Frank Gross Recreation Area
USFS — Chattahoochee-Oconee NF (Ed Jenkins NRA)
Photo from the managing agency (Recreation.gov / agency). Confirm current conditions before you go.
Smaller developed campground on Rock Creek in the Ed Jenkins National Recreation Area. Affordable and peaceful — good mid-week escape.
Location
Research the approach roads and terrain here. When you're ready to drive, open directions in your preferred app below.
Research map · not turn-by-turn nav
34.65000, -84.15000 · ~2,300 ft
Get directions
Opens in the app you already use — we don't replace Apple Maps, Google Maps, or Waze.
Tip: download offline maps before you lose cell service in the woods.
Trip-ready check
Live · National Weather Service · updated 8:19 AMWhat to check the night before you leave — forecast, alerts, and daylight for Dahlonega, GA.
Today
82°F
Sunny
1% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Tonight
61°F
Mostly Clear
wind 0 to 5 mph
Friday
82°F
Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
24% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Friday Night
61°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
57% rain · wind 0 mph
Saturday
78°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
92% rain · wind 0 to 5 mph
Saturday Night
60°F
Showers And Thunderstorms
92% rain · wind 0 mph
Forecast: weather.gov point forecast. Conditions change — re-check the morning you leave.
Community pulse (curated note)
Typically April–Oct; quiet when open.
Everything you need to know
- Drive time (approx. from metro Atlanta / Conyers)
- ~1h 55m
- Access
- Any vehicle · gravel road
- Hike-in
- Drive-up / no significant hike
- Pass required
- None for camping
- Parking
- Included
- Camping fee
- $8 / night
- Max stay
- 14 days
- Reservation
- Required · Recreation.govWindow: 6 months (April–Oct typically)
- Elevation
- 2,300 ft
Schedule this trip
This place books through Recreation.gov, not Recreation.gov — so there is no live calendar here. Save your planned dates, then reserve on Recreation.gov (link below) so the site is actually yours.
Planning Frank Gross Recreation Area
Must-sees & highlights
- ▸Rock Creek
- ▸Quiet mountain setting
- ▸Fall color
Amenities
Sample 2-night immersion plan
A starting template — not a booked itinerary. Adjust once you lock dates on Recreation.gov or with a host.
Day 0 — Departure
- Leave with buffer for the ~1h 55m + grocery / ice stop
- Arrive, set up camp, short walk to orient
- Simple dinner + early night if traveling after work
Day 1 — Main immersion
- Explore: Rock Creek
- Explore: Quiet mountain setting
- Longer hike or creek time in the afternoon
- Campfire, quiet evening
Day 2 — Morning + departure
- Slow morning, coffee, short walk
- Pack out (Leave No Trace)
- Optional stop on the way home
Share your adventure
Link a YouTube video from your trip so others can see what the land feels like — and so parks can see real people loving their places.
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