), this beloved campground is nestled on the pristine shores of Carters Lake in the North Georgia mountains, providing a serene setting that feels miles away from the everyday hustle. Whether you’re an avid RVer, a tent camping enthusiast, or simply looking for a quiet place to enjoy nature, Woodring Campground consistently earns high marks from locals for its tranquility and natural charm. If a peaceful getaway with stunning lake views and abundant outdoor activities sounds like your ideal Georgia adventure, read on to explore what Woodring Campground has to offer.

Woodring Campground is a highly regarded U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facility located on the northern shore of the stunning Carters Lake. Known for its deep, clear waters and undeveloped shoreline, Carters Lake provides a picturesque backdrop for this heavily wooded campground. With 42 individual campsites, including 31 with electric and water hookups, and a dedicated group camping site, Woodring caters to a variety of camping preferences, from comfortable RV stays to traditional tent camping.

The campground is praised by visitors for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere and the breathtaking lake views available from many of its sites. It’s designed to offer a relaxing environment where the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills can be fully appreciated. While it provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, it maintains a rustic feel that enhances the outdoor experience. Woodring Campground is particularly popular for long weekends and family trips, with many campers returning year after year, drawn by its calm ambiance and the wealth of recreational opportunities presented by Carters Lake. It operates seasonally, typically from early April through late October, making it a prime destination for spring, summer, and fall adventures.

Woodring Campground is conveniently located at 5026 Woodring Branch, Oakman, GA 30732, USA. This puts it approximately 20 miles from Ellijay, Georgia, and roughly 70 miles north of Atlanta, making it a popular and accessible destination for many Georgians.

Getting to Woodring Campground involves a scenic drive through the North Georgia foothills. From I-75 North, travelers typically take Exit 293, then follow Highway 411 North. A right turn onto Highway 136 is followed by a left onto old Highway 411, and then a right onto Highway 282/76. The campground access road is about 4.5 miles off Highway 282. For those coming from Ellijay, GA, you'll take Highway 282/76 West for approximately 11 miles to the access road, then follow the signs.

While the journey is beautiful, it's worth noting some access considerations for larger RVs. The entrance road, approximately 3 miles long, can be twisty and winding, with some low and side branches. Additionally, there's a low bridge (13'7") on Highway 76/Old Highway 411 just north of Sugar Hollow Road that larger rigs should be mindful of. Despite these caveats, many campers with 30-foot Class A motorhomes have reported no issues. The drive is part of the adventure, leading you to a truly secluded and peaceful destination.

• Campsites: 42 individual campsites, including 31 with electric (30 & 50 amp) and water hookups, and 11 tent-only sites. There is also 1 group camping site.
• Paved Parking Spurs: Each site features a paved parking spur, making setup easy for RVs and trailers.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Every campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a charcoal grill grate, for outdoor cooking and enjoyment.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground.
• Restrooms with Flush Toilets and Hot Showers: Clean and well-maintained restroom facilities with flush toilets and hot showers are provided for camper convenience.
• Laundry Facilities: A laundry facility is available on-site, a significant convenience for longer stays.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is provided for waste disposal.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available to help maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• Boat Ramps: Two boat ramps within the campground provide easy access to Carters Lake for boating enthusiasts. Limited boat trailer parking is also available.
• Swimming Beach: A small swimming beach area offers a safe and enjoyable spot for taking a dip in the lake.
• Children's Playground: A small playground is available for children, offering a dedicated space for fun and play.
• Cell Service: Good cellular service is generally available in the area, allowing for connectivity if desired.

• Scenic Carters Lake Views: Many campsites offer direct or partial views of the pristine Carters Lake, renowned for its undeveloped shoreline and serene beauty.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised by visitors for its tranquility, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and escaping noise.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviewers frequently highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms, showers, and overall campground facilities.
• Excellent Boating Opportunities: With direct boat ramp access, campers can easily enjoy powerboating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Carters Lake.
• Superb Fishing: Carters Lake is a fantastic fishing destination, known for its spotted bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and catfish.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: The Amadahy Trail (4-mile loop) and Oak Ridge Nature Trail (1-mile loop) are located within the Woodring Branch Recreation Area, offering scenic routes for both hikers and mountain bikers with diverse plants and wildlife.
• Wildlife Viewing: The heavily wooded environment and lake provide ample opportunities for spotting deer, turkey, various bird species, and other wildlife.
• Concrete, Level Sites: Many RV sites feature level concrete pads, making setup straightforward and comfortable.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a swimming beach and a playground makes it a great choice for families with children.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground accommodates pets, allowing furry family members to join the adventure.

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground, Woodring Campground primarily offers discounts through federal interagency recreation passes rather than typical commercial promotions.

• America the Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass: This pass series offers various options, including:
  • Senior Pass: U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or over can purchase a lifetime or annual pass, which provides a 50% discount on camping fees at federal sites like Woodring Campground.
  • Access Pass: U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities can obtain a free lifetime pass, also providing a 50% discount on camping fees.
  • Military Pass: Current U.S. military members, veterans, and Gold Star Families can obtain free annual passes that may offer benefits on camping fees.
  • Fourth Grade Pass: Free for U.S. 4th graders and their families for one year, covering entrance fees but typically not camping discounts.
  These passes must be presented upon arrival or indicated during the reservation process to receive the discount.
• Seasonal Operating Dates: While not a "promotion," the campground's seasonal operation (typically April to October) offers prime camping during Georgia's most pleasant weather, which can be seen as an inherent benefit for planning trips.

For specific fees and to verify eligibility for discounts, it is always recommended to check the official Recreation.gov website when making a reservation or contact the campground directly. Reservations for COE campgrounds can be made up to six months in advance, and campers should have a reservation before entering the campground.

Address: 5026 Woodring Branch, Oakman, GA 30732, USA

Phone for Campground Inquiries: (706) 276-6050

Mobile Phone: +1 706-276-6050 (This appears to be the same number as the main inquiry line)

Online Reservations: Reservations for campsites can be made through Recreation.gov. You can visit their website at www.recreation.gov or call their reservation line at 877-444-6777.

For general information about Carters Lake and other COE facilities in the area, you might also find information through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Mobile District website.

For Georgians, Woodring Campground on Carters Lake is a fantastic local resource that perfectly blends convenience with a genuine outdoor experience. Its location in the North Georgia mountains provides a relatively short and manageable drive from major population centers like Atlanta, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways or longer family vacations without requiring extensive travel.

What truly sets Woodring apart for locals is its reputation for peace and quiet. In a state where many popular recreation areas can get crowded, Woodring offers a serene alternative where you can truly unwind. The stunning lake views, combined with well-maintained facilities including clean restrooms and hot showers, provide a comfortable camping experience that’s still deeply connected to nature. For RV owners, the level concrete sites and easy hookups are a significant plus, while tent campers can enjoy the more primitive sites, all within this beautiful setting.

Furthermore, the abundance of activities right at your fingertips – from excellent fishing and various boating opportunities on Carters Lake to scenic hiking and biking trails – ensures that there’s something for every member of the family. Whether you're seeking a tranquil spot to read by the water, an active day of fishing and paddling, or a refreshing swim, Woodring delivers. It’s a place where Georgians can create cherished family memories, reconnect with nature, and recharge, all while enjoying the incredible natural beauty of their own backyard.