About Woodring Branch Primitive Campground
Overview Woodring Branch Primitive Campground is located in the North Georgia Mountains on the beautiful Carters Lake Project, which is just a short 70 miles north of Atlanta. Carters Lake provides clean, safe, and quiet campgrounds that help you escape the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day routine and relax with your family. Woodring Branch offers boating, hiking, mountain biking, picnicking at the day use area, and many other summer activities. Woodring Branch has two different loop style trails from easy to moderate. The Amadahy Hiking Trail and the Oak Ridge Nature trail will ensure a great family hiking experience as they both include a wide diversity of plants, animals, and scenic views. Woodring Branch at Carters Lake has something for everyone, no matter what your hobbies are. Recreation Boaters visit Carters Lake to enjoy its solitude and scenic beauty. Whether in a powerboat or sailboat on the open water or paddling along the shoreline in a canoe, Carters Lake offers enjoyable boating experiences for everyone. Fishing is a popular activity on the lake. Major species include bass (largemouth, smallmouth, hybrid, striped and spotted), crappie, walleye, bream and catfish. Bank fishing locations are limited due to steep shoreline terrain, but six boat ramps are scattered around the shoreline, offering easy access to the lake. The Amadahy Trail is located in the Woodring Branch Recreation Area. This 4-mile loop is excellent for beginners with flat to rolling terrain. Bikers and hikers are treated to beautiful views of Carters Lake along most of trail's length. The Oak Ridge Nature Trail is also located in this area and offers a shorter one mile hike through upland forests. Facilities This heavily wooded campground offers eleven primitive sites. Natural Features Carters Lake embraces a spectacular tract of foothills scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. It covers 3200 surface acres and has 62 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Nearby Attractions
How to Get There
From Atlanta, take I-75 north to Exit 293; follow Highway 411 north. Turn right on Highway 136, then left on old Highway 411. Turn right on Highway 282/76. Campground is located 4.5 miles off Highway 282. From Ellijay, GA, take Highway 282/76 west for 11 miles to the access road and follow signs to the campground. Physical Address, Woodring Branch Rd, Ellijay,GA,30540
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.
🎒 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.
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 Woodring Branch Primitive Campground
Heading to Woodring Branch Primitive Campground? 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 Woodring Branch Primitive Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Woodring Branch Primitive Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10009939) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Woodring Branch Primitive Campground?
From Atlanta, take I-75 north to Exit 293; follow Highway 411 north. Turn right on Highway 136, then left on old Highway 411. Turn right on Highway 282/76. Campground is located 4.5 miles off Highway 282. From Ellijay, GA, take Highway 282/76 west for 11 miles to the access road and follow signs to the campground. Physical Address, Woodring Branch Rd, Ellijay,GA,30540
How do I contact Woodring Branch Primitive Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 706-334-2248.
References & Official Resources
