Big Oak Springs Campsite

For Georgians with a spirit of adventure and a deep appreciation for untouched natural beauty, Big Oak Springs Campsite on the renowned Pine Mountain Trail offers an exceptional backpacking experience. This isn't a typical drive-up campground; instead, it's a primitive, hike-in site nestled within the expansive F.D. Roosevelt State Park near Manchester. It’s a place that rewards those willing to embark on a journey with profound tranquility, rich history, and an authentic connection to Georgia’s wilderness.

Big Oak Springs Campsite holds a special place in the heart of the Pine Mountain Trail community. As one reviewer proudly stated, "The correct name is Big Oak Springs Campsite. I know. I named it. I also helped construct it & was the first registered camper there. =)." This personal connection speaks volumes about the dedication and passion that goes into creating and maintaining these backcountry havens. The site is notable for its natural features, including an 1800s spring head that serves as a water source, and the majestic "big oak" tree that lends the site its name, even after it fell in 2020.

The allure of Big Oak Springs Campsite lies in its secluded nature and the stories embedded within its landscape. It offers a unique blend of challenge and serenity, inviting campers to disconnect from modern distractions and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker looking for your next adventure or someone eager to experience primitive camping with a touch of history, Big Oak Springs Campsite promises an unforgettable journey. This overview will guide you through the essentials of this remarkable site, from its precise location and accessibility to the unique features that make it a cherished spot for Georgia’s outdoor enthusiasts.

Big Oak Springs Campsite is located within F.D. Roosevelt State Park, near GA-190, Manchester, GA 31830, USA. Its address, V75C+MJ, Manchester, GA 31830, points to its specific coordinates within this beautiful region of West-Central Georgia. As a designated backcountry site on the Pine Mountain Trail, it requires a hike to access, differentiating it from traditional vehicle-accessible campgrounds.

The campsite is specifically situated on the Pine Mountain Trail, known for being one of Georgia's longest and most scenic hiking routes. To reach Big Oak Springs Campsite, hikers will need to access the trail from one of the designated parking areas within F.D. Roosevelt State Park. According to information from the Pine Mountain Trail Association, the access trail to Big Oak Springs Campsite begins approximately 0.8 miles west of the Rocky Point Parking Lot on the Pine Mountain Trail. If you are hiking east from areas like Dowdell Knob, it is about 500 feet east of the PMT Mile 17 marker, which is just east of the nearby Sparks Creek Campsite.

Once you reach the marked access trail off the main Pine Mountain Trail, you will follow a white-blazed path approximately 495 feet down to the main part of the camp. The water source, the historic spring head, is located another 250 feet further down the access trail. This hike-in approach ensures a truly secluded experience, far from road noise and crowds. Hikers should allow ample time for the journey and campsite setup, and be prepared with appropriate gear for a primitive camping experience. Overnight visitors to FDR State Park are typically required to purchase a ParkPass for their vehicles, and backpackers leaving vehicles overnight should display a backcountry permit on their dash.

Big Oak Springs Campsite is a primitive backpacking site, meaning services are minimal and campers are expected to be self-sufficient. This design emphasizes a genuine wilderness experience. Based on details from the Pine Mountain Trail Association and typical expectations for such sites within a state park, the following services and amenities are generally available:

• Designated Campsite Area: A clear area suitable for pitching tents. This site is described as a "single permit use site," meaning only one person/couple or group will be issued a permit, ensuring privacy. It can accommodate approximately 20 people or 10 tents.
• Established Fire Ring: There is one established fire ring at the main part of the camp for campfires and cooking. Campers are advised not to add to or move the fire ring, and to always drown their campfire before leaving.
• Natural Water Source: A key feature is the "beautiful rocked in spring head" serving as the water source. There are "a couple of springs coming out of the ground at this point." Campers must be prepared to filter or purify this water before consumption.
• Natural Firewood: While not a guaranteed service, there is often "a lot of dead, on the ground fire wood to use" at these backcountry sites (where fire bans are not in effect).
• Historical Significance: The site features evidence of two "whiskey stills" across the spring stream, and old house place foundations/chimneys near the camp (marked with red signs indicating "no camping beyond the signs" and "do not move the rocks"). This adds a unique historical dimension to the camping experience.
• Privacy: As a single permit use site, Big Oak Springs offers enhanced privacy, allowing a group to have the entire campsite to themselves.

