Camping opportunities around Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona form the backbone of outdoor recreation near Alpharetta, Georgia. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 900-1,100 feet, creating moderate terrain with lakeside access points. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions in the 50-75°F range.
What to do
Hiking at Stone Mountain Park: The campground provides direct access to trails leading to the summit with varying difficulty levels. "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., who stayed at Stone Mountain Park Campground.
Beach swimming access: Victoria Campground offers a dedicated swimming beach in a sheltered cove on Lake Allatoona. While water levels fluctuate seasonally, the beach area provides a family-friendly swimming option. As one camper explains: "This campground has a beautiful big beach! Boat ramps also. Sites are very narrow, with a drop off."
Fishing from shoreline sites: Many Lake Lanier sites offer direct fishing access without needing a boat. At Sawnee Campground, campers can fish directly from their sites. "We had a site right on the lake. Did fishing, kids went swimming! Beautiful opening your door and seeing water," reports Lauren W.
What campers like
Level campsites with lake views: Old Federal Campground receives consistent praise for its well-maintained, level sites overlooking Lake Lanier. "Most spots are on the water. They also have nicely mowed grass and some trees. Campground is VERY clean. Nice level spots also," writes Mike K.
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer more secluded options for those seeking privacy. At Sweetwater Campground, "Great place to camp. The entire park was very clean and well kept. A lake-side spot would have been awesome, but overall very happy with our stay. Spots are large and spacious," according to Rivers P.
Playground facilities: Families appreciate the dedicated play areas at several campgrounds. "There is a nice playground that is walking distance from our favorite camp sites that the kids really love," mentions one reviewer about Shady Grove Campground.
What you should know
Alcohol policies vary significantly: Several campgrounds strictly prohibit alcohol with hefty fines. One camper at Shady Grove reported: "If you enjoy having a beer while camping don't come here. Beautiful day, beer in a solo cup playing cards with my wife at a picnic table... Ranger pulls up and gave us both tickets. We were not making noise, nobody complained about us... each ticket is $280.00."
Campground road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging interior roads. At Red Top Mountain State Park Campground, one camper noted: "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."
Noise factors: Despite natural settings, some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways. A tent camper at Red Top Mountain warned: "This park is about 30-40 minutes outside of Atlanta right off of I-75. If you are in a tent... you will hear I-75 traffic all night... the drone of the highway will remind you."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with direct water access: For families with children, waterfront sites provide built-in entertainment. At Bald Ridge Creek, "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," according to Rick B.
Consider off-season visits: Late spring and early fall offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds. "Check in staff very friendly. Site 32 - Nice level site. Plenty of room for us... Very close to the lakeshore. Morning and afternoon shade, otherwise pretty direct sun overhead around noon," reports Kevin Z.
Look for junior ranger programs: Some parks maintain educational programs for children. At Red Top Mountain, one camper mentioned: "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
Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have challenging sites for larger rigs. At Victoria Campground, one RVer noted: "Sites are very narrow, with a drop off. We had to change our site. We had pull thru, but way too narrow with a turn. We have a 36 LA Tiffin Open Road. Changed our site, and it was great!"
Avoid Twin Lakes for shorter stays: While Twin Lakes RV Park accepts pets, it primarily serves long-term residents. One camper observed: "This is a family owned campground, but it is basically a parking lot with hookups for people who live there long term. Our site was on the side of a road about 50 yards away from the Dump Station."
Pack leveling blocks: Even at campgrounds with paved pads, leveling equipment is essential. At Payne Campground, one camper shared: "They are also fairly level; I only had to use one block under there pair of tires on the driver side of the trailer to level the RV out side to side."
