Primitive camping near Rising Fawn, Georgia occurs primarily in the foothills of Lookout Mountain, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,800 feet. The area's mixed hardwood forests create seasonal camping conditions, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows frequently dipping below freezing. Most dispersed sites are situated on gravel forest roads that become rutted after rainfall.
What to Do
Fishing at Davis Pond: Located in Prentice Cooper State Forest, this small bass pond offers productive fishing even with minimal gear. "My husband caught several large mouth bass in the pond too (catch and release)" notes a camper at Prentice Cooper State Forest Dispersed. Another visitor reports catching "4 largemouth bass in about 15 minutes of fishing on the pond, largest being about a 1lb."
Explore Crockford-Pigeon Mountain trails: The Blue Hole area connects to numerous hiking trails, including access to Ellison Cave. A camper at Blue Hole Dispersed mentions they stayed "right down the road from blue hole and Ellison Cave trail." The cave system attracts technical cavers from across the Southeast.
Stargazing at Ball Field: The open clearing offers unobstructed southern sky views. "Go here on a new moon night in the summer and you're sure to have a great night of uninterrupted beauty!" recommends a camper at Ball Field Dispersed. The site sits at approximately 3,400 feet elevation with minimal light pollution.
What Campers Like
Solitude and quiet: Many sites offer true seclusion, particularly on weekdays. At Ball Field Dispersed Camping Area, campers appreciate that it's "fairly remote for eastern U.S." with one visitor noting it's "one of my favorite types of spots: remote, little light pollution, and deep in the mountains."
Free camping: Multiple dispersed sites in the area have no fees. A camper at Hidden Creek Campground calls it "definitely a solid free campsite," while another at Blue Hole Dispersed notes "We stayed 3 days 2 nights here in our 21' pop up camper with our generator."
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides habitat for diverse wildlife. "Watch out for bears," warns a camper at Ball Field, while another notes opportunities to "look for butterflies, other insects, birds, flowers, etc." At SongBird Trail Camp, a visitor mentions "beautiful hikes, pretty nature, and great memories!"
What You Should Know
Seasonal closures affect access: Several sites close during winter months or hunting seasons. At Prentice Cooper, a camper warns, "please note, 99% of areas are closed between December and March. Had to turn around and find somewhere else to camp for the night."
Navigation challenges: GPS directions often lead to incorrect locations. For Hidden Creek Campground, a reviewer cautions "GPS isn't perfect. It will take u to someone's private property next door. Look for the big wooden sign that indicates that it is for public use."
Limited facilities mean preparation: Most sites lack even basic amenities. At Walls of Jericho - Trailhead Campsite, a camper advises "This is primitive camping so no bathhouse, but there is a porta-john in the trailhead parking lot. The site is a good distance from any convenient stores or grocery stores so plan accordingly."
Tips for Camping with Families
Consider Davis Pond for kid-friendly fishing: The pond offers easy bank access and reliable catches. "It's basically like having your own small park in the middle of the mountains on a small bass pond," notes a camper, making it ideal for teaching children to fish.
Prepare for noise at some sites: At Prentice Cooper, campers report unexpected noise: "Night time is great but gunshots started at 6:30 at a nearby gun range and dirt bikes started hitting the roads not much later."
Bring trash bags and pack out waste: At Tennessee Wall Camp, a visitor mentions finding enough firewood on site but also notes other campers leaving trash. Most primitive sites have no waste facilities, requiring families to pack out all garbage.
Tips from RVers
High-clearance vehicles recommended: Road conditions deteriorate seasonally. At Hidden Creek Campground, a visitor warns of "LOTS OF DEEP POTHOLES" and notes "Our truck is pretty high and 4x4 so wasn't too bad for us but a low car may not fair as well."
Limited level parking for larger rigs: Most dispersed sites have uneven terrain. Ball Field Dispersed is "fairly sloped, so you want to have some shoring if you are in a trailer, roof top tent, or van."
Generator use varies by location: Wildlife Management Areas often have specific rules about generator use. At Blue Hole Dispersed, a reviewer mentions using their generator without issues, but other WMAs may restrict hours or prohibit generators entirely during certain seasons.
