Andi M.
Scout
ScoutVictoria Campground
1st visit
We were welcomed with the friendliest host. This campground is clean, quiet, and family friendly. Mr. Robert checked us in and helped us with extending our stay.
Camping near Alpharetta, GA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The northern outskirts of Alpharetta, Georgia feature numerous camping options within a 30-mile radius, primarily centered around Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona. Stone Mountain Park Campground, located about 25 miles southeast of Alpharetta, offers year-round camping with accommodations ranging from tent sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Closer to town, Shady Grove Campground in Cumming provides lakeside sites with both primitive and developed options. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds dominate the region, managing several facilities including Bald Ridge Creek, Sawnee, and Old Federal campgrounds on Lake Lanier, while Red Top Mountain State Park and McKinney Campground offer similar amenities on Lake Allatoona to the northwest.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the Alpharetta region. Most Lake Lanier campgrounds operate from March through October or November, with limited winter options. As one camper noted, "If you want lake front, they got it! Almost all sites either have a view of the lake or are right on Lake Allatoona." Road access varies considerably, with some campgrounds featuring steep terrain that challenges larger RVs. A visitor to Doll Mountain Campground warned, "Beware upon entering from the main road—there are steep hills and switchbacks leading into and through the campground." Many sites require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly. Cell service is generally reliable near Alpharetta but becomes spotty in more remote campgrounds.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from campers visiting the Alpharetta area. Lake views and water access represent major draws, with many campers specifically requesting sites with eastern exposure for sunrise views over the water. "Our site had a beautiful view of the water and awoke to sun on the water. Very few mosquitos and lovely weather," reported one visitor to Bolding Mill. Campground amenities vary widely, with state parks typically offering more facilities than Corps of Engineers sites. Most locations provide at least basic restrooms and water access, while state parks like Don Carter and Fort Yargo feature additional amenities such as beaches, boat rentals, and hiking trails. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer, are common at wooded campgrounds like Shady Grove, where campers appreciate "large wooded spots with great lake views and lots of deer to watch."
Best Campgrounds near Alpharetta (202)
1. Stone Mountain Park Campground
"Lived in Georgia my whole life and yet my first time to Stone Mountain was literally three years ago. Now we have an annual pass and go all the time."
"One of the best camping areas in Georgia."
from $44 - $65 / night
Check Availability2. Red Top Mountain State Park Campground
"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."
"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."
from $40 - $315 / night
Check Availability3. Bald Ridge Creek
"Site 10 (on water) and 38 (next to playground."
"Our sites have all been lake-side and very large with a paved drive. There is hiking around the shore line and lots of ducks in the lake to feed (Shh!)"
from $26 - $36 / night
Check Availability4. Shady Grove Campground
"This site was a nice distance away from the RV focused campsites at the same location."
"If you love large wooded spots with great lake views and lots of deer to watch....this is your park. Located in a very nice part of Georgia with so many places to go and see."
from $20 - $240 / night
Check Availability5. Sweetwater Campground
"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."
from $24 - $290 / night
Check Availability6. Shoal Creek Campground
"There was a nice flat area to set up food, bonfire, chairs, games and to lounge around with family and the dogs. Bathrooms were nice and close to campground, within walking distance."
"Communication with the main number for the campground went through the Margaritaville Campground nearby. Separate direct lines to the camp office and security were provided after arrival."
7. Twin Lakes RV Park
"The offices closes at 6:30, but if you don’t get there on time like we did they leave your reservation info outside the door."
8. Payne Campground
"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."
from $24 - $68 / night
Check Availability9. Victoria Campground
"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"
from $24 - $34 / night
Check Availability10. Sawnee
"As for us we are avid hikers so we stuck to the trails. There are a few trails that interconnect so we hike for hours(which we loved). Although we did not camp we are definitely coming back to do so."
