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Ess Lake State Forest Campground
Ess Lake State Forest Campground
This rustic campground is located on Ess Lake and offers opportunities for paddling and fishing. There are 27 sites for tent and small trailer use. The campground is located 16 miles northeast of Atlanta via M-33 and County Road 624.
What to expect, finding a site
These rustic campgrounds offer stunning river and lakefront settings, perfect for fishing, boating, and paddling. Here's what you can expect:
- No reservations. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- There are vault toilets.
- Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well.
- No electrical available.
- Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.
- Camping is limited to a 15-day maximum stay.
- One camping unit and six people are allowed per site.
Rates, dates and more
Recreation Passport required
A Recreation Passport (park pass) is required for vehicle entry into all state park and forest campgrounds.
Operating dates and amenities
View state forest campground rates. operating dates & amenities
State forest campground info
Find more info on state forest campgrounds.
Amenities & activities
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At a glance
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Detailed view
Boat launch
Fishing
Hunting
ORV trails or routes
Paddling
Picnic area
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
Boat launch
A boat launch is located on Ess Lake.
Fishing
Bass, trout and panfish are caught in Ess Lake. Other nearby fishing opportunities include Grass Lake (5 miles northwest) and Long Lake (1/2 mile east).
Hunting
This campground provides access to state land open to hunting. Firearm hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of an occupied dwelling.
ORV trails or routes
There are many miles of state forest roads, county roads and designated ORV trails in this area, including the Atlanta ORV Trail with 71 miles open to motorized use. ORVs can be ridden from the campground to access these routes. All other ORV use within the campground is prohibited.
Paddling
Explore Ess Lake from the campground.
Picnic area
Rustic sites
Vault toilet
Water access
This rustic campground is located on Ess Lake.