Camping near Allatoona Lake

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Allatoona Lake, GA has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Allatoona Lake camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Allatoona Lake (211)

    1. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    78 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 975-0055

    $40 - $315 / night

    "Red Top Mountain State Park has it all - Allatoona Lake, a marina, fishing, boating, kayaking, camping, lakeside cottages, yurt, camp store, beach, miniature golf, food vendor, etc. i’ve Done it all now"

    "Many were positioned right on the lake. The trails in the park were great for hiking and running. We enjoyed visiting the Qualusi Winery that was nearby."

    2. Sweetwater Campground

    31 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $290 / night

    "These are two completely different parks in two completely different parts of Georgia. SCofA does not have a mill, ruins, river or mountain trails. It does have a lake. Allatoona Lake."

    "Beautiful area of camping spots around the lake. Very good infrastructure, showers, bathrooms, etc."

    3. Mckinney Campground

    24 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $30 - $34 / night

    "Georgia Veteran’s Memorial State Park, McKinney Campground on Allatoona Lake (north of Atlanta; a Corp of Engineer park) - very woodsy and a nice lake. Hiking, rafting/etc, and walking all around."

    "We have traveled across the country a few times in the last year and are always looking for a good place to stay near Atlanta. We've found it!"

    4. Victoria Campground

    15 Reviews
    Lebanon, GA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Lots of sites are waterfront or has access to the lake, that is a plus. The lake area is tranquil and quiet."

    "Wanted to know every detail of everyone in our party, and my husband came late and I have to give notice for him to join us ( the campground is gated) Now the positives- It’s right on beautiful lake Allatoona"

    5. Clark Creek North Campground

    12 Reviews
    Acworth, GA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 387-5149

    $34 / night

    "There is also signage to verify that you are going the right way until you see the CG entrance. We pulled into the gate area and were checked in by the attendant on duty."

    "Clark Creek North is a small gem tucked along the shore of Lake Allatoona just north of Atlanta. It is small with just 24 spots equipped with water and electric and every spot has water access."

    6. Mckaskey Creek Campground

    12 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $34 / night

    "My dad SCUBA dives quite a bit in a quarry nearby, so this is a great site for the family to stay with the camper."

    "It also seems as though most have access to the lake and the bath houses are pretty clean."

    7. Payne Campground

    13 Reviews
    Woodstock, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $24 - $68 / night

    "This campground is full of beautiful lakeside sites! Many are well-spaced, but some are close together. We camped with our van in one of the tent sites because the rv sites were full."

    "I didn't get a chance to snap pictures or videos but it is nestled along the shore of Lake Allatoona."

    8. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing

    11 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (770) 974-6089

    $42 - $52 / night

    "The lake is beautiful. It’s quiet other than the occasional train whistles. The WiFi is pretty much non existent so don’t plan on that. Even with a booster we couldn’t pick it up."

    "The bathrooms were pretty amazing compared to the last campground we were at which was also on alatoona lake as well. ( McKinney camp ground ) The first night we got here it was packed, like crazy packed"

    9. McKinney Campground

    10 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $28 / night

    "If you want lake front, they got it! Almost all sites either have a view of the lake or are right on lake Allatoona! We tent camped here on site 45 in October 2017."

    "Great water views and easy step down to the waters edge for fishing.

    In our area, the bathroom/shower combo is adequate but needs an update."

    10. COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground

    9 Reviews
    Emerson, GA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (678) 721-6700

    $30 - $68 / night

    "One section of the campground was too close to the highway, which made you hear cars passing all night, but sites 32 and up were very peaceful and quiet."

    "This is a great campground, close to town and the lake view is amazing. There’s enough space and privacy between camp sites. Clean comfortable picnic area with table and fire pit."

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Recent Reviews near Allatoona Lake

1012 Reviews of 211 Allatoona Lake Campgrounds


  • Sarah H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Rules not enforced

    The sites are very small and very close together. The lake does have beautiful views. I give 1 star because no rules are enforced. There was no quiet time for us. People were partying, loud music, yelling, being loud up to 3/4am. Both Friday and Saturday nights. It was so bad Friday night that we went to the local Dollar Tree for EAR PLUGS so we could sleep Saturday night. The gate is locked at 10pm however the gate will let you out. A camper below us went to the gate about 11pm and let 2 other cars in. 1 vehicle went out, 3 come in. No rules are enforced. We do not recommend it. The host site is an eye sore. It needs to be cleaned up. It's such a mess! The lake is so beautiful, though.

