Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
The Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground is a small campground with six non-reservable campsites. This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you can pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app or by following instructions for depositing cash or checks in the fee deposit box. Download the free Recreation.gov mobile app on Android or iOS prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
The Overflow Campground is within the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area. The main Lake Conasauga Campground is approximately one mile away and is a camping by reservation only campground.
Tent pads, parking spurs, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts are provided at each campsite. Bear-Proof trash cans are centrally located in the campground. There is no running water, no electricity, and no dumping station located at this campground. A pit toilet is provided for visitors. Access to the Songbird Trail is located within the campground.
Need to Know
This campground currently accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.
Use the following steps to pay with a credit card: Download the Recreation.gov app and create an account prior to arrival. Once you have the Recreation.gov app and an account on your mobile device, no internet service is needed. Upon arrival, pick your campsite, then open your Recreation.gov app and tap the Scan function within the app on your device. The app will access your phone's camera. Using the app, Scan the QR code. Follow the prompts to pay. Once again, no internet service is needed as long as you have and use the Recreation.gov app prior to arrival. These instructions are also on site.
Access to this campground requires a 15+ mile drive on steep, narrow, winding, gravel roads in mountainous terrain. Road conditions change with the weather and at times can be hazardous. Travel Trailers over 25 feet are not recommended. Forest Road 68 is the recommended route for pulling trailers.
Bring your own equipment and supplies. The nearest gas station and store is 15 miles away in Crandall, GA.
Cell phone service is extremely limited and unreliable in this area.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. (36 CFR 261.58bb)
Be Bear Aware: Store food and trash properly. Never leave food/trash out on tables or in the open. Store unattended food/trash in bear-resistant containers, in a vehicle in solid non-pliable material, or suspend food/trash at least ten feet off the ground. Remember to use the bear resistant trash receptacles provided at this facility. (36 CFR 261.58cc)
Fireworks and other Pyrotechnics are Prohibited. (36 CFR 261.52f)
14-Day Forest Stay Limit: Camping or maintaining a campsite in developed and dispersed areas in excess of 14
days within any 30-day time period. After the camper(s) has accumulated 14 days
within any 30-day time period, the camper(s) must leave that area/campground and
move from Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest land before returning for
another stay. (36 CFR Section 261.58a)
Pets must be leashed at all times (36 CFR 261.16J) and are prohibited in the swimming area (36 CFR 261.16k).
It is prohibited to cut live vegetation or any standing tree whether dead or alive. Firewood may be collected from the forest for use while camping. Only collect wood that is dead and down. Dead trees play an important role as homes for wildlife and insects. (36 CFR 261.6a)
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators are allowed during daylight hours, but may not be used in a manner or at a time which unreasonably disturbs other forest visitors. (36 CFR 261.10i)
For all Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Rules, Regulations, and Forest Supervisor's Orders please visit: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Rules, Regulations, and Forest Supervisor's Orders
Natural Features
Surrounded by forested mountains, Lake Conasauga is a 17 acre man-made lake located near the summit of Grassy Mountain in northwest Georgia. It is the highest elevation lake in Georgia, sitting at an elevation of 3,150 feet. No matter the route taken to get to Lake Conasauga, visitors will pass mountain streams, overlooks, and beautiful scenery. The Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground is approximately one mile past the main Lake Conasauga Campground.
The Songbird Management Area is located across the road from the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground. Centered around a large beaver pond, the Songbird Management Area provides a peaceful interpretive nature hike. Many bird species and wildflowers can be found along the interpretive nature hike in this area.
Adjacent to the Lake Conasauga Recreation area is the 45,000 acre Cohutta/Big Frog Wilderness (the largest designated wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.). The Cohutta Wilderness contains 91 miles of arduous backpacking trails.
Nearby Attractions
Lake Conasauga Picnic Area:
This is a picnic/day use area located in the Lake Conasauga Recreation Area. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the area, along with a shelter and swimming area with a dock.
Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground onto FSR 49. Follow FSR 49 approximately 1/4 mile to an intersection. Turn left at this intersection. The parking lot for the Picnic Area is approximately 1/4 miles from this intersection. Signs can be found directing visitors to the picnic area.
Barnes Creek Picnic Area:
This small picnic area was historically used as a rock quarry by the Civilian Conservation Corps and U.S. Forest Service in the 1930s. The picnic tables sit near the base of a waterfall. A short trail from the parking area leads to an observation deck above the waterfall.
Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground and follow Forest Road 68 for 5.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for another 3.5 miles.
Gennett Poplar:
The Gennett Poplar is the second largest tree in the state of Georgia with a circumference of 18 feet. This tree was left by the Conasauga River Lumber Company as a tribute to the size of the trees that once inhabited the Appalachian Mountains.
Turn left out of the Lake Conasauga Campground and follow Forest Road 49/68 for 5.5 miles. Turn right and continue following Forest Road 68 for 3.5 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 90. Follow Forest Road 90 for 2 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 241. Follow Forest Road 241 for 2 miles until it dead ends. Follow the trail upstream for 3/4 mile.
Recreation
Approximately 1/2 mile from the Lake Conasauga Overflow Campground, visitors can access the Lake Conasauga Picnic Area. A swimming and picnic area with a picnic shelter, along with tables and grills are provided. A swimming dock is provided for visitors to take a swim in the cold natural spring waters of Lake Conasauga.
Hiking trails include the Lake Loop Trail (1 mile loop), the Songbird Trail (2.8 mile loop), and the Tower Trail (4 miles round trip).
A small boat launch provides boating access for canoes, kayaks, and small boats (electric motors only). Fishermen may catch bass, bream, and even an occasional catfish. A fishing dock is also provided. The Lake Loop Trail provides various locations along the shoreline for fishermen to cast. A Georgia fishing license is required for those 16 and older.
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Available Campsites
- Site 1, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 6, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 5, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 2, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 4, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 3, Loop , Type Standard Nonelectric
