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Fern Springs Day Use Picnic Area
FSU.S. Forest Service — Lakemont · Georgia · Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest |
| Location | Lakemont · Georgia · Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest · 34.56000, -83.45556 · Map |
| Sites | Not reported — the federal listing names no individual sites for this campground |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Not reported in the federal data |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 9:00 AM · Out 8:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessibility | N |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-02-25.
From the official listing
Overview Fern Springs is home to historical hand-constructed stone pavilions, walkways, bridges, water rills, and stairways. The area is closed to all use.
Recreation Lake Russell Beach and Boat Launch, located just 6.5 miles from the picnic area, offers a popular swimming beach and ample fishing opportunities.
Facilities The area is closed to public use
Natural Features Fern Springs is cradled by white pines, hemlocks, and old-growth oak trees and has a large grassy lawn and rich understory.
The area was constructed by the Civilian ConservationCorpsp in the 1930s and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Charges & Cancellations No reservations site is closed to all public use
Directions, from the listing
Fern Springs day-use picnic area is located on Highway 123, about 6 miles north of Cornelia, Georgia. It is accessible by turning east on Hazel Creek Road off of Highway 23/441. Continue east just over a mile and then head north on Highway 123 for about a half-mile.
Nearest federal campgrounds
5 mi straight-line · Mt. Airy GeorgiaFSU.S. Forest ServiceLake Rabun Beach Recreation Area
14 mi straight-line · Lakemont GeorgiaFSU.S. Forest ServiceAndrew's Cove Campground
22 mi straight-line · Lakemont GeorgiaFSU.S. Forest ServiceUpper Chattahoochee River Campground
24 mi straight-line · Helen GeorgiaUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersTwin Lakes Day Use Area
25 mi straight-line · HARTWELL Georgia
Trip Card — Fern Springs Day Use Picnic Area
Lakemont · Georgia · Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | Lakemont · Georgia · Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Not reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | Not reported |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233199 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.