H
Hunter F.
Scout
ScoutTalona Creek Campground
Not bad
Over priced in my opinion and ran down and outdated but easy to get in and out. Off the hwy and management is friendly.
Camping near Alpharetta, GA
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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 - $275 / 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. Jones RV Park
"Located less than a mile of 85 North, it is a great location to stay when visiting Atlanta, Georgia. Most spots are long pull-throughs, but some can be close together."
"It’s pretty close to the highway so at night you can hear the cars. Everyone is really nice, neighbors help each other if needed, and it’s very quiet too."
10. 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 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
379 Photos of 202 Alpharetta Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Alpharetta, GA
1104 Reviews of 202 Alpharetta Campgrounds
Mary D.
GuideAmicalola Falls State Park Camping
Site 18: Don’t let the “hardest site to back into” reviews scare you! There’s a trick.
We stayed at Site 18, which has a reputation for being one of the hardest sites to back into. There’s definitely a trick to it! Pull your truck forward along the site, then pull out toward the site across from you, making an S-turn. From there, line it up and back in. It's tricky, but doable!
We loved this area and packed a lot into our stay. We visited BJ’s Apple Orchard, stopped at Burt’s Pumpkin Farm (where I somehow ended up with a 150-pound pumpkin 😂), had dinner at Cascades Restaurant, and took the easy way to see the falls.
The fenced-in sites were a huge plus, especially with our pups. It gave them more room to roam. The bathrooms and showers are individual rooms, which was nice, and the welcome center is one of the nicest we’ve come across.
And then there’s THE HILL. I was born and raised in the Smokies, so I’m no stranger to mountain roads, but the incline is no joke! The reviews are absolutely not exaggerating when they say it’s steep. Come prepared!
I have T-mobile and husband has Xfinity and we both have great service. Wifi in the campground gets the job done for Netflix at night.
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay. Beautiful area, plenty to explore, dog-friendly sites, and a campground we’d visit again. 🏕️🥾
Toby F.GuideJones RV Park
Family Park with Easy Access Convenient to Atlanta, Georgia
Wonderful park in the metro Atlanta area. Friendly staff willing to assist in many ways as you would expect from a family owned park. I found the lady in the front office friendly and willing to give local advice and assistance on some questions I had. Located less than a mile of 85 North, it is a great location to stay when visiting Atlanta, Georgia. Most spots are long pull-throughs, but some can be close together. Quiet despite being in metro atlanta. It could use a refresh of some landscaping but otherwise it was a nice place to stay.
Hailey R.GuideRed Top Mountain State Park Campground
Beautiful views with lake front camping
Campsite was the perfect lake front spot for our dog’s last camping adventure with us. The resort felt super safe for 2 females traveling with their dog and all campsites and bathrooms were super clean.
- CCScout
Wesley Oaks RV Park
Do Not Recommend - Long Term Perspective
Since Google reviews are being removed, prospective tenants deserve to know the reality of living here.
The manager of 16 years up and left within days of a tenant's RV catching fire. This manager would threaten tenants and slap a fine on anyone who spoke up or stood up to his tyrannical behavior. He was a hot head with a criminal history. Multiple tenants attempted to contact management about a number of documented incidents with him. Now that he has left, they put another hot headed manager in charge who has threatened NEW TENANTS literally parking their RVs. Long term residents sent in multiple emails in favor of another resident to be manager as he helps everyone and can do everything. Management does not care about the tenants or property. The property is not maintained nor look like the images they post online.
Taylor H.
RangerDeep Hole Recreation Area — Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest
Peaceful Creekside Camping
Our campsite: #9
⛺️ First site on the left. It’s a shaded, pull-through site, and I believe it’s the most private site in the campground. Only about half the sites were occupied during our visit, and it was incredibly peaceful and quiet.
⛺️ Very level and stayed dry with no puddling during our visit.
⛺️ The creek can be seen from the picnic table, and listening to the water was so relaxing. We even spotted a pileated woodpecker and a couple of herons across the creek.
⛺️ Direct creek access—it’s steep, but doable!
⛺️ The fire ring had quite a bit of ash left in it, although we didn’t need to use it.
⛺️ Farthest site from the fishing area and kayak launch, but it’s still an easy, short walk!
⛺️ Close to the restrooms, but we didn’t notice any unpleasant smells from our site or elsewhere in the campground.
⛺️ Trash cans are located along the way to the fishing area.
Kayak Ramp & Fishing Area:
🛶 Concrete ramp makes creek access easy. It was muddy and slightly slippery during our visit, so watch your step!
🥾 The creek was cold and refreshing in August. Wear water shoes for grip on the smooth stones—and protection from any lost fishing hooks hiding on the creek bottom. Ouch!
🎣 The fishing area is next to the kayak ramp and has two wooden benches.
🦦 We saw an otter playing along the creek while we were fishing!
Restrooms:
🚽 Bring a lantern or flashlight—even during the daytime, it’s DARK inside!
🚽 There are hooks to hang your lantern or bag.
🚽 No running water at the campground, so bring soap and water for washing your hands at your campsite.
🛒 Cooper’s Creek Store is nearby and worth a stop! Firewood, ice, bait, snacks, souvenirs, Wi-Fi, food, and plenty of fishing/camping essentials you may have forgotten.
🌲 If you’re looking for a quiet, shaded creekside site with privacy and water access, Site #9 is an excellent pick.
- Taylor H.Ranger
Fort Yargo State Park Campground
Lakefront Overlook
We stayed at Site #45, and it quickly became one of our favorite campsites because it felt more like a wooded overlook, perched above the lake. The breeze coming off the water kept us comfortable enough to enjoy a campfire even on a hot August evening.
The site fit our 14x10 tent comfortably, but I wouldn’t recommend anything larger. There isn’t a true tent pad, and you’ll notice the slope while sleeping—but the view from inside the tent was priceless. We experienced a four-hour thunderstorm and didn’t have any standing water at our site afterward.
⚠️ The slope becomes much steeper near the shoreline, so I wouldn’t recommend this site for toddlers or anyone with mobility concerns.
🛝 Our 7-year-old loved fishing from the shoreline and thought the steep slope made the perfect slide to get back down to the water. Built-in slide + dirty shorts = happy camper. 😂
🔥 The site includes a clean fire ring with an adjustable cooking grate and a separate standing charcoal grill.
🦟 We didn’t have any issues with mosquitoes during our stay.
🚰 The shared water pump wasn’t working during our visit.
🚽 The bathhouse was spacious, clean, and only a short walk away.
🚗 A community wagon is parked near the bathhouse for campers to use when hauling gear between their vehicle and campsite. Loved that!
A few tips:
🪵 The Visitor Center sells $6 bundles of firewood and has a nice selection of souvenirs.
🐜 Plenty of flies and large ants, so keep your food put away and your tent zipped.
🪲 Cicadas were loud at night. I loved it, but our 7-year-old slept with his wireless headphones on. If you’re a light sleeper, you may want to pack earplugs if you’re camping here June-August.
🎣 We caught more bluegill fishing from our campsite than we did from the fishing dock.
🌅 If you’re looking for one of the best views in the campground and don’t mind sleeping on a slight incline, Site #45 is well worth considering.
- MMichael R.
TravelerWinding Waters RV Resort
Nice place to take the kids
Took the grandbaby for a last blowout before school starts back. She had a bast lots of kids she quickly made several friends
- CChris M.Scout
Woodring Campground
All beautiful sites
Stayed 4 nights , loved it all site's on the water, though some sites above steep bank to lake ,definitely coming back beautiful park clean facilities all round great experience
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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