Flint River Camping:
- This topic has 9 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated Apr 9, 2015 at 11:21 pm by
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Has anyone camped at the Gerald Lawhorn Scouting Base? I’m planning a trip to the Flint and want to throw a night or two camping and it looks like a good spot.
I’m hoping to rope in a couple of friends so we should be able to shuttle between Hwy 18 and Sprewell Bluff (or Flat Shoals and Hwy 18 not sure which is better).
I’ve read as much as I can find on the area (and fished it once last summer with Zach). Its been a while since I’ve been this ready for spring fishing to get started…
Clay I camped one time at a WMA down there really close, but it was not actually on the river (at least not until we had a gullywasher flood that turned my tent floor into a waterbed…)
I believe that was the Joe Kurtz WMA.
Zach
Zach,
Yeah I remember that story now. I was looking at the map and it looks like they have a boat launch at Joe Kurtz so that might actually be one of the launch points I use (regardless of where I end up camping).
What facilities did the WMA campground have? The boy scout camp has full bathrooms and a covered pavilion to eat under which will be important features when I sell this to the wife…
Clay
I’m not sure whether individuals can camp at Lawhorn base – rules have changed a couple of times over the years so you’ll want to confirm if you have not.
Outside of Joe Kurtz, there is camping at Big Lazer WMA but not on the river. Flint River Outdoors has a campground at their location on Hwy 36 – it’s targeted mainly at RV’s but tent camp is available. They also have a campground at Goat Mt (about a half-day float above Sprewell) Facilities are fair unless things have changed. Sprewell Bluff is strictly a day use facility.
Flint River Outdoors will shuttle you upstream to from their place on Hwy 36 to Goat Mt or Sprewell – makes things very simple as you float back to your car. Only downside is the first one isn’t til 9am.
For fishing floats, I wouldn’t do anything above Hwy 18 – the shoals are limited and there’s lots of flat water. One you didn’t mention is from Hwy 36 down to Big Lazer – it’s very good though the takeout is a little less convenient for dropping a shuttle.
Kent - FlyFishGA
Kent,
Yeah great information thanks so much!
I spoke to the folks at Lawhorn on Monday and they take very small groups so at least for now that sounds like a solid option. Based on my limited experience Scout campgrounds are well equipped and maintained. For me the camping selection is largely geared towards a trip with my wife and 7 year old and those extra features can be invaluable.
It’s only an hour drive and I’m planning on doing this multiple times this summer. I will likely start with the Sprewell Bluff float letting Flint River Outdoors shuttle for us and as it warms up and the crowds get bigger look to shuttle ourselves. I’ve been watching the water and hopefully the weather cooperates and I can get out there towards the end of the month!
Regarding the float down from Hwy 36 how challenging are Yellow Jacket Shoals when the water level is 6′-7′? From some of the information I’ve heard I’m a bit tentative especially with the little one along and its always difficult to know if they are really difficult or just people covering their butts.
Thanks again for all this information.
Clay
Zach,
Any idea when/if you and Tracy will be available for a multi-family float trip or is this year completely slammed?
Clay
Clay we’d be interested for sure. Might be this summer before we get clear, but if water’s right in May it could happen.
Clay,
I think the Sprewell to 36 trip is an ideal start. It’s great water and fishes good. Plenty of swimming and picnic spots too.
For the Yellow Jacket shoals trip, I’d look for under 7′ at the 36 bridge if taking the wife & 7-yr old. Yellow Jacket only gets dangerous at higher levels. At normal flow, it is more a matter of reading the water and choosing your lines. The tough spot is at the very bottom, but at a reasonable flow it’s pretty easy to get out and portage (river right). If you run it and choose wrong, you can swamp or flip the boat but usually then stand up in waist-deep water (tie down stuff in the boat).
More likely issue is shallow water and having to drag the boat. But that’s not so bad, as these are usually spots you should get out and fish anyhow.
The scout campground at Lawhorn is very nice and well maintained.
Kent - FlyFishGA
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