West Fork Campground
4.549 reviews919 Overflow Creek Rd., Clayton, GA
West Fork Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $10/night per site. Holders of Golden Age/Access or Interagency Senior/Access Passes receive a 50% discount, making the fee $5/night when the pass number is written on the fee envelope.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Tucked away in a secluded corner of the forest, West Fork Campground offers five thoughtfully spaced campsites where the only sounds breaking the silence are the gentle murmur of the Chattooga River and the rustle of leaves overhead. This intimate, primitive campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness experience, where modern distractions fade away and nature takes center stage. Each site provides generous privacy and direct access to the pristine riverbank, creating your own personal gateway to one of the Southeast's most cherished waterways.
West Fork Campground offers primitive camping for outdoor enthusiasts. Sites are walk-in and designed for tents, with no RV or glamping accommodations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's distinct personality through every season, with year-round access that reveals nature's changing moods. Winter brings crisp mornings averaging 37°F, perfect for campfire gatherings, while afternoon temperatures climb to a comfortable 52°F for exploring. Summer transforms the forest into a lush green sanctuary, with pleasantly warm days topping out in the low 80s°F – ideal for river activities without the oppressive heat found elsewhere. Regular rainfall throughout the year keeps the forest vibrant and the river flowing strong, creating that fresh, earthy scent that defines mountain camping.
Natural Features and SceneryThe West Fork of the Chattooga River serves as your constant companion, its crystal-clear waters winding past ancient boulders and creating peaceful pools perfect for quiet contemplation. Towering hardwoods and evergreens form a living cathedral above, their canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Morning mists rise from the river, evening brings a symphony of forest sounds, and throughout the day, the interplay of water, stone, and forest creates an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty that captivates the senses.
Geological RegionNestled within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, West Fork Campground sits in the heart of Southern Appalachian splendor where the legendary Chattooga River has carved its path through millennia. This mountainous landscape represents one of the most biologically diverse regions in North America, where ancient ridges and valleys harbor rare plants, abundant wildlife, and pristine streams. The West Fork itself contributes to the greater Chattooga watershed, a vital corridor of protected wilderness that stretches across state lines and preserves some of the Southeast's last untouched mountain ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were detailed in the official sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe the campsites as spacious and capable of accommodating tents and hammocks.
Sites PrivacySites are generally well-separated, providing privacy. However, one user noted that the site farthest left lacks privacy due to proximity to the road.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor more privacy, avoid the site to the far left, which is less secluded from the road. If you prefer proximity to a small waterfall, consider Site #5.
Best CampsitesSite #5 is noted as being close to a small waterfall and providing a scenic camping experience. Reviewers also note that all five sites are large and well-spaced.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in required within 30 minutes of arrival.
Stay Limit
14 days maximum stay within any 30-day period. After 14 days, campers must leave the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest for 30 days before returning.
Groups
No group camping sites were explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five walk-in sites, each equipped with a picnic table, lantern hook, and fire ring. There are paths leading to the nearby creek from the campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. However, starting January 1, 2025, reservations will be required, and first-come-first-served sites will no longer be available.
Walk-in AvailabilityCurrently, all sites are first-come, first-served. This will end starting January 1, 2025, when reservations become mandatory.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at West Fork Campground provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, swimming, and tubing. The campground's proximity to Overflow Creek allows for direct access to water-based activities.
Hiking
The campground features paths down to Overflow Creek and access to hiking opportunities. Users praise the "nice paths" and mention the road past the bridge as being closed for repair for several years, leading to overgrown dispersed camping spots.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant along Overflow Creek, with reviews highlighting trout availability and sightings of river otters.Swimming
Swimming and tubing are popular activities at Overflow Creek, with users describing sandy river access and small falls near site #5.Boating
Canoeing is mentioned as one of the recreational opportunities in official sources.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is emphasized in user reviews, with reports of river otters and occasional encounters with bears. One user also sighted a copperhead snake near the creek.Winter Activities
No details on winter recreation options were provided, though the campground remains open year-round.Water Sports
Water activities such as swimming, tubing, and canoeing are popular due to the proximity to Overflow Creek.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire pits are provided at all campsites. Campers should follow standard fire safety guidelines.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention the presence of copperhead snakes near the creek. Campers are advised to exercise caution when walking down to the water and to store food properly to prevent wildlife encounters.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are not specifically mentioned in the source materials.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingBear-proof garbage facilities are available, as noted in user reviews. However, one user expressed frustration over visitors not utilizing them: "People are too lazy to take their trash 200 feet to the trash cans behind the bathrooms."
Proximity to water featuresAll campsites are near the West Fork of the Chattooga River. The river offers fishing, tubing, and scenic views.
Common complaintsSome user reviews note that the pit toilet can be unclean. Littering has also been a recurring issue, as highlighted by user reviews.
Campground Map
919 Overflow Creek Rd., Clayton, GA
Driving directionsFrom the intersection of US Highway 441 and Rickman Drive (County Road 219) in Clayton, GA, head east on Rickman Dr. for 0.5 mi. Turn right onto Warwoman Rd. and go 13.2 miles. Turn left onto Overflow Creek Rd. (Forest Service Road 86) and go 1.0 mile to the West Fork Campground.
The route includes paved roads (Rickman Dr. and Warwoman Rd.) and a final stretch on an unpaved Forest Service road (Overflow Creek Rd., Forest Service Road 86). No seasonal closures are mentioned, but reviews suggest the road leading to the campground is accessible.Nearby places
Clayton, GA (14.7 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery, fuel, and camping supply options are likely in Clayton, GA (approximately 14.7 miles from the campground).
Camper Reviews
4.5
9 reviews
West Fork Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally favorable, with emphasis on the spacious and private campsites, proximity to Overflow Creek, and opportunities for fishing and swimming. However, some users raised concerns about trash and pit toilet cleanliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the spacious campsites, privacy, sandy river access, and scenic views of Overflow Creek. Users also appreciate the bear-proof garbage facilities and well-stocked pits.
Based on 9 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints revolve around the pit toilets being dirty at times and visitors leaving trash on-site. One user expressed frustration over the lack of restroom cleanliness and another criticized...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Come in mid-October for full leaf bloom," one user recommends, highlighting the site's seasonal beauty. Others advise caution near the creek due to potential flash flooding and wildlife encounters.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews suggest fall as an ideal season for camping due to the picturesque leaf bloom. However, flash flooding was reported after heavy rainfall, with significant creek level rises overnight.
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Sites are outstanding as they are spaced apart and offer privacy more so than other CGs." "Pit toilet was nasty each time I was there." "Please THROW AWAY YOUR TRASH! You are ruining nature if you...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #5 is described as closest to a small waterfall and sandy river access. The site to the far left lacks privacy due to proximity to the road.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews regarding pet policies or pet friendliness were mentioned.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025