Best Campgrounds near Alpharetta, GA
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."
