Lawhorn Scouting Base

For Georgians seeking an unparalleled outdoor experience, Lawhorn Scouting Base in Molena, GA, stands out as a true gem. More than just a campground, this expansive facility serves as a vibrant hub for adventure, education, and community building, primarily for youth but welcoming various groups. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscape of Molena, the base offers a diverse array of activities and amenities that cater to a wide range of interests, from serene nature walks to thrilling high-adventure challenges. Local users consistently praise its beautiful scenery, abundant trails, and excellent facilities, making it a go-to destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of our state.

Visitors to Lawhorn Scouting Base often highlight the stunning environment, with its lush hills, mountains, and pristine lakes and rivers. This natural setting provides the perfect backdrop for memorable experiences, whether you're perfecting your canoeing skills on the water, exploring extensive hiking trails, or participating in one of the many engaging programs offered. The base is renowned for its commitment to providing a top-notch experience, evident in the recent upgrades to its bathroom facilities, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic stay even during primitive camping. The excellent water quality, suitable for drinking and cooking, further enhances the appeal, reflecting the high standards maintained at this facility.

Beyond its natural charm, Lawhorn Scouting Base is also known for hosting significant events, including occasional JROTC competitions, which bring a dynamic energy to the grounds. This multi-faceted approach to outdoor engagement solidifies its reputation as a premier destination for developing skills, fostering teamwork, and creating lasting memories. For families, youth groups, and individuals across Georgia, Lawhorn Scouting Base offers a unique opportunity to connect with the outdoors in a supportive and enriching environment.

Lawhorn Scouting Base is conveniently located at 1166 Dripping Rock Rd, Molena, GA 30258, USA. Situated in the heart of Upson County, this prime location makes it readily accessible for residents throughout Georgia. Molena, a charming community in the west-central part of the state, provides a peaceful backdrop for the base's extensive grounds. For those traveling by car, the base is typically reached via well-maintained state and local roads, offering a scenic drive through the Georgia countryside. While it provides a deep immersion in nature, it remains within a reasonable driving distance from major population centers, making it an ideal destination for weekend trips and longer camps.

The vast 2,700-acre property is meticulously managed and comprises two main sub-camps: Camp Thunder and the Flint River Adventure Area, along with the Pine Mountain Backcountry. Each area offers distinct experiences, but all are accessible from the main base. Whether you're navigating by GPS to the specific address or following signs for Lawhorn Scouting Base, the journey to this expansive outdoor haven is straightforward. The base's design, with multiple campsites and program areas spread across the landscape, ensures that while you're deep in the wilderness, you're always connected to the central facilities and staff support, ensuring both adventure and safety.

• Various Campsites: Offering multiple campsites with and without amenities, including primitive, backcountry, and even specific cabin accommodations like Blake cabin (wheelchair accessible, AC, and heat).

• Dining Facilities: Two dining halls, FRAA Dining Hall and Thunder Dining Hall, capable of hosting various group sizes for meals, trainings, and seminars. Meals are planned and prepared by professionals.

• Upgraded Bathroom Facilities: Recently upgraded and well-maintained bathroom facilities ensuring comfort and hygiene for campers.

• High-Quality Water: Potable water sources available for drinking and cooking.

• Shooting Ranges: Dedicated ranges for archery, rifle, and shotgun shooting, with options for securing instructors and providing ammunition.

• Aquatic Activities: Canoeing (self-launch, Flint River, Lake Ini-To), day fishing on various lakes, and tubing down the Flint River.

• Climbing Facilities: Eagle Mountain Climbing Center featuring multiple climbing towers and an indoor wall, suitable for climbing and rappelling events.

• COPE Courses: Low COPE Course and Sky Trail COPE Course, designed for team-building activities for youth and adults, including zip-lines.

• Hiking and Biking Trails: Extensive network of backcountry trails for hiking and mountain biking, covering over 21 miles.

• Equipment Rentals: Available for camping gear, canoes, and kayaks.

• Program Areas: Dedicated areas for merit badge advancement, first-year scout programs (Buckskin), and high-adventure opportunities.

• Event Spaces: Various pavilions (Climbing Pavilion, Grand Pavilion, Thunder Council Ring) and a chapel (Thunder Chapel) available for events, ceremonies, and quiet reflection.

• Vast 2,700-Acre Property: One of the largest and most comprehensive scouting bases in the Southeast, offering diverse landscapes from wooded hills to riverfronts.

• Dual Camp Experience: Comprised of Camp Thunder for traditional scouting programs and the Flint River Adventure Area for high-adventure activities, providing a wide spectrum of experiences.

• Pristine Waterways: Features multiple lakes (including Lake Ini-To and a fishing lake) and over 3 miles of frontage on the scenic Flint River, ideal for water-based recreation.

• Historical Significance: Camp Thunder, founded in 1938, includes Thundering Spring, the third most prolific spring in Georgia, adding a unique natural landmark to the base.

• JROTC Raider National Championship Venue: The base serves as the site for this prestigious national competition, showcasing its robust infrastructure and challenging terrain.

• Comprehensive Program Offerings: Beyond traditional camping, the base offers an extensive range of merit badges, leadership training (NYLT, Wood Badge), and specialized programs for various age groups (Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing).

• Modern Amenities: Despite its wilderness setting, the base boasts an air-conditioned dining hall, new audio/visual equipment in the lakefront amphitheater, and a fully stocked Trading Post.

• Biodiversity: Located on the Piedmont Plateau, the property is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the Longleaf pine, making it a living classroom for nature enthusiasts.

• Dedicated Staff: A team of professionals is on hand to manage programs, maintain facilities, and ensure a safe and enriching experience for all visitors.

Address: 1166 Dripping Rock Rd, Molena, GA 30258, USA

Phone: (770) 227-4556 (This is the main phone number for the Flint River Council, which operates Lawhorn Scouting Base.)

Mobile Phone: +1 770-227-4556

For specific camp reservations and events, it is recommended to contact the Camping Department of the Flint River Council. Further contact details for various departments and staff members can often be found on the Flint River Council's official website.

For individuals, families, and especially youth groups across Georgia, Lawhorn Scouting Base stands as an exceptional resource for outdoor adventure and personal growth. Its strategic location in Molena, coupled with a vast and diverse landscape, makes it incredibly accessible while still offering a profound sense of wilderness escape. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or looking for a safe and structured environment to introduce young people to the joys of camping and outdoor skills, Lawhorn Scouting Base delivers.

The glowing reviews from previous visitors underscore its suitability for locals: the "beautiful scenery," "plenty of trails," and the presence of "canoeing and rivers, lakes and hills and mountains" speak directly to the diverse recreational opportunities available. The commitment to maintaining and upgrading facilities, like the "new upgraded bathroom facilities" and excellent water quality, ensures that even primitive camping experiences are comfortable and worry-free. This attention to detail, combined with the sheer breadth of activities from shooting ranges to climbing towers and team-building courses, means there's truly something for everyone to engage with and learn from.

Lawhorn Scouting Base isn't just a place to visit; it's an institution that fosters leadership, resilience, and a deep appreciation for nature. For scout troops, school groups, and even private organizations seeking a robust outdoor program, this Molena gem provides an unmatched setting. Its role in hosting significant events like JROTC competitions further highlights its capacity to support large-scale, impactful outdoor endeavors. For Georgians, it’s a readily available, comprehensive, and highly regarded destination that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and strengthens community bonds through shared outdoor experiences. Embrace the adventure that awaits at Lawhorn Scouting Base – it’s a premier local resource you won't want to miss.

Lawhorn Scouting Base

1166 Dripping Rock Rd, Molena, GA 30258, USA