Red Top Mountain State Park includes both wooded and lakefront campsites with varying privacy levels. Several reviewers note that tent camping areas face higher noise levels due to nearby I-75 traffic and train whistles at night. The campground provides both full hookup and primitive sites with a modern, clean bathhouse featuring good water pressure. In contrast to the glamping units highlighted in the existing information, several campground sections cater specifically to tent campers, including premium walk-in sites on points jutting into the lake.
What to do
Explore mountain biking trails: Fort Mountain State Park offers technical mountain biking trails with significant elevation changes. Trails feature loose gravel and rocks, creating challenging terrain for riders. "Most of the trails except the Gahuti are multi use and there is a strong community of mountain biking here. We didn't bike the trails here with our hybrid specialized bikes because we felt the trails to be too technical for us due to the major elevation changes, loose gravel and rocks," explains one visitor to Fort Mountain State Park.
Fish in Lake Allatoona: Multiple access points allow for productive fishing from shore. "These sites were amazing. Most of the sites are right on the lake. There is an abundance of wildlife around. The water is nice and cool. The people here are so friendly and helpful. Perfect lake to boat and fish on," notes a camper at McKinney Campground.
Experience history at ruins: Sweetwater Creek State Park contains historic mill ruins accessible via trail systems. "This park is set up on the land of an old factory that used the river to power a water wheel. There are a whole bunch of trails of varying difficulty and length that meander through the woods along the river," shares a visitor at Sweetwater Creek State Park.
What campers like
Quiet sections away from highways: Many campsites at COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground offer separation from traffic noise. "Could hear a train but no highway/interstate noise at our waterfront site #47. I thought #48 was a great site as well. We were the only ones back there on that loop (which is at the back of the campground)," reports a camper at COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground.
Spacious waterfront sites: Clark Creek South Campground provides lake access directly from most sites. "One of my favorite! Only 40 sites. $22 night primitive $34 full hook-up. Most sites on the lake with a ton of space between sites and lake access. Super friendly hosts. Beach and boat ramp on site," notes a camper at Clark Creek South Campground.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathroom facilities at several parks. "Peaceful setting, very clean. Shower house is clean and well maintained also has laundry facilities. Hosts are friendly. Has lots of power and water sites as well as tent sites with nice gravel tent pads," states a visitor to Fort Mountain State Park.
What you should know
Site selection for RVs: Many campgrounds have challenging site layouts for larger vehicles. "The sites are color coded depending on size and there is even a yurt to rent. We went swimming and hiking. Close to Cartersville to enjoy great restaurants and shopping," explains a visitor to Red Top Mountain State Park.
Security considerations: Some campgrounds face theft issues from non-campers. "While this great little park should deserve 4.5-5 stars, we had an unfortunate experience while we were there. My family of 5 were on the lake-side of our little 22ft TT while someone less fortunate than us decided to steal my 9yr old daughter's new bike," warns a camper at Clark Creek North Campground.
Noise factors: Proximity to transportation corridors affects tent campers most significantly. "This place is nice overall. Lots of sites are water front, that's a plus. But it is so close to i75 that the sound of traffic is constant; during the day is manageable but at night it makes it hard to sleep if you are in a tent and are a silent sleeper."
Tips for camping with families
Opt for platform camping: Unique elevated camping platforms provide a tent-free experience for families. "We chose Fort Mountain for the variety of camping options they had, specifically the platform sites. As one of our primary requirements for camping is privacy and a place our kids can run around without bothering anyone else, having a place slightly off the main road sounded perfect--and it was," shares a family at Fort Mountain State Park.
Select lake-view sites with beach access: Clark Creek South Campground combines shoreline sites with swimming areas. "The sites were 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."
Consider family-friendly bathrooms: Cleanliness levels vary between campgrounds. "This isn't for backpackers but for camping with your family, it's good. They have water and outlets and very very clean bathrooms. Like cleaner than a Publix bathroom. Kid friendly," notes a family at Red Top Mountain State Park.
Tips from RVers
Check site inclines: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. "The site had about a 5 inch difference shopping towards the road. I used rocker blocks maxed out (about 4 inches in height) and still was not level," cautions an RVer at Fort Mountain State Park.
Measure access routes: Narrow roads create challenges for larger rigs. "Heavily wooded sites that are not well maintained. Very narrow roads in the campground with lots of pot holes. Not the easiest state park to pull a travel trailer in. Sites were very narrow," warns an RV owner at Red Top Mountain State Park.
Reserve early for lakefront sites: Premium waterfront sites book quickly, especially for glamping close to Allatoona Lake. "We LOVE McKinney Campground. Stayed multiple times. All sites have water and electric. A few have full hook ups. Sites are large and well placed. Many sites with lakeview to choose from," recommends an RVer at McKinney Campground.