"On a peninsula this little gem on Lake Lanier, with wooded lots, is the perfect relaxation spot for RV & Tent campers."
from $20 - $46 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 26 min from Atlanta, GA
- 37 min from Gainesville, GA
- 1 hr 4 min from Athens, GA
- 1 hr 16 min from Rome, GA
Recent Camping Photos near Alpharetta, GA
377 Photos of 202 Alpharetta Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Alpharetta, GA
1095 Reviews of 202 Alpharetta Campgrounds
- MMegan S.Scout
411 River Rest Campground
A Summer Go-To for Young Families!
This is an annual MUST for us. So many amenities — playground, gaga ball, ping pong, splash pad & pool, fishing pond, cornhole, basketball, mining, ice cream at the camp office. Agree with others that their golf cart delivery of firewood & pizza is the the cherry on top!
We love getting site 43. Our kids are 4 & 5 but we can comfortably see them across the way at the playground while we rest at our site or prep for the next meal. So much love for this place and the memories we have made here!!
- MMJ N.Scout
Skeenah Creek Campground & Mill
Quiet, Peaceful, Welcoming
We had a wonderful stay at Skeenah Creek Campground. We stayed for three nights with our F250 and 30 ft toy hauler, and from the moment we booked until checkout, the experience was excellent.
The drive through the Appalachian mountains is beautiful but definitely winding. The campground sent us detailed directions before our trip which helped us plan the best route for our rig. On the day we arrived we received a text letting us know they were expecting us along with a phone number in case we needed anything along the way.
Brian and Mark were incredibly welcoming and made themselves available throughout our stay if we had any questions or needed assistance.
The campground itself is clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully organized. Everything is clearly marked. We especially appreciated the shaded community recreation area with ceiling fans, games and activities. It was the perfect place for our family to cool off during the hottest part of the day.
One of our favorite moments was when Mark shared fresh tomatoes from the campground garden. Our toddler absolutely loves tomatoes, so it was such a thoughtful and memorable gesture.
bridget I.ScoutBolding Mill
Site 27
This is our favorite lake Lanier campground. Our family loves to visit here a few times a year. I wish they would build the pier back and put some tlc into the bathrooms. Advice, don’t plan to arrive at closing. You’ll be greeted rudely by the gate house workers. I missed their call due to it being “potential spam” and well trying to get on the road. If you’re going to arrive after 6:30 call ahead bc I guess there’s not an after hours come through the gate and finish checking in the next day option. It’s 2026. Do you really need me to show ID and harass me for my tag number? This can all be uploaded online, right? Text? The check in for the army corp of engineer sites could use improvement. Then perhaps you wouldn’t have to employee as many people who are obviously unhappy with their job.
- V
Veronica G.
TravelerRed Top Mountain State Park Campground
Heavenly! Red Top Mountain State Park
Spot #50 is perfection! Feels like you live alone on a tiny peninsula. Perfect place to explore trails, go fishing, enjoy sunset, and just be.
MickandKarla W.
LegendWinding Waters RV Resort
A Good Choice for Big Rigs Near Marietta
We stayed at Winding Waters Riverfront RV Resort for four nights after picking up our new 5th wheel toy hauler from Three Way Campers in Marietta to thoroughly test all of the RV's systems while remaining close to the dealership if any issues arose. We followed the emailed arrival instructions, checked in quickly, and were escorted to pull-through Site 89 with full hookups. The staff was friendly, service-oriented, and very accommodating throughout our stay. We spent our first night in the pull-through before moving to a river-view back-in site. The staff initially suggested Site 190, but after we noticed it had very little yard space, they happily moved us to Site 193, which better suited our needs. The resort offers several unsecured Wi-Fi networks; we selected the strongest signal and averaged 82 Mbps download and 9 Mbps upload. We received two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile, and our T-Mobile Home Internet worked well. We didn't bring Starlink on this trip, but with very few trees throughout the main campground, it should perform well in most sites. The pull-through sites are better spaced than many campgrounds of this type, although we still wouldn't describe them as spacious. We appreciated the PVC chairs and round tables found at many sites instead of the typical picnic table, and there are five"Paw Pen" pull-through sites with private fenced pet areas. The nearby dog park consists of two small fenced runs that are adequate for potty breaks but not really large enough to throw a ball. Although the water park and numerous family-oriented amenities are not typically what we look for in a campground, Winding Waters was an excellent place to shake down our new rig.
