Primitive and developed camping sites near Summerville, Georgia offer options ranging from basic backcountry sites to full-hookup RV spots. The northwestern Georgia terrain features elevations between 600-2,000 feet, creating varied microclimates across camping locations. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing at higher elevation campsites, while summer evenings typically cool to the mid-60s even during July and August.
What to do
Cave exploration: Sawmill Lake Campsite features easy access to Petty John Cave for underground adventures. Located on Pigeon Mountain, one camper notes it's "a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead."
Mountain biking: Local trail networks connect many campgrounds to challenging routes. At Little River Adventure Company, "they also rent out pedal and motor bikes for exploring the parkway along the canyon," according to a reviewer.
Fishing: Multiple lakes and streams provide year-round angling opportunities. Tranquility Campground features "a 6 acre lake for fishing but it's catch & release. And no swimming or kayaks allowed," as one visitor reports.
Climbing: Rock formations throughout the area draw climbers from across the Southeast. Sawmill Lake Campsite puts you near "the many wonders of Rocktown," which one climber describes as "a dream for climbers. Meant we could spend most of the climbing, rather than making a long approach."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Cloudland Canyon State Park Campground offers varying levels of seclusion. "The West Rim camping loop has a total of 48 tent/RV sites with 30 or 50A hookups, water, gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. This loop is far more wooded and offers a greater variety of site size and privacy."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathhouses and infrastructure receive consistent praise. At 1776 RV And Campground, visitors appreciate the "clean bathhouse, full hook ups and great wifi access so husband could work from camper."
Year-round access: Many sites remain open through winter months. Pocket Campground receives positive reviews even in colder months: "1/24/21: We were looking for somewhere near the Pocket to camp out for a night after a nice mountain bike ride on the Pinhotti Trail. The main campground in the area is closed in the winter."
Waterfall proximity: Multiple camping locations provide easy access to cascades. One Tranquility Campground visitor notes: "You can easily get to Desoto falls by foot (.85 mile) with spectacular views."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access routes to some primitive sites can be challenging. For Sawmill Lake, "The road leading up to the campsite is extremely rough and washed out. We were in a Subaru Outback, and it was a very slow-going, bumpy ride — we bottomed out several times."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between campgrounds. At DeSoto State Park Campground, one camper reports: "I have phones with Verizon and T-mobile service as well as AT&T and T-Mobile hotspots. The verizon phone was the only service that got any signal at all, and it was spotty."
Permit requirements: Some areas require advance permits. For Sawmill Lake: "I think you're technically supposed to have a Georgia outdoors permit to stay here (which we did), but we did not encounter a single ranger during our six-day stay."
Weather considerations: Mountain locations experience rapid changes. Several campers mention tornado watches and severe storms, with one noting that Tranquility Campground owners "even stayed up all night to help everyone watch the weather during a tornado watch."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for play space: Pocket Campground offers specific areas suited for children. According to reviews, "Lots of trails, one in the campground. Wading area for kids. Bathrooms always clean and host always very nice."
Wading opportunities: Shallow creek areas provide safe water play. The Pocket "is extremely clean, extremely quiet, and, best of all, free. The campsites are first come first serve but all are near a natural spring."
Wildlife education: Ranger programs are available at several parks. DeSoto State Park is noted for having "a near little nature center with cool interpretive programs" and "scout activities, a Junior Ranger program, playgrounds, swimming pools, and plenty of trails to hike."
Seasonal planning: Consider timing for best experiences. One camper advises: "I've lived here most of my life and each season offers something different. Summertime you can swim, Spring has full waterfalls and beautiful flowers, Fall has colorful leaves, and the winter gives just enough bare trees and icicles for great pictures."
Tips from RVers
Access routes: James H 'Sloppy' Floyd State Park Campground requires careful navigation. Visitors note that "campground loop road has a steep entrance turning in from the main road that goes through the park and the campground loop itself is very winding."
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. Reviews of Little River RV Park mention that "sites are unlevel and tight," requiring preparation.
Power options: Verify electricity availability and amperage. Cloudland Canyon's West Rim loop provides "tent/RV sites with 30 or 50A hookups, water, gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings."
Weather planning: Mountain temperatures fluctuate significantly. DeSoto State Park visitors advise: "First, be careful to take Desoto Parkway up. Google tried to send us on an alternate road that had a big sign saying ABSOLUTELY no trucks - and from other reviews we gather that's the more treacherous one."
