Moccasin Creek State Park — Attraction in Clayton

This is a small but popular state park in a beautiful part of the North Georgia mountains. The campground is at the northwest end of Moccasin Creek Cove of Lake Burton.

The campground has a dock and boat launch for fishing, a children's playground, and a pavilion next to the shore that is used for park ranger events and a Sunday non-denominational worship service in the summer. It also can be rented for events like weddings. The Burton Trout Hatchery is next to the campground so the fishing stocks in the cove are replenished regularly. There are bathrooms with showers and laundry machines.

You can cross the state highway from the campground to Andersonville Lane, which will take you to the Hemlock Falls Trailhead. The trail from there goes along Moccasin Creek to Hemlock Falls; it's a relatively short and easy hike to a nice falls and watering pool, although watch out for the water moccasins that like to sun near that spot! More substantial hikes are within a short drive, including a 15-minute drive to where the Appalachian Trail crosses U.S. 76. Mount Springer, where the Appalachian Trail begins (or ends!) is about a 2-hour drive from the campground.

The closest town is Clayton, which is about half an hour by car and has a large grocery store, a Walmart, motels, restaurants, and so on.

The main drawbacks of this campground are, first, that the camp sites are not secluded. The sites are close together with little in the way of natural buffers like trees. If the park is full or nearly so, you are in close contact with your neighbors and will see and hear them, as well as people and vehicles on the campground roads. Secondly, the lake is a popular destination with many motorized watercraft during warm weather, which create noise and waves and take away from the feeling of seclusion that some people want when camping. This is less of an issue on weekdays and during the off season. Thirdly, the two-lane state highway runs right by the campground so that also adds visual and auditory noise and makes the park seem less remote.

So, if you want more of a backwoods experience, this is not the best choice, but if you want a well-maintained campground on a mountain lake with nice facilities and beautiful views, this campground may be just what you're...

Moccasin Creek State Park, nestled on the shores of Lake Burton in the North Georgia mountains, is a charming and peaceful destination perfect for nature lovers. Here’s a review highlighting what makes this park a great spot for a getaway:

Scenery & Atmosphere: Moccasin Creek State Park is surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park is small and tranquil, offering a serene atmosphere ideal for relaxation. The centerpiece is Lake Burton, which provides picturesque views and a calming backdrop for your outdoor adventures. The park is especially beautiful in the fall, when the foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Camping & Amenities: The park features a well-maintained campground with both tent and RV sites. The campsites are spacious, with many offering views of the lake. Amenities include clean restrooms, hot showers, and a convenient camp store stocked with essentials. The park also has picnic areas, a fishing pier, and a playground, making it a family-friendly destination.

Activities: Moccasin Creek State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities to suit all interests. Fishing is a popular pastime here, with the park being known as the "trout fishing capital" of Georgia. Anglers of all skill levels can enjoy casting their lines into the well-stocked waters of the lake and nearby creeks. The park also provides boat rentals for those who want to explore the lake further.

Hiking is another highlight, with trails that range from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The Hemlock Falls Trail is a favorite, leading to a beautiful waterfall that’s perfect for a refreshing dip or a scenic photo opportunity. There’s also a nature trail within the park that’s great for a leisurely stroll and wildlife spotting.

Wildlife & Nature: The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and the occasional black bear. The park's natural setting makes it a great spot for birdwatching or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. The nearby Georgia Power fish hatchery is also worth a visit, where you can learn about the trout stocking program and even...

2 stars for being "below average". This place is a zoo. There's a line to use the boat ramp and nowhere to park either in the boat launch area or in the campground and if you are lucky enough to find a parking space it will be in full sun so you will come back to a really hot car.

There isn't a lot to do here compared to most state parks. It's a rather small property. The campground itself is unimpressive. Reminds me more of private suburban campgrounds but I guess that's the result of being surrounded by prime real estate. The lake (burton) is the main selling point however this lake is a busy, noisy lake and NOT a quiet mountain lake. Way too many boaters and noise. The mountains in the backdrop are lovely but there's a McLakeHouse every 100 feet and that really muddies up the scenery. Drunk rich kids on jet skis not paying attention to where they are going. There was even a helicopter there yesterday flying not even 100 feet above boaters. I hope they crash.

Anyway I would not recommend camping on this lake, there are far better places. Although if you're a hedge fund manager and looking for a place to build a mountain retreat, this is your place. Don't forget...