Camping near Andersonville, Georgia centers on Lake Allatoona, located approximately 75 miles northwest of Andersonville. The region features moderately hilly terrain with elevations ranging from 840 to 940 feet and experiences humid subtropical climate conditions with hot summers where temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Most campgrounds in the area provide electrical hookups rated for 50 amp service and feature asphalt camping pads surrounded by gravel living areas.
What to do
Hiking trails and historic sites: Red Top Mountain State Park offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. "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," notes Anna R. about Red Top Mountain State Park.
Swimming at designated beaches: Victoria Campground provides a large beach area. "Roomy campsites with good access to the lake, both for beach swimming and boating/fishing," explains Marty N. about Victoria Campground.
Fishing for multiple species: Lake Allatoona supports various fish species including crappie. "We always catch several kinds but the crappie are so delicious," mentions Robin M. about McKinney Campground.
Kayaking in quiet coves: The lake features numerous sheltered areas perfect for paddlers. "If you have a kayak, SUP or canoe, paddle back deep into the cove for some pristine and quiet areas," advises a visitor.
What campers like
Lakefront camping access: Most sites provide direct water access or views. "Every single plot had a beautiful view, plenty of space and power hookup, water etc. I've only camped with a tent, it's hard ground but loved it," says Dale C. about McKinney Campground.
Spacious, shaded campsites: Many campsites offer ample room between neighbors. "Very nice, clean and quiet place. Clean restrooms with showers and sinks. Beautiful beach and forest view. Table, grill and fire ring at every site. Tent sites right on the water. Plenty of shade," reports Stephanie J. about McKaskey Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies by campground but some maintain high standards. "The bathrooms were pretty amazing compared to the last campground we were at which was also on alatoona lake as well," notes Ginger V. about Allatoona Landing.
Dedicated swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming beaches. "Sweetwater is a nice park with a Beach. We camped right next to the beach and the kids loved it," explains Rodney G.
What you should know
Train noise at some locations: Several campgrounds are located near active rail lines. "You can hear the train during the day, and a touch of the interstate at night, but the serenity is absolutely impeccable," reports The Grass F.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Nice campground and really enjoyed that we were on the water. However, many of the sites are very steep and slanted and causes difficulty getting your trailer or RV into the site. Makes leveling very difficult," warns Gary L.
Security considerations: Occasional theft has been reported. "After discussing the issue with the campground staff, we were informed that locals often come through the woods and even wade through the edge of the lake to steal from the campground," cautions Chris C. about Clark Creek North.
Seasonal operation: Most Army Corps campgrounds close during fall and winter. Victoria Campground operates only from "March 28 to October 6," while Sweetwater Campground runs from "March 15 to September 7."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds for children: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "This is a very newbie-friendly park on a pretty lake. The attendants were great and responsive. The spaces are well-equipped," shares Jane B. about Payne Campground.
Beach access considerations: Not all beaches are maintained equally. "The only downfall is the beach area- it is in a cove and the water level is often down," mentions Scarlett W. about Victoria Campground.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Some locations particularly welcome families. "This is a family friendly park with lots of amenities. The sites are color coded depending on size and there is even a yurt to rent," explains Suzy E.
Safety precautions: Ensure children understand water safety rules. "Very kid friendly with a ton of kids running around so maybe not the best place for a quiet getaway," reports Scott K.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully based on access and size. "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 Sweetwater Campground.
Dump station logistics: Plan for potential wait times. "Only has one dump station. The dump station gets really busy. They could really use 2 trash/dump sites as this is a large campground and it stays full," advises Joy W.
Electrical capacity: Most sites offer 50-amp service suitable for larger RVs. "The sites are well-equipped. My spot was 38 and had a brand new huge picnic table," notes Jane B.
Road navigation considerations: Internal roads can be challenging. "You really need to pay attention to the map. It's a little confusing but we watched the site numbers and figured that out," recommends Janice M.
