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Sherri B.
Guide
GuideRed Top Mountain State Park Campground
Surrounded by water
Red Top Mountain State Park is surrounded by Altoona Lake with boat docks & marina for water sports.
Camping near Allatoona Lake
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Allatoona Lake (219)
1. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground
82 ReviewsEmerson, GA2 milesWebsite+1 (770) 975-0055$40 - $275 / 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"
"I stayed at the walk- in campsites with waterfront view and access to walk down to the water. There is no electric at site and water didn’t work."
2. Sweetwater Campground
31 ReviewsLebanon, GA6 milesWebsite+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
25 ReviewsEmerson, GA4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsLebanon, GA3 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsAcworth, GA4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEmerson, GA3 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsWoodstock, GA6 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEmerson, GA4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEmerson, GA4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsEmerson, GA6 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Allatoona Lake
364 Photos of 219 Allatoona Lake Campgrounds
Gretchen
Gatewood Park Campground
Elizabeth W.
Upper Stamp Creek Campground
Johnny L.
Mckaskey Creek Campground
Lori H.
Victoria Campground
Shanna S.
McKinney Campground
Rachel T.
Mckinney Campground
Terri P.
Clark Creek North Campground
Marla M.
Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing
Brittany B.
Clark Creek South Campground
Adriana C.
COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground
Tia K.
Sweetwater Campground
Recent Reviews near Allatoona Lake
1043 Reviews of 219 Allatoona Lake Campgrounds
amanda D.
ScoutMckinney Campground
Best time of ma life
I had one of tha best times at McKinney campground.. tha water is perfect and its so pretty .. the people that runs it also was very polite and very kind.. I highly recommend this locations
Dad H.ScoutMountain Side Overlook at Rich Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Great location
Great location small river but absolutely NO Cell service of any kind.
John M.ScoutTalona Ridge RV Resort
The best of 2025
They have plenty of pads for pull behinds or the fancy RV. Plenty of hookups for all your needs. 2 pools, weight room, live music, restaurant, bar, dog park, dog bath, and close to all local stores.
Taylor H.GuideRocky Mountain Recreation and Public Fishing Area
Socially Secluded
Site 24 has a large pad that easily fit our 14x10 tent. It is part shade; our tent received a little sun when we arrived around lunchtime, but only for a couple of hours.
Although the site is next to the walk-in tent parking lot, it sits higher than the parking area, making the parking lot barely noticeable from camp. The wooden railing and a few trees around the site helped create a sense of privacy while still preserving our view of the water. The railing also came in handy for drying towels.
The fire ring includes a cooking grate, and we loved watching the lightning bugs around our site at night. Unlike the fishing areas near the tent sites, we didn’t experience any mosquitoes around our campsite during our stay.
What stood out most about this campground was what I can only describe as being “socially secluded.” There were plenty of other campers, and many sites appeared to be occupied by families and groups camping together. You could occasionally hear laughter and conversation while walking through the campground, which made it feel welcoming and lively. Yet once back at our site, those sounds seemed to disappear. We often forgot we even had neighbors. It was a surprisingly peaceful experience and one of the things we enjoyed most about Site 24.
A gravel path from the tent parking lot leads to a small fishing area with a metal bench and a timed fish feeder, making it a great spot for anglers, especially kids wanting to catch bream/panfish. During our stay they were constantly stealing bait from our hooks until we started using size 8 hooks. Once we switched, we had the best luck fishing close to shore and caught fish one after another. Honestly, if your kids want to make their own fishing pole by tying line and a hook to a stick and yanking fish out of the water, this is the place to do it! You don’t even need worms—a ball of bread worked like a charm! 😂
⛺ The bathrooms were close enough to walk to, clean, and had lighting. However, I recommend bringing a flashlight for nighttime trips since the road leading to them is quite dark.
⛺ There is another small fishing area near the swimming beach, though we didn’t have a chance to try it.
⛺ The dumpsters are located near the swimming beach. Taking your trash on the way there is an easy way to help keep ants out of your campsite.
⛺ The camper registration tags for your site post are located on the information board beside the tent parking area.
⛺ Be aware that Game Wardens actively enforce the rule requiring everyone to be off the lake by sunset, including anglers, swimmers, and boaters.
Next time we visit, we plan to try one of the walk-in tent sites. The path appeared easy enough to navigate with a wagon loaded with camping gear from the parking lot.
Reddy D.ScoutTimberline Glamping at Lake Lanier - River Forks
Comfort ,Nature, and Lake access All in one place
We had a wonderful 2-night stay at Timberline Glamping River Forks! The tent was clean, comfortable, and thoughtfully set up with everything we needed. Being right on Lake Lanier made the experience even more special, with easy lake access for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying the beautiful views. The peaceful atmosphere was perfect for relaxing and unwinding while still enjoying outdoor adventures. The hosts were friendly, responsive, and made everything easy from start to finish. If you’re looking for a unique glamping experience with comfort, nature, and lake activities all in one place, Timberline Glamping River Forks is a great choice. We can’t wait to visit again!
- Taylor H.Guide
Pocket Campground — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Rain or Shine!
So happy with our short visit and already planning to return!