  • A
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Margaritaville

    Best Campground Ever

    My wife and I went here for a week back in June 2025. I’ve been to many campgrounds in my day and I can say this one by far is the best. Clean campsites, fun amenities and great golf.

    We went to a Braves game one night since it is only an hour away and made may fond memories. I have already scheduled my week to go back again in 2026!

  • G F.
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Overpriced

    Like some of the other privately managed Georgia state parks, our visit here was disappointing.

    The issues started at the welcome center. The RV parking area was full of cars, even though plenty of regular parking spots were open. When we mentioned it to staff, the response was dismissive — one employee told us, “that’s above my paygrade.”

    The restroom at the welcome center was also a low point. The toilets are stainless steel with no seats — the kind you’d expect to see in a jail — and designed so shallow that whether you sit or hover, you end up getting splashed. It’s an unpleasant and unsanitary setup.

    The campground itself felt neglected, with rotting picnic tables and a general lack of upkeep. It’s also isolated from the rest of the park — there isn’t even a connector trail from the camping area to a single hiking trail, which makes it feel cut off from the very amenities most people come for. At $60 a night, you’d expect at least a basic map of the trails and amenities, but instead you’re told to snap a photo of a cardboard display. That felt like corner-cutting.

    One memorable (and concerning) part of the stay was the bear activity. In September, several bears came through the campground, startling tent campers who had to retreat inside their cars for safety.

    All in all, while the natural setting of Amicalola Falls is beautiful, the way the park is managed left the overall experience underwhelming and, at times, frustrating.

  • Ney N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Slice of heaven cost: $10

    My partner always said he loved going here as a kid, so we went. $10 a night was a bargain and I did not expect much. The site we picked was near the restrooms, which were very well kept. It was quiet, beautiful, and an absolute slice of heaven. We went swimming and exploring. It did not feel overcrowded or busy. We walked down the peninsula at night to stargaze surrounded by water. I didn't want to leave and go back to the real world.

  • Brittany B.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Clark Creek South Campground

    Great view of the Lake

    The campsite was right next to the swimming beach so little to no privacy and very loud. Although I slept very well in my tent because Quiet hours were observed. It was nice waking up to view of Lake Allatoona. Lady at the gate was rude when checking in so make sure to “READ the sign!” Other than that bathrooms were clean and they have laundry and hot water showers. Will most likely be back!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Calhoun A-OK Campground

    Now called CedarBreak…

    Not KOA anymore - the campground has been renamed CedarBreak. New owners and they are very nice and helpful. Nicely Renovated office and store. Upgraded our site when they knew our plans. Minor sound from adjacent road, other than that very quiet, clean, nice layout with trees, good site spacing, I’ll be back.

  • Suzanne-Will C.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Woodring Branch Primitive Campground — Carters Lake

    Great Tent Camping

    I love that this was a tent only camping site (no RVs). The sites were a bit smaller than I would have liked but as it was just the 10 sites on the road, the kids could safely play in the road. The water was by the toilets at the entrance but easily walkable from the sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Winding Waters RV Resort

    Labor Day Weekend Glamping

    We booked Friday through Sunday of Labor Day weekend. We arrived after hours on Friday, and our check-in packet was prepared and ready for us when we arrived. No problems checking in and getting hooked up.

    The RV park is enormous, new and extremely well-kept. Our spot was next to the Etowah River and was one of the few that is on gravel and not concrete. The few gravel lots are among the quietest of this very busy place.

    There are plenty of things to do for a family...lazy river pool, pickle ball, etc. There are kids, electric scooters, electric everything flying around the park morning to evening. It's not necessarily a problem so long as you know what to expect. This is a less quiet place than many others that we have stayed at.

    Lots of investment in 5G WiFi towers, but WiFi is not terribly good. I opted to pull out my StarLink for a better, high bandwidth connection.

