About Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area
Overview Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area offers visitors year-round recreation opportunities including camping, picnicking, boating, swimming and hiking, all centered around beautiful Lake Winfield Scott. The area is situated high in a mountain valley within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, approximately 80 miles from Atlanta, Georgia. The facility offers a rental cabin with electricity and water, as well as sites for tent and RV camping.Recreation The Lake Winfield Scott Beach includes a designated swimming area, picnic tables, a bathhouse, pavilions (by reservation only), a playground and trash bins. Day-use hiking trails are found within the recreation area, ideal for a short stroll. A 0.4-mile trail parallels the lakeshore. In addition, the 1-mile Jarrard Gap Trail and 2.7-mile Slaughter Creek Trail both begin within the recreation area and connect to the Appalachian Trail. Lake Winfield Scott is open to hand-powered and electric motor boats only. Fishing for catfish, trout, perch, brim and bass is a popular activity. See the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for a complete listing of freshwater fishing regulations for the lake. A boat ramp and accessible fishing dock provide year-round lake access.Facilities Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area's cabin is a short walk to the lake, and can accommodate up to 12 people. A sleeping area upstairs is furnished with six twin beds and three double beds, all with mattresses. Visitors must provide their own bed and bath linens. The main floor houses a living room with wood stove (no wood provided), dining room and kitchen, which is equipped with a refrigerator, electric stove, microwave, assorted pots and pans, utensils, plates, glasses, cups and flatware. The bathroom has a flush toilet, shower and an electric heater. Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area's campground consists of 31 campsites configured in two loops for tent or RV camping. Showers, flush and vault toilets, grills, picnic tables and lante
How to Get There
From Blainsville, take U.S. 19/129 south for 10 miles. Turn right (west) on Georgia 180 for 7 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 37 at Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area entrance. From Dahlonega, take U.S. 19 north for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Georgia 180 for 7 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 37 at Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area entrance.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
48% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area
Heading to Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234469) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area?
From Blainsville, take U.S. 19/129 south for 10 miles. Turn right (west) on Georgia 180 for 7 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 37 at Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area entrance. From Dahlonega, take U.S. 19 north for approximately 20 miles. Turn left (west) on Georgia 180 for 7 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 37 at Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area entrance.
How do I contact Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 706-747-3816 or email: LakeWinfieldScott@cfaia.org.
References & Official Resources
