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Camping near Allatoona Lake

1,018 Reviews

Allatoona Lake in Georgia features multiple developed campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia State Parks. The region includes Red Top Mountain State Park Campground with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Other established campgrounds include McKinney, Victoria, Clark Creek North, and Sweetwater, offering varied accommodations from tent-only walk-ins to full RV hookups. Most campgrounds provide direct lake access, electric and water hookups, and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, with several sites featuring premium waterfront locations.

Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during peak seasons from spring through early fall when the lake sees heavy recreational use. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with some like McKinney Campground and Marina Resort open year-round, while others like Victoria Campground operate from March to October. The campground road system can be challenging for large RVs, with several visitors noting narrow, winding roads and difficult terrain. Campgrounds feature a mix of shaded and open sites, with some offering premium waterfront locations. As one camper noted, "The campground is nice, signs are easy to follow, camp sites are in nice shape and the bathrooms are clean."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers at Allatoona Lake. Premium sites positioned directly on the lake command higher fees but provide immediate water access for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. Several visitors mentioned the quality of lake views and water recreation opportunities, though noise from boat traffic can impact the camping experience. The area's proximity to metro Atlanta makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, leading to crowding during summer months and holidays. A visitor observed: "This is our go to campground near Atlanta. It's a big place so things can get crowded depending on the season. Lots of the sites are right on the water & the ones more inland have power & several are arranged perfectly for groups." The campgrounds' location near Interstate 75 provides convenient access but also results in some highway noise at certain sites.

Map showing campgrounds near Allatoona Lake, GeorgiaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Allatoona Lake (211)

    1. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    79 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 Camping Photos near Allatoona Lake

370 Photos of 211 Allatoona Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Allatoona Lake

1018 Reviews of 211 Allatoona Lake Campgrounds

  • pThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Amicalola Falls State Park Camping

    Quick fall foliage trip

    The park is absolutely beautiful, great scenery and hiking trails. The visitors center is nice, but the helpfulness of the staff was hit or miss. The campsite is nice, quiet, clean bathrooms and warm showers. We camped in a tent and the ground was hard, almost like cement which made staking the tent down difficult. Other than this, we loved it and would come back again.

  • Jason D.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Little Tallapoosa Park

    Quiet weekend

    I was the only occupied site tent so I had the entire area to myself. Plenty of trails to walk/bike on. Bathrooms were clean, just felt like they could be updated.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Red Top Mountain State Park Campground

    Red top mountain state park

    Plenty of campsites, some on the lake. RV, tents, yurts. Spaces 1-12 are especially nice since they are spacious and can handle class A and 5th wheelers. All 12 have water electric and sewer. We have a class C and prefer 1-12 because there is plenty of space between sites.

  • Kayla D.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bald Ridge Creek

    It’s a NO from us

    I wanted to wait a few days before writing this review — truthfully, I wanted to wait until after we checked out. I dreaded the retribution of Mrs. Cynthia “Cindy” Farmer, the campground manager, which I was sure would follow.

    Our church group had been looking forward to this camping trip for nearly a year. I’ve personally camped at Bald Ridge Creek Campground many times and never had a single issue — until now. Our church typically takes two group trips a year at another Forsyth County campground, but this year, we decided to rent nine sites at Bald Ridge. Even Cindy seemed excited that we were coming!

    We’re a Baptist group — not exactly known for our wild nights. We sing, we fellowship, and we’re back in our campers by 10 p.m. But according to “Queen Cindy,” you’d think we were a pack of college kids throwing keg parties.

    Our crime? An evening of worship and fellowship — a small keyboard, a guitar, and around 50 people spread over three campsites for a couple of hours each night. Cindy declared it an “event” (apparently forbidden) and told us we couldn’t do it again and threatened to make us all leave. She also banned us from eating together — saying we could gather while serving food but had to disperse to our own campsites immediately once we got our plates.

    The only actual rule violation came from one site where a tent wasn’t put up right away. Cindy seized on that excuse to call dispatch and have three sheriff’s deputies sent to “deal with” our peaceful group of families, children, and worshipers.

    To their credit, the deputies couldn’t have been kinder, yet embarrassed that they even had to be there. They laughed at the situation, noting they’re called out to the campground frequently because of Cindy’s pettiness and made-up rules. They said our little keyboard — which Cindy had described like it was a baby grand piano — was no problem at all. They simply advised us to set up the tent and let her stomp it out.

    Cindy even claimed that someone had called the Corps of Engineers to report us — at 7:00 p.m., during the government shutdown, when the office wasn’t even open. 🙄

    For context, Cindy lives at the campground for free as part of her role as host. It’s time for someone new to take over. She also wears a body camera and records campers (which is legal, I know), but as a county employee, those recordings are public record.

    We’ll continue to pray without ceasing for her — that the Lord softens her heart. But until then, I can’t recommend Bald Ridge Creek Campground to anyone who values fair treatment, hospitality, or simple human kindness.

  • 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.

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.

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