Nancy W.LegendTalking Rock Motorcoach Resort
Definitely 5 Stars!
Really nice newer RV park located in the mountains. They originally were a motorhome only resort, but since opened it up to towable units (still no tents). Many sites have great mountain views and the website has pictures of each site so you can decide what you want and how much you want to pay. They accept Passport America and give a 50% discount for up to a two-week stay which is why we stayed for two weeks. That discount made it a great place for a full hook-up RV resort with nice amenities. We loved the campground and the owners are super nice and helpful. Upon check-in, you get a nice welcome packet full of information about the local area and a loaf of homemade sourdough bread (which was delicious!!!!). Sites are basically a double site so where you park your camper and patio are both paved. They have “Solo” type firepits so you can move them wherever you want and not destroy the grass or pavement. Our site had two comfortable patio chairs and a picnic table. Everything is paved so no dusty roads or dirty sites. They allow you to wash your RV and car which was a big plus for us since they both needed it. The utilities worked well. There is a really nice swimming pool with lounge chairs and tables. The clubhouse is large and a great gathering place that offers free Nespresso coffee, snacks, and information. There are a couple of hiking trails on the property and they offer guided walks with staff. The nearby town of Talking Rock is really cute with restaurants, a brewery, shops, and a general store that sells a variety of items including firewood and pantry staples. We would definitely stay here again.
- SSherri B.
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.
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
Guide to Alpharetta
Campgrounds near Alpharetta, Georgia offer diverse options beyond the popular lakeside locations. The area sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the Piedmont region with a moderate climate allowing for camping opportunities nearly year-round. Fall camping, from late September through early November, provides comfortable daytime temperatures in the 60s-70s°F with minimal rainfall compared to summer months.
What to do
Hiking at Stone Mountain Park: The park features numerous trails ranging from easy paved walks to the challenging 1-mile climb to the summit. "We loved these grounds. They were clean and there was easy access to bathrooms. The hike to the top was a challenge, but the views were worth it," notes Judy B. about Stone Mountain Park Campground.
Mountain biking opportunities: Red Top Mountain State Park offers multiple trail options for mountain biking enthusiasts. "The trail around the lake is good and in the winter it is not too far north has to be too cold to get outside in a tent," explains Anna R. about Red Top Mountain State Park Campground.
Fishing access: Many campgrounds provide direct lake access for fishing. At Sweetwater Campground, "The view of the lake is beautiful. We always stay on site 100 it's right on the water," states Mary B. The fishing is particularly good in early morning and evening hours when the lake is calmer.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate secluded spots with natural buffers. At Payne Campground, "We had a secluded, beautiful primitive site with rocky lake access that we managed to get our kayak onto the water on," reports Asia + Jalen B. The campground's layout maximizes separation between sites with natural vegetation.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers enjoy the abundance of animals visible throughout the area. "Very shaded sites with many being waterfront. We were in site 15, 14, and my parents used the Georgia glamping company in site 16," shares Imagine C. about Shady Grove Campground.
Level campsites: RVers and tent campers both appreciate the quality of campsite pads. "Fantastic level campsite. It was our maiden voyage and we had a great time. Very clean bath houses and we could run to fairly nearby stores to grab stuff we needed," writes Susan D. about Sawnee Campground.
What you should know
Strict alcohol policies: Several campgrounds enforce no-alcohol rules. At Shady Grove, "Beautiful day, beer in a solo cup playing cards with my wife at a picnic table. We were not making noise, nobody complained about us. Ranger pulls up and gave us both tickets," cautions Rick B.
