Allatoona Lake offers recreational vehicle camping options throughout the US Army Corps of Engineers properties that surround this 12,010-acre reservoir. The lake sits at 840 feet elevation with significant terrain changes that create challenging access for larger RVs. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-50°F, while summer months often exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing on site: Several rv campgrounds at Allatoona Lake provide direct fishing access with electrical hookups nearby. "We were near their nice sized dog park that has separate areas for large and small dogs," notes a visitor at Talona Ridge RV Resort, which offers sites along the Etowah River where "you can fish, kayak, or just relax."
Biking nearby: Pack bikes to explore the Silver Comet Trail connecting to multiple camping areas. "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," reports a camper at Winding Waters.
Swimming options: Many sites feature designated swimming areas, though rules vary by location. At Diamond Lure Campground, "There's a little beach to swim in or go fishing, etc," according to a recent visitor, making it suitable for families wanting water recreation beyond the main lake.
What campers like
Diverse site layouts: The campgrounds surrounding Allatoona offer various camping experiences from heavily wooded to open lakefront. "We parked our 22ft travel trailer at site 30 which was bounded to the north and east by the tent camping area... While the RV sites aren't very private, there is plenty of space to escape your neighbor," explains a visitor at Cedar Creek RV & Outdoor Center.
Proximity to attractions: Many campers appreciate the central location for exploring north Georgia. "Just outside Atlanta, the location is prime and beautiful, along the Etowah river," notes one camper. Another mentions that Atlanta-Marietta RV Park is "close to the battery where the braves play baseball."
Pet amenities: Most Allatoona Lake rv campgrounds accommodate pets with specialized facilities. "They have walking trails, a lake, a beach, and they even have things for dogs! (Dog bath, dog beach, dog park, ect)," reports a Diamond Lure visitor, highlighting facilities that exceed standard pet policies.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds use self-service systems requiring advance planning. At Twin Lakes RV Park, "They have a really cool trail that goes behind the lake that's a mile long. The staff was super nice and welcoming as well. Just FYI they only take cash or check payments," explains a recent camper.
Seasonal considerations: Fall color weekends and summer holidays create peak demand. "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," notes a visitor about holiday planning.
Water pressure challenges: Several campgrounds report variable water pressure affecting RV systems. At Cedar Creek, one camper noted that "water pressure was slightly over 40 psi which made my water pump run continuously until I just shut it off."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Consider campgrounds with structured recreation for children. The Beautiful Rock Campground features "a huge field right along the main entrance that is designed for groups of bike campers where you can set up wherever then use the picnic and gazebo area for cooking and hanging out."
Pool facilities: Several rv resorts near Allatoona Lake offer swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. "The resort's pool is a huge beach-style pool with a hot tub and even a huge waterslide. There is a large playground and huge dog run," describes a visitor at Winding Waters.
Noise levels: Campgrounds vary significantly in atmosphere and noise. A camper at Talona Ridge observed, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request specific site information when booking. "We booked one of their cheaper sites, a classic pull-thru site. To say the least, it was the TIGHTEST pull thru site we have ever booked," warns one RVer about Winding Waters, suggesting back-in sites might provide more room for some rig configurations.
Electric service reliability: During summer heat waves, air conditioning demand can strain older systems. At Atlanta-Marietta RV Park, one visitor noted it "lacks amenities of my favorite RV parks it has everything I need for when I visit," making it functional but basic regarding electrical capacity.
Terrain navigation: Consider your vehicle capabilities before booking. "Navigation into lakeside campgrounds requires careful planning as several campgrounds have tight turns and significant hills that challenge larger rigs," cautions a regular visitor, recommending advance route planning for motorhomes exceeding 35 feet.
