Part of the Army Corps of Engineers' Allatoona Recreation Area, McKaskey Creek Campground sits along the shores of Lake Allatoona outside Cartersville, Georgia, where forested sites back up to the water and a mix of RV and tent campers share 51 sites spread through the trees. The campground runs from late March through early September, with nightly rates between $24 and $34, and accepts reservations. Senior pass holders with a Lifetime Pass can bring that cost down considerably, as full electric and water hookups are included in the rate.
Water access is a central draw here. Tent sites sit close to the lake's edge, and most sites have direct water hookup. Boats and fishing are common sights, and the campground is accessible by boat as well as by car. Campers note, though, that the access road can be rough, and some sites slope enough that parking becomes a workaround rather than a pull-in. A few lakeside spots have experienced erosion along the bank, so it's worth walking a site before committing to it.
The single bathhouse handles all 51 sites, which reviewers flag as limited for a campground of this size. That said, cleanliness comes up repeatedly in reviews. Annell N. notes "very clean restrooms that include showers and flush toilets," and a washer and dryer on-site is a practical bonus on longer stays. Each site includes a picnic table, grill, and fire ring, though at least one reviewer found the fire ring lacked a grate.
Tree cover is consistent across most of the campground. Shade is reliable, hammock spots are available between trunks, and a playground is on-site for families. Crowding and noise can pick up on summer weekends, particularly with the beach area drawing day visitors. The campground staffs volunteers at the gate, so check-in can take longer than expected, especially without a reservation.
Campers wanting more open lake views or a different layout might consider Gatewood Park Campground to the south, or Macedonia a short distance east for a comparison of what the campgrounds near Allatoona Recreation Area offer across the lake.
Description
Overview
McKaskey Creek Campground is situated on Allatoona Lake on the Etowah River, a tributary of the Coosa River. The serene lake and peaceful surroundings offer a relaxing getaway form the nearby city of Atlanta, just 45 miles north. Visitors enjoy various water sports, hiking, hunting and viewing wildlife.
Recreation
Boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are popular activities on the 11-mile long Allatoona Lake. Its 270 miles of shoreline provide great opportunities for picnicking, hiking, hunting and relaxing.
Natural Features
The rolling hills around Allatoona Lake are thickly forested with lush oak, maple, blackgum, dogwood, magnolia, hickory and the occasional pine tree. Ferns and honeysuckle bushes make up the understory. The dense hardwood forests are home to raccoons, opossum, bobcats, red and gray fox, white tail deer, squirrels, and chipmunks. From time to time, visitors even spot black bears roaming the area.
Nearby Attractions
The city of Cartersville is nearby, offering the Tellus Science Museum, Etowah Indian Mounds, and Booth Western Art Museum. The Visitor Center at Allatoona Lake Project Management Office features video exhibits and displays about the areas history, ranging from the time of early Native Americans, to the Civil War and to present times. The Visitor Center overlooks the dam and offers many hiking trails. Red Top Mountain State Park has more than 15 miles of trails and offers interpretive programs. Eight marinas are located on Allatoona Lake that offer boat rentals and restaurants. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield is located in Kennesaw and White Water Park is in Marietta. Zoo Atlanta and Georgia Aquarium are located in Atlanta.
Contact Info
This location is staffed. Please call (770) 386-2892 to speak with local staff.
Charges & Cancellations
Change and Cancellation Policies and Fees Overnight and Day Use Facilities: To ensure fairness, reservation arrival or departure dates may not be changed beyond the booking window until 18 days after booking the reservation. Camping / Day Use: A $10.00 service fee will apply if you change or cancel your reservation (including campsites, cabins, lookouts, group facilities, etc.). The $10.00 service fee will be deducted from the refund amount. You can cancel or change reservations through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Late Cancellations Overnight and Day Use Facilities: Late cancellations are those cancelled between 12:01 a.m. (Eastern) on the day before arrival and check out time on the day after arrival. Individual Campsites: If a customer cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival they will be charged a $10.00 service fee and will also forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a single night's reservation will forfeit the entire use fee but no cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Facility: If a customer cancels a group overnight facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date they will be charged the $10.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Cancellations for a single night's use will not be assessed a service fee. Group Day Use Area: If a customer cancels a group day use facility reservation within 14 days of the scheduled arrival date, they will forfeit the total day use fee with no service fee charge. No-Shows Camping / Day Use: A camping no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Reserved campsites and group overnight facilities will be held until check-out time on the day following your scheduled arrival. Group day-use facilities will be held until check-in time on your scheduled arrival date. If a customer does not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time the day after arrival or does not cancel the reservation by the times listed under "Late Cancellations" above, the customer may be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit use fees. Refunds Customers must request refunds no later than 14 days after the scheduled departure date. Recreation.gov will not grant refund requests after 14 days of departure. Reservation Fee: For some facilities, tours or permits an additional reservation fee is charged. For some overnight and day-use facilities, an additional non-refundable reservation fee may apply. The non-refundable reservation fee for tours and tickets is $1.00. The non-refundable reservation fee for permits varies by location. Refunds for Bankcard Purchases: Refunds for bank card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank card. Refunds for Check or Cash Purchases: Refunds for Recreation.gov payments made by check or money order, and cash payments at selected campgrounds will be issued a check refund. A refund will be processed within 30 days of receipt and approval. Please Note: Refund requests made during or after departure can only be processed when approved by the facility management staff based upon local policy. Refunds for Emergency Closures: In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team will attempt to notify users and offer alternate dates (as appropriate). If this is not possible, reservations will be cancelled and all fees paid will be refunded. Reservation fees for free tickets are non-refundable in the event of an emergency closure.
Fee Info
Campsite fees range from $22-$32 per night.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMckaskey Creek Campground is located in Georgia near Emerson
Directions
Physical Address: 358 McKaskey Creek Rd, Cartersville, GA 30121 Take I-75 N to Exit 290 (Canton/Rome/GA Hwy 20), Continue east onto GA 20; take an immediate right onto GA SPUR 20 for 2 miles, then turn left onto McKaskey Creek Road and travel 1 mile to campground.
Address
1138 Georgia Highway Spur 20
Cartersville, GA 30121
Coordinates
34.19 N
84.7180556 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 2/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 38 min from Rome, GA
- 44 min from Atlanta, GA
- 1 hr 19 min from Gainesville, GA
- 1 hr 20 min from Cleveland, TN




















