Camp Frank G. Lumpkin

For Georgians looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors, Camp Frank G. Lumpkin in LaGrange offers an expansive and activity-rich environment that goes beyond a typical campground experience. While it serves as a cornerstone for Scouting activities in the Chattahoochee Council, its facilities and natural setting make it a valuable resource for a broader range of groups and individuals seeking an outdoor adventure. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Camp Frank G. Lumpkin, highlighting its prime location, the diverse services and features it offers, and why it remains a suitable choice for local users despite some past operational concerns.

Camp Frank G. Lumpkin is a vast 600-acre property with over 26 miles of stunning lake frontage on West Point Lake, providing direct access to the Chattahoochee River. This natural landscape is complemented by a range of modern facilities, making it a versatile destination. Many visitors have lauded its "great facility and plenty to do," praising features like the large lake and accessible bathhouse near campsites. The availability of campsites with pavilions and power also adds a layer of comfort to the traditional camping experience. While it's primarily known for its role in Scouting, the camp is also available for year-round use by outside organizations for corporate retreats, youth retreats, or community events, showcasing its adaptability.

It is important to note that like any large facility with diverse operations, experiences can vary. While many laud the facilities and opportunities, a review noted concerns regarding communication and activity cancellations, particularly for pre-paid scouting activities, and issues with staff professionalism. This feedback emphasizes the importance of direct communication with management when planning visits, especially for organized events, to confirm arrangements and expectations. However, the consistent positive remarks about the physical infrastructure and natural surroundings suggest that with proper coordination, Camp Frank G. Lumpkin can provide a rewarding outdoor experience.

Camp Frank G. Lumpkin is situated at 2818 Antioch Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240, USA. This location places it approximately 15 miles northwest of LaGrange, Georgia, right on the picturesque West Point Lake. For residents across Georgia, the camp is conveniently accessible, making it an ideal destination for weekend trips or longer retreats without extensive travel.

West Point Lake is a major recreational hub in Georgia, known for its vast size and diverse water-based activities. The camp's direct frontage on the lake is a significant advantage, providing easy access for boating, fishing, and other aquatic adventures. While the camp offers a somewhat secluded natural setting, it is still within a reasonable driving distance of LaGrange, where visitors can find essential supplies. As one past visitor noted, the nearest store is about 20 minutes away, which is a detail worth remembering for those planning to stock up on necessities before arrival.

The camp's position on the border of West Georgia and East Alabama, roughly halfway between Birmingham and Atlanta, also enhances its accessibility for a broader regional audience, though our focus here is on local Georgian users.

• Campsites with Pavilions and Power: Many campsites include covered pavilions and electrical hookups, offering comfort and convenience.
• Bathhouses: Easily accessible and well-maintained bathhouses are located near campsites, providing essential restroom and shower facilities.
• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: Equipment is available for rent, allowing guests to explore West Point Lake.
• Fishing Opportunities: The large lake provides ample opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.
• Shooting Ranges: Facilities for rifle, archery, and shotgun shooting, often used for organized activities and merit badge programs.
• Climbing and Rappelling Tower: A 50-foot tower offering challenging vertical experiences.
• C.O.P.E. Course: A Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience course designed for team-building and leadership development.
• Swimming Pool: A Junior-Olympic sized salt-water filtered swimming pool with "cool decking" for comfortable use.
• Dining Hall: A 300-seat air-conditioned dining hall for large groups and meal services.
• Trading Post: An air-conditioned store on-site for snacks, drinks, and camp essentials.
• Health Lodge: A 24-hour health lodge for medical needs.
• Training Facilities: Including a 100-seat air-conditioned training facility for various programs and retreats.
• Lodge Rentals/Cabins: While mainly a camping facility, cabins/lodges might be available for specific programs or groups, such as the wheelchair-accessible Blake cabin.
• Wireless Internet: Available in designated areas like the Scoutmaster's Lounge.

• Large Lake Access (West Point Lake): Extensive lake frontage offers abundant opportunities for water sports, relaxation, and scenic views.
• Diverse Outdoor Activities: A wide array of activities including canoeing, fishing, swimming, shooting sports, climbing, rappelling, and ropes courses.
• Modern and Well-Maintained Facilities: Considered one of the newer camps in the Southern Region, with updated facilities like air-conditioned dining halls and new bathhouses.
• Scouting Program Excellence: Renowned for its robust merit badge program (over 50 badges), STEM University, and First Year Camper programs.
• Team Building Opportunities: The C.O.P.E. course is ideal for developing trust, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Dedicated Staff for Programs: While some operational issues were noted in a review, many commend the energy and effort of staff in delivering engaging program activities.
• Adaptable for Various Groups: Beyond Scouting, the camp is available for corporate, youth, and community organization retreats.
• Natural Beauty: The 600-acre property with its lake and wooded areas provides a beautiful backdrop for any outdoor endeavor.

Address: 2818 Antioch Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240, USA

For reservations or inquiries about weekend camping and program details, it is recommended to contact the Chattahoochee Council office directly. While a general phone number for the camp itself isn't widely published for direct public inquiries, the council office can facilitate bookings and provide specific information:

Chattahoochee Council Office Phone: 706-327-2634

Camp Director: Scarlet Guzman – Scarlet.guzman@scouting.org

Program Directors: Campfgl@gmail.com

For Georgia locals seeking an enriching outdoor experience, Camp Frank G. Lumpkin offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, diverse activities, and modern facilities. Its prime location on West Point Lake near LaGrange means it's easily accessible for a quick weekend escape or an extended stay without the need for long-distance travel. The sheer size of the camp and its extensive lake frontage provide endless opportunities for aquatic adventures like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, making it a true paradise for water lovers.

Beyond the lake, the camp boasts a remarkable array of on-site features, including various shooting ranges, a climbing tower, and a COPE course, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels. These facilities, coupled with comfortable campsites equipped with power and convenient bathhouses, elevate the camping experience beyond the primitive, ensuring a more enjoyable and accessible outing for families and groups. While previous feedback highlights the importance of clear communication for scheduled activities, the underlying quality of the facilities and the potential for a "great" experience remain strong.

Camp Frank G. Lumpkin's adaptability also makes it highly suitable for various local groups, not just Scouts. Corporate teams looking for unique retreat locations, youth organizations planning engaging programs, or community groups seeking a refreshing outdoor gathering space will find the camp well-equipped. For Georgians, this campground represents a fantastic local resource for fostering outdoor skills, building teamwork, or simply unwinding in a picturesque setting. With a little planning and direct communication, Camp Frank G. Lumpkin promises to be a memorable destination for your next outdoor adventure in the heart of Georgia.

Camp Frank G. Lumpkin

2818 Antioch Rd, LaGrange, GA 30240, USA