Campers should adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles, packing out all trash and respecting the natural and historical integrity of the site.

Big Oak Springs Campsite offers unique features and highlights that set it apart for backpackers and nature enthusiasts in Georgia:

• Historic Spring Head: A defining feature is the "beautiful rocked in spring head" dating back to the 1800s. This natural spring serves as a reliable water source (requiring purification) and adds a historical charm to the site.
• "Big Oak" Tree: The campsite is named after a "HUGE white oak tree" located above the spring. Even after its fall in 2020, its presence as a landmark highlights the majestic natural elements of the area.
• Sense of Seclusion and Privacy: As a "single permit use site," Big Oak Springs offers exceptional privacy, ensuring that only one group is permitted at a time. This allows for a deeply personal and tranquil wilderness experience.
• Historical Echoes: Evidence of "whiskey stills" across the spring stream and old house place foundations add a fascinating historical layer to the natural surroundings, inviting contemplation of the past.
• Authentic Backpacking Experience: Its hike-in nature (requiring a 0.8-mile hike from Rocky Point Parking Lot or further from other trailheads) provides a genuine backcountry adventure, appealing to those seeking challenge and self-reliance.
• Voluntarily Maintained Site: The fact that it was conceived and helped constructed by a Pine Mountain Trail Association (PMTA) board member and volunteers underscores the dedication to preserving and enhancing this natural resource.
• Abundant Natural Firewood: The presence of "a lot of dead, on the ground fire wood to use" (when no fire ban is in effect) is a practical and welcome feature for campers.
• Immersive Forest Environment: The campsite is nestled within the lush, diverse forests of F.D. Roosevelt State Park, offering opportunities for wildlife observation and enjoying the sounds of nature.

Address: V75C+MJ, Manchester, GA 31830, USA

Big Oak Springs Campsite is a specific backcountry site within F.D. Roosevelt State Park. Therefore, for reservations, detailed trail information, or any specific inquiries about the campsite, it is best to contact the park directly.

F.D. Roosevelt State Park Information Phone: (706) 663-4858

For general camping reservations across Georgia State Parks, including backcountry sites, you typically use the Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites reservation system or call their general reservation line: (800) 864-7275.

Additionally, for the most up-to-date trail conditions, specific campsite details, and any alerts regarding the Pine Mountain Trail and its backcountry sites, it is highly recommended to check the Pine Mountain Trail Association's website (pinemountaintrail.org). This organization plays a crucial role in the maintenance and management of the trail system where Big Oak Springs is located.

For Georgians, Big Oak Springs Campsite represents an ideal blend of accessible wilderness and deep historical connection, making it an exceptionally suitable destination for a local outdoor adventure. Its location within F.D. Roosevelt State Park, readily reachable from various parts of Georgia, means that a profound escape into nature is well within grasp, without the need for extensive travel.

The personal touch revealed in the review – that a local named and helped construct the site – highlights the community spirit and dedication that underpins this unique camping experience. This is not just a commercial campground; it's a labor of love for those who value Georgia's natural heritage. The distinct features, such as the 1800s spring head and the historical whispers of old stills, offer a rich layer of discovery that goes beyond typical camping, appealing to those who appreciate both natural beauty and local history.

As a single permit use site, Big Oak Springs guarantees unparalleled privacy, a feature highly sought after by those looking to truly disconnect and find solitude. This provides a serene environment perfect for reflection, undisturbed wildlife observation, or quality time with a chosen group. The requirement for a hike-in approach, while a commitment, adds a sense of accomplishment and ensures that only those genuinely seeking a backcountry experience will reach its tranquil confines.

In essence, Big Oak Springs Campsite offers a quintessential Georgian backpacking experience. It challenges the body, calms the mind, and connects the spirit to the land's enduring past. For any Georgian yearning for an authentic, secluded, and historically rich encounter with the wild, Big Oak Springs stands out as an exceptional local gem, promising lasting memories and a renewed appreciation for their state's natural and historical treasures.

Big Oak Springs Campsite

V75C+MJ, Manchester, GA 31830, USA