    My wife and I travel with e-bikes, so we were glad that it was easy to get to southern Cartersville in about 3 miles and to the Cooper's Furnace Day Area also in about 3 miles.

    Overall, and great place as long as you know you're signing up for a pretty active RV resort geared toward lots of family activity. Not particularly quiet. I'll come back... really enjoyed the cleanliness, order and adherence to strict rules.


Guide to Allatoona Lake

Camping near Allatoona Lake, Georgia, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique charm.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Amicalola Falls State Park Camping. One reviewer said, "There are plenty of hiking and 4 mins from the lodge," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
  • Fishing: Sweetwater Campground is located on Lake Allatoona, which is perfect for fishing. A visitor mentioned, "Great location for hot weather camping. Access to the river and lakes."
  • Swimming: At Bald Ridge Creek, you can enjoy swimming right from your campsite. One camper noted, "Most sites have lake access so you can swim or float right there."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Doll Mountain Campground. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms were clean but old and right across from my site."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness at Mckinney Campground. One guest shared, "We absolutely loved our time at McKinney Campground... beautiful views and showers at site were decent."
  • Natural surroundings: Campers love the wooded areas at Woodring Campground. A visitor remarked, "Carters Lake is a great deep lake, clean and private."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Sweetwater Creek State Park Campground has no RV sites, as one reviewer pointed out, "This State Park has only 10 yurts and 5 walk-in tent sites."
  • Confusing signage: Arriving at Red Top Mountain State Park Campground can be tricky. A camper warned, "Signage is highly confusing; it took two competent adults a lot of back and forth to figure out where our campsite was."
  • Steep roads: Some campgrounds, like Doll Mountain Campground, have steep and narrow roads. A visitor mentioned, "Roads are steep and a little narrow, so take your time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with roomy sites like Shady Grove Campground. A reviewer said, "Each camping spot has a decent amount of room including a fire pit, grill, and picnic table."
  • Plan for activities: Victoria Campground has a playground and beach area, making it family-friendly. One camper noted, "The playground and beach were never crowded."
  • Bring entertainment: Some campgrounds may lack activities. A visitor at Amicalola Falls State Park Camping suggested, "Bring a TV, DVD, and Roku."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site at Sweetwater Campground. One RVer advised, "Check the grade of your site before booking; there are quite a few with a very steep grade."
  • Book early: Popular spots like Mckinney Campground can fill up quickly. A camper mentioned, "Only negative is you can't get weekends at this campground."
  • Be prepared for noise: Campgrounds near water can get lively. A visitor at Bald Ridge Creek shared, "It’s a fun location, even without having a boat on the lake."

Camping near Allatoona Lake, Georgia, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find glamping experiences at Lake Allatoona?

While traditional glamping options are limited at Allatoona Lake itself, nearby Red Top Mountain State Park Campground offers lakeside cottages and yurts that provide comfort while enjoying Allatoona Lake. For a more elevated stay, Fort Mountain State Park Campground is within driving distance and features cooler temperatures due to its elevation, making summer glamping more enjoyable. Both locations offer the amenities of traditional campgrounds with the added comfort of structured accommodations, perfect for those wanting a camping experience without roughing it.

Where are the campgrounds located at Allatoona Lake?

Allatoona Lake offers multiple campgrounds around its shoreline, primarily in the Acworth and Cartersville areas about 40 minutes north of Atlanta. Mckinney Campground is situated on the lake's northern shores with spacious, wooded sites and direct lake access. Sweetwater Campground is another popular option on Allatoona Lake (not to be confused with Sweetwater Creek State Park). Additional campgrounds include Upper Stamp Creek, Victoria, Clark Creek North, Mckaskey Creek, and Payne Campground, all managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and offering various amenities and lake access points.

Are there any private campgrounds available on Lake Allatoona?

Yes, Lake Allatoona features several private camping options. Military Park Atlanta Naval Air Station Navy Lake Site at Allatoona is a small, private park with rolling hills and wooded sites exclusively for military personnel, offering a sandy beach and exceptional staff service. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing provides private accommodations with marina access for boaters. These private options typically offer more amenities and services than public campgrounds, though they may have specific access requirements or higher fees.