Dockery Lake Campground: Trails, Tears, and Tent Pegs (Site #7 Review)
Okay, so maybe "tears" is a bit dramatic. But let's be honest, any divorced dad attempting to bond with a reluctant teenage daughter in the wilderness is bound to experience at least a mild existential crisis. This time, the battleground was Dockery Lake Recreation Area Campground in the Chattahoochee National Forest, specifically Site #7. The mission? Family bonding. The odds? Stacked against me, naturally. But hey, at least the scenery was good. This is my review of that adventure.
Finding Our Wilderness Oasis (Or Maya's Version of Hell)
Getting to Dockery Lake Recreation Area was surprisingly easy. The coordinates (34.7655° N, 83.8336° W) punched into the GPS took us right there, and the roads were well-maintained, even the final stretch leading to the campground. Finding Site #7 within the campground was also a breeze – the sites are clearly numbered. No complaints there. Maya, however, complained about the lack of cell service about five minutes into the drive. The eye-rolling started early. This is one of the best campgrounds near Dahlonega Georgia.
Setting Up Camp: A Test of Patience (Mostly Mine)
Site #7 itself was decent. The picnic table was sturdy, if a little weathered, and the fire ring was in good shape. The tent pad was mostly level, although I did have to relocate a few strategically placed rocks to avoid waking up with a lopsided spine. Setting up the tent with Maya’s "help" was… an experience. Let's just say teenage enthusiasm for tent-pegging is inversely proportional to the number of TikTok videos they can't watch due to lack of service. I think a couple camping with teenagers tips are keep your expectations low, and choose your battles.
Campground Rules: Keep It Quiet (Good Luck with That)
The campground rules were pretty standard: quiet hours after 10 pm, keep your campsite clean, and don't feed the bears (or teenagers, I might add). Nothing out of the ordinary. I find the family camping near Dahlonega Georgia is an amazing experience.
Bathroom/Shower Report: Surprisingly Civilized
The bathrooms and showers were surprisingly clean for a campground. I wouldn’t call them luxurious, but they were definitely functional and well-maintained. Hot water was a plus, although Maya refused to shower, claiming it was "too woodsy." I asked "Are there showers at Dockery Lake Campground?". She said "Apparently, but I'm not going near them."
Activities: Fly Fishing Fails and Waterfall Grumbles
Fly Fishing in Dockery Lake: A Comedy of Errors
Okay, this is where the "tears" almost came into play – tears of frustration, that is. I envisioned a peaceful afternoon of fly fishing in Dockery Lake, maybe even catching a few trout to impress Maya. Reality? I forgot my waders. So, there I was, knee-deep in the frigid water, trying to cast the Orvis Clearwater fly rod (affiliate link) without freezing my nether regions. I also realized "What fish are in Dockery Lake?". I think its mostly trout.
And, of course, the inevitable happened. On one particularly enthusiastic cast, I lost my footing on a mossy rock and went for an unplanned swim. The rod went flying, and Maya, who had been glued to her phone, actually burst out laughing. Genuine laughter! It was worth the hypothermia, almost. Speaking of, remember your Georgia fishing license! I almost forgot it, too.
Hiking to DeSoto Falls: Scenic Beauty, Teenage Apathy
The hike to DeSoto Falls was beautiful, even if Maya didn’t seem to appreciate it. The trail wasn't too strenuous, even for someone with my questionable fitness level. I'd rate it as a moderately easy hike near Dockery Lake for families. The falls themselves were stunning, cascading down the rocks into a clear pool. Maya? Mostly complained about the "bugs" and the lack of Instagrammable moments (apparently, waterfalls are so last season). I did, however, convince her to wear her Merrell Moab 2 hiking boots (affiliate link), which saved her from a few twisted ankles. I find many family friendly hikes near Dockery Lake, but sometimes it's hard to get a teenager interested.
Meals: Skillet Trout and Teenage Comfort Food
If I had actually caught any trout, I was planning on cooking them skillet-style over the campfire. Alas, my fishing fail left us with a more predictable menu: Mountain House Chili Mac, Maya’s preferred camping meal. I heated it up on my trusty Coleman Classic Propane Stove (affiliate link). I wonder "What to pack camping teenagers Georgia?", and for Maya its comfort food.
Emotional Connection: Awkward Moments and Fleeting Glimmers
Let’s be real, the emotional connection part was… challenging. There were plenty of humorous camping stories, dad daughter style, but most of the humor was one-sided. I was trying, she was tolerating. The limited cell service definitely amplified her teenage angst. But, there were a few fleeting moments of connection. Her genuine laughter when I fell in the lake, a brief conversation about her friends, and even a grudging admission that the stars were "kind of pretty" at night.
I've read that "Tips for camping with teenagers divorced dad" should be to just be yourself, and be patient.
Overall Impression: Dockery Lake – Worth the Awkwardness?
Dockery Lake Recreation Area Campground is a beautiful spot, perfect for families who enjoy the outdoors. Even families with reluctant teenagers. The natural beauty is undeniable, the facilities are well-maintained, and the location is easily accessible. The limited cell service might be a blessing in disguise (eventually).
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just be prepared for some awkward moments, a few eye rolls, and maybe a fly fishing fail or two. After all, those are the moments that make for the best stories. So, is Dockery Lake Campground good for families? Yes, just remember to pack your patience.
Now, to find a good therapist... for both of us. I wonder if I can find a guide to Dockery Lake campground.
Video: Dad vs. Teen: Fly Fishing Fail (and Family Fun?)
Be sure to check out the video of my "epic" fly fishing fail. You might even get a laugh out of it – Maya certainly did.