We stayed one night at Site #2. The site is nicely shaded and has two easy access points to the water—a footpath on one side and a level path with steps on the other. The footpath leads to a beaver dam, which was a neat find. Just be aware there is poison ivy in some areas of the footpath, and we found a few ticks during our visit.
I also don’t suggest swimming in the water near the campsites since there are beavers present. The frogs were very loud at night, which we enjoyed, though it was raining so they may have been more active than usual. The bear-proof trash cans were right across from our site, which was very convenient.
The bathrooms are located across from the picnic area, so driving was an option, but we enjoyed the walk from Site #2. There was no soap in the bathrooms during our visit, so I recommend bringing your own just in case.
If you enjoy birding, this is a fantastic spot, especially around the picnic area. We saw a variety of birds and spent quite a bit of time listening to them.
Our 7-year-old had the best time exploring the creek and spring system. I highly recommend bringing a small net if you’re visiting with kids. We found crawfish and even a baby salamander, which made his day.
The sound of the creek throughout the campground was incredibly relaxing, and the natural beauty of the area made this one of our favorite quick camping trips. We can’t wait to come back and spend a little longer next time.
- AAir P.Scout
Bald Ridge Creek
Roomy, Clean, Close to Stuff
We have been here twice. Site 10 (on water) and 38 (next to playground. The sites are huge, everything is clean, hot steady flow water can be tricky but as a mom of 7, I love that it feels secluded but is close to target and Publix! Love this place and it is our go to when we visit the North Georgia Revival. Highly recommend!
- LLisa W.Guide
Doll Mountain Campground
Peaceful and Spacious
We have now been to this campground three times - twice in the fall and now this last time in the spring. The fall foliage is beautiful and it's fun to get apples and such in Ellijay.
This time, there was definitely more boat and Jet Ski traffic, but did not take away from the beauty of the campground. The bathroom is older, but clean, and a bit of a hike down a hill and then back up the hill from the loop we were in, but not bad. We were glad to have a clean place to shower, nevertheless. There are lots of trees and the sites are rather spacious and nice, having water and electric hookups. Our site was lovely with a concrete pad and nice deck.
We have Verizon and had service at the site. We enjoyed our little mountain getaway very much!
Guide to Allatoona Lake
Allatoona Lake covers over 12,000 acres with 270 miles of shoreline in northwestern Georgia, situated at 840 feet elevation. Seasonal water level fluctuations affect campsite selection, with summer levels typically 2-3 feet higher than winter. Most campgrounds operate between March and October, though several remain open year-round for campers seeking lakeside accommodations during Georgia's mild winters.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Allatoona offers excellent fishing for spotted bass, striped bass, and crappie. McKinney Campground provides direct water access for anglers. "We love to fish and we always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," notes a regular visitor.
Beach swimming: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. Marina Resort - Allatoona Landing features a large beach area. "Sweetwater is a nice park with a Beach. We camped right next to the beach and the kids loved it. Beautiful place," shares one camper.
Kayaking and paddle sports: The lake's coves provide protected paddling areas ideal for beginners. "If you have a kayak SUP or canoe paddle back deep into the cove for some pristine and quiet areas," recommends a visitor to Victoria Campground.
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites compared to more crowded metro Atlanta campgrounds. Victoria Campground receives praise for its layout: "The sites are very large, and everyone I saw had lots of privacy!"
Multiple bathhouses: Larger campgrounds maintain multiple restroom facilities throughout the grounds. "There are 2 dumpstations. The only downfall is the beach area- it is in a cove and the water level is often down," notes a camper about the facilities.
Variety of site types: From wooded interior sites to premium waterfront locations, campers can choose based on preferences and budget. Clark Creek North Campground offers "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."
What you should know
Highway and train noise: The lake's proximity to Interstate 75 and railroad lines means some noise pollution. COE Allatoona Lake Old Highway 41 No 3 Campground experiences this issue: "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."
Security gates: Most campgrounds enforce strict entry hours. "The gate is open from 7 AM until 10:30 PM. NO ONE gets in after hours!" notes one camper, which affects late arrivals.
Seasonal operations: Check operating dates carefully as they vary between campgrounds. Some like McKinney remain open year-round while others like Old Highway 41 only operate from May through September.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Mckaskey Creek Campground gets positive reviews from families: "Very quiet (you can setup a hammock and take a nice nap) and kid friendly with a nice playground, kept very clean."
Protection from boat traffic: For swimming with children, choose coves with restricted boat speeds. "Great for swimming and non motorized water activities. Also good places to keep your boat if you're bringing one! Connected to an easy boat launch. Good place for families," recommends a visitor to Payne Campground.
Educational opportunities: Red Top Mountain State Park offers nature programs and Junior Ranger activities. "Friendly staff, with the Jr ranger program still going with the help of adult campers during covid. Still so much fun and so clean and beautiful!!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many lakeside sites feature slopes requiring additional equipment. Sweetwater Campground campsites receive praise for being "very nice, clean, and most sites are fairly level."
Roadway conditions: Campground roads may challenge larger rigs. "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 one camper about Red Top Mountain.
Dump station congestion: Plan for potential waiting times at popular campgrounds. "Only downsides for us was the distance to the trash dumpsters, and the dump site gets really busy. They could really use 2 trash/dump sites as this is a large campground and it stays full."
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find glamping experiences at Lake Allatoona?
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?
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?
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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