Campsite booking strategy: Reserve waterfront sites early, especially for holiday weekends. "Stayed three times August-October with kayaks. Two times had nice lake proximity/view. Beach is nice for the kids," notes AR M. about Bald Ridge Creek.
Site terrain challenges: Many sites require careful assessment for tent placement or RV leveling. "The site was clean but it had a very thick layer on P gravel and made it difficult to walk around. Camp sites was very close together with very little privacy (winter time, no leaves)," explains Diana H. about Payne Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Nice family campground. The attendant's are friendly and helpful. Lots of nearby things to do," says Malinda C. about Sweetwater Campground.
Beach options: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming areas. "This is the best campground on Lake Lanier. Nearly every site is on the Lake, with access to the water. The sites are very well maintained," recommends pam at Bald Ridge Creek.
Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds often provide organized recreational opportunities. "Rangers were very nice, beach is cool, nice lake front sites. We had a fun time here, especially the kids. They loved riding their bikes around in this great family friendly campground," shares Rick B. about Twin Lakes RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Check campground maps carefully for maneuvering space. "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 Brock D. about Red Top Mountain State Park Campground.
Dump station timing: Plan dump station use strategically to avoid lines. "Single dump station tends to line up on Sunday but I suppose that's part of the deal," notes AR M. about Bald Ridge Creek. Arriving at non-peak hours can save considerable waiting time.
Leveling considerations: Some sites require extensive leveling equipment. "We paid for a 'premium' site - not only to get a site big enough to fit our crew, but as an added bonus it was on the gorgeous lake," reports Melissa R. about Payne Campground. Always travel with extra leveling blocks in the Alpharetta area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Alpharetta, GA?
Where are the best campgrounds near Alpharetta, GA?
Several excellent campgrounds surround the Alpharetta area. Stone Mountain Park Campground offers a renowned destination with amazing hiking trails, stunning views, and famous fireworks and laser shows. Just northeast of Alpharetta, Don Carter State Park Campground on Lake Lanier provides spacious RV sites with generous separation between campers, clean facilities, and prime waterfront locations. Both campgrounds offer easy access from Alpharetta and provide a perfect escape into nature while remaining close to urban amenities.
What places near Alpharetta allow overnight tent camping?
What places near Alpharetta allow overnight tent camping?
Several beautiful locations near Alpharetta welcome overnight tent campers. McKinney Campground on Allatoona Lake offers wooded sites perfect for tents with lake access and plenty of hiking opportunities. For a more rustic experience, Three Forks Campground provides secluded creek-side tent camping with sites positioned away from each other for privacy. Most sites are first-come, first-served, so arrive early to secure a spot. Both locations offer a peaceful escape from city life while remaining within reasonable driving distance from Alpharetta.
Are there affordable camping options near Alpharetta?
Are there affordable camping options near Alpharetta?
Yes, affordable camping options exist near Alpharetta. Doll Mountain Campground on Carter's Lake offers economical camping with beautiful waterfront access and wooded sites perfect for hammocks. Budget-conscious campers should also consider Buford Dam Park, which provides reasonably priced access to Lake Lanier. For even more savings, look for Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds or consider camping Sunday through Thursday when rates are typically lower. Many campgrounds offer senior, military, and disabled discounts, so always inquire about special rates when booking.
Are there any RV parks in Alpharetta, GA?
Are there any RV parks in Alpharetta, GA?
While Alpharetta itself has limited RV parks within city limits, several excellent options exist in the surrounding area. Twin Lakes RV Park in nearby Cumming offers full hookups, reservable sites, and big-rig friendly accommodations. Bolding Mill provides lakefront RV camping with beautiful water views and clean facilities. Both locations offer easy access to Alpharetta's shopping, dining, and entertainment while providing a comfortable base for your RV. Most sites are reservable, so book in advance, especially during peak seasons and holidays.
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