Sawmill Lake Campsite, near Summerville, Georgia, is a great spot for those who enjoy a more primitive camping experience. This location is free and allows for both tent and RV camping, making it accessible for various camping styles.

The area is known for its open spaces and scenic views, perfect for setting up camp and enjoying the outdoors. Visitors have mentioned that while the sites are well-defined with fire pits, you might not find much seclusion since you can see your neighbors. As one camper noted, “Nice spot, well defined with burn pits and picnic tables.”

If you’re into rock climbing or spelunking, you’re in luck! The campsite is just a short drive from the Rock Town Trailhead and Petty John Cave, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Campers have enjoyed the proximity to these attractions, with one saying, “This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave.”

Keep in mind that amenities are limited, so be prepared to pack in your own water and supplies. The road leading to the campsite can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended. Many have found the journey worthwhile, with beautiful views along the way. Whether you're looking to relax by the fire or tackle some climbing routes, Sawmill Lake Campsite offers a solid spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Sawmill Lake Campsite

Rising Fawn is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Rising Fawn. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Rising Fawn camping trip.

Rising Fawn

The Best Camping Near Rising Fawn, Georgia

If you’re looking for amazing scenery, this is not the place. It is, however, a free, primitive camping site just a short 5 min drive (or walk) from the Rocktown trailhead. The close proximity to the many wonders of Rocktown is a dream for climbers. Meant we could spend most of the climbing, rather than making a long approach. My group went for several days over thanksgiving 2018, and the weather was absolutely beautiful. Nights turned a bit chilly, so make sure to pack layers if camping in the fall or winter season. 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. Check the Rocktown forum on Mountain Project for up-to-date info on permit requirements.

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. 

You can pretty much set up camp anywhere there’s open ground. Plenty of trees around for hammock camping as well. My group of 10 people had no problem finding open areas to set up camp together. There are several man-made fire pits, and plenty of wood and brush lying around to scavenge for fire-making. There are no water hookups, so make sure to pack plenty of water with you. There is also an area at the campground for equestrian camping, though we didn’t check that out, as, alas, none of us had horses.

Primitive camping perfect for Rocktown climbers

Great FREE site near plenty of hiking trails, world class rock climbing, etc. 

I discovered more secluded camp sites more suitable for the seclusion I seek when camping. 

Sawmill Campground - Pigeon Mountain

This is a nice primitive camp site just a 2 min walk from Petty John Cave and a 5 min drive to Rock Town Trailhead. Come here to try your hand at rock climbing and spelunking. The permit was 15 dollars to access Rock Town and the Caves... I'd like to come and try my hand at spelunking some time soon. There is also a good view of Summerville from the mountain top. You can also make a 20 minute drive to Howard Fensters Paradise Gardens. 

Can't wait to go back! 

Was a very nice and open area to camp at. Came in at night so was hard to see spots. Despite it being November there were a good amount of people. If you come in summer when it’s busy, I would recommend going to the first open field when you enter which is to the right. I decided to go all the way back down the gravel road to the back and every spot was taken so I wasted about 30 minutes. I had just a little bit of service, and there were no amenities that I could find. If you have a trailer or rv I recommend coming in from the west direction, if you can tell from maps. The east way had 180 degree sharp turns up the mountain, so may be difficult. Views were very nice going up that way though. Would stay here again if I needed to

Very nice and open

Nice spot, well defined with burn pits and picnic tables. Not too much seclusion with the way the sites are setup as you can see all of you neighbors, but still worth coming to. 

Good Site without much Seclusion 

Stayed 13 days. I came from the west and had no problems getting my 23ft camper up the mountain. There were a few people that stayed in a tent for a night or two here and there, but I didn’t see any other RV/Campers so every spot was open. Trees fall easily so if it’s windy be careful where you park. You do need a land pass to be here, the website is on the sign coming in and it was around $60.

Photos of Sawmill Lake Campsite

Real photos from real campers